the regions of france

Everything French Real Estate

Regions of France A Guide to the Regions of France

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A Guide to the Regions of France

Everything French Real Estate Index

1. Alsace 3

2. Aquitaine 7

3. Auvergne 12

4. Basse Normandy 49

5. Burgundy 17

6. Brittany 15

7. Centre 21

8. Champagne-Ardenne 24

9. Corsica -

10. Franche-Comte 27

11. Haute-Normandy 49

12. Ile-de-France 30

13. Languedoc-Roussillon 33

14. Limousin 36

15. Lorraine 39

16. Midi-Pyrenees 42

17. Nord-Pas-de-Calais 46

18. Pays-de-la-Loire 52

19. Picardy 55

20. Poitou-Charentes 58

21. Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur 61

22. Rhone-Alpes 68



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Alsace

Alsace shares its borders with both Switzerland and Germany

and has a strong German influence. The region is dotted with

quaint villages, historic towns, ancient Chateaux and is known

for the white wines produced here.

Highlights

La Route des Vins: the Alsace wine trail is an approximately 170

km long road, crossing the main wine producing areas of the

region and incorporating a number of beautiful villages

Haut-Koenigsburg Castle. Stunning fortified 12th century hilltop castle in the Vosges, near Strasbourg fortified by Vauban.

Kayserberg A picture perfect town of half wooden houses and a fortified bridge dating from the 15th century.

Neuf Brisach A seventeenth-century city and UNESCO site this town was fortified by Vauban.

Strasbourg Capital and largest town in the region Strasbourg plays an important role in the EU. Strasbourg has an historic centre called the Grand Ile which is a UNESC world heritage site.

Colmar Colmar historic city centre is remarkably well preserved and features a number of half wooden houses. The city architecture shows both the French and German influences

Mulhouse

Mulhouse is famous for its museums especially the Cité de and

the Musée Français du Chemin de Fer respectively the largest

automobile and railway museums in France.

Vogues Mountains The Vogues run along the western side of the Rhine Valley near the German border and a popular destination for hikers and skiers.

Map

Departments

Bas-Rhin Department 67

Haut-Rhin Department 68

Quick Facts

Area Total 8,280 km2

Population Total 1,815,488

Density 220/km2



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Alsace is the smallest most densely populated

region in metropolitan France. Alsace is located

on France's eastern border and on the west

bank of the upper Rhine neighbouring Germany

and Switzerland. The capital as well as largest

city of Alsace is Strasbourg which is the seat of

a number of international organizations and

bodies, making Alsace politically one of the

most important regions in the European Union.

Originally Alsace was inhabited by nomadic

hunters and later came under Roman rule

around 58BC. The Franks ruled in the 5th century

and experienced great prosperity during the

12th and 13th centuries under Hohenstaufen

emperors. The region came under French rule in

1639, moving to German rule after the Franco-

Prussian war and then back to France after

WWII. The region was occupied by Germany in

WWII but never annexed.

The Rhine River runs along the eastern river of

Bas-Rhin or the Lower Rhine and has always

played an important part of the area’s

economy. The foothills of the stunning Vogues

moutains, popular in both summer and winter,

are in Bas-Rhine. The department is bordered by

Germany on two sides, the north and east, to

the south is Haut-Rhine and the south east the

department of Vogues which is in the region of

Lorraine. The Palatinate forest, an area of

exceptional beauty and part of the UNESCO-

designated Palatinate Forest-North Vosges

Biosphere Reserve lies just across the border in

Germany. The biosphere reserve is one of the

biggest forests in Europe.

Haut-Rhin, or the Upper Rhine, is smaller and

less populated than Bas-Rhin, like Bas-Rhine it

takes its name from the Rhine river that runs

along the eastern border. The centre of the

department has a large fertile plain, along the

eastern border are the Vogues Mountains.

Other borders are Switzerland to the east and

the Territoire de Belfort and Vosges

departments.

Alsace is famous for its wine primarily

producing white wines, and some rose it

produces some of the most noted dry Rieslings

in the world, internationally Alsace is known for

its highly aromatic Gewürztraminer wines.

Tourist Attractions

La Route des Vins: the Alsace wine trail.

The Route des Vins d'Alsace (Wine route of

Alsace) is an approximately 170 km long road,

crossing the main wine producing areas of the

region.

Highlight Towns on the Wine Trail.

Oberni: A walled town that is centred around

place de Marche the ancient market square.

There are a number of wine growers who have

cellars within walking distance from the town.

Dambach-la-Ville: Features 14th century pink

granite ramparts with ancient watch towers

and outstanding half timbered homes dating

from the before the 15th century. This village is

surrounded by vines and has a number of caves

(wine stores) to visit.

Selestat: The largest town between Strasbourg

and Colmar, Selestat is most famous for its

Biliotheque Humatiste (Humanist Library).

Eglise St-George is a stunning Gothic church

dating from the 13th century. A market, held

since 1435, runs every Tuesday around the

Romanesque church of Eglise St-Foy.

Bergheim: A delightful walled town with half

timbered houses bursting with geraniums and

flower beds. The centre was spared from

bombing in WWII and is dominated by an early

Gothic church from the 14th century. This town



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has a dark history with it being captured or sold

over 20 times, between 1582 and 1630 thirty five

women and one man were burnt at the stake

for witchcraft.

Ribeauville: attracts many tourists and is

perhaps one of the most visited towns on the

wine route. It is a stunning town nestled in a

valley and full of delightful 18th century over

hanging houses and winding narrow alleys. The

local grand crus are Kirchberg, Ribeauville and

Geisberg.

Hunawihr: A tiny hamlet surround by 14th

century walls with a fortified church standing

just outside the walls.

Riquewhir: Medieval Requewhir has 13th to 16th

century ramparts and a labyrinth of alley ways

to discover. The Tours des Voleurs, a tower in

the towns fortifications features a medieval

torture chamber and an old style wine growers

kitchen. The Sentier Viticole de Grand Crus

which is marked by yellow signs will take you to

the most prestigious local vineyards.

Kayserberg: A picture perfect town where you

will find the ornate renaissance Hotel de Ville

(town hall) and the red sandstone Eglise Ste

Croix and 12th – 15th century church. The houses

of the town vary; some are half timbered and

other show baroque influence. A fortified

bridge that was built in 1514 crossed the Weiss

River. Nearby Chateau de Kayserberg stans

surrounded by vines.

Haut-Koenigsburg Castle

Built in the 12th Century Chateau du Haut-

Koenigsbourg is located at Orschwiller in the

Vosges mountains near Sélestat. The castle

holds at a strategic location on a high hill

overlooking the Alsatian plain. The chateau held

a major strategic point in Alsace and was used

by consecutive rulers from the Middle Ages

until the Thirty Years' War. In 1633 during the

Thirty years war the Swedish army held it in

seige for 52 days, they then pillaged the town

and finally burnt to the ground, after this the

castle was abandoned. In 1900 it was restored

under the direction of Emperor Wilhelm II.

Neuf Brisach

Neuf-Brisach was founded in 1699 at Louis XIV's

order. Built to plans drawn up by famed military

engineer Vauban, it is now considered as

Vauban's masterpiece. Its architecture is unique

in Europe, and the town is listed as part of the

world Heritage by UNESCO.

Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace and the

official seat of the European Parliament along

with a number of important European

intuitions. The first traces of human occupation

go back 600,000 years with bronze age and iron

age artifacts have been discovered. The

Romans had a military outpost here from circa

11BC. Stasbourg has an historic centre called the

Grand Ile which is a UNESC world heritage site.

The Catherdral Notre-Dame which was built

between the 12 and 14th centuries is arguably

Strasbourgs grandest building and houses the

300 year old Astrometric Clock. Other notable

buildings are the baroque Opera House, Maison

Kammerzell from the 15th century and the Palais

des Rohan built in 1681 after the acquisition of

the town by the French.

Colmar was founded in the 9th century gone

between German and French Rule for centuries

not returning to French rule until after WW11.

Colmar historic city centre is remarkably well

preserved and features a number of half

wooden houses. The city architecture shows

both the French and German influences and

includes the12th century Église des Dominicains

which displays Martin Schongauer's



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masterwork La Vierge au buisson de roses as

well as 14th century stained glass windows and

baroque choir stalls.

Mulhouse. The first written records of

Mulhouse date to the 12th century, like Colmar

Mulhouse has been ruled by both Germany and

France over the centuries finally returning to

French rule after WW11 in 1945. Mulhouse is

famous for its museums especially the Cité de

and the Musée Français du Chemin de Fer

respectively the largest automobile and railway

museums in France.

Vosges Mountains run along the western side

of the Rhine Valley near the German border.

The mountains are a popular place for hiking,

mountain-bike trails, nature trails, skiing in the

winter.



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Aquitaine

Aquitaine is a beautiful region of inland woods, villages and

castles. Along its coast are famous seaside towns and surf

beaches.

Highlights

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is home to 362 historic monuments with some

buildings dating back to Roman times. Bordeaux has been

added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as an outstanding

urban and architectural ensemble.

Bordeaux Wine

Visit the famous wine houses of the Bordeaux wine growing

region. A highlight town is beautiful town of St Emilion set

right in the centre of the vineyards.

Dordogne Valley

The Dordogne Valley is also known as the Valley of the five

chateaux for the five imposing chateaux that sit in the valley.

The valley is also renowned for its well preserved towns and

villages the highlight being Sarlat.

Vezere Valley

The Vezere valley is home to the pre-historic caves and

grottes dated from when cro-magnon man lived around

20,000 to 40,000 years ago. There are many caves to explore

with the two most notable being include Lascaux II and Font

du Guame.

Sarlat

A stunning medieval town in the heart of Black Perigord

Sarlat has been beautifully preserved and is a delight to visit.

Atlantic Coast

A popular beach holiday destination, the coast around

Biarritz is known for its surfing.

Map

Departments

Dordogne 24

Gironde 33

Landes 40

Lot et Garonne 47

Pyrénées-Atlantiques 64

Quick Facts

Area Total 41,308 km2 Population

Total 3,150,000 Density 76/km2



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Aquitaine is in the south-western area of

metropolitan France, along the Atlantic Ocean

and the Pyrenees mountain range on the border

with Spain. In the Middle Ages Aquitaine was a

kingdom and a duchy, whose boundaries

changed frequently. The capital city of

Aquitaine is Bordeaux. Aquitaine has 250 km of

beautiful coast with sand beaches and great

surf spots. The coast from just north of Biarritz

to Hendaye Plage is famed for its surf; other

notable towns on this coast are Aracahron well

known for its oysters, Cap Ferret and the

ancient and historic town of Bayonne.

Inland from the coast is the magnificent Vézère

Valley which is home to the pre-historic caves

and grottes dated from when cro-magnon man

lived around 20,000 to 40,000 years ago. There

are many caves to explore with the two most

notable being include Lascaux II cave paintings,

listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO, and

Font du Gaume. This area is often referred to as

the cradle of humanity.

Aquitaine offer natural diversity with the

Pyrenees national park, the Landes of Gascony

which is the largest pine forest in Europe, and

the great estuaries of the Gironde were the

mouths of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers

meet.

Famous for its wine Aquitaine is the largest

region of fine wines in the world with over

145,000 hectares of vines. The Bordeaux wine

region has some of the greatest designation in

the world such as Médoc, St Emilion, Pomerol

and Sauternes. Lesser known Bergerac also

produces so very good wine.

Aquitaine is a dream region for food lovers.

Local specialty are as foie gras, oysters from the

Bay of Arcachon, aspargus from Landes,

Tomme cheese from the Pyrenees and chilli

Espelette peppers.

Visit

Sarlat is a medieval town that developed

around a large Benedictine abbey of Carolingian

origin. Sarlat has remained beautifully

preserved and is one of the town’s most

representative of 14th century France. The

centre of the old town consists of impeccably

restored stone buildings and is largely car-free.

Main sights are St Sacerdos Cathedral and the

lovely Place de la Liberte which is surrounded

by grand period homes. Don’t miss the famous

Sarlat market held every Saturday and

Wednesday morning.

The Dordogne Valley is named after the great

river Dordogne that runs through it and

roughly corresponds with the ancient county of

Périgord. In addition to its castles, chateaux,

churches, bastides and cave fortresses, the

Périgord region has a number of wonderful

preserved villages which still have their market

halls, dovecotes, tories (stone huts), churches,

abbeys and castles. Saint-Leon-sur-Vezere,

Connezac, Saint-Jean-de-Côle, La Roque-Gageac

and many others are real jewels of architecture.

Vezere Valley is home to pre-historic caves and

grottes that play a significant role in the history

of both the area and Cro-Magnon man - the first

early modern humans who lived 20,000 to

40,000 years ago. The first sample of Cro-

Magnon man was discovered in the town of Les

Eyzies - de Taynac (or just Les Eyzies) in the

heart of the Dordogne. There are hundreds of

caves and grottes across the Dordogne region,

the most important ones being Lascuax II and

Font du Guame. The Vezere Valley is named for

the Vezere River that runs through it.



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Agen is on the banks of the Garonne River. The

old centre of town contains a number of

medieval buildings including the twelfth century

Agen Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Caprasius

which is one of the few large churches in France

with a double nave. The Saint Hilaire church is

notable for the statues Moses and St Peter in

front of the left. The Musée des Beaux Arts,

Fine Art Museum, contains artefacts, furniture

and sculptures from prehistoric times onwards.

The art gallery contains several hundred works,

including several by Goya, and others by

Bonnard and Seurat. The Canal des Deux Mers,

which joins the Mediterranean with the

Atlantic, crosses the river Garonne at Agen via

the town's famous canal bridge.

Bayonne sits at the meeting point of the Nive

and Adour rivers. The area has been ruled by

the Romans, the Vikings and the English before

coming under French rule shortly after the 100

years war. The Nive river divides Bayonne into

two quarters, Grand Bayonne and Petit

Bayonne with both quarters still backed by

Vauban's walls. The houses lining the Nive are

examples of Basque architecture, with half-

timbering and shutters in the national colours

of red and green. The Cathédrale Sainte-Marie is

an imposing Gothic structure that was

constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Château Vieux, parts of which dates back to the

12th century, were where the governors of the

city were based, including the English Black

Prince.

Bergerac dates from medieval times and has an

interesting small old town and old Port, the

Vieux Port. The Covered Market is a lovely 19th

century building that has been restored. The

square of Place de la Mirpes is surrounded by

beautiful medieval half-timbered houses.

Recollets Convent is converted convent built

between the 12th and 17th centuries and used

by the Recollects order of Franciscans later it

was used as a Protestant temple. It is now the

Wine museum of Bergerac.

Wines of the Bergerac Region is situated on

both sides of the Dordogne River and covers

13.000 hectares across 93 villages. The blend

and the choice of the vine constitute the

Bergerac wine's prestige and bouquet.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot,

Malbec are used for the reds and Sauvignon,

Sémillon, Muscadelle for the whites.

Appellations: Bergerac AOC: dry white wines,

rosé wines and red wines. These are wines that

can be enjoyed young (from two years

old).Côtes de Bergerac AOC: mellow, soft red

wines that can be stored. They only reach their

prime after several years' storage in the wine

cellar. Montravel AOC: dry white wines and red

wines. Haut-Montravel AOC: sweet white

wines.Côtes de Montravel AOC: sweet white

wines.Monbazillac AOC: white dessert wines

that can be stored for a long time.

Pécharmant AOC: red wines. These are wines

suitable for medium-term storage.

Rosette AOC: sweet white wines. This

appellation, which is the smallest within the

wine-growing area, produces little-known wines

that are medium-sweet to sweet.

Saussignac AOC: white dessert wines that can

be stored medium to long-term.

Biarritz is a luxurious seaside town that is

popular with tourists and surfers that is on the

Bay of Biscay, on the French Atlantic coast In

the 12th century Biarritz was a whaling

settlement from the twelfth century onwards,



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and in the 18th century became a popular beach

for alleged cures for ailments.

