Tourism

An overview of prominent tourist destinations and their offerings

Auvergne

Auvergne is one of the most beautiful rural landscapes of France. At the center point of Massif Central, the region is prominent for its volcanic activity, which began about 20 million years before. The Parc Naturel Regional des Volcans dAuvergne and the Parc Naturel Regional du Livradois  Forez are the largest areas in France to be environmentally protected, with the region being unspoiled. Auvergne can broadly be described as a mountainous and rugged countryside with rocky gorges. There are not too many towns in Auvergne, given the countryside and the forested volcanic landscape. The extinct volcanoes too provide for a strange and beautiful place. Given the innumerable lakes, streams, geysers, gorges, and mineral springs both hot and cold the area attracts people seeking relief for various ailments including rheumatism, arthritis and such other illnesses. The region was earlier a central point of feudal fighting during the Middle Ages. The Le Puy-en-Velay was one of the starting points to the pilgrimage to the Shrine of Santiago de Compostela in Spain in 950. The Via Podiensis is a very scenic route still sought by pilgrims from Europe and France, which has been recently included in the UNESCO World heritage sites.

Auvergne was added to the royal territory in 1213 by King Philippe-Auguste. The region experienced immense sufferings subsequent to the War of Religions of the 16th century and the epidemics and food shortages, in the subsequent century. Although peace and tranquility returned during the 18th century, resource shortages forced people to migrate to other regions of France. The 1858 rail link between Paris and Clermont Ferrand brought economic boom to the region. 

Clermont Ferrand, the largest town and capital, is at the center of the Auvergne region, which has several dormant volcanoes and black lava stone buildings. The notable landmark of the city is the gothic Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-lAssomption with its black spires visible from any point of town, built from lava rock. The Romanesque basilica Notre-Dame-du-Port is an UNESCO world heritage site, which is near the Rue du Port.  The Puy de-Dome is the highest dormant volcano in Clermont Ferrand, with a bus going during summer, where there is a restaurant and hiking, parasailing facilities. The Puy-de-Dome has been recently added as one of the six grand sites of France.

The cathedral town of Saint Flour has an interesting upper town up the cliff and a lower town. The upper town has the Cathedral of Saint-Pieve with a statue of Christ carved from black wood. The Museum of Haute Auvergne is housed in the Episcopal palace while the Art and History Museum is housed in a building of the renaissance period. Brioude on the southern part of Auvergne has the 11th to 14th century largest Roman style Basilica Saint Julien Church whose frescoes and paved floorings are notable. The river Allier is very beautiful one and provides many water sporting activities. One of the longest rivers of France, the river flows through dense valleys, beside many sleepy villages. The wilderness of the majestic river and its picturesque surroundings can be best experienced either from the river itself by canoeing or rafting. There is also a train running by the Allier Gorge, which offers one of the most spectacular riverside travels of France. The railway line itself is an engineering marvel with its several tunnels, bridges and viaducts. To the north east of Clermont Ferrand is Vichy, which is the second biggest town in Auvergne. Vichy played an important role during the Second World War as the government center under Marshal Petain. Apart from the Palace of Congress, Vichy is a notable spa town particularly sought for the healing powers of the local water. The Castle France and the Covenant of the Celestins are among the interesting buildings here. The town of Moulins to the north of Vichy is an historical center of great interest. The Notre-Dame et Sacre-Coeur Cathedral has stained glass windows, with its bell towers and interiors highlighting the 15th century architectural excellence. Moulins is classified as an art and history town of France. 


Champagne Ardenne

To the north east of France is Champagne Ardenne, which produces excellent champagne. Apart from its reputed vineyard sceneries, the region also has several natural parks, forests and lakes.  Ardenne has endless forests to the north with many untampered villages to the south. The region is the home to the worlds most celebrated drink champagne. Its town of Epernay with expensive houses and mansions exhibits its champagne based wealth. The tour of champagne houses can be started from the Avenue de Champagne. At Castellane, you get to view the town from the 1905 tower. The town of Reims is notable for the Reims Cathedral of 1211 to 1480, which is one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture. Apart from its sculpture and glass windows, the cathedral has 35 statues at its western portal. Similar to the Smiling Angel are notable small figures of angels, which are among the famous of the cathedrals sculpture. The Palais du Tau which is now a cathedral museum was earlier the residence of the King of France, and popular for its statues and tapestry.

