medieval tours france

20 Beautiful Medieval Towns and Villages in France

France is filled with unique areas and is especially known for its stunning medieval towns and villages. These spaces will take you back in time with their ancient architecture and historic traditions. If you’re planning to visit France and want to check out some of the best medieval towns and villages in them, you’ll want to keep reading. Below you’ll find the top places to visit during your trip.

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20 Medieval Towns and Villages in France you should visit

Situated in France’s Provence region and near the Rhône, Avignon is known for its intriguing history, especially since it was once where many Catholic popes resided from 1309-1377. Medieval buildings from this time period can still be seen today, such as the Palais des Papes, which features stunning Gothic architecture and numerous frescos. In addition to this, some other highlights in Avignon include the Pont d’Avignon (a medieval bridge), the Musée Du Petit Palais (known for its collection of works by Botticelli), and the Frigolet Abbey (an ancient monastery).

Besides its historic buildings, Avignon is also known for its culinary specialties, especially those which feature a local favorite – asparagus.

2. Saint-Malo

Situated in Brittany, Saint-Malo features towering ancient walls that protect its borders. These walls were constructed as a way to help defend the city from common invaders during the Medieval Ages, such as pirates. There is plenty to do and see while in Saint-Malo, such as touring its main gem, the Saint-Malo Cathedral. The cathedral is a national monument in France and features an interesting mixture of Roman and Gothic architecture. During World War II, it was bombed during a battle, but still survived the war. Today, visitors can tour the restored cathedral and view its altar, stained glass windows, and impressive organ.

Saint-Malo is also home to many islands and beaches, such as Grand Bé. Situated next to the Rance, the island features an old fortress and plenty of amazing panoramic views.

While small, the town of Yvoire is packed with history. Known for its restored medieval homes and buildings, the town overlooks Lake Geneva. Besides its many shops, which sell various types of local goods, Yvoire is also popular for its love of horticulture. Guests to the town can stop by the remarkable Garden of the Five Senses which is designed to please all five of your senses.

It’s filled with colorful and fragrant plants and visitors can sometimes pluck flowers to feel or taste them. While touring the town, you could also stop by Yvoire Castle, which was built during the 14th-century, or head down to Lake Geneva to go for a swim.

Conques is a commune located in the Aveyron department which is situated in the southern part of France. This area was once sought after by pilgrims who were looking for a place to freely live and express themselves. Many of their buildings and traditions still live on today, such as the Abbey-Church, which contains the relics of Sainte Foy, and the Bridge Over the Dourdou. The bridge will take you through the local forest and is the site of an interesting legend that says if you ring a bell here you will hear the local monks immediately answer you.

Besides exploring its many shops, churches, and museums, Conques is also a foodie’s dream. You’ll find a handful of unique places to dine at which serve local dishes that usually feature tasty wild herbs collected throughout the village. 

5. Carcassonne

This hilltop city in the southern section of France is a popular destination for visitors thanks to its many medieval structures. Carcassonne was an important trading section in the country and was once settled by Romans. Eventually, it became known for its wool textiles before this item’s popularity dwindled.

There are plenty of places to visit while in this medieval city. One to consider is the Cité de Carcassonne. Situated high on a hill overlooking the Aude, the castle features over 52 towers. Guided tours can be taken of its interior where you’ll be able to view more of its breathtaking architecture.

If you prefer to spend some time enjoying the great outdoors, Carcassonne contains parts of the Canal du Midi. This long canal flows through the city and is a great place to go boating or cycling next to.

Located in the Ille-et-Vilaine department, Vitré is a quiet commune known for its unique historical artifacts. Featuring many buildings from the 15th to 16th centuries, the town is particularly known for being home to the Château de Vitré. This castle was one of the first to be built in the town and is constructed out of various types of stone. It also features beautiful circular towers and a small museum.

In addition to the castle, Vitré is home to many historic churches, such as the Saint-Nicolas Chapel and the Convent of Augustins.

Troyes is located in the Grand Est region of France and features beautiful cobblestone streets and colorful timbered houses. Troyes is also home to numerous Gothic cathedrals, such as the Troyes Cathedral. This 400-year-old cathedral is known for its special stained glass windows and is where the Treaty of Troyes was signed.

Visitors to the city could also venture down the Ruelle des Chats. This picturesque street is lined by homes, cafes, and shops and is a magical place to walk during the evening thanks to the hundreds of candles and lanterns that illuminate it.

Colmar lies next to the German border and is packed with a mixture of Medieval and Renaissance-era buildings. Colmar is also part of the Alsace Wine Route and is filled with flourishing vineyards. One place to visit while here is La Petite Venise, a small Italian area that features specialty shops and restaurants.

You could also check out the Unterlinden Museum, which is situated inside a 13th-century building that once served as a convent and public bathhouse. There’s also the Musée du Jouet which serves as a toy museum and contains toys constructed from the 1800s to today.

As the capital of the Aisne department, Laon was once an important strategic center in France and was where the Battle of Laon was fought. It’s home to quite a few interesting attractions, including the Laon Cathedral. The cathedral was built in 1235 and towers over the city. It’s also believed to be one of the first Gothic buildings to ever be built in France.