Bordeaux on the Garonne River and is the

capital of the Aquitaine. Over the centuries the

Celts, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and the

Franks have all had influence on this area.

Bordeaux came under English rule when

Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henri Plantagenet

who became King Henry II of England. In the

16th century the city became the center of the

distribution of sugar and slaves from the West

Indies along with the traditional wine. In the

city was annexed to the Kingdom of France in

1653, when the army of Louis XIV entered the

city.

Bordeaux is classified a City of Art and History

and is home to 362 historic monuments with

some buildings dating back to roman times.

Bordeaux has been inscribed on UNESCO World

Heritage List as an outstanding urban and

architectural ensemble.

To See in Bordeaux

The grand cathedral Saint-André Cathedral was

consecrated by Pope Urban II in 1096. Of the

original Romanesque structure only a wall in the

nave remain. The Tour Pey-Berland which dates

to is a latge gothic tower annexed to the

cathedral. The Royal Gate is from the early 13th

century, while the rest of the construction is

mostly from the 14th–15th centuries.

Église Sainte-Croix (Church of the Holy Cross)

lies on the site of a 7th century abbey destroyed

by the Saracens (Arab Prirates). It was rebuilt by

the Carolingians and again destroyed by the

Normans in 845 and 864. It is annexed to a

Benedictine abbey founded in the 7th century,

and was built in the late 11th-early 12th

centuries. Place de la Bourse is a beautiful

square designed by Jacques Ange Gabriel for a

statue of Louis XV.

La Grosse Cloche is from the 15th century and

the second remaining gate of the ancient

medieval ramparts. It was the belfry of the old

Town Hall and consists of two 40 m-high

circular towers and a central bell tower.The

watch is from 1759.

Opera National de Bordeaux is an 18th building

century with stunning architecture and interior

design.

Bordeaux Wines is centred on the city of

Bordeaux and covers the whole area of the

Gironde department, with a total vineyard area

of over 120,000 hectares. 89% of wine produced

in Bordeaux is red with sweet white wines

(most notably Sauternes), dry whites, and also

(in much smaller quantities) rosé and sparkling

wines (Crémant de Bordeaux) making up the

remainder. Bordeaux wine is made by more

than 8,500 producers or Châteaux. There are 54

appellations of Bordeaux wine and the vast

majority of Bordeaux wine is red, with red wine

production outnumbering white wine

production six to one.The Bordeaux wine

region is divided into subregions including Saint-

Émilion, Pomerol, Médoc, and Graves. The 60

Bordeaux appellations and the wine styles they

represent are generally categorized into six

main families, four red based on the sub-regions

and two white based on sweetness.

St Emilion is a famous in the Bordeaux wine

growing area. The Romans planted vineyards in

the area in the 2nd century. The town was

named after the monk Emilion who settled in a

hermitage carved in the rock there in the 8th

century. The commercial wine production was

started by the monks who followed him to the

area. The town is a World Heritage site, with



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beautiful Romanesque churches and ruins

stretching all along steep and narrow streets.

Dax is famous as a spa, specialising in mud

treatment for rheumatism and similar ailments.

It was first established by the Romans, and its

reputation is supposed to date from a visit by

Julia, the daughter of the first Emperor

Octavian Augustus. In the Middle Ages, it was

administered by viscounts until 1177. With the

acquisition of Aquitaine by Henry II

Plantagenet, later King of England, Dax

remained under the English rule until 1451, when

it was conquered by the French troops before

the end of the Hundred Years' War. It

successfully withstood a Spanish siege in 1521-

1522. Later Dax kept its tradition as a renowned

spa site.

Pau is a fortified town from the 11th century

most noted for the Chateau de Pau which

dominates the centre of the town. Alphonse

de Lamartine was quoted as saying that: "Pau

has the world's most beautiful view of the

earth”

Périgueux is the capital of the Dordogne

department and dates back to the Gaul’s and

then the Romans. There is a lovely old town

centre with the most notable sites being the

amphitheatre, the remains of a temple to the

Gallic goddess Vesunna, a Roman villa the

Domus of Vesunna which is built around a

garden courtyard surrounded by a colonnades.

The cathedral of St Front was built after 1120 AD

and restored in the 19th century.



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Auvergne

Auvergne is a mountainous and very rural region in central

France which is known for its many extinct volcanoes.

Highlights

Le Puy en Velay

Home to the UNESCO listed Cathedrale Notre-Dame du Puy and

the Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe chapel which is perched high on a

rocky outcrop.

Vichy

Famous Spa town dating back to Roman times.

Romanesque Churches

There are a number of medieval churches scattered across the

region.

Chateaux

Dotted throughout the region are a number of historical

chateaux dating from times past.

Clermont Ferrand

The capital of the region Clermont Ferrand is built at the base of

a long extinct volcano and is one of the oldest cities in Europe.

Gourmet Delight

The Cantal region is famous for its cheeses; the best known is

Cantal which comes in three levels of maturity.

Map

Departments

Allier 03

Cantal 15

Haute-Loire 43

Puy-de-Dôme 63

Quick Facts



Density 52/km2



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Auvergne sits in southern central France and is

a mountainous region which contains many

volcanoes, although the last confirmed eruption

was around 6,000 years ago. Auvergne is one of

the least populated regions in Europe. The

capital of the region is Clermont Ferrand which

sits at the foot of an ancient volcano.

The Allier is a prosperous agricultural

department with wide valleys and gently rolling

hills. Vichy, in the south of the department, is a

stylish spa town famous for its mineral water.

The spas, famous for their beneficial qualities

were first used by the Romans 2000 years ago

and made famous by Louis XIV and then again in

the 19th century by Napoleon.

The Puy de Dome department is also known for

its mineral water especially Volvic which springs

from the mineral-rich volcanic rock that this

area is known for. At the centre of the Puy de

Dome fertile alluvial plain, known as la Limagne.

A large proportion of the Cantal department lies

at an altitude of over 800 metres with large

areas that are barren and treeless, such as the

wide rolling grasslands of the Cézallier. Farmers

graze cattle in mountain pastures in the

summer and the produce the wonderful Cantal

cheeses. At the centre of the Cantal department

lie the Monts du Cantal, a volcanic bulge in the

crust of southern central France.

The Haute Loire department is also mostly a

high land area, but it does lower lying areas

consisting of the upper valleys of the Allier and

Loire rivers. The capital of Haute Loire is the

small city of Le Puy-en-Velay which has an

amazing cathedral Cathédrale Notre-Dame du

Puy, which is one of the historic starting points

on the medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago

de Compostella. Another highlight is chapel

Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe built in 962 on a volcanic

formation 85 metres high. The chapel is reached

by 268 steps carved into the rock. It was built to

celebrate the return from the pilgrimage of

Saint James.

A very rural region, Auvergne is not

traditionally a major tourist destination. Apart

from the spa resorts of Vichy, Le Mont Dore and

Chatel Guyon, Auvergne traditionally had little

tourist infrastructure.

Tourist Attractions

Le Puy en Velay is home to the stunning

Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy, dating mainly

from the first half of the 12th century and an

UNESCO world heritage site. Also of interest is

the Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe chapel which is built

on a volcanic outcrop 85 metres high. The

chapel is reached by 268 steps carved into the

rock. It was built to celebrate the return from

the pilgrimage of Saint James.

Vichy, in the south of the department, is the

famous spa town famous for its mineral water.

The spas, famous for their beneficial qualities

were first used by the Romans 2000 years ago

and made famous by Louis XIV and then again in

the 19th century by Napoleon.

The Romanesque Churches of Auvergne The

region has a number of mediaeval churches, the

most well known are:

Notre Dame du Port in Clermont Ferrand

Eglise Saint Austremoine at Issoire

Notre Dame d'Orcival

Eglise de Saint Nectaire

Basilique Saint Julien Brioude

Abbey and cloisters at Lavaudieu

Chapelle Saint Michel de l'Aiguilhe Le Puy en

Velay

Clermont Ferrand is one of the oldest cities in

France and was first written about by the

ancient Greeks. It was the starting point of the



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First Crusades and later became a Royal City.

Now the city is most famous for its chain of

ancient volcanoes. Notable buildings are the

Notre-Dame du Port: a Romanesque church

built during the 11th and 12th centuries and a

World Heritage Site and the Clermont-Ferrand

Cathedral built in Gothic style between the 13th

and the 19th centuries. Clermont-Ferrand's

public square is Place de Jaude, on which stands

a grand statue of Vercingetorix who united the

Gaul’s to rise up against the Romans, sitting

grandly on a horse and holding a sword.



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Brittany

One of France's most rugged regions, Brittany is a spectacular

mix of spectacular coastline, ancient towns, islands and inland

woods.

Highlights

Mont St Michel

The famous Mont St-Michel is a Grand Cathedral rising from the

middle of the bay dating to 790. The Mont is on the border of

Brittany and Normandy and is one of the most visited tourist

destinations in France.

Saint Malo

Pretty Saint Malo is an ancient walled port city that sits on an

island with a grand chateau and 14th century ramparts.

Emerald Coast / Cote d'Emeraude

Dotted with seaside towns the Emerald coast is a favorite with

holidaying families.

The Parish Closes

Dating back to 1532 the parish Closes are symbols of the regions

Catholic and Celtic heritage.

Quimper

Famous for fine glazed pottery which has been produced here

since 17th century.

Carnac

A seaside resort Carnac is known for it remains from the

Neolithic period and is a popular family holiday destination.

Map

Departments

Cotes-d’Armour 22

Finistere 29

Ille-et-Viliane 35

Morbihan 56

Quick Facts





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Brittany is one of France's most rugged regions, it

is a wonderful mix of spectacular coastline, ancient

towns, islands and inland woods. It was Celtic a

Kingdom and then a duchy for more than one

thousand years before its annexation to France in

1532, it is a land rich in culture, tradition and history.

The name ‘Brittany’ comes from the Briotn who fled

to the area in the dark ages when fleeing the

invading Anglo-Saxons.

Whilst being quite small Brittany is a diverse region.

The south coast which facing the Bay of Biscay the

countryside is relatively flat. It has a number of

sandy beaches and quaint inlets such as along its

coast which were once fishing and commercial

centres but are now popular holiday destinations. In

contrast the North is rugged and rocky and faces the

North Atlantic and its sometimes violent weather.

Brittany is popular with holiday makers and has also

attracted many second home owners from Britain

and other parts of France.

An imposing granite ridge runs from east to west

across the region rising to Monts d'Arrée. Brittany

famous for its milk and butter and inland has gentle

rolling farmland. Brittany is also known for its cider,

beer and is where the crepe like Galette originated.

Brittany is quite different to the rest of France and

has its own language and Celtic cultural traditions.

The area celebrates it Celtic heritage in it folk music

and with Celtic festivals.

Tourist Attractions

Mont Saint Michel the sits on the border of Brittany

and Normandy is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage

Site. It is the most visited tourist site in France after

Paris. Built in 709 it stands on an outcrop of granite

rising from the middle of a bay. The buildings that

currently stand date from the 13th to the 16th

centuries, and include the gothic Benedictine Abbey,

the houses that went with it, and the defensive

fortifications.

The Mont once stood in the quicksands and moving

water courses making access to it difficult and

dangerous. In 1880 a causeway was built that now

carries tourists and pilgrims across the bay, the

construction of the causeway has led to a heavy

silting up of the area round Mont St Michel and

thebay has become farmland.

St Malo is a walled port city that sits on a granite

island. The historic old town was originally only

accessible by a long causeway. This changed in

modern times with the construction of the inner

harbours joining the citadel to the mainland. Saint

Malo is known for its castle, Chateau de St-Malo, the

13th c gothic cathedral of Saint Vincent, it is still

possible to walk around the 14th century ramparts

which overlook the sea.

Emerald Coast The Cote d'Emeraude is west of the

River Rance, and consists of the towns of St-Lunaire,

St-Briac-sur-Mer, St-Jacut-de-la-Mer, St-Cast-le-

Guildo, Fort la Latte, Cap Frehel. The coast is a

favorite for holidaying families as it has safe sandy

beaches.

The Parish Closes of St. Thegonnec, Guimiliau and

Lampaul-Guimiliaudate back to 1532 and are symbols

of Brittany's Catholic and Celtic heritage. Churches,

altarpieces and crosses are adorned with elves, gods

and fairies carved in wood and a tribute to the skilled

artisans that made them.

Quimper: Located in the heart of traditional Brittany

and flanked by the Odet and Steir rivers, Quimper is

famous for its faience ceramics which have been

produced by craftsmen since the 17th century. The

Gothic Cathedral of Saint Corentin has exceptional

15th century stained glass windows.

Carnac: The seaside resort of Carnac is famous for its

remains from the Neolithic period from around 4500

BC until 2000 BC. . Large standing stones erected by

tribes who inhabited the region before the arrival of

the Gauls called Menhirs. Carnac is also a very

popular seaside holiday destination.



17

Burgundy

Burgundy name has been made famous by the quality wines

produced in the area. The region has diverse countryside and

many interesting historical towns and villages.

Highlights

Semur-en-Brionnais

Built on the highest point of the promontory, the castle is

one of the oldest in Burgundy.

Noyers-sur-Serein

A beautiful medieval village in the Serein valley filled with

half timbered houses and medieval arcades.

Flavigny-sur-Ozerain

Flavigny-sur-Ozerain is a picturesque village that stands atop

its rocky spur. Construction of the walls commenced in the

8th century around the Benedictine abbey.

Dijon

Dijon's pedestrian streets snake between medieval houses,

churches and Renaissance townhouses. The place de la

Libération is arguably one of the most beautiful squares in

France.

Auxerre

Auxerre has pedestrianised streets and is grouped around the

Tour de l'Horloge. The town has examples of many different

architectural styles, medieval, Renaissance with the oldest areas

having such as La Marine having retained its narrow winding

streets and half-timbered houses.

Burgundy Wines

Burgundy is one of France's main wine producing areas with

reputation for top quality wines. It is well known for both its red

and white wines. Follow the Burgundy wine trail from Auxerre in

the north to Mâcon in the south.

Map

Departments

Côte-d'Or 21

Nièvre 58

Saône-et-Loire 71

Yonne 89

Quick Facts



Density 52/km2



18

Burgundy was inhabited in turn by Celts,

Romans and in the 4th century, the Roman

allies the Burgundians, a Germanic people

possibly originating from the Baltic Sea,

who settled there and established their

own kingdom. During the Middle Ages,

Burgundy was the seat of some of the

most important Western churches and

monasteries, among them Cluny, Cîteaux,

and Vézelay. During the 100 years war the

region passed to Philip the Bold and it

finally was annexed by France in 1477.

The landscape of Burgundy is diverse

ranging from flat valleys, wooded hills

through to the foothills of the Jura. In the

north is department of the Yonne which is

a agricultural area of rolling hills and is

outer fringes of Ille-de-France. Nièvre to

the west is a hilly department that includes

the highest peak of the Morvan hills, Le

Haut Folin at 903 m and a considerable

section of the Morvan regional nature

park. The Côte-d'Or surrounding Dijon has

hills in the north west and is flat in the

south east. The Saône & Loire in the south

of the region stretches from the banks of

the Loire in the west to the foothills of the

Jura in the east and includes part of the

Saône valley.

Burgundy is one of France's main wine

producing areas. It is well known for both

its red and white wines, mostly made from

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes,

respectively, although other grape

varieties can be found, including Gamay,

Aligote, Pinot Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc.

The region is divided into the Côte-d'Or,

where the most expensive and prized

Burgundies are found, and Beaujolais,

Chablis, the Côte Chalonnaise and Mâcon.

The reputation and quality of the top

wines, together with the fact that they are

often produced in small quantities, has led

to high demand and high prices, with some

Burgundies ranking among the most

expensive wines in the world.