The Champagne Ardenne had played a prominent role in the developments of French and European history. The region, then called the lower Belgium , thrived under the Gauls. Several European powers forged a coalition in 1214 to challenge the growing power of France. But King Philips forces defeated the coalition, which included England, at the battle of Bouvines. France was then a leading European country. However the political unrest and the religious intolerance of the 16th and 17th centuries left their scar on the region. The developments until the Reims Armistice in 1945 has considerable relevance on the history of Champagne Ardenne and the development of its buildings and cities. The city of Troyes is described as La cite en forme de bouchon de champagne which literally translates into the city in the shape of a champagne cork, which is evident from the aerial views. The city has several churches with each having its own unique features. The Saint Remy Church with its clock on the bell tower and the church where Henry V married Catherine of France, the St Jean-au-Marche are notable churches.  Langres is an attractive town above the Marne River. The town is surrounded by the ramparts of about 3.5 km long and include fortified towers and gateways. While some parts of the ramparts dates back 2000 years earlier, some others are very recent. The rampart can be toured by a little tram, with Langres being the first French town to have a train able to climb steeper slopes. These trains run on an additional special notched rail for a better traction.

In the Ardennes department, the countryside draws nature lovers and walkers while the lakes of Vieilles Forges draws canoeists. Ardennes also has several castles and fortresses, many of which even date back to the middle ages. The cathedral of Sedan and that of Rocroi are popular of them. There are also several manor houses and residential chateaux pertaining to the 18th century. Charleville-Mezieres of the Ardennes department was formed in 1966 as a result of merger of two towns Mezieres and Charleville, which can be described as the gateway to the department. The region is ideal for nature lovers and trekkers who want to enjoy tranquility of areas where tourism is yet to take off in a big way. The place Ducale which forms the central hub of Charleville was designed by the architects of Louis XII who wanted to introduce a new urban planning system.


Limousin

Limousin is considered the least populated region of France, with lush, green nature all round. Located in central France, is an ideal place for those seeking unspoiled, remote tranquility. With over 1000 lakes, several rivers and gorges, the region is particularly of interest to water sports lovers of canoeing, kayaking, sailing and fishing. Also called the heartland of France, Limousin is also considered the gateway between the relaxed Mediterranean south and the industrial north. With the costs considerably lesser compared to the neighboring regions, the region is by large unexplored by foreigners. The capital Limoges though not generally a hot spot for the tourists, has notable buildings like the train station, the gothic Cathedral of Saint-Etienne and the Cour du temple.  The Porcelain Museum and the Bishops Palace Museum are also to be seen. Close to Limoges is the town of Rochechouart, also named the the countryside of the meteorite, which was hit by a 6 billion ton meteorite. Although many consider it as the largest meteorite strike on earth, there is little evidence of it now. The walled city also has a 13th century chateau, which houses a modern art museum.

Limousin was part of the province of Aquitania under the Romans. During the 10th century, several feudal units ruled the region. Northern Limousin was regarded as the country of Marche. In the middle of the subsequent century, the Duke of Aquitaine ruled a substantial part of the region, with the counts of Auvergne and Angouleme conquering the other regions. The French and the English engaged themselves in an increasing competition for Limousin in the mid 12th century. Henry IV brought the region under the control of France after the Hundred Years War. It became the French province of Plateaux du Limousin in 1790 with Limoges as its center. 

The village of Treignac on the River Vezere, has medieval houses with well-decorated doors and windows. These decorations include the shells, which are passed on as tokens of reverence by pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostela. The 12th century market hall and the Chapel of Penitents are also very interesting. The extensive medieval town of Uzerche is a notable town with its several fortifications and old houses behind it. The 16th to 18th century building, Maison Boyer Chammard with its unique balconies is really interesting.  It is possible to walk along the banks of Vezere, with tables laid out for picnics. 

The villages of Collonges-la-Rouge, Curemonte and Turenne form a cluster of three most beautiful villages of France, which is located in the south of the Correze department. Collonges-la-Rouge is very popular village among the tourists to the region. The place looks red all around due to the color of the locally available stone from which the houses are constructed. The Saint Pierre church, which dates back to the 11th century is particularly striking because of its white stone observed on the doorway. The village of Curemonte is very pretty and has three prominent chateaus. Dramatic views of the Limousin valleys can be got from Curemonte due to its location up the hill. The beautiful village of Turenne dates back to the 13th to 16th century. The Cesar Tower of the 12th century and the clock tower built about 200 years later are very interesting. Meymac is another town in the Correze department, which has to be explored. The Abbey of Saint Andre, the church of Saint Leger and the belfry of 13th century are notable points of interests.  The Meymac Museum offers a wonderful testimony of the bygone years.  The small village of Saint Angel is close to Meymac on its west. The Abbey of Saint Michel des Anges was once the home of the Benedictine monks. The first monastery is believed to have been established here during the 8th century. 


