It could be challenging to set a list of the top 10 most famous monuments of France. The truth is that such a list is highly subjective… unless you consider the number of visitors per monument. The other issue with French monuments is that there are so many of them. They are also diverse, from Roman ruins to Renaissance chateaux and Gothic cathedrals to stunning bridges… All that to say, it makes it hard to rank them all. So, if you don’t mind, here is a (very) personal attempt at listing my top 50 monuments in France. If you have another ranking in mind, please share it by commenting below; it’d be interesting to hear about it!
About the Monuments of France
(OUTSIDE PARIS!)
In 2018, France welcomed 89.4 million foreign visitors.
Never before did the country record so many tourists. This record makes France the world’s top destination.
The French government’s tourism committee targets 100 million foreign tourists by the end of the 2020s decade.
Tourism is a crucial sector of the French economy (it accounts for nearly 8% of GDP). Visitors come to France to explore its sheer landscape diversity ranging from coastline to gently rolling hills and snow-capped mountains… The beauty of France is seen in each of its regions. They all look and feel different. You’ll find this in the architecture, gastronomy and sometimes in the accent.
There are so many famous sites and landmarks!
A big part of France’s tourist success comes from its famous monuments.
The Eiffel Tower, of course. And many monuments of Paris such as Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre…
But the Province (France except for Paris!) also boasts some grand and renowned landmarks. Some of them welcome millions of visitors each year. People would travel from far away to discover their beauty.
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And if you are a student researching the most famous monuments of France, a big welcome! You’re in the right place!
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Top 10 Most Famous Monuments of France
Let me go through my favourite 50 French monuments:
1. Mont-Saint-Michel
The Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is a stunning landmark in France. Set on a small rocky island is a fortified village dominated by a powerful fortress-like church.
More info:
- Learn more on the blog!
- Get your ticket to a Guided Tour of Mont Saint-Michel: visit the castle and the ramparts
- Get your ticket for a visit to Mont Saint-Michel with Transport from Paris
2. Cité of Carcassonne
The fortified city of Carcassonne in the Aude département is a formidable fortress restored by architect Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century.
More info:
- Learn more on the blog!
- Get your ticket to a Guided Tour of Carcassonne: visit the castle and the ramparts
3. Reims Cathedral
Reims Cathedral is France’s most iconic Gothic church, along with Notre Dame de Paris. The cathedral of Reims is a magnificent sanctuary, a historic place associated with the Coronation of the French Kings.
More info:
4. Pont du Gard
The Gard Bridge (Pont du Gard) is an incredible Roman bridge – one of the largest still standing in the world.
More info:
5. Arles Amphitheatre
The Amphitheatre of Arles is a masterpiece of Roman architecture in the South of France. The town of Arles, culturally between Languedoc and Provence, is also famous for its Maison Carrée (also dating back to the Roman era).
6. Shrine of Rocamadour
The Shrine of Rocamadour, in the Quercy province, offers a breathtaking view of houses and palaces built onto the cliff.
More info:
7. Chambord
![Chambord Castle © Arnaud_Scherer - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Chambord-Castle-©-Arnaud_Scherer-licence-CC-BY-SA-4.0-from-Wikimedia-Commons1.jpg)
The castle of Chambord is situated near Blois, in the region of Centre-Val de Loire. It is the largest and arguably the most impressive of all the castles of the Loire.
More info:
- Learn more on the blog!
- Get your skip-the-line ticket to the Castle of Chambord
- Get your ticket to a roundtrip of 3 Loire castles from Paris!
8. Popes’ Palace, Avignon
The Pope’s Palace (Palais des Papes) in Avignon was the former seat of the Popes when they were exiled to Provence during the Middle Ages. This is the largest Gothic structure in Europe.
More info:
9. Chenonceau
![Chenonceau © Ra-smit [GFDL (http-::www.gnu.org:copyleft:fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Chenonceau-©-Ra-smit-GFDL-http-www.gnu_.orgcopyleftfdl.html-via-Wikimedia-Commons.jpg)
The castle of Chenonceau is situated between Tours and Blois, not far from the delightful market town of Amboise. It is one of the most famous castles of the Loire.