Semur-en-Brionnais - From the 10th to 14th

centuries the Brionnais was controlled by

the powerful dynasty of the Barons of

Semur. Built on the highest point of the

promontory, their castle is one of the

oldest in Burgundy. In the 11th century,

Hugues de Semur (1024-1109) founded

Cluny abbey, whose influence was to

spread throughout Christian Europe.

During the middle ages Semur-en-Brionnais

enjoyed prosperity and security. This

relative calm meant that many

Romanesque churches and medieval

buildings have been preserved. Classed as

one of the loveliest villages in France, this

former capital of the Brionnais is the ideal

destination for heritage enthusiasts.

Noyers-sur-Serein – A beautiful medieval

village in the Serein valley in the north of

the Avallonnais. Noyers-sur-Serein has

superb half-timbered houses, carved

pilasters, soaring wisteria and medieval

arcades. From the 13th century the castle

at Noyers-sur-Serein was one of the

strongest bastions in the kingdom and was

held by the De Noyers family. After this

family died out, Noyers-sur-Serein became

a Huguenot stronghold and flourished

again under the rule of the Dukes of

Luynes.

Despite its turbulent history Noyers-sur-

Serein has always been a wine-growing

village with many cellar doors that open

directly onto the street. In autumn, the

famous Burgundy truffle market is held in

Noyers-sur-Serein.

Flavigny-sur-Ozerain is a picturesque

village that stands atop its rocky spur.

Construction of the walls commenced in



19

the 8th century around the Benedictine

abbey. It is said that Julius Caesar set up

one of his military camps on the hill before

defeating the Gallic army at Alésia. In 1590

king Henri IV established a parliament at

here to counter hostility in the assembly at

Dijon.

The narrow streets of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain

meander past stunning and ancient

Medieval and Renaissance houses. In the

Abbey of Saint Pierrea recent

archaeological exploration has uncovered a

hexagonal chapel and ambulatory in an

extension to the Sainte-Reine crypt. You

can also walk around ramparts which

offers wonderful views of the Auxois hills.

In the abbey the famous Anis de Flavigny

sweets are made and it enjoys Site

Remarquable du Goût status. The recipe

for the sweets has not changed since the

16th century

Dijon. In Roman times Dijon was a

crossroads between northern Europe and

the Mediterranean. In the 14th century it

was here that the Valois Dukes of

Burgundy founded one of the most brilliant

courts in Europe. Dijon then became seat

of the order of the Golden Fleece. From the

Renaissance, the townhouses of Nobles of

the Robe reshaped this “city of a hundred

towers”.

Dijon's pedestrian streets snake between

medieval houses, churches and

Renaissance townhouses. The place de la

Libération is arguably one of the most

beautiful squares in France.

Housed in the former Palace of the Dukes

and States of Burgundy is the Fine Art

Museum. Flemish paintings are displayed

alongside 19th century sculpture and

decorative arts. The modern art collection

is worth seeing.

At the Charterhouse in Champmol, the

“Puits de Moïse" is a fine example of the

splendors of medieval Burgundian

sculpture.

The Halles de Dijon (covered market) was

built in 1868 by the Eiffel Company.

Chalon-sur-Saône. The birthplace of

Nicéphore Niepce, a French inventor, most

noted as one of the inventors of

photography and a pioneer in the field

noted for producing the world's first

known photograph in 1825. The town also

has an important river port which gave rise

to large-scale regional trade. As the town

sat at the meeting point of Roman roads

and many inland waterways, Chalon-sur-

Saône was a trading centre of European

importance in the Middle Ages. In the 19th

century the creation of the canal de

Bourgogne and the canal du Rhône au Rhin

expansion of river trade.

Autun was a key staging post on the route

from Lyon to Boulogne-sur-Mer and

flourished under the influence of Emperor

Augustus. In the Middles Ages Autun

enjoyed a significant spiritual and

economic boom. Autun has retained many

exceptional monuments from the Gallo-

Roman period. Its amphitheatre with

20,000 seats was the largest in the Roman

world. The temple of Janus is another

superb testament of that era.

In the 12th century the Romanesque

cathedral of Saint Lazarus was built along

with a number of townhouses.

Auxerre has a very ancient history being

involved in river trade from the 1st century.

In the Middle Ages increasing numbers of

pilgrims came to worship the relics of

Bishop Saint Germain. The cathedral of St

Etienne was built on the foundations of

several Gallo-Roman building and the crypt



20

of the Abbey of Saint Germain is adorned

with some of the oldest wall paintings in

France.

Near the marina is the departure point for

the canal du Nivernais with its 116 locks.

Two of Auxerre's oldest districts are close

to the marina.

The old town of Auxerre has

pedestrianized streets and is grouped

around the Tour de l'Horloge. The town

has examples of many different

architectural styles, medieval, Renaissance

with the oldest areas having such as La

Marine having retained its narrow winding

streets and half-timbered houses.



21

Centre

With elegant Chateaux, rolling lands covered with

vines, ancient cities and quaint villages the Centre

region is a treasure trove to explore.

Orleans

Orleans is the regional capital and an historic city on

the banks of the Loire.

Tours

The largest city in the region, Tours boasts an

appealing historic centre with old half-timbered

houses, St Gatien's Cathedral and the Chateau de

Tours.

Chartres

A stunning ancient town with the beautiful UNESCO

listed Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres.

Chateaux

There are over 300 beautiful chateaux in the Loire

Valley. The most popular are;

Chateau Chambord

Chateau Chenonceau

Chateau du Blois

Chateau de Cheverny

Chateau d’Azay-le Rideau

Wine

Famous for its wines the Loire produces mainly white

wines but also some reds. The wine region stretches

from Saumur to the vineyards of the Touraine by Le

Mans, from Nantes to the Vendee.

Map

Departments

Cher 18 Eure-et-Loire 28

Indre 36 Loiret 45

Loir-et-Cher 41 Indre-et-Loire 37

Quick Facts



Density 65/km2



22

The Centre region of France is not a

historic province however it is the heart of

historic France as it is the area between the

Paris region and the Loire valley that was

for many centuries the centre of the

kingdom of France.

To the north of the region is the area la

Beauce one of the breadbaskets of France.

This area is a major wheat growing area.

Chartres the main city of the area is famous

for its wonderful cathedral the Cathédrale

Notre-Dame de Chartres which is a superb

example of early gothic cathedrals.

The middle of this region is characterised

by the low-lying valleys of the river Loire

and its tributaries. This area was popular

with the kings of France and their dukes in

the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and is

thick with magnificent châteaux. The most

famous are those that are in the area

known as Chateaux de la Loire such as

Chambord, Azay-le-Rideau, Blois or

Chenonceaux. Between Orleans, Blois and

Vierzon lies a large area of forest and

grassland known as La Sologne, this area

was once the preferred hunting grounds of

the nobility, and today popular with

hunters, nature-lovers and hikers. The Loire

valley is also has a number of vineyards,

producing mainly white wines, including

the sparkling whites of Touraine and

Vouvray.

In the south and south-east, covering the

departments of the Cher and the Indre, the

Centre region rises towards the hills of

Limousin and Auvergne; this area, known

as le Berry, is agricultural. To the south-

west of the town of Chateauroux lies an

area known as La Brenne, one of the most

important wetlands in France.

Wines of the Loire

The Loire Valley, famous for its wines, has

87 appellations under the Appellation

d'origine contrôlée (AOC), Vin Délimité de

Qualité Superieure (VDQS) and Vin de pays

systems. While the majority of production

is white wine from the Chenin blanc,

Sauvignon blanc and Melon de Bourgogne

grapes, there are some red wines made

from Cabernet franc. In addition to still

wines, rosé, sparkling and dessert wines

are also produced in the area.

The Loire Valley has 185,000 acres / 750

km2 planted under vine and is about two-

thirds the size of the Bordeaux wine

region. The location and marginal climate

of the area impacts the overall quality of a

vintage greatly, more so than with other

French wine regions.

Cycling the back roads and trails that

wander through the vine yards is a popular

way to explore the area.

Things to See

Orleans is the Regional capital and was an

important city before the Romans came to

the area. It was here that Jeanne d’Arc

(Joan of Arc) rallied the armies of Charles

VII which was a key turning point of the 100

years war. Significant buildings are the

Cathederal Ste-Croix, a gothic cathedral,

Hotel Groslot now a private museum and

the Musee d’Beaux-Arts.

Blois: An ancient historic town that was

first mentioned in the 6th century Blois sits

on the northern bank of the Loire, with a

magnificent Renaissance castle Chateau de

Blois.

Tours is largest city in the region, Tours

boasts an appealing historic centre with

old half-timbered houses, St Gatien's

cathedral, and Chateau de Tours.



23

The River Loire is one of Europe's great

rivers. The river, excellent for fishing, is

bordered by many attractive small towns,

and the flat land is good for cycling. There

are also many vineyards in the area of

Tours.

Bourges was the capital of Aquitaine

during Roman times and is home of the

UNESCO listed gothic Cathédrale Saint-

Étienne de Bourges and the Jacques Coeur

Palace.

Chartres is best known for the Cathedral of

Chartres Cathédrale Notre-Dame de

Chartres widely considered to be the finest

Gothic cathedral in France. It is included on

the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Its

construction started in 1205, following the

destruction of the old cathedral of

Chartres. Construction took 66 years.

Gargilesse is one of France nominated

beautiful villages this pretty village sits

near the near the meeting of the Gargilesse

stream and the river Creuse.

Chateaux of the Loire

There are over 300 Chateaux in the Loire

Valley that were built mainly in the 17th and

18th century for French Royalty and

Nobility. Unlike the defensive fortified

chateaux in other parts of France, the

chateaux of the Loire, built in safer times,

are fairytale castles of architectural

elegance.

Here are some of the highlights;

Chateau Chambord is simply breathtaking

and a stunning example of renaissance

architecture, construction started 1519 at

the order of Francois 1 and was completed

30 years later. Ironically Francois 1 only

stayed in the chateau for 42 days during his

entire reign finding it too drafty. The

chateau features a double helix staircase

designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Chateau Chenonceau spans the Cher River

with graceful arches and is one of the Loire

Valleys loviest chateau. Legend is that the

Grand Gallery was used by refugees escaping

the Nazi occupation.

Chateau du Blois has three different types

of architecture that comprise the castle

and the rooms are representative of the

time periods so the interior tour can take a

while.

Chateau de Cheverny is a lovely example of

French classical architecture and has

survived the passing centuries with little or

no alterations while being merticulously

maintained. The chateau was the

inspiration for Marlinspike Hall in the Tintin

comics.

Chateau d’Azay-le Rideau is on an island in

the middle of the Indre River. The chateau

features both French and Italian style

architecture and was built between 1518

and 1527. Corner turrets, a walking path

around the external wall, and the water

surrounding the chateau give it a medieval

or fairytale castle feeling.



24

Champagne-Ardenne

In far northern France this region is most famous for its

sparkling wine, follow the champagne trail and along the

way visit historic chateau and quaint villages.

Highlights

Reims

The capital of the region and home of the UNESCO listed

Notre-Dame de Reims where the Kings of France were

once crowned.

Epernay

Epernay is in the heart of champagne country and the

home of the most famous champagne producers. Wander

down Avenue de Champagne and visit some of the great

champagne houses.

Langres

A lovely hilltop town often referred to as the Carcassone

of the North.

Chateau Chaumont

Chateau Chaumont was built in the 10th century and held

an important strategic position. The Basilica is home to

straight Tomb dated 1471 that comprises eleven

characters. The village of Chaumont-sur-Loire surrounds

the chateau.

Troyes

Troyes is a 16th century town situated on the Seine River.

In the town is a lovely 13th century gothic cathedral, the

Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral which has stunning

stained glass.

Château-de Sedan

A grand medieval fortress said to be the biggest ancient

fortress in Europe.

Map

Departments

Ardennes 08

Aube 10

Marne 51

Haute – Marne 52

Quick Facts



Density 52/km2



25

Champagne-Ardenne is one of the most

famous provinces of France dating back to

the times of the Emperor Charlemagne in

the ninth century. Today word Champagne

is known worldwide due to its sparkling

wine.

The Champagne-Ardenne region consists

of four departments and the region is

bordered by Belgium in the north, by

Lorraine in the east, by Franche-Comté and

Burgundy in the south, and by the Paris

region and Picardy in the west.

Ardennes is a wooded and hilly region

named after the Ardennes Mountain range

part of which lies in the department, the

Meuse River runs through this department.

Ardennes is bordered by Belgium to the

north is Belgium, Aisne to the west, Marne

to the south and Meuse to the east. This

area saw a great deal of fighting in both

WWI and WWII with the most notable

battles being the Battle of the Ardennes

and the Battle of the Bulge.

The Aube is bordered by the departments

of Marne and Haute-Marne in Champagne-

Ardenne Region, Côte-d'Or and Yonne in

the Burgundy Region , and Seine-et-Marne

in Ille-de-France. The Aube has chalky soil

and an undulating plain, which makes the

department ideal for vines that are used to

produce champagne for which the region is

famous for.

The Marne is surrounded by the

departments of Ardennes, Meuse, Haute-

Marne, Aube, Seine-et-Marne, and Aisne. In

the east is the chalk plain so suited to

vineyards and wine growing and in the

west it is wooded and hilly. The Marne is

home to the capital of the Champagne-

Ardenne region Reims and the famous

champagne town of Epernay.

Haute-Marne is named for the Marne River

which runs through it, it is bordered by the

French departments of Meuse, Marne,

Haute-Saône, Côte-d'Or Vosges, and Aube.

The central part of Champagne is an

important agricultural area, with cereal

production, along with production of

vegetables and sugar beet.

Champagne region is not a particularly big

tourist destination. It is popular with

second home buyers mainly from Paris,

Belgium and Holland due to the rural

aspect, easy accessibility and low

population. The major city Reims is

dominated by the 13th century Notre-Dame

de Reims cathedral which is one of the

great gothic cathedrals of northern France,

and a UNESCO world heritage site. Reims is

also home to some of the major

Champagne producers, such as Taittinger,

and cellar tours are available.

In 2006, 308 communes throughout

Champagne-Ardenne were awarded the

“Villes et Villages Fleuris” label. The region

is ranked first in France for its flower

arrangements in towns and cities.

Of these communes, 13 are classified with

“4 fleurs”, and 3 have won a “Grand Prix”.

Epernay is the heart of champagne country

and is home of the most famous

champagne producers, including Moët &

Chandon and Perrier-Jouët. Avenue de

Champagne has many shops of leading

Champagne manufacturers. Close to

Epernay are Château de Pierry an 18th

century chateau and now a reception

centre, Château de Montmort a stunning

Renaissance chateau and park open to the

public and Château de Condé a private

estate that is open to the public dating

from the 17th century.

Langres is a hill top town sometimes

referred to as the Carcassonne of the

North and has been a fortified city since



26

Roman times. In the old town is a notable

collection of historic buildings, enclosed

within 3.6 kilometres of ramparts dating

from the 13th and 17th centuries.

Charleville Mézières is the capital of the

Ardennes department and the birthplace

of the poet Arthur Rimbaud. In the Ducal

Palace is a museum dedicated to him.

There is an interesting old town.

Colombey les Deux Eglises is a small village

which was the home of General Charles de

Gaulle, who is buried there.

Reims plays an important part in French

history as it was once where the kings of

France were crowned. Coronations took

place in the Notre-Dame de Reims which is

now a UNESCO World Hertitage site. The

town also has a number of other

interesting sites such as the Basilique St.

Rémi dating from the 11th century, Porte de

Mars a Roman triumphal arch, and the 17th

century Hotel de Ville. The town also plays

an important role in the champagne

industry.

Lac du Der is the biggest reservoir in

Europe (48km²) and is an important area

on the migration routes of water birds. The

annual visits of flocks of cranes draw

birdwatchers from all over Europe. It is also

a popular water sport destination.