Lorraine

Lorraine in the northeast frontier of France has its borders shared with Germany, Luxemburg and Belgium and is also called as the Pays des Trois Frontieres or the land with three frontiers.  The region is well recognized as being the invasion route for France. Several invasions and conquests had occurred through the region in its history. The geographical location of the region has made it prone to innumerable wars and conflicts. It was twice separated into two distinct parts, one under France and the other being with Germany. The limestone ridges of Cotes de Meuse and Cotes de Moselle run through the clay hills of western Lorraine.

At the fall of the Roman Empire, the Merovingien King Clovis took control of Lorraine till he died in 511. Earlier under the Romans, the region was a part of the Belgium Province. In 843, upon the death of King Charlemagne, the Carolingian empire was split among his three grandsons. King Lothar received the Midlands as his share, with the area and territories controlled by him becoming known as Lotharingia, which then became Lorraine. With the fading of the Carolingian power, the region came under duke rule. Stanislaus I of Poland later ruled the region between 1733 and 1766 after which it was made a part of France.   

The town of Bitche is close to Frances border with Germany.  Behind the town is a massive citadel located on a hill, which was constructed during the 18th century. The citadel was instrumental in thwarting the invasions of the invasions in 1793 and 1815. The towns previous gateways and the church of Saint Catherine with its impressive organ are other main attractions of the town. Verdun on the regions north was a major clash point in the First World War, resulting in an estimated 750,000 deaths. Many visit the region to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the battle. The battlefields and the forts like the Fort Vaux and the Douaumont Fort are visited as a normal practice.  There are many war memorials and monuments commemorating the World Wars. The museum on World War I has an exhaustive collection of objects pertaining to the war.

Nancy located on the Rhine Marne canal is an attractive city. The Musee de Beaux Arts showcases the works by artists like Eugene Delacroix and Edouard Manet. The Muse de lEcole de Nancy is also notable for its outstanding exhibits, apart from its splendid glass windows and carved furniture.  The Park of Peoiniere with elaborate gardens and the gothic Basilica of St. Epvre are also notable places in Nancy. The Place de la Carriere with its Rococo style gates that once held races is not to be missed.  To the north of Nancy is Metz, with its wonderful riverside parks and elegant public squares. At Metz, the Cathedral of Saint Etienne is a must see structure given its stained glass windows dating back to the 14th  20th centuries. The world famous Gothic style church had its construction started in 1250 and completed in 1522. Its interior is about 123 meters long and 42 meters high. The Muse La Cour dOr has valuable Roman and Medieval art collections, which include the tombs of the Merovingian kings. The ancient theater Place de la Comedie pertaining to the 18th century is an important place of cultural interest. Known for its music qualities and choreography, the center attracts theater lovers from all across Europe. The town of Bar-le-Duc is quietly located by the River Ornain which includes an historical upper town and a modern lower town. Various steep stairs are used to reach the upper town.  Narrow streets dotted with several medieval houses, the 15th century chateau ruins, the clock tower and Saint Etienne church with its famous corpse carving are also very popular.


Pays de la Loire

Pays de la Loire region in western France has over 450 km of coasts and sandy beaches and attracts people considerably. Also called the Western Loire, its rugged Atlantic coast is in high contrast to the central green countryside. Apart from being a holiday destination, Pays de la Loire is also sought by second home buyers.  The region has plenty to offer including old and splendid cathedrals, monasteries and year long music festivals.  Cities on the coastline like Saint Nazaire is noted for its water sports.

The region was a cradle of feudalism after its return to the French crown in 1202. It served as an important platform for renaissance ideas during the 16th century, in several fields including literature and music. It was affected by the Wars of Religion, with peace and order being restored under King Louis XIV. The French Revolution of 1789 faced stiff resistance at Maine and Anjou, which opposed the religious and administrative reforms. The local armies with white flags, which was the royal color, supported the church and the king. In October 1792, the forces were defeated in Cholet. The subsequent year, they however retaliated by forming gorilla troops, Chouans. The Vendee War went on for two years involving surprise attacks and severe battles. With the capture and execution of the rebels, Vendee saw peace again. In 1804, La-Roche-Sur-Yon was built by Napoleon, with an intention of preventing further uprisings.  

