Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower has been a powerful and distinctive symbol of the city of Paris, and by extension, of France. At first, when it was built for the 1889 World's Fair, it impressed the entire world by its stature and daring design, and symbolized French know-how and industrial genius.The symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is a feat of ingenuity as much as it is a famous landmark. This structure of 8,000 metallic parts was designed by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary exhibit for the World Fair of 1889. Originally loathed by critics, the 320-meter-high tower is now a beloved and irreplaceable fixture of the Paris skyline.The Eiffel Tower's gracefulness has earned it the nickname of "Iron Lady." Visitors are impressed by the tower's delicate airiness despite its monumental size and the breathtaking panoramas at each of the three levels.Tourists can dine with a view at the first level or indulge at the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne restaurant on the second level. At the exhilarating height of 276 meters, the top level offers a sweeping outlook over the city of Paris and beyond. Vistas extend as far as 70 kilometers on a clear day.But perhaps the biggest reason for the tower's romantic appeal is its history. The Eiffel Tower has been the site of countless proposals, weddings, and romantic moments throughout its history, and its association with love and romance has only grown over the years.
Mont Saint-Michel Normandy, France
A magical island topped by a gravity-defying abbey, the Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay count among France's most stunning sights. For centuries one of Europe's major pilgrimage destinations, this holy island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is its breathtaking bay.Le Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island and mainland commune in Normandy, France. The island lies approximately one kilometre off the country's north-western coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches and is 7 hectares in area.Rising dramatically from a rocky islet off the Normandy coast, the UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel is one of France's most striking landmarks. This "Pyramid of the Seas" is a mystical sight, perched 80 meters above the bay and surrounded by imposing defensive walls and bastions.The main tourist attraction, the Abbaye de Saint-Michel is a marvel of medieval architecture with soaring Gothic spires. Visitors are awed by the serene beauty of the Abbey Church, with its harmonious Romanesque nave and ornate high-vaulted choir.Since it was built in the 11th century, the Abbey Church has been an important Christian pilgrimage destination, known as "The Heavenly Jerusalem." Modern-day pilgrims are still inspired by Mont Saint-Michel and continue the tradition of crossing the bay by foot as it was done in the Middle Ages.
Biarritz Grande Plage beach, France
Biarritz, an elegant seaside town on southwestern France’s Basque coast, has been a popular resort since European royalty began visiting in the 1800s. It’s also a major surfing destination, with long sandy beaches and surf schools. A symbol of Biarritz, the Rocher de la Vierge is a rocky outcrop topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary. Reached via footbridge, it offers sweeping views of the Bay of Biscay.Biarritz is a fashionable beach town on the beautiful Bay of Biscay in France's Basque country. This celebrated seaside resort has an elegant and aristocratic air; it was a favorite destination of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III.The imperial couple's grandiose Second-Empire-style palace has been converted into the Hôtel du Palais, a luxury hotel featuring a gastronomic restaurant and sensational views of the Grande Plage beach. This large sandy beach, with its broad seafront promenade, has attracted high-society vacation goers since the Belle Epoque.Other must-see sights are related to the ocean: the Aquarium de Biarritz; Lighthouse; and Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin of the Rock) figure, which stands along the coastline on an immense rock beaten by the Atlantic's wild waves. For a taste of the town's regal past, visit the chic Miremont Tearoom that has served exceptional pastries since 1872.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, Paris, Franceg
Chartres Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, is a Roman Catholic church in Chartres, France, about 80 km southwest of Paris, and is the seat of the Bishop of Chartres.The Chartres Cathedral is renowned for its marvelous stained-glass windows, most dating to the 13th century. Covering 2,500 square meters, the brilliant stained-glass windows allow colorful light to filter into the vast nave, creating an ethereal effect. The intricately detailed windows reveal the incredible craftsmanship in depicting biblical stories.The rose windows are especially noteworthy for their incredible size and details. Other highlights are the Passion window, one of the most original in its style and expression, and the Blue Virgin window that dates from the 12th century.From April through October, the city of Chartres hosts a Festival of Lights (Chartres en Lumières). This free public event includes spectacular evening light shows, illuminating the cathedral and over 20 other monuments in the city. The cathedral is enlivened by multicolor scenes that resemble the monument's medieval-era painted facade. The light shows are accompanied by music for a truly dazzling presentation.
Louvre Museum, Paris. France
The Louvre, or the Louvre Museum, is the world's most-visited museum and a historic monument in Paris, France. It is the home of many of the most known work of arts, including the Mona Lisa. A central landmark of the city, it is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city's 1st arrondissement.In a stately palace that was once a royal residence, the Louvre ranks among the top European collections of fine arts. Many of Western Civilization's most famous works are found here, including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo DaVinci, the Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese, and the 1st-century-BC Venus de Milo sculpture.The collection owes its wealth to the contributions of various kings who lived in the Louvre. Other pieces were added as a result of France's treaties with the Vatican and the Republic of Venice, and from the spoils of Napoléon I.The Louvre has an astounding collection of 35,000 artworks, including countless masterpieces. It's impossible to see it all in a day or even in a week. Take a private guided tour or focus on a shortlist of key artworks for the most rewarding experience.There's nothing quite like the Louvre. It's the largest museum in the world, and the glass pyramid marking the entrance has become a global symbol for priceless art. Millions of tourists flock to the museum every year, many seeking a glimpse of the Mona Lisa.
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