More info:
- Get your skip-the-line ticket to the Castle of Chenonceau
- Get your ticket to a roundtrip of 3 Loire castles from Paris!
10. Hospices de Beaune
The Hospices de Beaune is a medieval complex that once was a hospital in the town of Beaune in Burgundy. The site has kept its magnificent glazed-tile roof, reminiscent of the Flanders that once belonged to the Dukes of Burgundy.
More info:
11. Amphitheatre of Nîmes
This remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, dating back to the 1st century AD, is a testament to the grandeur of ancient Roman architecture. It continues to host events, blending historical legacy with contemporary culture.
Book your ticket to the Arena of Nîmes
12. Strasbourg Cathedral
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Strasbourg Cathedral impresses with its intricate façade and towering spire. Its astronomic clock and stained glass windows are particularly notable.
13. Citadel of Besançon
Designed by Vauban, this imposing fortress sits atop Mount Saint-Étienne, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. It is a classic example of military architecture.
14. Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau
![Azay-le-Rideau © Aubry Françon - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Azay-le-Rideau-05-©-Aubry-Françon-licence-CC-BY-SA-3.0-from-Wikimedia-Commons.jpg)
Set on an island in the Indre River, the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau is a fine example of early French Renaissance architecture. Its reflection in the calm waters adds to its fairy-tale allure.
Buy your online ticket to the château
15. Chartres Cathedral
Renowned for its magnificent stained glass and well-preserved Gothic architecture, Chartres Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its two contrasting spires add to its unique appearance.
16. Pierrefonds Castle
![Pierrefonds Castle © Elisa11 - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Pierrefonds-Castle-©-Elisa11-licence-CC-BY-SA-3.0-from-Wikimedia-Commons.jpg)
Restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, Pierrefonds Castle looks straight out of a storybook, with its impressive towers and drawbridge.
Buy your online fast track ticket to Pierrefonds Castle
17. Millau Viaduct
![Peyre and Millau Viaduct © Calips - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Peyre-and-Millau-Viaduct-2-©-Calips-licence-CC-BY-SA-3.0-from-Wikimedia-Commons.jpg)
A marvel of modern engineering, this cable-stayed bridge spans the Tarn River valley. It holds the record for the tallest bridge in the world, combining aesthetic grace with structural prowess.
18. Fourvière Basilica
Dominating the skyline of Lyon, the 19th-century Fourvière Basilica is a blend of Gothic and Byzantine styles. It offers stunning city views and is an important local religious site.
19. Trophy of Augustus in La Turbie
![La Turbie © Berthold Werner - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/La-Turbie-©-Berthold-Werner-licence-CC-BY-SA-3.0-from-Wikimedia-Commons-1.jpg)
An ancient Roman monument, the Trophy of Augustus was built to celebrate Emperor Augustus’ victory over the Ligurian tribes. It stands as a significant reminder of Roman history in France.
20. Chantilly Castle
The historic Chantilly Castle, surrounded by water and set in a large park, houses the Condé Museum with its extensive collection of paintings and a well-known library.
Get your “Skip the Line” ticket to the castle of Chantilly
21. Maison Carrée in Nîmes
One of the best-preserved Roman temple façades to be found anywhere in the territory of the former Roman Empire, this structure is a key example of Vitruvian architecture.
22. Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
Perched on a hill in the Vosges Mountains, this medieval Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle has been beautifully restored, offering a glimpse into the life and times of the Middle Ages.
Get your online ticket to the Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle
23. Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille
Sitting atop a limestone outcrop, this basilica is a prominent local landmark. Its golden statue of the Virgin and Child watches over sailors, fishermen, and the entire city.
24. Fonserannes Lock in Béziers
A notable feat of 17th-century engineering, this staircase lock on the Canal du Midi is a significant work in the history of French canal construction.