You could also trek through the Porte d’Ardon which serves as the entrance to the city and leads up to a winding road. For those looking for something unique to do, you could explore the Laon Souterrains. These underground tunnels are over 2,000 years old and curve around under the city. Tours can be taken of the tunnels with a guide.

This charming town in Brittany features cobblestone streets lined by colorful timbered houses. Dinan is home to a beautiful clock tower which guests to the town can climb up to get stunning panoramic views of the area. Another place of interest in Dinan is the Château de Dinan.

This 14th-century castle is well-preserved and features ancient gates and medieval ramparts. Dinan is also home to the Rail Museum which tells of the history of the railroad and showcases train-related artifacts.

11. Lacoste

Located in southeastern France, Lacoste is a sought-after summertime destination thanks to its picturesque views. This mountain village overlooks the nearby Bonnieux and Grand Luberon Mountains and is known for its vernacular architecture. Lacoste was also a popular spot for many famous artists, including Henri Cartier-Bresson.

One place of note to visit while here is the Forêt des Cèdres which is filled with ancient cedar trees and features local wildlife roaming around. Lacoste is also home to many artisan shops which sell everything from cheese to handcrafted jewelry.

12. Eguisheim

Eguisheim lies in the Alsace wine region and is known for its small streets that are lined with houses and shops which are often covered in flowers and wooden balconies. This medieval town is home to various historical structures, including the three Eguisheim castles which are nothing more than ruins now.

If you’d like to see them, you can hike up a hill to get a close-up look at them as well as an impressive overview of the town. Eguisheim is also the site of the Stork Festival. The festival celebrates this bird which is an important symbol of the Alsace region.

13. Les Baux-de-Provence

Les Baux-de-Provence resides next to the Alpilles and is a place all art lovers should venture to. It’s home to the Mas de la Dame, a vineyard that has been depicted in various works of art, including those by Vincent van Gogh.

You can also visit the Carrières de Lumières which was once a quarry and has since been converted into a multimedia art exhibit which features interactive works of art. Besides these, you could also stop by one of the many castles and windmills in the town.

14. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Located in southern France, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence was named after Saint Remigius and is known for its Mediterranean climate, including the Mistral, which is a violent wind that blows here during the winter and spring.

There are many places of note to visit here, such as the Site Archéologique de Glanum which features Roman and Gaulish ruins. There’s also the Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole which is known for its pyramidal roof and being where Van Gogh once stayed for psychiatric treatment.

Èze is located in the Alpes-Maritimes department which rests next to the Ligurian Sea. Besides its many beaches, there are plenty of other places to see while in this medieval seaside town. For instance, the Nietzsche Path is a trail that winds through the local cliffs and gives panoramic views of the sea.

There’s also the Jardin Botanique d’Èze which is a botanical garden filled with exotic plants. You could also see the ruins of the Trophy of Augustus which was built by the Romans as a way to celebrate Augustus’ victory in the area in 6 B.C.

16. Beynac-et-Cazenac

This medieval village is considered to be one of the most beautiful in all of France. Featuring views of the Dordogne River you’ll find plenty of unique things to do and see while visiting. One highlight is the Château de Beynac. This castle was built in the 11th-century and is one of the best-preserved castles in the country.

The village is also known for its hot air balloon rides which will take you on a flight over the village giving you stunning bird’s-eye views.

For a great stay in the nearby area, I recommend the hotel Cours de Thomazeau. 

17. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie overlooks the Lot River and is part of the “Beautiful Villages of France” association. It is situated high on a hill and features a winding road through the Lot Valley you can drive down. The village is best known for preserving over 13 monuments, which includes cafes and homes.

It was also a popular spot for many artists, including those who created the Surrealist Movement. One place to visit while here is the Musée Rignault which is named after famous painter Emile Joseph-Rignault and holds some of his works.

Gordes is located in southeastern France and is situated near Avignon. The village is best known for its houses which feature white stone. The village is also connected together with small cobblestone streets which are lined with shops.

You’ll discover plenty of things to do while here, such as exploring the cellars of the Saint Firmin Palace which will let you explore the cave-like hallways and stairways underneath the palace which are illuminated with lanterns. You could also visit the Pol Mara Museum which celebrates the life and works of the artist Pol Mara.

19. Mont Saint-Michel

This medieval town rests on an island near Normandy and is known worldwide for its stunning ancient structures. Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a magnificent abbey and monastery that was built in the early 1500s.

20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the oldest medieval towns situated next to the French Riviera. Besides its many historic churches and castles, the town is also popular for its art scene. In fact, you’ll find many modern art museums to explore here. Visitors will also find plenty of hip restaurants and shops located in old buildings.

France is home to many charming medieval towns and villages, all of which range in their attractions and traditions. If you’re looking for a unique trip to take while in France, definitely consider exploring some of these medieval areas. They are a step back in time that will make your trip to them memorable.