Château-de Sedan in Sedan is a grand

medieval fortress said to be the biggest

ancient fortress in Europe. It started its life

as a manor house in the 1400s and over

time was added to, becoming the huge

fortified castle it now is.

Troyes is situated on the Seine River with a

lovely 13th century gothic cathedral with

stained glass. Many half-timbered houses

from the 16th century survive in the old

town. The town has a number of historical

sites including the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul

Cathedral, a number of grand homes and

the beautiful Hotel de Ville.

Chaumont: The town of Chaumont was

built in the 10th century around a chateau

and enjoys a strategic position on the steep

spur overlooking the Suize and Marne

valley, it is surrounded by woods. The 16th

century church, the Chaumont Basilica,

contains an extraordinary masterpiece, a

superb straight Tomb dated 1471 that

comprises eleven characters in multi

coloured stone. The town also has a

viaduct built in the 18oos and gives superb

views across the valley. It was in Chaumont

that an offensive treaty against Napoleon I

signed by the United Kingdom, Austria,

Prussia, and Russia in 1814.



27

Franche-Comte

Franche-Comte is a green haven in the far north-east of France. Popular in the winter for skiing and the summer for hiking and camping Franche-Comte is alos know for its famous Vin Jaune, cheeses and smoked sausage.

Highlights

Bresancon Besancon is dated back to 58BC and has one of the most beautiful historic centres of any major town in France. The old Vauban citadel is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Arbois Arbois is a small town that is centred around an arcaded square in the heart of the Jura wine growing area. This delighful town has some interesting historical buildings.

Château-Chalon The birthplace of the famous Vin Jaune made from late harvest grapes the chateau has views over the vineyards from the top of the cliff on which it is perched.

Buame – les Messiers Lovely Buame-Les-Messiers is a tiny town in the Jura surrounded by limestone cliffs with an interesting ancient abbey dominating the town. Nearby are Grottes de Buames.

Vin Jaune Sample the yellow wine exclusive to this are or attend the Percée du Vin Jaune (Opening of the Yellow Wine) which each February is held to celebrate the first opening of the new vintage.

Map

Departments

Doubs 25

Haute-Soane 70

Jura 39

Territorie-de-Belfort 90

Quick Facts

Area 16,202 km2


Density 72/km2



28

Franche-Comté is on the far eastern side of

France and shares a border with

Switzerland. The region has been inhabited

since the Paleolithic age and was occupied

by the Gauls later coming under the rule of

Burgundy, it was incorporated into France

in 1477. The capital of Franche-Comté is

Besançon, a historic city beneath its

ancient citadel in a loop formed by the river

Doubs.

The region consists of four departments;

Haute Saone is in the north is mainly an

agricultural area with small towns and

villages, low hills and valleys escalating into

the foothills of the Vosges Mountains to

the east. Doubs lies in the centre of the

region and consisting of high table lands

and hilly ridges. In the south of the region

the department of the Jura covers part of

the broad flat Saône valley, plus the central

part of the Jura Mountains. The smallest of

all French departments lies in the north,

Territorie-de-Belfort which for centuries

was the French-speaking part of Alsace.

This department is quite industrialised, and

is the home of the Peugeot car group.

The Franche-Comté almost always remains

green when the rest of France is dry during

long hot summers. In the Haut Doubs and

Haut Jura area along the Swiss border is

great area for camping hiking and

mountain biking as the meadows remain

green and full of flowers. In winter the area

is great nordic and downhill skiing, Franche

Comté has two popular resorts.

Franch-Comte is famous for its agricultural

products, notably the famous "Comté"

cheese, very similar to Swiss Gruyère, and

smoked sausages. It is France's watch

making area, home of France's optical

glasses and spectacle industry, and the

town of St Claude in the Jura is famous for

its pipes. In the north of the region, the

area around the towns of Montbéliard and

Belfort is the home of the car maker

Peugeot, which has a major factory at

Sochaux. In the Jura a special aperitif wine

called Vin Jaune is produced.

Jura Buame – les Messiers is a tiny village

almost surrounded by limestone cliffs

about 200m high. The River Seille has its

source within the Reculée and flows

through the village. The village is

dominated by the former Baume Abbey

which is known for it beautiful framed

Alter.

Besançon is dated back to 58BC and has

one of the most beautiful historic centers

of any major town in France. The old

Vauban citadel is a UNESCO world heritage

site, and the town also features a 2nd

century Roman triumphal arch, the St.

Jean's cathedral with a massive Virgin and

Saints altarpiece by the Italian Renaissance

painter Fra Bartolomeo plus the, Musée

des Beaux Arts, and the Palais Granvelle.

The town was a stronghold fortified by the

great military architect Vauban in the 17th

century, and classed as a UNESCO world

heritage site in 2008. Besançon is one of

the hidden jewels of France composing of

old stone-built houses, with a selection of

18th century town residences. The town

has the oldest public art gallery in France,

with an impressive collection of old

masters and 19th century French art,

including works by Cranach, Titian, Bellini,

Rembrandt, Rubens, Zurbaran, Goya,

Fragonard, Courbet, Bonnard, Renoir,

Matisse and many more.

Arc et Senans Saline Royale (Royal

Saltworks) is an 18th century building that

produced salt by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux

and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Chateau de Joux is an imposing fortified

castle that commands the mountain pass



29

Cluse de Pontarlier. Over the centuries it

passed into the hands of Burgundy, and

then the Hapsburgs and the Spanish. It was

finally regained for France in 1687 by Louis

XIV. The chateau was modernised by

Vauban in 1690 and then again in 1879

where it was turned from a castle into a

fort. In later years it served as a prison and

now houses a museum.

Arbois is a small town that is centred

around an arcaded square in the heart of

the Jura wine growing area. In the town

you will find the Tour Gloriette that was

built in the 13th century, Château Pécauld,

dating to the twelfth and fourteenth

centuries, and which once belonged to the

Dukes of Burgundy and now houses a small

museum dedicated to wine growing and

production, Saint Just church and the

Pasteur Museum.

Château-Chalon is the birthplace of the

famous Vin Jaune (literally yellow wine)

made from late harvest grapes the chateau

has views over the vineyards from the top

of the cliff on which it is perched. The

village grew up around the castle and gets

its name from and the Benedictine abbey,

but all that remains of these are the keep

and the Romanesque church of Saint

Pierre.

The chapel of Notre Dame du Haut in

Ronchamp was completed in 1954 and is

one of the finest examples of the

architecture of Franco-Swiss architect Le

Corbusier and one of the most important

examples of twentieth-century religious

architecture.

Ballon d'Alsace is a mountain on the

borders of Alsace, Lorraine, and Franche-

Comté. From its top, views include the

Vosges, the Rhine valley, and the Black

Forest.

Vin Jaune is a special white wine made in

the Jura. It is similar to dry fino Sherry

however unlike sherry it is not a fortified

wine. It gets its character from being

matured in a barrel under a film of yeast,

known as the voile, on the wine's surface.

The wine is made from the late harvest

Savagnin grape. On the first week end in

February the La Percée du Vin Jaune

(Opening of the Yellow Wine is held to

celebrate the first opening of the new

vintage. It is held in a different village each

year.



30

Ile-de-France

Ile-de-France is home to Paris, one of the most

famous and most romanticised cities in the world.

Paris has so much to offer and to see, venture outside

the bustle of Paris you will find a rural region with

pasture land, woods and villages.

Highlights

Eiffel Tower - Paris

Built in 1889 for a world trade fair this tower has

become the icon symbol of Paris. Ride to the top for a

stunning view of the city.

Notre Dame Cathedral - Paris

Standing grandly on an isle in the Seine, the Notre

Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic

architecture complete with ornate carvings and

gargoyles.

Arc de Triomphe - Paris

Commission by Napolean Bonaparte the Arc de

Triomphe honours those who fought and died for

France in the French Revolutionary and the

Napoleonic Wars. Beneath its vault lies the tomb of

the unknown soldier from WWI.

Lourve

The Lourve is possibly the best known museum in the

world and has a diverse collection ranging from the

Antiquity up to the mid 19th century with over

35,000 works of art on display.

Palace of Versaille

The Palace of Versaille is a stunning palace

surrounded by formal gardens 20 kms from Paris.

Map

Departments

Essonne 91 Haute-de-Seine 92

Paris 75 Seine-et-Marne 77

Seine-Saint-Denis 93 Val-de-Marne 94

Val d”Oise 95 Yvelines 78

Quick Facts

Area: 12 072 km2

Population: Approx.11 028 000

Density: 980/km2



31

Ile-de-France is the most populated region

of France with over 11 million people

residing in it; it is also the wealthiest region.

Paris one of the most famous cities in the

world is the capital of the region. It is a

historical province of France being the one

at the centre of power during most of

French history. Today the borders the

borders are not exactly as they were

historically.

Essonne shares borders with the

departments of Hauts-de-Seine and Val-de-

Marne to the north, Seine-et-Marne to the

east, Loiret to the south, Eure-et-Loir and

Yvelines to the west. All of northern

Essonne belongs to the greater Paris area

and is very urbanized. The south remains

rural.

Hauts-de-Seine and two other small

departments, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-

Marne, surround Paris and are known as

the Little Crown or Petite Couronne. These

three departments are small and highly

populated.

The department of Seine-et-Marne covers

nearly half of the land area of Ile-de-France.

It is bordered by Aisne and Oise to the

North, Val-d'Oise, Loiret and Yonne to the

South, Aube and Marne to the East, and

Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, Essonne to

the West. The department has many natural

reserves, notably Brie and Gâtinais.

Val d’Oise gets its name from the Oise

River, a major tributary of the Seine, which

crosses the region.

Yvelines is bordered by the departments of

Val-d'Oise on the north, Hauts-de-Seine on

the east, Essonne on the southeast, Eure-et-

Loir on the southwest, and Eure on the

west. The eastern and northern parts of the

department are part of the Paris

metropolitan area, but the rest of the

department is rural, much of it covered by

the Forest of Rambouillet.

The city of Paris has a great many incredible

sites and ‘the best’ is always subjective

however here are the most popular.

Eiffel Tower. The icon symbol of Paris or

even France the Eiffel tower, named after

its builder Gustave Eiffel was built in 1889

for a world trade fair. One can travel to the

top of the Eiffel tower to take in a stunning

view of Paris.

Notre Dame Cathedral. This stunning

example of Gothic Architecture sits on an

island in the Seine River, the Île de la Cité. It

was begun in 1163 and finished in 1345 and

features flying buttresses, portals

surrounded by ornate carvings and

gargoyles on the roof. You can climb 87

steps to the top of the towers for a

panoramic view of the area and a close up

view of the gargoyles.

Avenue des Champs Elysees & Arc de

Triomphe. Arguably the most famous street

in the world the Champs Elysees extends

1.9 km from the Jardin de Tuileries to the

Arc de Triomphe and includes the Place de

la Concorde. Originally market gardens it

was extended to the Tuileries by Marie de

Medici in 1616 and then transformed by



32

André Le Nôtre in 1667 by order of Louis

XIV. By the late 18th century the avenue had

become very fashionable. The avenue has

been the scene of a number of historic

military marches the most notable being

the infamous march of German troops

celebrating the Fall of France of on 14 June

1940, and the two most famous were the

marches of Free French and American

forces after the liberation of the city in

August 1944.

The Arc de Triomphe sits at the western

end of the Champs Elysees and honours

those who fought and died for France in the

French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic

Wars, with the names of all French victories

and generals inscribed on its inner and

outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World

War I. It was commissioned in 1806 after

the victory at Austerlitz by Napoleon at the

peak of his power and completed in 1836.

The arch stands 164 feet tall and the

viewing platform can be accessed via an

underground passage and then 284 steps or

a lift.

The Louvre Place sits on the Right Bank of

the Seine and was once a royal palace. The

building dates back to medieval times, its

present structure has evolved in stages

since the 16th century. It was the seat

government in France until it was moved to

Versailles by Louis XIV in 1682. The Louvre

remained the formal seat of government

until the end of the Ancien Régime in 1789.

Since then it has housed the Musée du

Louvre which has a collection of over 1

million works of art, of which about 35 000

are on display, spread out over three wings.

The museum has a diverse collection

ranging from the Antiquity up to the mid

19th century. Some of the most famous

works of art in the museum are the Venus

of Milo, the Nike of Samothrake, the Dying

Slave by Michelangelo and, Leonardo da

Vinci's Mona Lisa.

Outside Paris

The Palace of Versaille is a stunning palace

surrounded by formal gardens 20 kms from

Paris. Originally built as a hunting lodge by

Louis XIII Versaille it was expanded by Louis

XIV to become one of the largest palaces in

the world. The royal court and government

was moved here in 1862. Louis XV and XVI

continued to expand and develop the

buildings and grounds which included the

gardens. When abandoned by the royal

family during the French Revolution the

much of the furniture and art was sold by

the government with only items of artistic

of intellectual significance being spared.

Versailles is now a museum of major

importance in France and one of the most

visited tourist destinations in France.

Châteaufort is a small town south west of

Paris most notable for with its three 12th

century fortified castles.



33

Languedoc-Roussillon

Languedoc – Roussillon is a diverse region stretching

from the peaks of the Pyrenees, along the coast of

the Med to the inland foothills of the Massif and

stunning Tarn Gorges. A major wine growing region

this delightful region has something for everyone.

Highlights

Carcassonne

The Cité de Carcassonne is an ancient town with a

fairy like Cinderella castle that was added to the

UNESCO world heritage list in 1997.

Nimes

A wonderful historic city with a number of Roman

sights the most famous being the Les Arènes the

best preserved Roman amphitheatre in existence.

Tarn Gorge

The Tarn Gorges are among the deepest gorges to

be found anywhere in Europe. The gorge is

stunningly and a road winds through it with a

number of camping spots along the way.

Cathar Country

The Cathar country is dominated by a collection of

medieval fortified castles usually high on rocky

outcrops guarding over this once turbulent frontier

region.

Wine

Visit the Languedoc-Roussillon wine growing region

which has been an important winemaking centre for

several centuries. It is reputed as being the largest

wine producer in the world.

Map

Departments

Aude 11 Gard 11

Herault 34 Loreze 48

Pyrenees-Orientales 66

Quick Facts



Density 94/km2



34

Languedoc-Roussillon covers a large part of

southern France stretching from the Pyrenees

Mountains along the Mediterranean and inland.

The capital of Languedoc-Roussillon is the city

of Montpellier, a thriving modern city in the

Hérault department which has a lovely historic

centre; other major cities in the region are

Nimes, Narbonne, Sete and Perpignan.

Languedoc has a large coastal plain which until

it was drained in the mid 1900’s was swampy

and plagued with malarial mosquitoes. This is a

major reason is why tourism did not develop

here in the 19th century as it did on the coast

further east.

Now the coast of Languedoc is has long sandy

beaches, often with both quiet beaches and

modern resorts such as Cap d'Agde, Palavas, or

Narbonne Plage. The fertile coastal plain is

home to agriculture, vineyards and fruit and

vegetables. Languedoc is one of France's major,

and largest wine-growing areas.

Inland the landscape changes again becoming a

drier area with arid rocky Mediteranean hills

with scrub, scented bushes and occasional

fields. Further inland, the valleys of the

Cevennes are more wooded and rural leading to

the Cevennes hills, the southeastern peaks of

the Massif Central.

The Pyrenees form a natural land barrier

between France and Spain and are a stunning

range of high mountains. The coastline where

they meet the sea is unlike the rest of the

Languedoc coast, and is has old coastal villages

such as Banyuls and Collioure, famous for its

anchovies along with rocky cliffs and small

coves.

The Tarn Gorges are dramatic gorges running

from Le Rozierto Quézac, and follow the course

of the Tarn River for 50 kilometres. The Tarn

Gorges are among the deepest gorges to be

found anywhere in Europe. The gorge is

stunningly and a road winds through it with a

number of camping spots along the way.