25. Capitole in Toulouse
![Toulouse Capitole © Benh LIEU SONG - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Toulouse-Capitole-©-Benh-LIEU-SONG-licence-CC-BY-SA-3.0-from-Wikimedia-Commons.jpg)
At the heart of the municipal administration, this historic building’s neoclassical façade overlooks the grand Place du Capitole. It houses splendid halls and a richly decorated theatre.
26. Abbey of Fontenay
![Fontenay Abbey © Jean-Christophe BENOIST - licence [CC BY 2.5] from Wikimedia Commons](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Abbaye-de-Fontenay-©-Jean-Christophe-BENOIST-licence-CC-BY-2.5-from-Wikimedia-Commons-scaled.jpg)
A prime example of early Cistercian architecture, this 12th-century abbey is one of the oldest preserved Cistercian monasteries in the world.
27. Blois Castle
Reflecting various architectural styles, Blois Castle offers a vivid history lesson on French architecture from the Middle Ages through the Classical era.
Get your online ticket to the castle of Blois
28. Amiens Cathedral
A gem of Gothic architecture, Amiens Cathedral is notable for its three-tier interior elevation and the coherence of its plan. It is the largest Gothic cathedral in France.
29. Rouen Cathedral
With its soaring Gothic architecture and the famous Butter Tower, Rouen Cathedral has been the subject of numerous paintings, most notably by Monet. Its tower is the tallest in France.
30. Lourdes Basilica
Known for its spiritual significance, this complex of churches and basilicas is a significant pilgrimage site set in a serene location with impressive architectural elements.
31. Roman Theatre of Orange
One of the best-preserved Roman theatres in Europe, this ancient site still hosts performances, connecting the present to the grandeur of Roman entertainment.
Get your online ticket to the antique theatre of Orange
32. Monument aux Girondins, Bordeaux
This grand monument in Bordeaux, featuring a towering column topped by a statue of Liberty, commemorates the Girondists who fell during the French Revolution.
33. Pompidou Museum of Metz
An avant-garde example of contemporary architecture in Metz, this museum is famous for its innovative design and significant modern and contemporary art collection.
Get your online ticket for Centre Pompidou-Metz
34. Abbaye aux Hommes, Caen
Founded by William the Conqueror, this former abbey church is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, reflecting the turbulent history of Normandy.
35. Vizille Castle
Associated with the French Revolution, this castle now hosts the Museum of the French Revolution, set in a scenic park with picturesque gardens.
36. Royal Monastery of Brou
A masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, this monastery is famous for its intricately carved rood screen, tombs, and the coherence of its artistic conception.
Get your Fast Entry ticket to the royal monastery of Brou
37. Périgueux Cathedral
An impressive example of Byzantine-Romanesque architecture is the cathedral’s unique cupolas and white domes dominating the skyline of Périgueux.
38. Lion of Belfort
The Lion of Belfort is a monumental stone sculpture by Frédéric Bartholdi that symbolises the courage and resistance of the people of Belfort during the Franco-Prussian War.
39. House of Joan of Arc in Domrémy
The small village of Domrémy in Lorraine houses the birthplace of Joan of Arc, a deeply revered national monument. The humble abode, preserved through the centuries, provides an intimate glimpse into the early life of France’s iconic heroine. The house, with its traditional Lorraine architecture, is a testament to the modest beginnings from which Joan of Arc embarked on her historic journey that significantly altered the course of French history. Visitors can explore the preserved rooms and artefacts, offering a unique connection to the medieval era and the enduring legacy of Joan of Arc.
40. Charles de Gaulle Memorial
A modern structure honouring one of France’s most iconic figures, this memorial in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises includes an exhibition space and a towering Cross of Lorraine.
41. Church Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe
Perched atop a volcanic rock, this remarkable chapel is accessible by a steep climb. It’s a remarkable example of medieval religious architecture.
42. Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix
The Aiguille du Midi, rising majestically in the Mont Blanc massif, is a natural wonder and hosts an impressive human-made structure at its summit. This remarkable site, accessible via a two-stage cable car journey from Chamonix, boasts one of the highest-altitude cable cars in the world. At the summit, visitors are greeted by a complex of buildings ingeniously constructed on the mountain’s peak. These structures include viewing platforms, a café, and even a glass skywalk known as “Step into the Void,” offering breathtaking panoramic views of the French Alps.
43. Castillet in Perpignan
This red-brick structure is a former gateway and fortress that symbolises Perpignan and houses the Catalan Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions.
44. Villa Belza in Biarritz
Standing dramatically on a rock by the sea, this iconic 19th-century residence combines Art Nouveau and Neo-Medieval styles, adding to the charm of Biarritz’s coastline.
45. Fort Boyard, Île-d’Aix
Famous for its role in a television game show, Fort Boyard is located between Île-d’Aix and Île d’Oléron. This iconic fortress on the sea was initially built for military purposes but has become a cultural icon.
46. Cordouan Lighthouse
Known as the “King of Lighthouses,” the Phare de Cordouant is the oldest lighthouse in France still in operation, guiding ships with its majestic presence in the Gironde estuary.
47. Vieille Bourse in Lille
A masterpiece of 17th-century Flemish architecture, the Vieille Bourse, with its ornate courtyard, is a symbol of Lille‘s rich commercial history.
48. Pont Valentré in Cahors
A medieval fortified stone arch bridge known for its three towers and devil legend is an iconic example of medieval military architecture.
49. Briare Aqueduct
This steel canal bridge, one of the longest navigable aqueducts in the world, is a significant work of civil engineering, beautifully spanning the River Loire.
50. Garabit Viaduct
Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this iron railway viaduct is an engineering marvel, elegantly arching over the Truyère River.
What about Paris?
I mentioned above that the list only included sites outside the Paris region.
If you’re interested in learning more about the most famous monuments of Paris, I invite you to click on this link. It will take you to my post dedicated to Paris!
English-French Glossary to help you with a few terms
(f) for féminin, (m) for masculin, (adj) for adjective and (v) for verbs
- abbey = abbaye (f)
- amphitheatre = amphithéâtre (m)
- to build = construire (v)
- bridge = pont (m)
- castle = château (m)
- cathedral = cathédrale (f)
- church = église (f)
- house = maison (f)
- memorial = mémorial (m)
- monastery = monastère (m)
- monument = monument (m)
- museum = musée (m)
- palace = palais (m)
- site = site (m)
- theatre = théâtre (m)
- tourism = tourisme (m)
- tourist = touriste (m/f)
- to travel = voyager (v)
- to visit = visiter (v)
What about your favourite French monuments?
You may have your listing of the most famous French monuments. If so, let us know by commenting below which monuments are not on our list that should be included! We’d love to hear from you!
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I’m meant to be visiting Paris in Match for my annual trip – it’s my girlfriend’s 40th – but it looks like she’ll be going by herself (as a French national) whilst I rebook my Eurostar ticket again…
I forgot to mention, I’d love to visit the upstairs of Au Père Tranquille, opposite Forum Les Halles.
As a writer, to sit amongst the books and feel the historicity of the city would be an absolute dream
Thank you Johnnie, that’s a great place to be indeed! 🙂
Bonjour Pierre! This is a tough question since France is loaded with so many wonderful treasures. I think for me I would want to be in Paris and simply be a flaneuse in the LeftBank. I’d like to walk around and look through the windows of art galleries, old book shops, admire the architecture, buy a delicious pastry, and visit a garden or two. I would have a long pause at a terrace cafe for a drink and people watching. I am looking forward to the day when we can do these sorts of things again.
Flâner in the Left Bank of Paris is a GREAT idea!!
I would like to visit the French Basque Country and learn about their culture.
Yes! It’s a very beautiful corner of France!
Thank you for your posts.