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Visit Tours, a Historic City in the Loire Valley

Here, living is an art.

Tours , the capital of Touraine , enjoys an exceptional location in the heart of the prestigious region of the Loire châteaux (External link) . Crossed by two rivers, this charming Gallo-Roman town maintains its status as a timeless "Garden of France."

On foot, by train or bicycle, discover the famous district of "Old Tours" or stroll through the historic gardens of the city. On the terrace of a café, in medieval alleys or through its markets, you'll taste the "sweetness of Tours."

Traditional departure site for tours to major cultural attractions in the Loire Valley, Tours is also the home of the "live well and eat well" ideal, so dear to Rabelais.

What not to miss in this beautiful European city:

As a city of art and history, Tours has benefited from an active policy of restoring its old quarters during the 60s, which has allowed it to keep the Place Plumereau, one of the largest restored areas in Europe.

• The Museum of Compagnons: The heritage of Compagnons - the guilds of skilled craftsmen found nowhere else in the world!
• Place Plumereau and its half-timbered houses, medieval streets, the Châteauneuf neighborhood.
• The Cathedral of St. Gatien (External link)
• The Basilica of St. Martin
• Traditional markets
• The Vinci International Convention Center, designed by Jean Nouvel.
• The Prébendes d'Oé Garden
• Specialties: "Rillettes de Tours," "Nougat de Tours," Vouvray wines, and wines from Montlouis-sur-Loire

The "Tours" of events

• The Fêtes Musicales in Touraine: International Festival of Classical Music. In February, June and November.
• The Vocal Anthology: International Competition of Choral Singing at Pentecost.
• Tours on the Loire: Guinguette along the Loire, outdoor cinema, and shows. From mid-May to mid-September.
• Vitiloire: one hundred winegrowers give you a taste of the wines of the Loire. Early June.
• Garlic and Basil Fair: traditional gourmet feast. In July.
• 10 and 20 km Tours marathons. In September.
• The Paris-Tours: for over a hundred years, this famous bicycle race is held annually in October.

Visit Tours

• Led by guide-lecturers from Villes et Pays d'Art et d'Histoire , the Tours/Loire Valley Tourist Office offers a wide selection of general or themed guided tours: "Antique", "Renaissance", "Cathedral", "St. Martin", "Victor Laloux," and "Nocturne"
• Audio tours: Discover Tours at your leisure with our IPOD!
• The little train: Let yourself be carried through the old quarters of the city for a 50-minute guided tour. Easter to October.
• The carriage: You'll discover the streets of Tours to the rhythm of hooves pounding the pavements of the old town. In July and August.
• Visit Tours and its surroundings with the "Pass through Tours" passes available in several options at reasonable prices.

"This town is joyous, loving, fresh, flowery, and better-perfumed than any other city in the world ..." - (Balzac, born in Tours).

Getting to Tours

Tours is one of the major French cities, situated at the crossroads of central France and at the heart of European communication lines.

• Train: Take the train to the Gare de Tours Centre, or to the Gare de Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (with shuttle trains to Tours).
• International airport just outside Tours
• Freeways: A10 - A85 - A28
• FACEBOOK - Tours N' Loire (French) (External link)
• TWITTER - Tours N' Loire (French) (External link)

Tours 

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Visit Tours, the gateway city of the Loire Valley

Home › Discover › Tours and the finest cities in Touraine › Visit Tours, the gateway city of the Loire Valley

Beautiful, vibrant and lively, Tours is a pretty stopping point during a couple of days in the middle of the Loire Valley Chateaux . Tour its historic quarters with their half-timbered houses, the bustling Place Plumereau and Saint-Gatien Cathedral, as well as the new Olivier Debré Contemporary Art Centre.

On sunny days, the star of Tours is the River Loire! The now famous ‘Tours-sur-Loire’ guinguette  and the Tours beach extend the city limits to the banks of the river. Numerous activities are offered.

Tours is packed with gourmet bistros featuring fresh, locally sourced produce on their menus. You should taste the nougat of Tours , the potted rillettes of Tours, the saffron , or the "poires tapées" (dried pears). Genuinely unique!

Tours – A tale of two cities

In a perfect location, Tours is the great capital of the Loire Valley, a Unesco world heritage site, but it is far more than just a gateway to the Loire Chateaux. Indeed, Tours delights in being charming and doesn’t think twice about playing a double game in order to do so.

Visit Tours and its architecture full of history

First of all, there is its historical heritage. The birthplace of  Balzac   (more than fifty books to read) is proud of its old quarters , which take visitors on a wonderful journey back in time in France. Explore the narrow cobbled streets,  half-timbered french houses and the stone façade of the monumental  Saint-Gatien Cathedral , which give the city a charming medieval air.

The architecture of the Fine Arts Museum , the Hotel Gouïn  (Renaissance architecture),  Tours castle , the ‘la Psalette’ cloister and the Saint Martin Basilica (near the “tour Charlemagne” and the “tour de l’horloge”) is of great interest! You will enjoy those monuments through a illuminated walking experience , and of course with a guided tour proposed by the tourist office.