Nantes the former capital of Brittany is today an important city of the Pays de la Loire region.  Nantes has been rated by the Time magazine as the best livable town of France. The Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne is at the heart of the city, which belongs to the 13th century. The castle was very important in ending the War of Religion and the forming of the 1598 Edict of Nantes. The castle has a residential palace surrounded by towers and fortifications. North of the castle is the Nantes cathedral with a pair of massive square towers. The entrance with its ornate decorations, high interiors and the marble tomb of Francois II and his wife are other highlights of the cathedral. The Nantes botanical gardens spread over 16 acres has an exhaustive range of plant species.  

The town of Angers is popular for its floral displays, with flowers adding color to the town. The Chateau dAngers, with its Apocalypse tapestry is also a highlight of the town. The twelfth century Cathedral of Saint Maurice with its very remarkable twin spires is also notable. The Logis Barrault built around 1500 today hosts a public library and a museum, which has many noted sculptures and paintings, including works by David dAngers. The Fontevraud Abbey which was built in the 12th to the 20th century is the largest monastery in Europe. It was under the command of an abbess and surprisingly had a nunnery and a monastery. The tombstones of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine are also in the abbey. Considered as the most powerful abbey in France prior to the French revolution, the building is today a French National Monument.

The island of Noirmoutier can be reached from the mainland France by a new bridge or the traditionally used road Passage du Gois, which can be entirely submerged during high tide. Low buildings with white washed walls are typical of the island. Entertainments involving water activities can be seen in Herbaudiere, at the northwest of the island, while a 12th century castle and church are in the islands northeast.  Sables dOlonne is one of the beach resort towns along the western Vendee coast, which hosts the Vendee Globe yatch race, occurring once in every four years.


Corsica

With interesting and fascinating coastlines and with mountainous type interior regions, the island of Corsica on the southeast of France offers some of the best beaches of the world. Apart from its ideal weather, its 1000 km of coastline, mountainous scenery and its notable towns project Corsica as an ideal destination. The fishing villages of Erbalunga and the port at Porto provide an ideal setting for exploring the Gorges de la Spelunca and Aitone forests. The Parc Naturel Regional de Corse has several plants and animals, which are protected. However the park cannot be easily accessed always. The association of the island with prehistoric occupation has resulted in the island having several megalithic sites, dolmens and stone structures.  Corsica has plenty of domestic animals like pigs, goats etc., and therefore Corsican food includes great bacon, ham and meat and sausage. The seafood here too is very fresh and tastes good. It should be noted here that the villages of Piana and Saint Antonino are listed among the most beautiful villages of France. Piana found in 1725 has several narrow streets, bars and boutiques. The road connecting Piana and Porto unwinds through a wonderful landscape called Calanche. The Calanche of Piana has strange rock formations and red cliffs that are sometimes very deep and plunge into the sea. It is perceived that the rock formations that include a bishop, dog and a shepherdess were carved by the devil himself. The Calanche is a UNESCO protected site.

Corsica is believed to have been inhabited even in the Mesolithic period. After being held by the Greeks and later the Etruscans for brief periods, the region came under the Roman Empire. The region was then the subject of dispute between the two republics of Pisa and Genoa. It came under the Genoese control in 1347 who held it till 1729 except in 1553, when it was with the French. The Corsican revolution struggle, which originated in 1729 led to the forming of an independent Corsican state in 1775 under Pasquale Paoli, and was a sovereign state till 1768. The Republic however still had Genoese occupying major coastal cities. The Republic of Genoese secretly sold Corsica in 1764 to France. After the civil war of 1768 69, Corsica joined France, thus ending its sovereignty. 

The town of Ajaccio on the west coast is well sought by tourists for its consistent warm climate throughout the year. The birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, you can visit his place which is now the National Bonaparte Museum. The renaissance cathedral, Notre Dame de la Misericorde is very popular as it was here that Napoleon Bonaparte was baptized. One can also take a boat trip from Ajaccio to the Isles Sanguinaires. On the north east is the port town of Bastia. The old port here which though not very active has several jaded Venetian style buildings which is a wonderful sight. You can take a train from St. Nicholas and travel for 45 minutes through the main places of interests of the town. The town of Sartene is in the south east mountains of Propriano. A notable fact of the buildings here is that they are built of the same rock on which they stand. A good view of the town can be got from the place de la Liberation, which is at the center of the town. Prehistoric sites, dolmen and menhirs can also be explored at Sartene.

