Monuments in France


France, a land of monuments

Traditionally, men have wanted to leave a trace of their passage by building great monuments witness their expertise and power. The extraordinary richness of the history of France explains the unique concentration of monuments in the same area.

To be preserved from the ravages of time, restored or maintained simply, there are different classifications that can be attached French monuments.

Titles of Historical Monuments and National Monuments

A monument considered interesting historically, artistically or architecturally, can be preserved under « Historical Monuments ». It will be "registered" if his interest is regional and "classified" if the national interest. It can thus benefit from any aid from the state for maintenance or restoration.

National monuments are state property, they are maintained and managed by the Centre of National Monuments. They benefit from a special enhancement to allow accessibility to the greatest number.

The UNESCO World Heritage of Humanity

Some monuments are UNESCO World Heritage of Humanity if they are considered of outstanding universal value..

These classifications are responsible for ensuring the preservation of French heritage by providing the means to be maintained and preserved for the delight of visitors. You will find on Infotourisme monuments subject to these categories, proud stories of our past.

Top 10 of the most famous monuments of France

notre-dame-de-paris paris-4eme

Notre-Dame de Paris

Gothic masterpiece, the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris is the most visited monument French. Its construction began in 1163. The building has become over the centuries one of the great symbols of Paris and France.


abbaye-du-mont-saint-michel le-mont-saint-michel

Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel

Architectural marvel classified by UNESCO, the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel is the third most popular tourist site in France. The abbey and its dependencies are classified as historical monuments since 1862.


chateau-de-versailles versailles

Chateau de Versailles

Residence of the kings of France, the Château de Versailles, strictly speaking, includes more than 2,000 pieces. The park extends over 815 hectares him. This jewel has become a symbol of the height of the French royalty.

palais-des-papes avignon

Palais des Papes

Built in 1335 at the Palais des Papes served as both a fortress and residence for the popes. The largest Gothic buildings from the Middle Ages is ranked on the first list of historic monuments in 1840.


tour-eiffel paris-7eme

Tour Eiffel

Built for the Universal Exhibition of 1889, the Eiffel Tower was its construction the largest monument in the world. From a height of 324 m in height (with antenna), this marvel is the most visited paid monument in the world.


basilique-notre-dame-du-rosaire lourdes

Basilique Notre-Dame du Rosaire

Built in the twentieth century, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary has become a mecca of worship. Romano-Byzantine style, exterior recalls the mysteries of light. Its capacity is 1500 seats.


chateau-de-chambord chambord

Château de Chambord

Masterpiece of the Renaissance, Château de Chambord is the largest of the Loire castles, with 440 rooms and 365 chimneys. It has been ranked on the first list of historic monuments in 1840.


cathedrale-notre-dame-de-reims reims

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims

Symbol of royal power, the Cathedral of Reims was the site of the coronation of many Capetian kings. Gothic style building, which includes no less than 2303 statues, is a mecca for tourism Champagne.


chateau-du-haut-koenigsbourg orschwiller

Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg

The most famous castle in Alsace, the Haut-Koenigsbourg was abandoned before being restored in the early twentieth century. With visits and very diverse events, this living monument is now one of the most visited in France.

abbaye-de-la-sauve-majeure la-sauve

Abbaye de la Sauve-Majeure

Founded in 1079, the abbey of La Sauve-Majeure is a necessary step on the road to Saint Jacques de Compostela. Inscribed on the World Heritage List, it has many impressive sculptures.


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