Tours - Saint-Gatien Cathedral

Château de Tours - Illuminated walking experience

Tours, a beautiful city in France

In addition to the built heritage, large green spaces perfectly enhance the french city. Designed in the 19th century and classified as a remarkable garden, the Prebendes d’Oe garden is a perfect example, as is the botanic garden and the Gloriette park . Attached to the latter, the practice of La Gloriette Golf may allow you to make your first swing!

You have a few days ahead of you?   Renting a bike , you will cycle from Tours to :

• the St Cosme priory (4km / 14 min),
• the Montbazon fortress (15km / 56 min),
• Vouvray wineries ( Château Gaudrelle , Vigneau-Chevreau …).
• the gardens of Villandry (19km / 1h03),
• the Valmer gardens (19km / 1h06).

The gardens of Villandry castle. France

It is also very pleasant to go shopping, to have a look at the exhibitions at the new  Olivier Debré Contemporary Creation Centre and at the Arts district , to relax at the summer ‘guinguette’, situated along the banks of the Loire River from which you can see the traditional boats (belonging to the Boutavant association ). You may also like to go on board for a fifty minute cruise on the river !

Tours - Boutavant boat on the River Loire

Visit Tours - Olivier Debré Contemporary Creation Centre

For night owls , a stopover in Tours also gives them an opportunity to treat themselves to a show, an evening in one of the many bars and cafés in the Old Town or a front seat at the free sound and light show  projected onto the Fine Art Museum façade every evening in the summer.

Some more pictures of Tours:

The Plumereau square

The Art Deco American Memorial

The Monster of Xavier Veilhan

The Jean Jaurès Square, with the Tours City Hall.

Visit Tours in video

Tours is the ideal place to spend a night as it is situated close to the main Loire Valley chateaux, along the Loire by bike trail , along the GR3 pedestrian route and on the way to Santiago de Compostela !

Practical: Tours Val de Loire Tourist Office

Book tickets, guided tour, day trip, activities for groups: www.tours-tourisme.fr/en +033 (0)2 47 70 37 37

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Best Medieval Towns in France

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

The Middle Ages , between the fall of the Western Roman Empire (5th century) and the Renaissance in the 15th century, were remarkable periods in Europe’s history. In France, these were the times of the expansion of royal control by the House of Capet, crusades, and wars against the English or Flanders. Also, these were the times when Romanesque and Gothic arts were born.

Want to have a travel in time? There is no lack of medieval French towns that managed to retain the charm of medieval architecture, elements, and flair. Every one of them is a photographer’s paradise of snaking alleys, frenetically stacked houses, and unique personalities worth discovering.

For this article, we asked some travel experts to help us with the list of the best medieval towns in France. If you are interested in this fascinating period of history or simply wish to stroll around cobbled streets lost in time, these stunning French medieval towns might be just what you are looking for.

Best Medieval French Towns

Here’s the list of our favorite medieval towns France has to offer. Some of these best medieval towns in France are easy day trips from the best French cities , while others are best explored on longer French road trips .

Éze-Village (Alpes-Maritimes)

Èze medieval village is one of the best places to visit in the French Riviera . This vulture’s nest perched 429 meters above the sea between Nice and Monaco surprises with its beauty and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

One of the most beautiful medieval towns in France, Èze Village is like a step back in time. Get lost in this labyrinth of cobblestone streets, and enjoy its particular atmosphere. The village is very tiny, but every corner is worth a stop for taking a picture or two.

Thanks to its microclimate, the place has aphrodisiac plants in fantastic colors. Don’t miss the Exotic Garden , essential to understand this town’s traditions and observe its plants. Then, the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Church and the Chapel of the White Penitents are worth visiting.

Whether you decide to visit Èze on a day trip from Nice or as part of a French Riviera road trip , you are going to love this French medieval town!

Chinon (Indre et Loire)

Casually stretched out on the Vienne River banks, in the heart of the Loire Valley , Chinon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must of any Loire Valley road trip .

Chinon’s imposing fortress is a medieval masterpiece with its keep and towers. The view of the  Royal Fortress of Chinon  from the bridge over the Vienne will take your breath away.

This medieval town in France is a truly charming and sublime place to visit, and it is a wonder to wander through Chinon’s medieval streets with its pretty half-timbered houses and old dwellings. Among them are the Maison Rouge, one of the oldest in the city, the former Bailiwick’s Palace, and the Hôtel des Etats Généraux , a mansion now housing the Museum of Old Chinon.

Chinon also has beautiful religious buildings such as the Chapel of St. Radegund . Built in a Romanesque, semi-troglodyte style, its mural paintings from the end of the 12th century depict the Plantagenets.

Riquewihr (Haut Rhin)

Riquewihr  is one of the most  beautiful Alsace villages along the Alsace Wine Route , if not the most beautiful! Located in the Haut-Rhin department, between mountains and vineyards, Riquewihr will likely steal your heart too.