All the way from Wollongong, Australia after COVID,. I would like to spend time in Annecy.
Also if you know anything about Auxerre I would be keen to here for you please.
I would like to attempt to spend 3 months in a small town so as to improve my language skills.
You’re welcome. I’ve never been to Auxerre but it is a place in Burgundy on my to-do-list! It’s a medium-sized town with a nice historic centre. If I manage to go there in the near future I will post on it! 🙂
If I am allowing myself to dream, I would love to live in France, preferably in Paris. I have a creative skill set: I write, draw, illustrate, do photo and video. So, ideally, I would live in Paris doing something creative. Is that possible? Or what would be the first steps to take? I think the first step would be to establish myself and willing to work any job. Anyway, may as well start the ball rolling. I know it would not be easy.
That’s a fantastic dream Henry… I guess your thought of establishing yourself first and look for any job opportunity is a great way to start. Unfortunately Paris is a very expensive place to live… unless you choose a smaller historic town in “la France profonde”.
June 6th of 2020 was our 50th anniversary and my husband and I had plans to spend it in Paris. We have been to France on a number of occasions and have loved everywhere we went, from Strasbourg, to Eze, Nice, Dijon, Beaune, Lyon and on. This time we had plans to tour Monet’s gardens in Giverny. So disappointing about the necessary delay but hopeful for a better 2021.
Oh, I do hope that during 2021 we’ll all be able to travel back to France… And yes, Giverny is a beautiful place!
Dreaming of Provence, was slated for Summer 2020….now looking ahead. Thank you for all of your great emails this year, has helped us keep the hopes alive 🙂
Paris Opera house tour at night. Chenonceau, Palais de Versailles, danse by river Seine, plage ou mon ancetre a left Dieppe, France in 1650. On a Friday afternoon, where Joan of Arc was imprisoned and burned at stake. To dine inside restaurant in that same city where Joan died, where Julia Child was inspired to cook. Anne is cooking at Monmartre, Paris. St. Malo, Valence Auberge ( central S France), Monet gardens for the afternoon. Building in Paris where Benny Hinn and David Herzog have hosted meetings. Jersey Island manoir of Charles Robin, plaque on St. Aubin about fishery business ties between Jersey Island and Gaspe. Jersey where daffodils grow in April. Chartres where saint Caron was killed by two robbers. Cathedral of Chartres. A business in South France where they make perfumes, I want to make some. Cobbled streets. A little downtown apartment in Paris I can rent and live or inherit from relatives. A house in France country with a big back yard where I can garden. Italy. Hot sunny days from a 2nd floor of a home in Italy. Rides on a motorbike in France. Driving in the countryside. Notre Dame Cathedral. Cathedral in Dieppe where my ancestor would have been baptised as a baby, same with Rouen but that one is maybe gone. Old flour mill. Vineyard. Fields of lavender and sunflowers, every kind of crop.
Knights templar of paris, what is left
Where would I like to be now?
Exploring the Bordeaux wine estates and chateaux OR having lunch in one of the Paris brasseries.
Thanks for all your efforts this year – and we look forward to more exploration and discoveries in 2021,.
It was very upsetting to have our trip to France cancelled early in 2020 We are from Australia and international travel is not allowed at the moment but, hopefully, mid 2021.
Anyway. I realise that your favourite areas are in Northern France but I have to mention that my favourite area in France is the Languedoc. We stayed in Pezenas (best Saturday markets in France) in 2007 for the World Cup and I fell in love with Pezenas and the surrounding districts. It is only 1/2 hour from Cap D’Agde ad Sete and the best oyster area next to Cancale , a town called .Bouziques. A day’s trip can easily include Carcassonne, Aigues Mortes, Nimes, Arles and many other villages in Provence so I can thoroughly recommend the Pezenas area for a holiday..
Last time in France I found, with 3 friends, a real treat. The town of Troyes just one hour by train from Paris. And it’s a different time period.
I love Lyon too and the bird sanctuary on the Camargue with the pink flamingos!!