Nimes was once the capital of a Gaulish tribe

and was annexed in 121 BC to Rome. The Roman

emperor Augustus founded a new city on the

site and granted the town privileges that

allowed it to prosper. The town became one of

the richest in Gaul during its Roman period. The

city was plundered by the Vandals in the 5th

century and then occupied by the Moors until

they were driven out in 737. The town was

acquired by the counts of Toulouse in the 10th

century and was finally annexed to France 1229.

In the Middle Ages wool and silk industries

brought wealth to the city. It was here that a

type of serge material originated called Serge

“De Nîmes”, which eventually found its way to

America in 1870 and became known as Denim.

During the Reformation Nîmes became largely

Protestant. In 1598, the Edict of Nantes

conferred upon French Protestants a degree of

religious freedom. After the Edict was revoked

in 1685 the city suffered once again from

persecution.

Highlights of Nime

Les Arènes . The amphitheatre is one of the

best preserved Roman amphitheatres in

existence.

La Maison Carrée The famous Maison

Carrée is a temple and was built in a Greek

style during the 1st century AD

The Tour Magne is an octagonal tower

dating from circa the 1st century BC and was

once part of the Roman fortifications.

Carcassonne is divided into the fortified Cité de

Carcassonne and the more expansive lower city,

the ville basse. Carcassone was founded by the

Visigoths in the fifth century, though the



35

Romans had fortified the settlement in earlier

times. The Cité de Carcassonne an ancient town

with a fairy like ‘Cinderella’ castle that was

added to the UNESCO world heritage list in

1997.

Wine The Languedoc-Roussillon region,

particularly in and around the Aude

department, has been an important

winemaking centre for several centuries. It has

740,300 acres of vineyards which is three times

the combined area of the vineyards in Bordeaux

and reputed to being the largest producer of

wine in the world. It is believed that grapevines

existed in the South of France since before the

existence of Homo sapiens with the first

vineyards of Gaul developed around the towns

of Béziers and Narbonne. The Mediterranean

climate and plentiful land with soil ranging from

rocky sand to thick clay is very suitable for the

production of wine, and it is estimated that one

in ten bottles of the world's wine was produced

in this region during the 20th century.

Monpellier was founded around 900 AD and is

the capital of the region. Montpellier is one of

the few large cities in France without any

Roman heritage and also one of the few cities in

southern France without a Greek foundation.

Cathar Country: Cathar was a Christian sect that

flourished in Western Europe during the 12th

and 13th centuries. It was considered heretical

and was condemned by the Roman Catholic

Church. The Cathar country is dominated by a

collection of mediaeval fortified castles usually

high on rocky outcrops guarding over this once

turbulent frontier region.

Two of the highlights are;

Le château de Peyrepertuse Built in the XI

century on a huge rocky ridge, the skilled

construction of this building makes it the

most important and remarkable example of

military architecture.

Le Château de Quéribus Built on a steep

rocky spur, at an altitude of 728 meters, this

castle was the last bastion of resistance in

the crusade against the Albigensians

(Cathars) in 1255. The dungeon offers a

superb view of the Mediterranean Sea.

St. Guilhen le Désert is situated in a narrow

valley in the in the Hérault department. It is a

small village dating from medieval times. It

features a Romanesque abbey Abbey of Gellone

which is an UNESCO World Hertitage site and

the nearby Pont du Diable. The town is a

designated French Beautiful Village.

Narbonne was established in Gaul in 118 BC by

the Romans. It was located on the Via Domitia,

the first Roman road in Gaul, built at the time of

the foundation of the colony, and connecting

Italy to Spain. The town has some impressive

sites including the Narbonne cathedral dating

from 1272, The Palais des Archevêques, the

Archbishop's Palace, and its donjon with views

over Narbonne, The Roman Horreum, a former

grain warehouse, built underground as a

cryptoporticus, and remains of the ancient

Roman road the Via Domitia.



36

Limousin

Limousin is a very rural region in central west France. In this

peaceful region you will find rolling pastoral lands, hills and

valleys, mighty rivers and historic towns and Villages.

Highlights

Limoges

An ancient town dating back to Roman times made famous in

the 19th century for its fine porcelain. Limoges has a fine

historic centre.

Collonges la Rouge

Dating back to the 8th century this town is made entirely from

red-sandstone and has a number of historically significant

buildings.

Turenne

Turenne is one of France's beautiful villages and sits atop the

Martel Causse.

Brive-la-Gaillarde

Settled in the 1st century Brive has a lovely old centre.

Aubusson

The home of tapestry Aubusson has been famous for its

tapestries and carpets since the 14th century when weavers

from Flanders settled in the area.

Oradour sur Glane

Is a small town in the Haute-Vienne department that was

completely destroyed by the SS Panzer Division Das Reich in

June 1942. 642 men, woman and children were killed. The town

has been left as it was found after it was destroyed in a Ruined

State.

Map

Departments

Correze 19

Creuse 23

Haute-Vienne 87

Quick Facts


Population Total 743,000



37

Limousin is one of the traditional provinces of

France and can be traced back to the Celtic and

Roman times, it is named from the name of a

Celtic tribe, the Lemovices. The region was

converted to Christianity during the III century

by Saint Martial who was sent to Limousin by

order of the Pope.

Limousin is mostly a region of hills and valleys

and low mountains lying in the foothills of the

western edge of the Massif Central. The highest

point in Limousin is the Mont Bessou at 977

metres which is in the Corrèze department.

The Limousin region is made up of three

departments, the Haute Vienne, the Creuse and

the Corrèze.

Limousin is sparsely populated with the

majority of people living in and around Limoges,

the main city of the region. Recent years have

seen a number of British and Dutch settle in the

area who are seeking a rural lifestyle. Once you

leave Limoges it is a very rural region; with

sheep farming pastoral land in the north, woods

and fields in the west and northwest. In the

east is the Plateau de Millevaches, grazing land

for cattle and spruce forests. The Dordogne

river cuts through part of the south west of the

region and the region borders the Dordogne.

Once a Roman city, Limoges, lying on the river

Vienne and on a main route between Paris and

Toulouse, has always been a major centre, in

this relatively sparsely populated region. In the

Middle Ages, it was renowned as a centre of

arts and culture. In the nineteenth century, it

became famed throughout Europe, and

beyond, for its porcelaine; indeed the city

became rich with its porcelaine industry, and

much of the city centre dates from this period.

Brive-la-Gaillarde, on the river Corrèze is an

attractive small city, with a historic centre built

in the pale honey coloured local stone. Brive is

also the most important centre in southern

Limousin due its position as a communications

hub, being the point where the east west route

between Lyon and Bordeaux crosses the north-

south route between Paris and Toulouse.

Limoges is the regional capital of Limousin and

the largest city in the region, It is art and history

with a lovely old city centre, parts of which date

back to medieval times. Limoges has been

famous over the centuries for its fine porcelain.

The most notable sights in Limoges are the

Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Limoges, the Crypt

of Saint Martial from the 10th century, and two

bridges of Saint Martial, dating from Roman

times and of St-Etienne from the 13th century.

Ahun is an old village with remains of a

medieval monastery. Also notable is the church

of St.Sylvain, dating from the twelfth century

and three fifteenth century chateaux.

Aubusson has been famous for its tapestries

and carpets since the 14th century when

weavers from Flanders settled in the area.

There is a famous collection of Aubusson

tapestries at Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Musée

Départemental de la Tapisserie showcases 600

years of weaving history.

Bourganeuf is an attractive old town, founded

in mediaeval times by the Knights of St John,

who built a castle here. Notable sites are the

church of St.Pierre, dating from the twelfth

century, the church of St.Jean, dating from the

fifteenth century and the remains of a 12th

century castle. There is also a museum to

electricity in the town.

Beaulieu sur Dordogne: Beaulieu is a medieval

town which was once dominated by its great

abbey of St Pierre, of which only the abbey

church remains.



38

Brive la Gaillarde dates back to the 5th century

and developed around the church of Saint-

Martin-l'Espagnol. Walls were built around the

city in the 12th century for defensive purposes

and during the 100 years war a second wall was

built. Brive was the regional centre of the

resistance during WWII and was the first

occupied town to liberate itself by its own

means. Brive has a pleasant old centre.

Collonges la Rouge dates back to the 8th

century and is made entirely from red-

sandstone. The town has a number of

historically significant buildings including the

ancient court of the Châtellerie from the 16th

century, the manoir de Vassinhac from the 14th

and 16th centuries,and the 17th century

marketplace. Collonges la Rouge is a Les Plus

Beaux Villages de France. (Beautiful Village of

France)

Oradour sur Glane the martyred village. In 1944,

the German Waffen SS torched the village and

massacred a large number of inhabitants in a

mistaken act of reprisal. The village has been

left as it was, fixed in time, as a memory to the

brutality and horror of war.

Rochechouart is an the impressive castle,

dating partly from the 13th century it houses

administrative offices and an contemporary art

gallery, as well as historic rooms and artefacts.

Turenne is a pretty hill top village dating from

the 9th century. It is a Les Plus Beaux Villages de

France. (Beautiful Village of France) and has an

impressive castle.



39

Lorraine

Lorraine shares it border with Germany and thus has both

French and German influences. A famous daughter of

Lorraine is Joan of Arc who was born in the Vosges

department of the region.

Highlights

Nancy

In Nancy find Place Stanislas named for the cities founding

father and built in 1737 is one of the finest town squares in

France and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Verdun

Verdun is known for the WWI battle of Verdun that lasted

almost a year, taking 400,000 French lives and a similar

amount of German lives. Visit the memorial in the town.

Metz

The Capital of the region Metz has a number of significant

buildings notably the Cathedral St. Etienne and the Eglise

St. Pierre aux Nonnains which is said to be the oldest

church in France

Gerardmer

Is a very popular mountain resort in the Vosges, famous

for its lake and natural environment.

Ouvrage du Hackenberg

Visit part of France's Maginot Line defenses from WWI

just near the village of Veckring.

Map

Departments

Meurthe-et-Moselle 54

Muese 55

Moselle 57

Vosges 88

Quick Facts



Density 100/km2



40

The Lorraine region consists of four

departments, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse,

Moselle, and Vosges. It is the only French region

to border on to three different countries –

Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany: it also

borders on three other French regions, Alsace

to the east, Champagne-Ardenne to the west,

and Franche-Comté to the south.

Lorraine was once part of the middle empire

that sat between France and Germany. In the

9th century Charlemagne divided his lands into

three and bequeathed them to his three

grandsons. Thus area that has now become

Lorraine was born, then known as Lotharingia.

Until the late twentieth century, Lorraine was

an industrial region and the region was home to

a great deal of heavy industry, mainly coal, iron

and steel. The industry was concentrated in the

departments of Meurthe et Moselle and

Moselle. Outside of the industrial areas and

particularly in the west and south of the region

in the departments of the Meuse and the

Vosges the region is very rural. The department

of the Vosges, which includes the western part

of the Vosges Mountains of which the Grand

Ballon at 1424m is the highest peak, is heavily

forested. Epinal, the capital, is a small town in

the high valley of the Moselle.

It was in the Meuse department that one of the

great battlefields of World War I was fought in

1916 at Verdun. An area of Meuse belongs to

Parc naturel régional de Lorraine which is a

protected area of pastoral countryside.

The capital of Lorraine is Metz which is also one

of the oldest cities in France. It was in Metz that

the Carolingian dynasty first came to power.

They held great power in the region ruling from

the mid 8th century until the late 10th century,

the greatest Carolingian monarch was

Charlemagne who was named Emperor in 800.

From the 10th to the 17th century, Metz was a

city of the Germanic Holy Roman Empire, only

becoming French on the signing of the Treaty of

Westphalia in 1648.

The other large city in the region, Nancy,

developed the middle ages and grew into a

major regional city in the eighteenth century.

The neo-classical city with its magnificent

central square was developed by the deposed

king of Poland, Stanislas, who was given the

duchy in 1737. The town square is named in his

honour.

Nancy. The first signs of man in Nancy date back

to 800BC. It was established as a small town in

1050. In 1218 Nancy was burned to the ground

at the end of the Way of Succession of

Champagne and tehn slowly rebuilt over the

next few centuries. Nancy became part of the

French Empire in 1766. A notable sight is Place

Stanislas named for the cities founding father

and built in 1737 is one of the finest town

squares in France and a UNESCO World

Heritage site.

Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. This is the

largest American military cemetery in Europe,

with over 14,000 war graves from World War 1.

It is located among the main battlefields of the

1918 offensive.

Verdun was founded by the Gauls and is now

most known for the WW1 battle of Verdun that

lasted almost a year, taking 400,000 French

lives and a similar amount of German lives.

There is a Memorial museum in the town.

In Metz is Cathedral St. Etienne, a stunning

gothic cathedral with fine stained glass and

Eglise St. Pierre aux Nonnains which is said to

be the oldest church in France. Also in the town

is the Musées de la Cour d'or which was



41

founded in 1839 and houses the history and

archeological museum, containing rich

collections of Gallo-Roman finds.

Petite Rosselle. La Mine, Musée Carreau

Wendel. Opened in 2006 is an interesting coal

mining museum that has a 2 hour underground

tour.

Ouvrage du Hackenberg was part of France's

Maginot Line defenses in the First World War

and is near the village of Veckring.

Domrémy la Pucelle: The birthplace of Joan of

Arc with the Joan of Arc interpretive centre and

pilgrimage basilica.

La Bresse-Hohneck: is the biggest ski area in

north east France.

Gerardmer: A Mountain resort in the Vosges,

famous for its lake and natural environment.



42

Midi-Pyrenees

The Midi-Pyrenees is the largest region in France and

also one of the most sparsely populated. The Midi-

Pyrenees has a diverse landscape from rugged

mountains through the rolling pastoral land and is

dotted with stone villages and historic towns.

Highlights

Albi

In Albi you will find magnificent Sainte Cécile

cathedral which is a masterpiece of the Southern

Gothic style, the Palais de la Berbie, formerly a

bishops palace and the 10th century Pont Vieux or Old

Bridge.

Lourdes

One of the world’s most important pilgrimage sites

becoming so in 1858 after a young girl saw the Virgin

Mary in a series of visions that came to her in a grotto

which was ratified by the Vatican.

Rocamadour

This delightful town hangs from a cliff above a

tributary of the Dordogne River. It has been an

important stop for pilgrims for centuries.

Conques

A lovely medieval village located at the meeting point

of the Dourdou and Ouche rivers. It designated as one

of Frances Beautiful Villages the Le Beaux Plus de

Villages of France.

Canal du Midi

Travel on a barge down this UNESCO listed canal. The

canal, along with the Canal de Garonne join the

Mediterranean with the Atlantic.

Millau Viaduc

The world’s highest road bridge and spans the Tarn

River.

Map

Departments

Aveyron 12 Ariege 09

Gers 32 Haute-Garonne 31

Haute-Pyrenees 65 Lot 46

Tarn-et-Garonne 82 Tarn 81

Quick Facts



Density 63/km2



43

Midi-Pyrénées is the largest region of

metropolitan France by area and is larger

than the Netherlands or Denmark. Midi-

Pyrénées has no historical or geographical

unity. It is one of the regions of France

created in the late 20th century to serve as

a sector of influence for its capital,

Toulouse.

The Midi-Pyrénées is made up of 8

departments. All except the Hautes-

Pyrénées department are named after the

river that runs through them. The region is

largely rural, but also has a strong presence

in aeronautics and the space industry

which operates out of Toulouse, giving it

extensive influence in Europe.

The area immediately surrounding

Toulouse is highly populated with 1.2

million people living in the greater

Toulouse metropolitan area. Once you

leave the capital the Midi Pyrenees is one

of the most sparsely populated regions of

France and is very rural. The landscape is

very diverse with fertile plains which is

farmed for agricultural and food

production ranging through to mountains

of the Pyrenees.