Riquewihr is a French medieval town that exists since Roman times. Over the centuries, the town prospered by trading its reputed white wine all over Europe. In the 16th century, this prosperity with the Riquewihr wine enabled the village to build the magnificent houses that you can see today.

Riquewihr is surrounded by a double fortification wall. The first ramparts were built in the 13th century, while the second ramparts were built in the 16th century when Riquewihr was a rich town. Don’t miss the Dolder – the 13th-century belfry tower at the end of Rue Charles de Gaulle – and the pretty shops selling souvenirs, local delicacies, and wines.

This beautiful medieval town is also famous for hosting one of the most wonderful Christmas Markets in Alsace . The market takes place every weekend from mid-November to Christmas.

Riquewihr is one of the best day trips from Colmar but you can also visit it as part of an Alsace road trip .

Yvoire (Haute Savoie)

Yvoire  is one of the most beautiful medieval French towns to visit in the French Alps in the summer . This unique fortified village located on the French shore of the Lac Léman is listed as one of the  Most Beautiful Villages in France .

This stunning France medieval town with more than 700 years of history has all the ingredients to make you travel back to Medieval times: ramparts, fortified gates, picturesque cobbled streets, and a 14th-century castle.

Don’t miss the Jardin des 5 Sens , in the heart of the village, listed as a remarkable garden by the Ministry of Culture. There are many pretty shops to buy souvenirs and regional products too.

Moret-sur-Loing (Seine et Marne)

Moret-sur-Loing  is one of the prettiest medieval towns near Paris . This picture-perfect town located east of Fontainebleau’s forest is bisected by the river Loing, a tributary of the Seine River.

Moret-sur-Loing was a royal city of the Capetian dynasty, located at the border with the Duchy of Burgundy. The kings Louis VI, Louis VII, and Philippe Auguste fortified it in the 12th century and built beautiful constructions.

The current town plan is still strongly marked by this medieval period. Visitors can still see part of the ramparts and three fortified gates built between the 12th and the 15th centuries.

One of the town’s main accesses is through a beautiful medieval bridge that crosses the river Loing. Inside the fortified town, don’t miss the Church of Notre Dame , built between the 12th and 14th centuries in Gothic style, and the keep of the medieval castle (12th century), which was partially destroyed during the French Revolution.

Suggested by Norbert | World in Paris

Pérouges (Ain)

The picturesque medieval town of Pérouges , in the Ain department, is one of the best day trips from Lyon . This ancient town, surrounded by a double-walled enclosure, has well-preserved architecture and an authentic historic atmosphere.

Start at the Place du Tilleul, in the heart of the town. Here, you will find the 13th-century Hostellerie du Vieux Pérouges – one of the oldest inns in France –, and the Museum of Old Pérouges. Then, the winding cobblestone streets and pretty squares will transport you back to the Middle Ages, when Pérouges excelled at hemp growing and weaving.  

Also, visit the Sainte-Madelaine Church –  a rare church fortress built in the 15th century –, the Porte d’En-Haut, and the Princes’ House, which was the former residence of the Dukes of Savoy.

Last but not least, don’t miss Pérouges’ gourmet specialty: la galette de Pérouges: plain or with pralines, the galette will make you happy!

Châteauneuf-en-Axois (Côte d’Or)

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is one of the most interesting medieval towns in France to visit. Standing on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by a medieval fortress, Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is a superb example of 14th-century Burgundian military architecture.

In Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, the towers and curtains bear witness to the defense policy undertaken during the Hundred Years War to defend the plains of Auxois. The village has a beautiful architecture of bourgeois residences from the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, built during the town’s commercial prosperity. Don’t’ miss the 16th-century château, a superb example of medieval military architecture.

The visit to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois only takes a few hours. You can combine Châteauneuf-en-Auxois with the Route des Grands Crus , or with other picturesque villages in Burgundy .

Conques (Aveyron)

Conques is a charming medieval town located at the foot of the Dourdou river, in the Aveyron (Occitanie). During the 11th and 12th centuries, Conques was an important place of pilgrimage on the way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. From this period is also the construction of the Abbey of Sainte-Foy , which hosts the relics of this young woman martyred in the 4th century. This abbey is considered a masterpiece of Romanesque art from southern France and is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

Conques’ maze of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses will transport you directly to the Middle Ages, and the residents of the area will tell you this place conceals a thousand treasures.

During your wanderings in Conques, look for the public stone fountains. Built in the Romanesque period, they allowed pilgrims to quench their thirst. Today, they bring authenticity to the village.

Saint-Émilion (Gironde)

The picturesque medieval town of Saint-Émilion is heaven for  French food  and wine enthusiasts. Named after a French monk, this charming fortress village is filled with historic buildings and surrounded by stunning landscapes of rolling hills and grapevines.

Strolling through the quaint cobbled stone streets offers beautiful views of the town and the local wineries called chateaus. Saint-Émilion is one of the world’s best wine regions for Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Some of the wine shops in town offer opportunities to taste the local wines, but if you have the time, a Saint-Emilion wine tour is the best way to experience Saint-Émilion.