Corte, about 40 km east of Bastia, is another mountainous town. The citadel and the Museum of Corsica are important places of interest here. The citadel is located atop a large rock up the hill, which is reached by walking through narrow streets uphill, which sometimes are too steep. The viewing platform close by provides a fascinating view of the surrounding mountains. The town can be easily toured, given its small size, where all paths can be seen to lead and join the main road. 


Franche Comte

Franche Comte on the east of France is a small region close to Switzerland and Germany. Its 44 forest cover showcases its greenery and nature. Nestled between the Vosges mountain ranges on the north and the Jura or forests on the south, the region includes pine forests, cultivation fields and ramparts. The Jura Mountains though not comparable to the Alps, are however the countrys major cross-country skiing area. The region des Lacs has innumerable waterfalls and gorges with small villages having wonderfully decorated belfry does. The valleys of Doubs and Coue are also popular with their timber houses beside the rivers.


The region was occupied in the 4th century B.C, by a Celtic tribe, Sequani. It became a part of the Roman Empire in 52 B.C when Julius Caesar defeated the Gauls. The region was conquered by the Franks in 534 A.D. Several small countships joined together in the 10th century to form the Burgundy county, which later in 1032 came under the Holy Roman Empire. The name of Franche Comte or Free County was first used in the official records in 1366.

Franche Comte went to the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Bold in 1384, through marriage, who structured it with councils and parliament around Dole. Again in 1493, due to dynastic marriages, it went to Habsburgs under the treaty of Senlis, only to be passed on to Spanish Habsburg in 1556. Franche Comte was invaded and devastated by the French in the Thirty Years War. Spain defended the region but in 1665, Louis XIV claimed Franche Comte in his wife Maria Theresas name. After three years, the prince de Conde conquered it but was forced to return it to Spain under the Aix-la-Chapelle treaty. Another invasion was led in 1674, and the Saint Martins arch in Paris was erected to commemorate the annexation of Franche Comte by the 1678 treaty of Nijmegen. Anti-French feelings were strong till the 18th century, despite the region being given a parliament and a university.  The administrative reforms of the 1790 saw the formation of departments in the region. In 1982 Franche Comte was brought back as an administrative region.

The town of Besancon in the Doubs department is encircled by the river Doubs. The popularity of Besancon lies in its several fortified towers, Roman archs, fountains and many churches rather than any notable monuments in particular. The Battant Bridge which was built to connect Italy with Rhine Province was built by the Romans. Among its five arches, the middle arch is about 13 meters. The Granvella Palace pertaining to the early 16th century has a massive arch entrance supported by 2 pillars and a wonderful arcade in the courtyard. The astronomical clock of Besancon built in 1858 has over 30,000 parts and 57 faces to provide a lot of information including tides and eclipses. The clock is listed in the National Monuments of France. The Royal Salt Works near Besancon was constructed by Louis XV as industrial buildings. These buildings have columnar classical design and are generally simple. Exhibition on various themes are conducted here these days. At about 30 km to the south east of Besancon is Lods, a village listed among the most beautiful villages in France.  The Loue River valley is very popular with its gorges de la Loue which is a canyon formed through several years of river erosion. The valley is also sought for canoeing. The town of Pontanlier, which is on the border with Switzerland, is about 837 meters above sea level. The towns Triumphal Arch of the 18th century is a huge stone arch entrance, which marks the towns entrance. The arch commemorates the French seizure of the regions. Lons-le-Sauniere at the eastern region of Franche Comte is notable for its streets, which radiate and spread out from a large open square. The streets have 17th century town houses lining them on both sides.  The archeology museum here has the oldest dinosaur remains in France. Lons, noted for its public executions during the 19th century is also a spa town for centuries. At 8 km from Lons-le-Sauniere is Baume-les-Messieurs, listed among the most beautiful villages of France. The Benedictine abbey of Saint Peter, which dates back to the 10th century is a popular attraction. The village is mainly unspoiled and the location Cirque de Baume where three splendid valleys meet, is a wonderful sight. 