The region has a sizable wine growing

region around the Cahors and Gaillac areas

although it is not recognized as a premium

wine growing region.

Ariege is dominated by the Pyrenees

Mountains that are the border between

France and Spain. The magnificent

mountain range can be explored by the

numerous paths and walking tracks, the

high mountains are easily accessible good

roads. There are also a number of fresh

water lakes which provide a variety of

activities including, walking, swimming,

fishing, canoeing, sail boarding and

picnicking.

Aveyron is surrounded by the departments

of Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Lot, Hérault,

Gard, Lozère, and Cantal. The highest point

in the department is the summit of Le

Signal de Mailhebiau at 1469 m. Lac de

Villefranche-de-Panat is used as a reservoir

to provide drinking water for the region.

Haute-Garonne and is surrounded by the

departments of Hautes-Pyrénées, Gers,

Tarn-et-Garonne, Tarn, Aude, and Ariège

and Spain in the south. The upper Garonne

River travels for 200 kms through the

department and the borders of the

department follow the river. The extreme

south of the department lies in the

Pyrenees mountain range and is very

mountainous the highest elevation is the

Peak of Perdiguère, at 3,222 metres.

The Gers is surrounded by the departments

of Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Garonne, Tarn-

et-Garonne, Lot-et-Garonne, Landes, and

Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The Gers is a very

rural area growing a variety of crops

including sunflowers. The area and is one

of the least densely populated areas in all

of Western Europe.

The Lot is bordered by the departments of

Corrèze, Cantal, Aveyron, Tarn-et-Garonne,

Lot-et-Garonne, and Dordogne. Another

very sparsely populated area the Lot is very

rural with large areas of fertile farmland,

rolling hills and woods.

Hautes-Pyrenees terrain is diverse; the

southern section, along the border with

Spain, consists of rugged mountains.

However in the North there is mainly flat

agricultural land. Within the Hautes-

Pyrenees lies the Western Pyrenees

National Park which covers a significant

area, and includes well-known attractions

such as the Cirque de Gavarnie and the

Pont d'Espagne. The area has been known

for centuries for its hot springs, with the



44

towns of Cauterets, Luz-Saint-Sauveur and

Bagnères-de-Bigorre being built around

them. A notable lake in the area is Lac Bleu

d'Ilhéou, southwest of Cauterets.

The Tarn is a stunning department of

mountains and forests, the mountain

ranges are the Mountains of Lacaune, the

Sidobre, and the Montagne Noire. The

limestone and sandstone foot-hills are

farmed with vines and fruit trees, and are

broken by deep fertile valleys.

Tarn-et-Garonne borders the departments

of Lot, Aveyron, Tarn, Haute-Garonne,

Gers, and Lot-et-Garonne. The highest

point in the department, at 510 m, is the

Pech Maurel, situated in the commune of

Castanet.

Rocamadour: Is one most visited places in

France and is famous both for its stunning

setting and its historical monuments and

religious significance. The town hangs from

a cliff high above the Alzous, a tributary of

the Dordogne and still retains some of its

castle, ramparts and fortified gates. The

sanctuary of the Black Virgin Mary has for

centuries drawn pilgrims from every

country, among them kings, bishops, and

nobles. It remains today an important stop

on the pilgrim route. Rocamadour also

produces goat’s cheese which comes in

small discs and takes the name of the

town, it has an AOC status.

Saint-Cirq Lapopie

The village of Saint-Cirq Lapopie is perched

on a cliff 100 m above the Lot River and is

one of the one of the most beautiful

villages of the Lot valley. Saint-Cirq Lapopie

is a Les Plus Beaux Village de France. In the

Middle Ages, Saint-Cirq Lapopie was the

main town of one of the four divisions that

made up Quercy. The village was

dominated by a fortress made up of a

number of castles and towers. Below the

fortress, the village streets lead down to

fortified gates. Many historic houses have

stone or half-timbered fronts going back to

the 13th-16th centuries have survived the

test of time.

Beneath the Saint-Cirq Lapopie cliff there

are watermills, weirs, harbours, locks and

towpath dating back to times when river

transport was a key transportation method

in the Lot Valley.

Conques is a lovely medieval village located

at the meeting point of the Dourdou and

Ouche rivers. It designated as one of

Frances “Beautiful Villages” Le Plus Beaux

de Villages of France. The St. Foy abbey-

church was a major stopping point on the

Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route, the

main draw for the medieval pilgrims were

the remains of St. Foy, a martyred young

woman from the fourth century.

Toulouse is the regions capital and the

centre of the aerospace industry in Europe.

The city has two UNESCO World Heritage

Site historic sites the Canal Du Midi and the

Basilica of St. Sernin which is listed under

the World Heritage Sites of the Routes of

Santiago de Compostela in France. Also in

Toulouse one will find the Galerie du

Château d'eau, one of the oldest places

dedicated to photography in the world, the

Académie des Jeux floraux, the oldest

literary society of the Western World and,

it is believed, one of places where

capitalism was invented.

Canal du Midi, The Canal du Midi is a 240

km long canal with 65 locks and is

considered a major engineering feat. The

Canal du Midi meets the 193 km Canal de

Garonne at Toulouse – the two canals

together join the Mediterranean with the

Atlantic and are called the Canal des Deux

Mers or Two Seas Canal. It was included as

a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.



45

Albi The first human settlement in Albi was

in the Bronze Age dating form 3000 to 600

BC. Later the Gauls settled in the area who

then defeated by the Romans in 51 BC who

then settled in the area. In 1206 the Pope

and King of France joined forces to fight

the Cathars resulting in many ‘heratics’

being burnt at the stake and a severe

repression of the people.

Once annexed by the French Crown and

after the Cathars upheaval the town

enjoyed a period of commercial prosperity

largely due to the cultivation of Isatis

Tinctoria, commonly known as woad a

natural dyeing agent. The grand houses

built during the Renaissance bear witness

to the vast fortunes amassed by the

merchants of the time.

In Albi you will find Sainte Cécile cathedral

which is a masterpiece of the Southern

Gothic style and was built between the 13th

and 15th centuries. The Palais de la Berbie

formerly the Bishops' Palace of Albi is one

of the oldest and best-preserved castles in

France. This imposing fortress was

completed at the end of the 13th century;

the castle is now the Toulouse-Lautrec

Museum. The Pont Vieux or Old Bridge was

built in 1035 and is still in use after almost a

millennium. Originally built in stone then

clad with brick, it sits on eight arches and is

151 m long. In the 14th century, it was

fortified and reinforced with a drawbridge

and houses were built on the piers.

Cordes sur Ciel The fortified bastide town

was built in 1222 by Raimon VII, the Count

of Toulouse, who, though not a Cathar

himself, tolerated the heresy. It is generally

considered to be the first of the bastides of

SW France. The town is remarkably well

preserved and sits on a hilltop above the

Cérou River.

Lourdes is one of the world’s most

important pilgrimage sites becoming so in

1858 after a young girl saw the Virgin Mary

in a series of visions that came to her in a

grotto. This was later ratified by the

Vatican. The major sites in Lourdes are the

Grotte de Massabielle the most scared of

all sites in Lourdes, the Byzantine Basilique

de Rosaire and the neo-Gothic Basilique

Superieure.

Millau The Millau viaduct spans the Tarn

River and it the world's highest road bridge

being 343 metres at its highest point.



46

Nord-Pas-de-Calais

The region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais sits in far North West

France and borders Belgium. This tiny region has a big

past being one of the most fought after areas of land in

Europe.

Highlights

Lille

In Lille you will find a lovely historic old centre, three

world renowned art museums and the grand Cathedral

the Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille.

Belfries of France and Belgium

A group of 56 historical buildings built between the 11th

and 17th centuries and showcase Roman, Gothic,

Renaissance and Baroque styles of architecture.

Opal Coast Cote d’Opale

This lovely coast has sandy beaches and is a popular

holiday destination. Notable are the beautiful chalk cliffs

the highlights being Cape Blanc Nez and Cape Gris Nez

Le Quesnoy

Is a well preserved fortified village that was the first town

fortified by Vauban.

Map

Departments

Nord 59

Pas-de-Calais 62

Quick Facts



Density 320/km2



47

Nord-Pas-de-Calais has been inhabited

since prehistoric times. It has always been

an important strategic area and is one of

the most fought-over regions in Europe.

Historically the area that is now Nors-Pas-

de-Calais covers what was once the French

section of Flanders. Over the centuries, it

was conquered in turn by the Celtic Belgae,

the Romans, the Germanic Franks, England,

the Spanish and Austrian Netherlands, and

the United Provinces of Holland. After the

final French annexation in the early 18th

century, much of the region was again

occupied by Germany during the First and

Second World Wars.

The department Nord is bordered by the

French departments of Pas-de-Calais and

Aisne, as well as by Belgium and the North

Sea. Nord is situated in the far north France

and lies along the western half of the

Belgian frontier. The area is heavily

industrial and once a mining area.

Nord-de Calais saw some of the costliest

battles of World War I fought on its soil.

The Vimy Memorial commemorates the

Battle of Vimy Ridge and is Canada's most

important memorial to its fallen soldiers.

Pas-de-Calais also plays an important role

in WWII history as it was also the target of

Operation Fortitude, which was an Allied

plan to deceive the Germans that the

invasion of Europe at D-Day was to occur

here, rather than in Normandy. Pas-de-

Calais is surrounded by the departments of

Nord and Somme, the English Channel, and

the North Sea.

Ocean Beaches The north part of the

region has the Opal Coast or Cote d’Opale

which is a popular seaside destination for

holiday makers. It has sandy beaches,

beautiful chalk cliffs the most notable

being Cape Blanc Nez and Cape Gris Nez,

large area of sand dunes along with surfing

and other water sports.

The Belfries of France and Belgium are a

group of 56 historical buildings built

between the 11th and 17th centuries and

showcase Roman, Gothic, Renaissance and

Baroque styles of architecture. They are

highly significant tokens of the winning of

civil liberties and are listed by UNESCO as

World Heritage Sites.

Belfries of France Villages and Towns Nord Pas-de-Calais

Armentières Bailleul Bergues Cambrai Comines Douai Dunkirk Gravelines

Lille

Loos

Aire-sur-la-Lys

Arras

Béthune

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Calais

Hesdin

Lille sits on the Deûle River, near France's

border with Belgium and is the fourth

largest city in France. The first mention of

the city is in archives form the 11th century

although the area was controlled by the

Gauls, the Saxon, Germanic tribes and the

Franks prior to this. The city was captured

by the French forces led my Louis XIV in

1667 and came under French rule in 1668.

In Lille you will find a lovely historic old

centre and three world renowned art

museums and the grand Cathedral th

Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-

Treille. Lille is the regional capital and was

once an industrial centre but has recently

under gone a transformation now making

it a centre for art and culture.

Le Quesnoy is a well preserved fortified

village that was the first town fortified by

Vauban.



48

Roubaix is notable for its art gallery La

Piscine which has collection of French 19th

and 20th century art and as then name

suggests is housed in an old swimming

pool.



49

Normandy

The name Nomandy comes from the times when the

Vikings, who were known as 'northmen' settled in the

area. From then until the modern time of today this

northern region has a vast and incredible history.

Highlights

Mont St Michel

The Mont stands on an outcrop of granite rising from

the middle of a bay, built in the 8th century this

UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most

popular sites in France.

Rouen

Rouen was once one of the largest and most

prosperous cities of medieval Europe. Originally

founded by the Gauls it has a very long and

fascinating history.

Caen

Caen was nce home to William the Conqueror and is

an ancient town that has retained its ramparts which

can be walked upon and gives an excellent view of the

city.

Bayeux Tapestry

This famous tapestry that tells the story of the events

leading up to the Norman conquest of England and

culminating in the Battle of Hastings. It can be found

at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux in Bayeux.

Caen Memorial

a moving museum that gives the visitor an hour-by-

hour account of D-Day in WWII

Deauville

Stroll along the wooden promenades at this popular

beach destination.

Map

Basse-Normandy

Departments of Basse-Normandy

Calvados 14 Manche 50

Orne 61

Haute-Normandy

Departments of Haute-Normandy

Eure 27 Seine-Maritime 76

Quick Facts

Area Total 30,627km2


Density 109/km2



50

Normandy In 1956 Normandy was divided into 2

regions Upper Normandy Haute- Normandie and

Lower Normandy Basse-Normandie.

Archaeological discoveries and cave painting

show that humans were present in the

Normandy region in prehistoric times. Initially

populated by Celtic and Belgic tribes, it was

conquered in 98 AD by the Romans. After the

fall of Rome in the 5th century, the Franks

became the dominant racial group in the area

and built several monasteries. It was due to

their influence the barbarism of the region was

replaced with the civilization of the Carolingian

Empire. Towards the end of the 8th century,

Viking raids devastated the region, prompting

the establishment of the Duchy of Normandy in

911. After 150 years of expansion, the borders of

Normandy became stable. These old borders

roughly correspond to the present borders of

Lower Normandy, Upper Normandy and the

Channel Islands. Mainland Normandy was

integrated into the Kingdom of France in 1204.

The region was badly damaged during the

Hundred Years War and the Wars of Religion,

the Normans having more converts to

Protestantism than other peoples of France. In

the 20th century, D-Day, the 1944 Allied invasion

of Western Europe, started in Normandy. In

1956, mainland Normandy was separated into

two regions, Lower Normandy and Upper

Normandy, although proposals to unify the

regions are under consideration.

Upper Normandy (Haute-Normandie) consists

of the French departments of Seine-Maritime

and Eure, and Lower Normandy (Basse-

Normandie) of the departments of Orne,

Calvados, and Manche.

Lower Normandy is an important cattle

breeding area and predominantly agricultural.

The region is known for The Bocage which is a

patchwork of small fields with high hedges,

typical of the western areas.

Upper Normandy has much more industry than

Lower Normandy.

Mont St Michel sits on the border of Brittany

and Normandy is listed as a UNESCO World

Heritage Site. It is the most visited tourist site in

France after Paris. Built in 709 it stands on an

outcrop of granite rising from the middle of a

bay. The buildings that currently stand date

from the 13th to the 16th centuries, and include

the gothic Benedictine Abbey, the houses that

went with it, and the defensive fortifications.

In the past, the Mont stood in the midst of

quicksand, bogs and moving water courses

making access to it extremely dangerous and

difficult. In 1880 a causeway was built that now

carries tourists and pilgrims across the bay, the

construction of the causeway has led to the

area round Mont St Michel silting up turning

what was once a bay into grazing lands.

Battlefields

On June 6 1944 the Allied forces landed on the

beaches of Normandy in the largest amphibious

operation ever to take place, by July 4th 1 million

men had landed on the beaches. It is estimated

that more than 425,000 Allied and German

troops were killed, wounded, or went missing

during the battle. D-Day or code name

operation Neptune was a significant turning

point in the war. There are a number of war

cemeteries in the area.

Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry is a famous tapestry that

tells the story of the events leading up to the

Norman conquest of England and culminating in

the Battle of Hastings. The tapestry is nearly 70



51

metres long and consists of fifty scenes with

Latin captions. It is believed that it was

commissioned by Bishop Odo in the 1070s. The

tapestry is now exhibited at Musée de la

Tapisserie de Bayeux in Bayeux.

Bayeux was founded in the 1st century BC by the

Gallo-Romans, the city was largely destroyed during

the Viking raids of the late 9th century but was

rebuilt in the early 10th century. While under the rule

of Richard the Lionheart Bayeux was a wealthy and

prosperous town however from the end of his rule

until the end of the 100 years war the town was

repeatedly pillaged. In the 1400s the King of France

re captured the town and calm and prosperity

returned. In the town you will find the stunning

Cathédrale Notre Dame which dates from the

13th century and the very famous Bayeux

Tapestry which tells the story of the Norman

conquest of England in 1066.