Some of the chateaus also have lodging and restaurants. However, the town itself boasts eateries for every budget, from small cafes to Michelin-starred. And you can dine outdoors at one of the bistros in the main square for a good meal and even better people-watching.

Suggested by Denise | Chef Denise

Ribeauvillé (Haut Rhin)

Ribeauvillé is one of the picturesque French medieval towns that lie on the Alsace Wine Route . Ribeauvillé has a population of just under 5,000 people and is highly popular with travelers exploring the Alsace . Located just 16 kilometers from Colmar, Ribeauvillé is an easy day trip from Colmar or Strasbourg.

The village is surrounded by fields of vineyards stretching all the way to neighboring towns. The main cobblestoned-lined street is filled with restaurants, bakeries, and cellar doors. On the hill directly behind the town, you will find Castle Saint-Ulrich, Castle Girsberg, and Haut-Ribeaupierre. There is a popular walking trail from the center of town that takes in historical sites.

If you want to experience Ribeauvillé like a local, head off the main streets and find some local establishments such as Gorman Drinks, where the locals drink and eat. Also, you should definitely try the local wine from Cave de Ribeauvillé, the oldest wine co-op in France. A visit and  stay in Ribeauville  is a must.

Suggested by Mark| Wyld Family Travel​

Rocamadour (Lot)

The French medieval town of Rocamadour is nestled in the wooded crags of the Lot and has been a go-to destination for pilgrims and tourists alike since the 12th century. Ranging across the steep hills of the Alzou Canyon in the Causses du Quercy Nature Park, this sacred village is packed with honeyed stone houses, pointed towers, and narrow cobbled streets, perfect for wandering and a great stop on a motorhome tour of France .

This UNESCO World Heritage site is built on three levels, dominated by the incomparable Citadel of Faith , an important stop on the Way of St James for centuries.

You can climb from the charming narrow streets at the lowest level, through the four stone arches to the Gothic monastic buildings and chapels, and the castle beyond.

Suggested by Izzy | The Gap Decaders

Gordes (Vaucluse)

If you are looking to spend a few days in a pretty medieval town, France is full of interesting options. Gordes , in Provence , is one of the best medieval towns in France, with easy day trips to Gordes, Avignon, the Sénanque Abbey, and the lavender fields . Gordes is actually on the official list of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France,’ so it totally deserves a visit!

Gordes was built in the 11th century around a fortified medieval castle. It was a fortress in the Middle Ages, also acting as a real shelter for populations fleeing invasions and religious wars.

Gordes has a lot of assets. First of all, because it’s located on top of a hill, it has a very privileged position. It offers some stunning views of the Luberon mountain and the Calavon Valley! Also, the architecture of Gordes is quite characteristic with its white and grey stones.

Aside from the medieval castle, Gordes features two abbeys, several ancient windmills, and fountains. Last but not least, this typical provincial village has many traditions, and many exhibitions and a cultural festival are organized here.

Suggested by Ophelie | Limitless Secrets

Sarlat-la-Canéda (Dordogne)

Sarlat-la-Canéda is a medieval walled town in the Dordogne department, in South-West France. This medieval town in France is one of the top things to see in Dordogne and a must-stop of any road trip to Dordogne-Périgord Noir .

Sarlat is a market town known for its walnuts, foie gras, and fresh produce. On the main square, you will find a huge Saturday market, with producers selling everything from cèpe mushrooms to handcrafts, walnut liquor to clothing. Try one of the tasting menus at the surrounding restaurants – Sarlat is a food paradise.

Famed architect Jean Nouvel, has transformed the Sainte-Marie church on the main square into incredible covered markets with a glass elevator that offers views out over Sarlat. Explore the crooked cobblestone streets and find cute boutiques, crêpe shops, and fine examples of medieval architecture.  Be sure to stop at one of the cafés and watch the world go by over an aperitif of walnut wine.  

Suggested by Hannah | HH Lifestyle Travel

Provins (Seine-et-Marne)

Provins is another of the lovely medieval towns near Paris. In Medieval Times, it was one of France’s main fair towns dedicated to wool and other tissues. Today, Provins is part of the Ile de France region but in the past, it belonged to the powerful Counts of Champagne.

A visit to Provins is like a step back in time. Don’t miss its beautiful architecture of half-timbered houses, the views from the top of its medieval walls. There are some interesting sites to visit, like the 12th century Tour César or la Grange aux Dimes.

But what makes Provins unique is its series of underground tunnels accessible from the houses. These tunnels were used to stock the woods for the fairs and today visitors can explore part of this vast underground network on a guided tour.

In June, don’t miss the Médievales de Provins , considered the best medieval fair in France. In December, Provins’s medieval Christmas Market is often listed as one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in France .

So there you have it, our list of best medieval towns in France worth visiting. Which medieval French towns would you like to explore during your next holiday in France?