Picardy

Picardy in the northern France is particularly popular with those who love fishing and water sports. The region is also popular for horse riding with horse riding being an important local game. Golf and archery are also popular in the region with a major archery festival-taking place every spring. Picardy has a varied landscape with great forests and natural parks.

From the 16th century to the end of the ancien regime in 1789, the province of Picardy stretched from the English Channel to Saint Quentin and included the Somme River basin. Under the Salian Franks of the 5th century, Picardy included six countships. Of these Amienois and Vermandois were gradually brought under the regime of King Philip II Augustus in 1185. Ponthieu was a fiefdom of the English till its complete possession in 1369. Under the Treaty of Arras in 1435, the dukes of Burgundy acquired several regions. In 1477, Frances Louis XI conquered Picardy and from then Picardy was a frontier area, invaded very often by Habsburg Netherlands, till it was acquired by the French in1659. Picardy saw some of the fiercest battles of World War I, which is evident from the popular English song Roses of Picardy (1916). It was also the scene of some of the bloodiest battles of World War II.

The town of Amiens to the north of Paris is known for its 13th century cathedral, which is the tallest and one with the maximum interior space in France. With extraordinary sculptures particularly in the front and the south transept, the cathedral also has an inlaid floor with several and varied designs. The cathedral is listed as a National Monument of France. The Saint Leu region is just beneath the cathedral, which has canals doted with little houses. The Hortillonnages is a fascinating place with a 300-hectare park in a marshy region, criss-crossed by several canals.  The northern town of Laon has the cathedral Notre Dame of Laon which dates back to 12th-13th centuries, whose towers can be observed from anywhere in the surroundings. A mini tram-metro system helps in exploring the town, which has several medieval buildings. The larger town of Beauvais has suffered destruction during the Second World War. The astronomical clock here, pertaining to the nineteenth century is presumed to be the largest of its kind in the world. The town also has a museum dedicated to the rug and carpet developmental history, Galerie Nationale de la Tapisserie de Beauvais.

The town of Chantilly is the racing capital of France. The town has come a long way from 1830 when racing was introduced from England. Today you can see about 3000 thoroughbreds being trained in the countrysides. Apart from horse racing, Chantilly also has several parks, forests and chateaus. The Parc Asterix is a well-visited park dedicated to the character Asterix. The town of Abbeville offers a great opportunity for exploring the Picardy coastline. With fishing ports like the Le Crotoy, the region also offers sailing, kayaking and kite surfing. The Musee Boucher-de-Perthes has a rare collection of prehistoric artifacts. The medieval village of Gerberoy is listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France. The cobbled streets and half-timbered houses of the 17th century, a covered market is among the attractions of the village. Gerberoy may be described as a living example of medieval France.

Also called Ville dArt, the town of Saint Quentin has a rich 1920s and 30s heritage. Saint Quentin is the only town in France to have a big reserve for plants and bird species. The town hall with about 173 sculptures is a prominent gothic structure, with 37 bells in its bell tower. There is also a butterfly museum with over 60,000 species from all over the world.


Poitou-Charentes

Poitou Charentes is to a larger extent an unspoilt and a very peaceful region midway on the western coast. Bustling resorts and sandy beaches are spread out on the Atlantic coastline. The region includes several islands like the Ile de Re and Ile deOleron where oyster catching is prominent. With its historical monuments and coastal fortifications, architectural admirers would have plenty to explore. Poitiers played a crucial role in the conflicts revolving Western Christianity. In 732, Charles Martels troops defeated Arab invaders, which prevented further invasions by Arab and North African rulers. With the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to King Louis VII in 1137, Poitou Charentes was brought under the French crown. The divorce that followed and the subsequent marriage with an English king brought the region to the English. In 1224, when Poitou again joined the French crown, several duchies became English territories, in 1360. Poitou-Charentes played a significant role in the Wars of Religion. Calvins Reformation Doctrine succeeded in converting the people of La Rochelle and Poitiers. The Edict of Nantes, which granted worship freedom to Protestants in 1598, was withdrawn in 1685, leading to a mass emigration from the region.