Rouen sits on the banks of the Seine River and

is the capital of Upper Normandy. It was once

one of the largest and most prosperous cities of

medieval Europe. Originally founded by the

Gauls it has a very long and fascinating history.

Captured by the English in 1419 and then

returned to french control in 1449, it saw the

execution of Joan of Arc who was burnt for

heresy in 1431. Rouen was almost entirely

rebuilt following damage in WW2.

Deauville is located on the Norman Riviera and

was extremely popular with upper class

Parisians in the 19th century. Deauvilles beach

the Plage de Deauville is very popular and the

town is famous for its wooden promenades

along the fine sandy beach.

Caen is the capital of Basse Normandie (Lower

Normandy) and was home to William the

Conqueror. The town has retained its ramparts

which can be walked upon and gives an

excellent view of the city. From the walls you

can see the church of St-Pierre which has had its

14th century façade reconstructed, the

churches Renaissance stonework has survived

intact at the church’s east end.

Chateau de Caen was built by William the

Conquerer in 1060. Part of the museum in the

castle is where the Exchequer of Normandy was

based. Richard the Lionheart held an enormous

banquet at the castle, attended by 1000

knights, en route to the Crusades.

The Caen Memorial is the second most popular

museum in France, after the Louvre, and a

must-see for any visitor to Normandy. It is a

moving museum that gives the visitor an hour-

by-hour account of D-Day.

The countryside surrounding St Hilaire du

Harcouet is well known for its excellent river

fishing and the scenic Lakes of Vezins and La

Roche qui Boit. There is a good selection of

walking tracks and towpaths, which are great

for walking, cycling and horse riding.



52

Pays de la Loire

Pay de la Loire is predominantly a rural region with many

small farms and villages, along the coast are a number of

fishing ports. The Loire River cuts through the region and

has been declared a World Heritage for Humanity Site by

UNESCO, which described it as a cultural landscape of

exceptional beauty.

Highlights

Nantes

Nantes is the regions capital and sits on the banks of the

Loire River and has many historic sites such as the Gothic

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the Château des ducs

de Bretagne, and the magnificent fine arts museum the

Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Angers

Is an historic city, with one of the biggest and finest

mediaeval churches in France the Cathédrale Saint-

Maurice d'Angers.

Guérande

Guérande is a small walled city, with a historic centre that

is just inland from the coast, to the north of the Loire.

The Loire River

The mighty Loire River is one of Europe’s great rivers.

Explore the pretty villages and towns on its banks.

Les Sables d'Olonne

One of the most famous seaside resorts on the west

coast. The Vendée Globe round-the-world yacht race

starts here.

Maps

Departments

Loire-Atlantique 44

Marne-et-Loire 49

Mayenne 53

Sarthe 72

Vendee 85

Quick Facts



Density 110/km2



53

Pays de la Loire was created in the late 20th

century and is not one of France's historic

regions. In historic terms, Pays de la Loire

covers parts of the old provinces of

Brittany, Anjou, Maine and Poitou and its

capital Nantes was once in Brittany.

On the coast of the Loire Atlantique

department lie two of France's historic

seaside resorts, La Baule and Le Croisic.

The area round Le Croisic is also famous for

its salt pans, and "sel de Guérande" is one

of the best-known types of salt in France.

The town of Guérande is a delightful small

ancient walled city, just inland from the salt

marshes.

To the south of the Loire Atlantique

department lies an area known as Vendée.

It is famous in the history of France as one

of the old bastions of Protestantism. After

the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in

1685 and the end of religious tolerance

tens of thousands of Vendéen Protestants

fled from this part of France, and went to

live in England, or America. After the

French Revolution, Vendée was a centre

for the royalist counter-revolution.

On the coast there are many seaside

resorts such as les Sables d'Olonne, Saint

Gilles Croix-de-Vie and St. Jean de Monts

however there are still stretches of empty

coastline to be found and enjoyed. Along

parts of the coast is a stretch pine forest

that protects the flat farmland behind from

the Atlantic storms.

The department Maine et Loire covers a

territory to the north and south of the

Loire river. This area is known as Anjou,

and its capital Angers is one of the great

historic cities in the Loire valley. Anjou was

the fief of the Angevines who, with Henry

II, became the kings of England. The great

castle of the counts of Anjou, in Angers is

one of the biggest medieval fortresses in

Europe.

The other two departments are Sarthe and

Mayenne and are rural departments with a

strong agricultural industry.

Nantes is the regions capital and sits on the

banks of the Loire River. Nantes has a very

long history with numerous rulers over the

centuries including the Gauls, the Romans

and the Bretons, it finally came under

French rule in 1532. Nantes was the capital

of the slave trade in France in the 18th

century which made the port the largest in

France and the city a very wealthy city. It is

reputed that in the 18th to 19th centuries,

ships from Nantes transported more than

550,000 slaves to the colonies in the West

Indies, Brazil and North America, Reunion

and Mauritius. One can visit the Memorial

to the Abolition of Slavery in Nantes.

The city has an interesting historic centre

which includes; the Château des Ducs de

Bretagne, a spectacular castle built

between the 13th and 16th that was the

residence of the Dukes of Brittany and

today houses the History Museum of

Nantes. The Gothic Cathedral of Saints

Peter and Paul, the construction of which

began in 1434 and it took around 450 years

to complete. Inside the cathedral is the

ornate tomb of Francis II, Duke of Brittany.

The Fine Arts Museum or Musée des

Beaux-Arts de which is housed in the Palais

des Beaux-Arts.

Les Sables d'Olonne: One of the most

famous seaside resorts on the west coast.

The Vendée Globe round-the-world yacht

race starts here.

Guérande is a small walled city; with a

historic centre it lies just inland from the

coast.



54

The Loire River is one of Europe's great

rivers. It is bordered by many beautiful

small towns and villages, and the flat land

is good for cycling. The Loire Valley and has

been declared a World Heritage for

Humanity Site by UNESCO, which described

it as a cultural landscape of exceptional

beauty.

Angers was for many centuraries an

important stronghold in northwestern

France. It is the birth place of the

Plantagenet dynasty and was during the

15th century one of the intellectual centres

of Europe. Angers has a number of half

timbered houses including Maison d'Adam,

the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers a

large 12th century church and the Château

d'Angers built by Louis IX.

Laval is an old city with some interesting

and unusual monuments including the

Lactopole, a museum of the milk, cheese

and dairy industry.



55

Picardy

Picardy is a diverse region, in the west is the Somme estuary

with beautiful beaches, in the east are large forests and

pastures and in the south is the chateaux of Chantilly and

vineyards that border the region of Champagne.

Highlights

Amiens

Amiens is the capital of Picardy and hosts a number of

historical sites including the Cathedral de Notre Dame which is

the largest Gothic church in France and a UNESCO World

Heritage site. Jules Verne lived in Amiens for a number of years

and there is a museum dedicated to him in the town.

Château Chantilly

This lovely chateau is one of the most scenic castles in the

region. It sits on an artificial lake, and is surrounded by

beautiful parkland, with the Chantilly forest in the background.

Thiepval

The site of a number of monuments to the victims of the WW1,

including the First World War Franco-British Memorial and the

Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.

Somme

Somme is most known for its WWI war history, this was the

site of a series of battles through the Great War which includes

the 1916 Battle of the Somme.

Map

Departments

Ainse 02

Oise 60

Somme 80

Quick Facts

Area Total 19,399km2


Density 97/km2



56

The Region of Picardy has seen some of

the most famous battles of French and

European history including the battle of

Crécy and the battle of the Somme. In the

last thousand years, areas that are now

part of modern region of Picardy have

been ruled over at different times by the

English, the Habsburgs, the Spanish and

the French. In the past region was

comparatively prosperous with productive

farmlands that created wealth in local

towns and cities.

The terrain of Picardy is diverse, in the west

is the Somme estuary with beautiful long

sandy beaches, in the east are large forests

and the pastures of the Thiérache and

south is the chateaux of Chantilly and

vineyards that border the region of

Champagne.

Aisne borders the Ardennes Forest and

Belgium to the northeast and is crossed by

the Aisne River. The southern part of the

department is known as la Brie poilleuse, a

plateau known for its dairy products and

famous Brie cheese. There are steep rock

structures in the department which often

have steep flanks with the most impressive

at Laon and the Chemin des Dames ridge.

Oise is very close to Paris being only 35 km

north of the city. It is surrounded by the

departments of Somme, Aisne, Seine-et-

Marne, Val-d'Oise, Eure, and Seine-

Maritime.

Somme is most known for its WWI war

history; this was the site of a series of

battles through the Great War which

includes the 1916 Battle of the Somme. The

department is home to many military

cemeteries and several major monuments

commemorating those who died on its

battlefields.

Amiens is the capital of Picardy. The

Ameins mediaeval gothic cathedral dating

from the 13th century, the Cathederal de

Notre Dame, is the largest Gothic church in

France and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Also notable are the Hortillonages or

Floating Gardens: Market gardens which

span a vast area and have supplied the city

with vegetables and flowers since the

middle ages. Visitors can take a tour by

boat. Jules Verne fans can visit the house

the famous sci-fi author lived in for 18 years

as his turreted home is now a museum.

Thiepval sas a number of sites and

monuments to the victims of the WWI,

including the First World War Franco-British

Memorial and the Thiepval Memorial to the

Missing of the Somme which stands 45 m

high and is visible for several kilometres in

every direction. The sixteen pillars are

engraved with the name of 73,367 British

and Commonwealth soldiers that fell

during the First Battle of the Somme

between July and November 1916 and who

have no known grave.

Château Chantilly is one of the most scenic

castles in the region. It sits on an artificial

lake and is surrounded by lovely parkland

with the Chantilly forest in the background.

Built in 1560 for the Montmorency family

and added to by the Conde family in the

1700’s it was an opulent royal residence. A

large section of the château was destroyed

during the French Revolution and what

remained was used as a prison. The

château was later rebuilt in the 19th

century in the French Renaissance style,

complete with gables and towers.

Compiegne The Clairière de l'Armistice is

the site of the signing of the 1918 Armistice,

that put an end to the first world war.



57

There is a reproduction of the railway

carriage in which the Armistice was signed.

Laon is charming old walled city perched

on a plateau overlooking the surrounding

plains. The Laon Cathedral Cathédrale

Notre-Dame de Laon is one of the most

important examples of the Gothic

architecture of the 12th and 13th centuries.

The old historic town – the upper town -

and the newer lower town are connected

by an automated cable car.

Belfries of France

The Belfries of France and Belgium are a

group of 56 historical buildings built

between the 11th and 17th centuries and

showcase Roman, Gothic, Renaissance and

Baroque styles of architecture. They are

highly significant tokens of the winning of

civil liberties and are listed by UNESCO as

World Heritage Sites.

Villages and towns in Picardy

Somme

Abbeville

Amiens

Doullens

Lucheux

Rue

Saint-Riquier



58

Poitou-Charentes

Poitou-Charentes sits half way along the Atlantic coast

and has a number of attractions from the historic capital

of Poitiers through to the ancient port city of La Rochelle.

Highlights

Poitiers

Poitiers is the regional capital and an ancient hill-town

with a lovely old centre. The city is most famous for its

historic churches, including the mediaeval frescoes in St.

John's Baptistry.

Brouage

Brouage is on the Bay of Biscay facing the Atlantic Ocean

once was an island and an base for the salt and sea trade.

Today one can walk the walls of the city and explore the

old restored town.

Saintes

Saintes is on the Charente River and was once the capital

of the Roman province of Aquitaine. Today the town it is

most famous for the Roman triumphal arch the Arch of

Germanicus and remains of the Roman amphitheatre.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle's old is beautifully restored and the Port,

Vieux Port, is at the heart of the city.

Maps

Departments

Charente-Maritime 17

Charente 16

Deux-Sevres 76

Vienne 86

Quick Facts



Density 67/km2



59

Poitou-Charentes The historic area of this

region is Poitou, Poitou-Charentes was

established in 1956 from Poitou plus several

other small areas. The first known inhabitants

were a Gallic tribe who were conquered in 56

BC by the Romans who incorporated the area

into Gaul as part of the province of Aquitania.

The Visigoths seized the region in 418 AD, but it

passed to the Franks in 507. In 732 or 733,

Charles Martel halted the Muslim invasion of

Western Europe with his victory in the Battle of

Poitiers. From the 10th to the mid-12th century,

the counts of Poitou were also the dukes of

Aquitaine, and the city of Poitiers grew in

importance. In 1152, Poitou came under English

control through the marriage of Eleanor of

Aquitaine to Henry II who later became the King

of England. The region was reunited with the

French crown in 1416 and was a province of

France until the French Revolution.

The region covers the central part of France's

Atlantic coastal plain, inland you will find the

gentle foothills of the Massif Central. The

region has four departments;

Deux Sèvres and Vienne are in the north and

make up the historic Poitou region and are

centered around the ancient city of Poitiers. In

the south are Charente and Charente- Maritime

which is low-lying and in some areas marginally

below sea level. The whole region is largely

rural, and has a low population.

The coastal area is a major oyster growing area

with many kilometres of oyster beds, the coast

is also a popular tourist beach destination. The

Islands of Oléron and Ile de Ré which sit just of

the coast are famous for their beaches.

Famous for its brandy is in the Charente

department, in the southern part of the region.

Here you will find extensive vineyards provide

the grapes that are used not only in the in the

production of Cognac but also the local apéritif

wine Pineau des Charentes.

Poitiers. The regional capital, Poitiers is an

ancient hill-town with a lovely old centre. The

city is most famous for its ancient churches,

including the mediaeval frescoes in St. John's

Baptistry, reputedly the oldest place of

Christian worship in France, and the Notre-

Dame la Grande church, one of the most

famous and unique Romanesque churches in

France.

Just north of Poitiers is the theme park,

Futuroscope, opened in 1986, was designed to

give an economic boost to the region which is

one of the twenty most visited attractions in

France.

Brouage was founded in 1555 by Jacques de

Pons and is on the Bay of Biscay facing the

Atlantic Ocean. Its economy was based on salt

and sea trade. The town was fortified between

1630 and 1640 by Cardinal Richelieu as a

Catholic stronghold in order to fight the

neighbouring Protestant town of La Rochelle. In

1685 the fortifications were modernized by

Vauban. The harbour silted up in the last part of

the 17th century, leaving the town stranded and

useless as a port and it fell into ruin. During the

Revolution, the city became a detention center

for the refractory priests who refused to swear

allegiance to the Republic. Today one can walk

the walls of the city and explore the old

restored town.

La Rochelle was founded during the 10th

century and became an important harbour in

the 12th century. La Rochelle came under

English Plantagenet rule in 1152 until Louis VIII

captured it in the 1224. The Knight Templars had

a major presence in La Rochelle and based their



60

main fleet in the port. During the 100 city years

war the town was Protestant. La Rochelle's

best feature is the "Vieux Port" ("Old

Harbour"), which is at the heart of the city and

is very picturesque.

Saintes is on the Charente River and was once

the capital of the Roman province of Aquitaine.

Today the town it is most famous for the

Roman triumphal arch the Arch of Germanicus

and remains of the Roman amphitheatre. The

historic Abbaye aux Dames is the largest

example of Saintonge Romanesque

architecture.

Saintonge is a remarkable collection of 11th and

12th century Romanesque churches, with

magnificent carved porches and stonework.

Notable churches among the collection are

those in Allas-Bocage, Rioux, Retaud and

Retaud.

St Savin sur Gartempe Known as the

'Romanesque Sistine Chapel', the Abbey-Church

of Saint-Savin contains many beautiful 11th and

12th century murals which are still in a

remarkable state of preservation and are on the

UNESCO World Heritage list.



61

Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur

Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur ranges from the

popular and glamorous beaches of the Cote d’Azur

to the soaring mountains of the Alps to the

wetlands of the Camargue and the rolling fields of

lavender in Provence. Man has lived here for

thousands of years and has left countless treasures

to explore.

