Historical sites in France

Prehistory

The Vézère Valley in the Dordogne where you will find the Vézère Valley near Sarlat, this is where the Cro-Magnon men lived! In Montignac you can go to the entrance of the Lascaux caves, without being able to enter them because the site is protected. But you can still admire one of the replicas. Tautavel in the Eastern Pyrenees, where you can visit the Caune de l'Arago, a former shelter occupied by Neanderthals. Neanderthals and firs are two species that have lived side by side for thousands of years on French soil. We come from fir trees and the second species has disappeared.

Antiquity

The Pont du Gard bears witness to the time when the Romans settled in France before the Gallic war. As emblematic as the arenas and the Tower of Nîmes. You can also find Roman remains in the Bouches-du-Rhône in Arles or in the Vaucluse in Orange.

 © https://unsplash.com/@kovacsz1 

Ariège - Montsegur

In the 13th century a war against Catharism took place, with a conflict that affected many sites such as the City of Carcassonne, and the Château de Montségur and the Château de Foix.

Avignon

The Palais des Papes, the largest existing Gothic building. Namely that nine popes lived in Avignon.

Rouen

Rouen, where the Hundred Years War took place, this one strongly marked the History of France with the claim of the crown by the kings of England. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen - location indicated in the market place. The Renaissance

Back to the significant sites from the 16th to the 19th century. Particularly in Chambord, with the castle which remains an emblematic place, built under the orders of François I and completed under the reign of Louis XIV.

Blois Chateau

The Château de Blois witnessed the wars of the 16th century, opposing Protestants and Catholics.

Palace of Versailles

Another essential of the century of Louis XIV. Built under the order of the Sun King who wanted to establish his absolute power. The plans are inspired by the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Contemporary stories

Verdun, witness of the First World War, it was one of the battlefields where the front line extended from the Channel to the German border. You will find many remains, forts, and memorials. Calvados in Normandy, during the Second World War, where there was the Landing of the Allies on June 6 on the beaches of Normandy. France is full of places rich in history and events. Discover all our holiday rental homes www.purefrance.fr