France
Exploring the past in France
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 >>
Autun in Autumn – A Ville d’Art et d’Histoire in Burgundy
Founded by Emperor Augustus around 15 BC, in 725 AD Autun would be the eastern most reach of the Muslim Ummayads in Europe. Much later, in the 1830s the town witnessed the beginning of the modern oil shale industry, and in 1852 gave its name to the mineral Autunite. Autun is steeped in many facets of history. Not surprisingly then that this town in the heart of the French region of Burgundy is a designated town of art and history … Continue Reading >>
Four day Road-trip in le Nord & Pas de Calais
Tackling my northern France bucket list by following in the footsteps of Roman leaders & emperors, Medieval nobles and kings, World War RAF pilots and their enemies. From the Roman town of Bavay (or Bavacum), to the Medieval walled town of Montreuil-sur-Mer to the Nazi Bunker of Éperlecques … Continue Reading >>
Browse more France Travel Tips & Suggestions >>
Archaeology and History Festival And Events in France
Living History in the Vendée
Voted the world’s best park, and known for being a theme park without rides, Puy du Fou has four separate period villages that focus on living history of the period, but it is the shows for which it receives the highest accolades. With ten spectacular historical themed shows which range from American War of Independence, Vikings, Roman Circus, Knights of the Round Table and World War I, the shows are the focus of a visit to the park.
Continue Reading >>
Find the best archaeology and history sites in France
Map of Archaeology and History Sites and Museums In France
Red: Prehistory; Green: Gallo Roman; Purple: Medieval; Yellow: 18th century - present; Blue: Museums and Theme Parks
Regions of France
For archaeology and history attractions in a specific region, either click on a region on the map or the name of the region/area.
AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES: Auvergne | Rhône-Alpes
BOURGOGNE-FRANCHE-COMTÉ (Burgundy-Franche-Comté): Burgundy | Franche-Comté
CENTRE-VAL DE LOIRE (Centre-Loire Valley)
GRAND-EST (Great East): Alsace | Champagne-Ardenne | Lorraine
HAUTS-DE-FRANCE (High France): Nord-Pas-de-Calais | Picardy
NOUVELLE AQUITAINE (New Aquitaine): Aquitaine | Limousin | Poitou-Charentes
OCCITANIE (Occitania in English): Languedoc-Roussillon | Midi-Pyrénées
Paris: the City of Light
Paris is well known for World class museums, with artefacts from all corners of the globe. But the city has its own fascinating history. Today tourists like to take a boat trip down the Seine, an interesting trip it is too. But few visit the Stone Age canoes of the early Neolithic inhabitants of the area. Amongst the bars and cafés are the remains of the Roman city of Lutetia, its amphitheatre, the public baths. Or Medieval Paris, starting at the archaeological crypt beneath Notre Dame Cathedral or the Bastille. The Egyptian obelisk ... Continue Reading >>
Villes et Pays d'Art et d'Histoire en France
Amiens,
Hauts-de-France
Fougères,
Brittany
Nîmes,
Occitanie
Sarlat-la-Canéda,
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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 be 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 >>.
