From the Palaeolithic cave art in the Dordogne and the megalithic structures of Neolithic Brittany, through the later prehistoric periods of the Bronze and Iron Ages, the Roman occupation of Gaul, the Medieval and Renaissance and the vast number of castles and churches standing still today in various states of repair, and the numerous memorials from two World Wars, there is no questioning that France has some of the most iconic archaeology and history in the world. … Read More >>
For archaeology and history attractions in a specific region, either click on a region on the map or the name of the region/area below.
AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES: Auvergne | Rhône-Alpes
HAUTS-DE-FRANCE (High France): Nord-Pas-de-Calais | Picardy
OCCITANIE (Occitania in English): Languedoc-Roussillon | Midi-Pyrénées
BOURGOGNE-FRANCHE-COMTÉ (Burgundy-Franche-Comté): Burgundy | Franche-Comté
CENTRE-VAL DE LOIRE (Centre-Loire Valley)
GRAND-EST (Great East): Alsace | Champagne-Ardenne | Lorraine
NOUVELLE AQUITAINE (New Aquitaine): Aquitaine | Limousin | Poitou-Charentes
Town & City Guides: Amiens | Les Eyzies | Roman Nîmes | Paris
Cave Art in France
France has some of the finest prehistoric cave art in the World, from the limestone valleys of the Dordogne to the majestic Pyrénées Mountains. The most well known of all, Lascaux, may no longer accessible, there are many others still open to the public; some all year round. This comprehensive guide to visiting cave art sites in France provides details for each cave, links to websites, and numerous tips to help you get the most out of your tour, whether you want to see a few of the best sites, or want to see as much as you can … Continue Reading.
Why the Replica Lascaux 4 Is Not Just a Bigger and Better Lascaux 2
On 12 September 1940 four teenage boys made one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century: the extraordinary cave of Lascaux. For conservation reasons, a replica was built in the 1980s. And now a second reproduction of the cave has been created. Lascaux 4 is not, however, just a bigger and better Lascaux 2 … Continue Reading >>
Medieval Gothic Splendour – Amiens Cathedral in Colour
As Gothic cathedrals go, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens is one of the finest. Besides its impressive size, Amiens cathedral is well known for its Medieval wall paintings inside and the truly spectacular sculptures that adorn the Western façade. A façade that was made for son et lumière, worth a visit day and night … Continue Reading >>
Is Le Pont Flavien the Most Beautiful Roman Bridge Outside of Italy?
Ancient Romans built some spectacular bridges, and a number of these are still standing today. One such bridge, located somewhere in the decidedly unassuming southern approach to Saint Chamas of central Provence, is said by many scholars to be the most beautiful Roman bridge outside of Italy. A bold claim, but what do you think? Continue Reading >>
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