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The Lovely, Laid-Back City of Tours

Beneath the plane trees lining Boulevard Béranger, the twice-weekly flower market in Tours provides a splash of color and a heady whiff of fragrance to the thoroughfare, one of several that can justly be described as Haussmannesque. The imposing Belle Epoque City Hall, built by noted native-son architect Victor Laloux bears more than a passing resemblance to the Hôtel de Ville in the nation’s capital. Echoes of the Paris Opéra are found in the opulent Grand Théâtre de Tours, since architect Charles Garnier was involved in its construction. Towering Saint Gatien cathedral, in spite of its ornate facade and owl-eyed twin towers topped with Renaissance belfries, is, on the interior, a Gothic marvel fit for Quasimodo. And in the summer—inspired by the success of Paris Plage—Tours puts on its own beach-party festival on the banks of the Loire, with evening concerts, open-air movies and guinguettes for dancing.

“ Tours? C’est le mini-Paris! ” That’s how the local Tourangeaux describe their lovely city on the Loire, which has, on several occasions, stood in for Paris as the capital of France. The bold comparison—spoken in  what is claimed to be the purest French in the entire country—must surely provoke some nose-wrinkling among proud Parisians. But even the most partisan Parigot must recognize that provincial Tours does have much in common with the City of Light, albeit on a much smaller—and, some might say, more human and friendlier—scale.

But if Tours harbors a thinly concealed rivalry with its larger sibling on the Seine, it’s remarkably laid-back about it—that’s what makes the city so appealing. Paris may be the nation’s pacesetter, but Tours somehow manages to never fall too far behind and still take time to smell the roses. The easygoing approach to life in the Touraine has given birth to the expression le quart d’heure Tourangeau , which essentially means you shouldn’t expect anything to start until 15 minutes after the scheduled time. Even the Loire seems in no great rush to get to the sea, normally preferring to proclaim its existence in a pleasant purr rather than a threatening roar.

It’s easy to see why Tours is used as a base by many of the estimated nine million tourists who come every year to visit the Renaissance châteaux of the Loire. Centrally located within an hour or so of all the most important châteaux, its modern transport links—it’s only an hour by TGV from central Paris—and its wide array of restaurants, hotels and other amenities make it a logical hub. But Tours offers visitors much more than just a place to wine, dine and rest after a long day exploring Chenonceau or the extraordinary gardens of Villandry. The city has many attractions of its own to help castled-out tourists recharge their batteries.

Cobbled streets and cafés

The Loire gives Tours its scenic setting, but it’s also the most useful reference when navigating the city, which is actually sandwiched between two rivers: the Loire and the Cher. Urban sprawl has extended, in a not always prepossessing fashion, far beyond both rivers, so it’s the area closest to the Loire that merits the most attention. It’s not a bad idea to start a tour of Tours with a lazy stroll along the banks of the great river—on the western end of the city there’s a mini-promenade under weeping willows dangling their wistful tendrils into the languorous current. Rue Nationale, running perpendicular to the river across the center of town, is lined with shops all the way to the Mairie and the elegant fountains and flowerbeds of the Place Jean Jaurès, dividing the city into two distinct sections, with Vieux Tours to the west and the cathedral quarter to the east.

Vieux Tours is technically a misnomer—the Gallo-Roman area in the cathedral quarter predates medieval Tours by quite a few centuries. But the beguiling maze of cobbled streets is lined with 14th- to 16th-century half-timbered and slate-clad townhouses adorned with exquisitely carved figures. All the cobbled arteries lead to the pedestrian Place Plumereau, a carefully preserved jewel of late medieval architecture.

There’s something irresistibly appealing about sitting in Place Plum’ (pronounced like the feather, not the fruit) and absorbing the atmosphere. In the shade of parasols and café awnings, local residents, students and tourists converse while sipping coffee and nursing glasses of sparkling Vouvray wine. Children lick artisanale ice cream under the old mulberry tree, and avid eaters lunch on copious salads, topped with goat’s cheese from Sainte-Maure de Touraine, and toast slathered with rillettes de porc (a regional specialty of spreadable pork pâté).

The jumbled streets around Place Plumereau offer a good choice of chic restaurants and bars, while an equally diverse but more international flavor is found along rue Colbert, which starts on the other side of rue Nationale and leads to the cathedral quarter. Rue Colbert is the preferred hangout of many of the city’s 30,000-odd students, so there are plenty of budget-friendly restaurants on hand. At number 39/41, a plaque marks the half-timbered house of the armurier who made Joan of Arc’s armor in 1429, before she set off to lift the siege of Orléans.

Few more pleasing…

Farther down rue Colbert, Saint Gatien cathedral leaps out of the city skyline. The evolution of medieval architecture is writ large on the ornate facade, reflecting the 13th- to 16th-century progression from Romanesque to flamboyant Gothic to early Renaissance, but the great church miraculously manages to avoid looking like a stylistic mishmash. The interior houses the elaborate white marble tomb of two princes—the children of Anne de Bretagne and Charles VIII—who died in their infancy, marking the end of the royal Valois dynasty in France.