La Rochelle today is one of the most attractive towns of France, which is in the region. The picturesque old harbor has two towers namely the Nicholas Tower and the Tower of Chain, at the port entrance.  You can observe the boats enter or leave the ports through the two towers. The arcaded streets with houses made of locally available light stones provide a unique combination effect. The La Rochelle aquarium is located on the harbor and is formed within a glass building. With 70 different sections, the aquarium has over 12,000 marine animals and 20 species of shark that are very popular. The natural history museum here exhibits collections associated with the 19th century French explorers. The well-preserved first giraffe of France, which was presented in 1826 to Charles X is seen here. There is also an unidentified and ambiguous beast Himantolophus Reinhardtu which has been a source of inspiration for several alien portrayal.

Ile de Re is a 30 km long island, which is an attractive tourist attraction. The island is characterized by its sandy beaches on its south west side, and salt and oyster beds on its north east coast. The island can be reached by crossing a toll bridge at the north west of La Rochelle. Saint Martin de Re is an attractive harbor town in the island with many of its buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The town is also known for its fortifications, which exist along the sea line and inward too. The fortifications are about 2 meters thick and 8 meters high, extending for about 12 km. The island of Ile deOleronis is a notable summer destination, which is accessible from the mainland by a 3 km bridge. The Saumonards forest and the Saint Trojan forest provide an opportunity to escape from the crowds.

Cognac is a popular town known for its brandy produced in the region. The Cognac old town has several 15th to 18th century houses and several brandy maturing warehouses across narrow cobbled streets. There are several museums in Cognac including the Arts and History museum, The St. Gobain glass works museum and a museum on the arts of Cognac. Angouleme town in the Charente region has large boulevards surrounding rocky promontory. The Saint Peter Cathedral which is about 900 years old has 70 carvings portraying the story of Ascension. The cathedral has however been altered to a very large extent. An international comic festival is held every January in the town, which probably has a connection to the cartoon style paintings seen across the town.

The administrative capital Poitiers is another medieval city with a long history. The Saint Pierre Cathedral has an enormous 18th century organ while the Saint Jean Baptistery of the 4th century is Frances oldest Christian monument. There is also a baptism pool and elegant 12th century frescoes inside. 


Midi Pyrenees
Midi Pyrenees is the largest region of France and presents several facets. The region extends from Perigord to Pyrenees along the border with Spain. The region also extends through Gers into the Lot Department, east of Dordogne. The north east includes areas of Causses which are plains little valleys, thick forests, pine woods and isolated plateaux. The regions facets provide a plethora of cultures, landscapes and sometimes even the aroma of traditional dish in the air can entice anyone.

The Midi Pyrenees region was influenced by external forces even during the Bronze and Iron ages. Toulouse was the Visigoth Kingdom capital between the 3rd and the 5th centuries. After the death of Charlemagne in 801, the Counts of Toulouse brought the Rouergue and seven other cities under their control.  Perpignan became the capital of the Majorca kingdom and the Balearic Islands. Toulouse then came under the French rule in 1271. The territories of Pays de Foix and Bigorre were held by the Kings of Navarre till 1512, which was reclaimed by Spains King Ferdinand. These were returned to France in the 17th century.

Lourdes is one of France leading tourist resorts with over 5 million visitors each year. Lourdes is sought for its spiritual and healing powers. Masses  are offered here in over 22 languages and at day and nights. The Saint Pius Basilica, which can accommodate over 25,000 people, is really very inspiring. The Le Pic du Jer, which is known for its large cross, is about 1000 meters high and is reached by a chair lift in just 6 minutes. There is also a glacier lake spread across 55 hectares. The Mauvezin Castle of the 11th 14th century provides and amazing view of the Pyrenees. In the northern Midi-Pyrenees, the villages of Conques and Belcastel are very pretty. Conques by the River Dourdou, has several medieval houses lining the mostly cobbled streets.  The Saint Foy abbey with its renowned treasury that includes the golden statue of St. Foy herself, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Belcastel on the banks of the River Aveyron  has a castle that towers over the surroundings. The centuries old houses here are notable for their lauze stone roofs. An attractive stone bridge spans the river, which is made of five arches.

The medieval town of Rodez has the Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame constructed between the 13th to the 16th centuries, which is built in redstone. Medieval streets spread out behind the cathedral, which have shopping lanes for pedestrians, where Gothic wall art is evident. There are also open-air markets that take place about thrice a week, throughout the year. Annual events here are very popular, like the Bastille Day on July 14th, which includes a spectacular fire display. There is also a music festival in mid July. To the west of Rodez is the small village of Peyrusse le Roc. Beneath the village, there is an older village set in a cliff, which was discovered in 1970. Paths have now been cleared to reach this abandoned village. The town of Millau, which is nearby, has the Montpellier le Vieux park which is which is indeed a fascinating place with great rock formations. The park includes a section of Causse that has been eroded with time resulting in a spectacular series of limestone outcrops.  The Roquefort Caves here are attached to cheese factories where one can find the history of cheese making. The Millau Bridge across the River Tarn is the tallest vehicle bridge in the world.

