A Basilica Dedicated to the Sacred-Heart of Christ on Montmartre: The site of the Basilique du Sacré Coeur on the hill of Montmartre has long been an attraction for religious figures and groups. Many saints have come to this “mount of martyrs” (Montmartre), including Saint Germain, Saint Bernard, Saint Joan of Arc and Saint Vincent […]
Chartres Cathedral – Famous for its Stained Glass
Chartres Cathedral is The Greatest Gothic Cathedral in Europe: Chartres Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres) has long been the main reason that many people visit the town of Chartres. This superb Gothic cathedral has many outstanding features, but it is the collection of 2,600 m² of stained glass windows that is absolutely unique and precious, […]
Lascaux and its Famous Prehistoric Cave Paintings
The Cave of Lascaux has the Périgord’s Most Famous Cave Paintings: Set near the village of Montignac-sur-Vézère in the heart of the Périgord Noir (Black Périgord) is Lascaux, the finest of the prehistoric caves with its famous cave paintings. The Périgord Noir region is home to more than 60 prehistoric sites and has one of […]
Champs-Elysées – Avenue of the Elysian Fields
The Most Beautiful Avenue in the World and Resting Place for Heroes: Not merely a boulevard, the Champs-Elysées has justly earned its name. In Greek mythology, the Elysian Fields was the resting place of heroes who dwelt in perfect happiness. Fortunately, visitors don’t have to die to reach it. Though you may think so after […]
Arc de Triomphe – Napoleon’s Triumphal Arch
“Go Home Beneath Triumphal Arch” – A Promise by Napoleon to his Men: Though less artistic than its older cousin of Porte Saint-Denis, the Arc de Triomphe is the more famous and far larger. Set on Place de Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, atop the hill of Chaillot, it forms the centre from which radiates a dozen […]
Musée du Louvre – The World Famous Louvre Museum
The Louvre has One of the most Important Art Collections in the World: Unquestionably the most famous name in the world of art museums, the Musée du Louvre (the Louvre) largely deserves its renown. Enormous and filled with irreplaceable treasures from around the world, this premier collection of art exhibits offers something for everyone. The […]
Château de Versailles – Palace of the ‘Sun King’
Versailles Palace is one of the most beautiful creations of 18th-century French art: As you approach the gates of the Château de Versailles you inescapably have the feeling of entering not a palace but an entire city. The impression is justified given the massive scale of the building and the even larger grounds. Beginning as […]
Hospices de Beaune – a Medieval Treasure
Hôtel-Dieu or Hospices de Beaune is this city’s Medieval Jewel : One of Beaune’s medieval treasures is the Hospices de Beaune or Hôtel-Dieu, a hospital that was built for the poor and needy by Nicolas Rolin and his wife, Guigone de Salins, in 1443 after the Hundred Years War. The Hôtel-Dieu’s striking geometric glazed-tile roof […]
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Normandy, one of fourteen permanent overseas American WWII cemeteries: A visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial was part of our tour to see some of the Normandy landings sites, the famous landing beaches, the Caen Memorial and other reminders of Normandy’s place in World War II history. The Normandy American Cemetery sits on […]
A Tale of Incredible Bravery at Pointe du Hoc
Pointe du Hoc – D Day Normandy Invasion : Eight miles west of the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is the Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument, a memorial that tells the story of the raw courage and incredible feat performed by three companies of the American Second Ranger Battalion during the June 6, 1944 Normandy […]