If you’re looking for heritage experiences, France is literally the place that dreams are made of.
Since time immemorial, world-renowned poets have strove to pen down the country’s beauty through odes and ballads.
Every year, millions of tourists enter France to watch its majesty jump out of the pages.
International tourism in particular witnessed a record-breaking year in 2024.
As many as 100 million international visitors came to France, increasing the country’s revenue by 12%.
Of all months, July and August are considered to be iconic as most of the locals empty out.
Plus, the warm, sunny weather allows tourists to explore at a more relaxed pace.
As the locals of France take their vacation in August, are you ready to enjoy its beauty?
Then, make it a heritage trip that familiarises you with the country’s rich history, diverse cultural sites, and stunning architecture.
This article will share four heritage experiences that an August itinerary to France must include.
4 Heritage Experiences to Enjoy in France
Attend Medieval Festivals in the Dordogne
Dordogne is a French region that The Guardian calls ‘relatively innocent of tourism.’
Though the area’s administrative capital lies among the hotspots for holidaymakers, most of it gives a glimpse of old-fashioned rural life.
If we call the area what it truly is, the Perigord region, the lens shifts from typical tourism to the Medieval past.
As you explore the countryside for truffles, cheeses, and figs, don’t forget to attend one of the many summer festivals.
Specifically in towns like Sarlat-la-Caneda and Monpazier, weekends in August are jam-packed with costumed parades, falconry displays, and open-air banquets lit by torches.
In the Medieval festivals of the area, you will find local craftsmen demonstrating their traditional skills.
Think about blacksmithing, weaving, and wood carving.
Alongside, musicians fill the cobbled streets with the sounds of drums, lutes, and whatnot.
Offering a vibrant immersion into the past, historical reenactments will take place, featuring knights in armour, jousting tournaments, and even Medieval battles.
What’s more is that each will be carried out with historical accuracy.
These festivals are never just about entertainment.
They stand tall as a living heritage of France, offering a side of the country that you’ve probably never thought of.
You’ll find yourself connected to the rhythms and customs of the Middle Ages in an authentic way.
Discover the Royal Legacy of the August Birthstone, as Noted by Leibish
When you craft your itinerary to explore France’s heritage, gemstones may not be the first thing that comes to mind.
However, the allure of gemstones, particularly those that represent the month of August, will add a fascinating layer to your trip.
Leibish states that August has three birthstones: sardonyx, peridot, and spinel.
The latter is the newest addition to the list. France never mined for these gemstones.
They made their way into its royal collection and museum displays through royal favours and international exchange.
For instance, you will find sardonyx featured in several French artworks and chalices, primarily those found in the Treasury of Saint-Denis and the Louvre Museum.
Some of the pieces were even lost or stolen during the French Revolution and the subsequent periods.
As for peridot, its history extends back to the Egyptian civilisation, where it was deeply valued and treasured.
Known for its unique green colour, one specific peridot was acquired for the French Crown jewels during the reign of Louis XIV.
It can be found housed in the National Museum of Natural History in Paris.
To see a specimen of spinel associated with French heritage, don’t miss the ‘Côte de Bretagne.’
It is among the oldest surviving gemstones from the royal collection.
It is currently on display at the Musée du Louvre in Paris, specifically in the Galerie d’Apollon.
Given their legacy, these rare August gemstones, with rich history, continue to sparkle at the heart of French heritage.
Your August trip will gain a unique dimension as you stand in awe of these treasures.
They will become a means to peek into global exchanges, artistic skills, and royal ambitions that shaped France over the centuries.
Uncover Provence’s Roman Roots
Visiting France and skipping Provence? Surely not when exploring the country’s heritage is on your itinerary!
Nestled in the south-eastern corner of France, Provence oozes with cultural richness and heritage.
The warm, dry air of August will carry with it the whispers of another era: the Age of Rome.
Cities like Arles and Nimes are home to some of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the whole of Europe.
The best part? The honey-colored stones of such monuments seem to glow under the summer light.
2024 was a historic year in terms of tourism for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
The year saw a sharp 3% increase in the number of tourists compared to 2023.
This could be largely attributed to major events like the Olympic flame, the Tour de France, and the Summer Olympics.
However, one cannot miss the amphitheatre performances and concerts of Arles and Nimes.
The Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a marvel of ancient engineering.
It offers shaded paths along the glistening Gardon River, perfect for relaxing afternoon walks.
August is also the time for cultural festivals in Provence, many of which celebrate the region’s rich history.
The Roman gladiators and Medieval troubadours will serve as a reminder of France’s heritage that even museums couldn’t lock away.
As you explore Provence, why not walk through its swoonworthy lavender fields and vineyards too?
The rose wine of this area is especially famous, known for being dry and crisp, ideal for warm-weather sipping.
This is a place where travel takes on a new form: slow, savouring, and breathtaking.
Explore Renaissance’s Grandeur in the Châteaux of the Loire
If you’re getting a taste of the remnant of the Middle Ages, how can you not do the same for the French Renaissance?
To experience the latter in all its glory, you have to take a walk along the Châteaux of the Loire Valley.
It was built and expanded under the patronage of kings, queens, and nobles.
Walking through the royal corridor is like stepping into the political intrigues, lavish lifestyles, and aristocratic ambitions of the preceding centuries.
The Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which means the castles are not merely preserved as old buildings.
They are living symbols of cultural heritage having worldwide significance.
You will also experience the place where Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous paintings, like the Mona Lisa, were housed before being transferred to the Louvre Palace.
2019 marked 500 years since the death of the polymath.
France hosted numerous exhibitions, parties, and events in honour of him.
Even now, specifically in August, the Valley hosts summer events and festivals.
You may also find numerous antique fairs and garage sales that offer a chance to collect unique souvenirs.
Most importantly, don’t forget to take a hot air balloon ride to have more stunning views of the chateaux and their beautiful vineyards.
In conclusion
So, how ready are you to make the most of this August in France?
If the excitement levels are through the roof, then here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Plan for heat and light, as most heritage sites are best enjoyed in the morning or under the afternoon sun.
- Seek out the smaller towns as August is the ideal time to explore the lesser-known destinations.
- Pair heritage with local flavours to add a delicious dimension to your trip.
Plan your itinerary now and make this August a time to remember.
Gear up for a unique experience, a story that France has been telling for generations!