The town of Auch has a main square Place de la Republique with the Cathedral Saint Marie, which has been included in the UNESCO list. With its two 16th century towers, the cathedral has hand carved oak stalls. The 40 meter high Tour dArmagnac was earlier a 14th century prison, which is in Salinis area.   The Escalier monumental or the great staircase is 35 meters high with 234 steps. The monument provides a good view of the Gers valley. In the fifth largest city of France, Toulouse, you will find Place du Capitole, which has a huge notable square with pink buildings on its side. The 11th century Saint Sernin church with its characteristic tower is a UNESCO heritage.


Center

Located between Burgundy and Pays de la Loire, the Center region is at the south west of Ile de France. The region with its wonderful culture, also has extraordinary castles and its Loire Valley being one of the most visited places of France. The Center region was formed in 1970 with the provinces of Berry, Touraine and Orleanais.  During the 11th and 12th centuries only Orleans was under the French crown. However in 1202, Philippe Auguste seized the French lands from John of England and the entire Loire came under France again. The influence of the Catholic Church diminished in the Loire Valley during the Renaissance period. The Church lashed out at the Renaissance in 1540, which caused Protestant to rise up against the Catholics.  The economy of the region however developed leap and bounds in the 17th century. But during the French revolution, while the people of towns saw quick benefits and supported the Revolution, the rural populations were opposing it. The Revolution left behind scars and ruin, ultimately. Tours was the headquarters of the American Forces in the First World War.

The main city of Orleans on the Loire River is best known for the Maid of Orleans, Joan of Arc. History has it that the girl was told by the God to guide her King in the battle against the English. With her help, the siege of Orleans was thwarted and England was defeated. Today one can find various tributes to Joan of Arc at Orleans like her statue in the Place du Martroi, the 15th century house where she lived has also been redone subsequent to the Second World War damages. Grand townhouses even dating to the 16th century line up the several open squares like that seen at Place du Chatelet. The city also has a lot to offer for the religious minds like the 17th century Cathedral Sainte Croix, which has elaborate stonework ornamentation. The Crypt of Saint-Aignan dating back to the early middle ages are also very popular.

The most famous chateaux of France are found in the Loire Valley, which has several prestigious chateaux. The Chateau de Blois where Joan of Arc sought blessing of the Archbishop in 1429, the largest Chateau in Loire Chateau de Chambord the Chateau de Villandry which is considered to have the most beautiful gardens and the chateau cum fortress of Chateau du Rivau are among the most popular chateaus. There are several other rivers apart for the scenic Loire River like the rivers of Cher, Vienne and Indre, which snake through the woods, orchards and fields to the delight of those who want to keep away from the crowds.

The town of Tours is considerably very large and has seen rapid modern development. Here the main attraction is the Place Plumereau, ideal for people watching. Eating or drinking is a great experience in the half-timbered houses of the 12th 15th century, lining the square. The 12th to 15th century Cathedral of Saint Gatien and the cloisters of la Psalette that had a room for practicing religious chanting are interesting pieces of architecture. The cloisters are among the 85 listed National Monuments of France. To the south east of the Loire Valley is the town of Bourges with its Bourges Cathedral built between 1195 and 1270, which is in the UNESCO list today. The extraordinary doorway carvings depicting the Last Judgment, its 13th century stained glass windows that also depicts biblical incidents are prominent features of the cathedral. Outside the old town there is a lovely garden where streams flow separating them into smaller gardens. Visiting Bourges between May and September is indeed rewarding with lighting effects at dusk. 

Chartres is another captivating town whose charming neighborhoods and cobbled streets can be explored by foot too. The beautiful Parc des Bords de lEure by the Eure River is an ideal park for strolling or relaxing. The Chartres cathedral with its original crypt of the 11th century is a UNESCO listed heritage site. The labyrinths and the carefully preserved stained glass windows are also notable. The museums like the Agriculture Museum and Natural Science and Prehistory museum are very interesting too.