Highlights

Avignon

The old city is surrounded by fully intact medieval

walls and is an UNESCO world heritage site. In

Avignon you will find the Palace of the Popes the

home of the popes in the 14th Century and the

Calvet Museum a fine art museum.

Orange

Orange founded in 35BC by the Romans it is famous

for its Roman remains, notably the Roman Theatre

which is still used today.

Saint Paul de Vence

Saint Paul de Vence is one of the oldest mediaeval

walled towns in the French Riviera. It is in the hills

just inland from Nice.

Nice

Nice thought to one of the oldest human

settlements in the world and now a beach play

ground.

The Camargue

The Camargue is major wetland and nature

reserve, home to unique breeds of Camargue

Horses and Camargue Bulls, and to more than 400

species of birds including Pink Flamingoes.

Map

Departments

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence 04 Alpes-Maritimes 06

Bouches-de-Rhone 13 Haute-Alpes 05

Var 83 Vaucluse 84

Quick Facts



Density 160/km2



62

Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur is in the far

south western part of France and buts up

against Italy. It perhaps the most well

known region in France with a diverse

terrain this area has a long and interesting

history.

The region has six departments;

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is a mountainous

region with peaks over 3,000 metres close

to the Italian border. The climate is very dry

and arid but irrigation allows for a healthy

fruit-growing industry. It is surrounded by

the French departments of Hautes-Alpes,

Alpes-Maritimes, Var, Vaucluse, and Drôme,

as well as Italy.

Hautes-Alpes is another mountainous

department with the highest elevation

being over 4000 m. The village of Saint-

Véran is the third highest commune in

Europe.

Alpes-Maritimes is mountainous right

down to the coast, it includes the French

Riviera coastline on the Mediterranean Sea

and famous towns and cities of Cannes,

Nice, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Antibes.

Bouches-du-Rhône is very urban and the

home to Marseille the largest city in the

region and third largest in France. Marseille

port is France's largest commercial port

contains.

Over 50% of the Var is covered with forest,

the department is at the foothills of the

Alps and is quite mountainous.

A large area of Vaucluse is mountainous

with Mont Ventoux at 1,900 metres

dominating the landscape. Fruit and

vegetables are cultivated in great

quantities in the lower-lying parts of the

department, on one of the most fertile

plains in southern France.

Provence. Humans have inhabited the

coast of Provence since in Europe 1 to 1.05

million years BC, proof is in the primitive

tools that have been found in the Grotte du

Vallonnet near Roquebrune-Cap-Martin,

between Monaco and Menton.

Between the 10th and 4th century BC the

Ligures and the Gauls lived in the area and

the first Greeks visited the area in 7th

century BC. Greek later settled moved in

the area in about 600 BC establishing the

town of Massalia on the site of what is now

Marseille. Massalia grew to become one of

the major trading ports of the ancient

world.

The Romans had influence in the area from

181BC and established permanent

residence here in around 125 BC where they

built roads to facilitate trade and to move

armies more easily. The Roman reign lasted

until the 3rd century when they were over

run by the Germans.

From the 9th to the 13th century the region

was ruled by powerful counts and was a

hotly contested prize between several

factions. During this time Provence was

raided by both Arab pirates called Saracens

who built castles and strong holds and the

Normans who pillaged the area and left.

Pope Clement V moved the Roman Catholic

Papacy to Avignon in 1309 and from then

until 1377 seven Popes reigned in Avignon

before the Papal Schism between the

Roman and Avignon churches split the

Catholic Church and led to the formation of

two popes. Between 1334 and 1363 Popes

Benedict XII built the Old Papal Palace of

Avignon, and Clement VI built the New

Palace, together the Palais des Papes

became the largest gothic palace in

Europe.



63

In 14th century the Black Plague decimated

the population of the whole region. The

defeat of the French Army during the

Hundred Years' War forced the cities of

Provence to build walls and towers to

defend themselves against armies of

former soldiers who ravaged the

countryside.

The last ruler of Provence was King Rene of

Naples, shortly after his death the region

passed into French hands which saw it

involved in the 100 Years War, the War of

Religion and the French Revolution.

Heavily damaged in WWII Provence was re-

built and is now a major tourist destination.

To See in Provence

Aix-en Provence was settled in 123BC by

the Romans. The historic town of Aix has

winding streets and many fine houses. The

Cathedral of St. Sauveur was built on the

site of a former Roman forum and an

adjacent basilica, it contains a mixture of all

styles from the 5th to the 17th century.

Arles was once a Roman city, now all of the

Roman monuments in the town have been

listed by UNESCO. The town is now the

gateway to the Carmargue.

Avignon’s old city is surrounded by fully

intact medieval walls and is an UNESCO

world heritage site. In Avignon you will find

the Palace of the Popes the home of the

popes in the 14th Century and the Calvet

Museum a fine art museum. Just outside

the town is the Pont Saint-Bénezet, which

is also known as the Pont d'Avignon, built

in 1171 part of it was swept away in 1169 by

a flood and has remained un touched since.

Briançon Is the capital of the Hautes Alpes

department and the highest town in the

European Union. The high town is encircled

by ramparts built by the famous military

engineer Vauban.

The Camargue is major wetland and nature

reserve in the Rhone Delta bounded by

two branches of the Rhône and the

Mediterranean Sea. The area it covers is

930 km² and it is Western Europe's largest

river delta, with exceptional biological

diversity. The Camargue is home to unique

breeds of Camargue Horses and Camargue

Bulls, and to more than 400 species of

birds including Pink Flamingoes.

Fontaine de Vaucluse is the 5th largest

spring in the world and a dramatic source

of the river Sourgue as it emerges as a full

river at the foot of a cliff.

Gordes is built on the foothills of the

Monts of Vaucluse, facing the Luberon.

Gordes is popular hilltop village and one of

the most beautiful in France. Its houses

and buildings are of white stone and perch

on the side of the mountain.

Marseille is the oldest city in France with

first evidence of first inhabitation being 1

million BC. Marseille has been a major port

city for many centuries and remains so

today. Marseille has a number historical

monuments some of the more notable are

the Old Port or Vieux-Port which include

the Abbaye Saint Victor and the Fort Saint

Jean. Chateau d'If sits on a small island in

the bay and was once a defensive castle

built to protect the city and later it became

a prison.

Orange founded in 35Bc by the Romans is

famous for its Roman remains, notably the

Roman Theatre which is still used today

and the Triumphal Arch of Orange is

thought to date from the time of Augustus

or Tiberius.

Pont du Gard is an amazing ancient

aqueduct that crosses the Gardon River. It



64

is part of the Nîmes aqueduct, a 50 km-long

construction built by the Romans in 1st

century AD to carry water from a spring at

Uzès to the Roman colony of Nemausus

which is now modern day Nîmes. It is listed

on the UNESCO's list of World Heritage

Sites.

Saint-Rémy de Provence . Is a walled city

with a number of Roman remains.

Nostradamus an outstanding physician in

ancient times known throughout the world

as prophet was born in the town.

Doctor Albert Schweitzer wrote The Decay

and the Restoration of Civilization and

Civilization and Ethics, part of his

philosophical study of civilization while

hospitalized here during WW1 and Vincent

Van Gogh was voluntarily confined in the

Asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole beside

Saint-Rémy. During this period of his life he

painted two of his most famous works:

Starry Night and Self-Portrait. He was

released from the hospital in May 1890 and

shot himself on 27 July 1890 dying two days

later.

Cote d’Azur

The Côte d'Azur is also known in English as

the French Riviera is the Mediterranean

coastline of the southeast corner of

France. There is no official boundary, but it

is usually considered to extend from the

Italian border in the east to Saint-Tropez,

Hyères, Toulon or Cassis in the west.

The Cote D’azur was one of the world’s

first modern resort locations when it

became a winter health resort for the

British upper class at the end of the 18th

century. The mid-19th century saw a rail

line going through the area and it became

a popular vacation area of British, Russian,

and other aristocrats. The coast continues

to attract many tourists and has some of

the most expensive real estate in the

world.

Antibes was founded in the 5th century as a

Greek colony; it has a protected port and

quickly became an important trading

colony. The Romans settled in the area

around 43BC building amphitheatres and

aqueducts that the remains of can still be

seen today. The fortified Château Grimaldi

dates from the 10th century and now

houses the Pablo Picasso museum.

Cannes is most famous for its annual Film

Festival.

Grasse is the world’s capital for perfume

and is a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire.

Nice is the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes

department and the second biggest city of

the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region

after Marseille. The area of today’s Nice is

thought to be among the oldest human

settlements in Europe. One of the

archaeological sites, Terra Amata, shows

proof use of fire in ancient times. Around

350 BC, Greeks of Marseille founded a

permanent settlement and called it Nikaia,

after Nike, the goddess of victory.

Through the ages, the town has changed

hands many times. Its strategic location

and port significantly contributed to its

maritime strength. The capital of the

Riviera, Nice was made popular almost 200

years ago by the English seeking the

warmth away from harsh British winters,

and the seafront is now known as the

Promenade des Anglais. The town has

plenty to offer including a Matisse

museum, a Chagall museum, the famous

flower market, the old town, and the

gardens of the castle.

Saint Jean Cap-Ferrat is a small peninsula

just east of Nice. It is one of the most



65

exclusive places to live and has of the most

expensive real estate in the world. The Villa

Ephrussi de Rothschild is a beautiful

Italianate villa set among gardens

overlooking the sea.

Saint Paul de Vence is one of the oldest

mediaeval walled towns in the French

Riviera. It is in the hills just inland from

Nice. Extremely popular with artists and

musicians, there are a number of excellent

galleries and museums in the town.

Saint Tropez started its life as a 15th century

as a military stronghold and is now the

playground to jetsetters, fashion models,

and millionaires.



66

Rhone-Alpes

Hike in the Alps, dine in a Lyon Bouchon or follow the

wine trails of the Cote du Rhone or Beaujolais. The

Rhone-Alps has a diverse terrain ranging from the flats

of the Rhone valley to the towering heights of the

majestic Alps. In this lovely region you will find a

mountain of things to do.

Highlights

Lyon

The capital of the region is known for its historical and

architectural landmarks and is a UNESCO World

Heritage Site. Historically known as an important area

for the production and weaving of silk it has now

developed a reputation as the capital of gastronomy in

France.

Aix-les-Bains

Aix dates back to the Roman Empire, today it is a

prosperous spa town on the Lac du Bourget, nearby

numerous Roman ruins have survived the passage of

time.

Chamonix

Chamonix is a stunning part of the country and the

departure point for hiking and skiing in and around

Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak.

Grenoble

For a great view take the cable car up to the historic

Fort de la Bastille, another one of Vauban

fortifications.

Wine

The Rhone-Alpes is home to two great French wine

growing regions; the Cote du Rhone and Beaujolais.

Visit one of the famous Cote du Rhone wine making

villages or the vineyards of the historic Beaujolais.

Map Map

Departments

Ain 01 Ardeche 07

Drome 26 Haute-Savoie 74

Isere 38 Loire 42

Rhone 69 Savoie 73



67

Rhone-Alpes The earliest recorded settlers of

the region were the Gauls who established

what is now the capital of the region,Lyon. The

majority of the area became part of Roman

territory during the invasion of Celtic Gaul led

by Julius Caesar with Lyon became a major city

in the Roman Empire. The region came under

French rule early in French history.

The region, excepting Savoy, was part of the

Merovingian and Carolingian Kingdoms before

becoming a royal territory under the Capetians.

As it became a royal territory early on in French

history, its cultural, political and economic

influences and developments are the same as

those of greater France. Rhône-Alpes is one of

the larger regions in France and has eight

departments. With its three main cities, Lyon,

Grenoble and St. Etienne, plus the area that

includes the French suburbs of the Swiss city of

Geneva, Rhone-Alpes is not only one of the

largest regions in France, but also one of the

more prosperous.

The region's landscape is diverse ranging from

the valley the Rhone River and its tributaries run

through to the majestic Alps. From Lyon to the

Mediterranean, the Rhone valley is historically

significant as it is the shortest historic route

between north and south, avoiding a crossing

of the Alps.

The areas around Lyon, Grenoble and St.

Etienne are highly industrialized while the

northern departments of the Rhone Alpes

region are relatively prosperous agricultural

areas.

Lyon is known for its historical and architectural

landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage

Site. Lyon was historically known as an

important area for the production and weaving

of silk and in modern times has developed a

reputation as the capital of gastronomy in

France. It has a significant role in the history of

cinema due to Auguste and Louis Lumière, who

invented the cinematographe in Lyon. Legend

says that the Virgin Mary saved the city from

the plague and, to thank her, a statue was built.

Lyon is between the rivers Rhone and Saône,

and on the steep western bank of the Saône.

The old city has an architectural and cultural

heritage spanning over two thousand years.

Lyon has been known as the French capital of

gastronomy and has many of France's finest

chefs. This reputation also comes from the fact

that two of France's best known wine-growing

regions are located near Lyon: the Beaujolais to

the North, and the Côtes du Rhône to the

South. Lyon is also home to the Bouchon which

is a traditional restaurant serving local dishes,

and local wines.

Chamonix is a stunning part of the country and

the departure point for hiking and skiing in and

around Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak.

Annecy is a pretty old Alpine town, on the

shores of Lake Annecy. One of the most

popular sites in Annecy is the Palais de l'Isle, a

castle in the centre of the Thiou canal, built in

1132.

Aix-les-Bains Aix dates back to the Roman

Empire, today it is a prosperous spa town on

the Lac du Bourget, nearby numerous Roman

ruins have survived the test of time.

Grenoble For a great view take the cable car up

to the historic Fort de la Bastille, another one of

Vauban fortifications. In the town the National

Centre for Contemporary Art is one of the best

in France. The Grenoble Museum has a good

collection of 19th - 20th century art, including

Gaugin, Matisse, Bonnard and Picasso.



68

Vallon. Pont-d'Arc is situated at the nearby of

one of the most beautiful tourist sites of

France: "les gorges de l'Ardèche" (the Ardèche

canyon). The famous Pont d'Arc is a natural

arch more than 30 metres high, carved out by

the Ardèche river, and is classified as Great Site

of France.

Côtes du Rhône Wines

Côtes du Rhône is a wine-growing region in the

Rhône valley controlled by the AOC. The area of

the produces red, white and rosé wines which

are dominated by Grenache (reds and rosés) or

Grenache blanc (whites). The official AOC Côtes

du Rhône region stretches 200 km from Vienne

in the north to Avignon in the south and from

the foothills of the Massif Central in the west to

the slopes of the Vaucluse and Luberon

mountains east of the town of Orange.

Côtes du Rhône Villages

The Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC are wines

produced in 95 communes and are a more

upscale wine than Côtes du Rhône AOC. Within

this appellation there are 18 Villages that can

use the name of the village on the label; these

wines have even stricter controls than the other

Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC or the Côtes du

Rhône AOC.

VIllages that are can use the village name on the

label are : Cairanne, Chusclan (red and rosé

only), Gadagne, Laudun, Massif d'Uchaux (red

only), Plan de Dieu (red only), Puyméras (red

only), Roaix, Rochegude, Rousset-les-Vignes,

Sablet, Saint Gervais, Saint Maurice, Saint-

Pantaléon-les-Vignes, Séguret, Signargues (red

only), Valréas, Visan.

Beaujolais wines are from the Beaujolais

province. It is located north of Lyon, and covers

parts of the north of the Rhône department and

parts of the south of the Saône-et-Loire

department in Burgundy. The wine is a French

Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) wine and

is generally made of the Gamay grape which has

a thin skin and is low in tannins. Beaujolais is

usually a light-bodied red wine, with high

amounts of acidity. There are some whites

produced in the region from Chardonnay

grapes, however this is only 1% of the areas.

the regions of france

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