There’s also some magnificent stained glass, including smaller-scale ripostes to the rose windows of Notre Dame de Paris. On clear days, the sunlight streaming through the windows over the choir throws magical polychrome patterns on the floor of the ambulatory. Just outside, the cathedral’s two-story cloister, known as La Psalette because that’s where psalms were sung, has a graceful, circular Renaissance staircase in one corner. Henry James, during his visit to Tours in 1882, summed up Saint Gatien best: “There are many grander cathedrals, but there are probably few more pleasing.”

A short walk from Saint Gatien, the Musée des Beaux-Arts occupies the former 17th/18th-century episcopal palace. The courtyard entrance harbors a living chef d’oeuvre : an enormous cedar of Lebanon, planted in 1804 and now one of the largest in Europe. The museum houses a surprisingly rich collection of paintings, sculptures and furniture, including works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Mantegna, Monet, Degas and Delacroix, among many others. There are also two portraits and a Rodin statue of novelist Honoré de Balzac, who was born in Tours and spent a good portion of his adult life writing, and hiding from Parisian creditors, in the region. Outside the museum a small, attractive formal garden offers a fine view of the former palace and the cathedral.

Visitors may find themselves wondering why the cathedral quarter is nearly a mile from Old Tours: the answer is that Tours is actually two distinct settlements grown together. When the Celtic Turone tribe first established their settlement here, it was on the northern side of the Loire. The Romans arrived in the 1st century, and with characteristic imperiousness transferred the settlement south to its current site and re-named it Caesarodunum, Caesar’s Hill. As industrious as they were imperious, the Romans built a large protective wall around the settlement, significant traces of which can still be seen in the garden of the Musée des Beaux-Arts and rue des Ursulines. They also built an amphitheater large enough to seat 34,000 spectators, making it one of the five largest in the Roman Empire. Only the arena’s foundations remain, in the cellars of private mansions, but the curving outline of the amphitheater can still be traced on rue du Général Meunier. The cathedral quarter that grew up around Saint Gatien was built on the site of the Roman settlement.

Saints and Charlemagne

The Romans left their indelible mark on Tours, as in many parts of France, but it was one ex-Roman soldier in particular who would dramatically shape the city’s history. Famed for cutting his military cloak in half to share with a beggar, Saint Martin of Tours died in 397, and he quickly thereafter became one of the most important Catholic saints. The cult of Saint Martin grew in importance as he was adopted as a patron saint, first by the Merovingian and then the Carolingian kings of the Franks. The original basilica of Saint Martin, built a good 20-minute walk from the Roman town, housed the saint’s shrine; in the early Middle Ages it was considered the third most important pilgrimage site in Christendom, after Jerusalem and Rome. Much of Martin’s early posthumous popularity, in fact, was due to the writings of the city’s second major saint, Grégoire de Tours, a 6th-century bishop and prominent historian who wrote a history of the Franks and many accounts of miracles attributed to Martin.

The great wealth of the basilica of Saint Martin was a tempting target to marauders, and in fact was the intended destination of the Saracen army defeated by Charles Martel—Charlemagne’s grandfather—in 732 in the Battle of Tours (also called the Battle of Poitiers). Walls were built to protect the new settlement that sprang up around the basilica to host the pilgrims, so that until the 14th century Tours was actually two separate entities. It was only in the late Middle Ages, as the region prospered from the silk trade and the royal favor of Louis XI, that the area between the two settlements developed, effectively fusing them.

The basilica was destroyed and rebuilt several times, eventually succumbing to Viking and Norman raids, fire, religious wars and revolution. But vestiges of the medieval structure remain on rue de Châteauneuf, notably Charlemagne’s Tower—the Frankish king’s last wife, Luitgarde, is said to be buried there. In the late 19th and early 20th century, architect Victor Laloux built a new, neo-Byzantine basilica on the site of the old one. (Laloux also built the train station in Tours and another, in Paris, that eventually became the Musée d’Orsay.)

Built at the same time as Sacré Coeur in Paris, the basilica is a more restrained affair than its grandiose cousin; Saint Martin’s tomb, in the crypt, still draws pilgrims more than 1500 years after the saint’s death.

Like Paris, Tours is sometimes described as bourgeois. That may be considered good or bad, but it is undoubtedly true, in more ways than one. When most people call Tours “bourgeois”, they’re referring to its air of unpretentious prosperity, visibly reflected in its  wealth of gourmet restaurants, fine shops and impressive architecture. But in fact the first known French use of the word bourg dates from 837, when it was used to describe the walled settlement around the basilica. The Tourangeaux have every reason to be proud of it.

TOURS NOTEBOOK

Office de Tourisme 78 rue Bernard Palissy, 02.47.70.37.37. website

Musée des Beaux-Arts 18 place François Sicard, 02.47.05.68.73.  website

Musée de Compagnonnag e Dedicated to the works of artisans and master craftsmen, including shoemakers, bakers, carpenters, metalworkers and stonemasons. 8 rue Nationale, 02.47.21.62.20.  website

Musée Saint Martin 3 rue Rapin, 02.47.64.48.87.

Hôtel de l’Univers The poshest hotel in town—former clients include Franklin Roosevelt, Henry James, Ernest Hemingway and Winston Churchill. 5 blvd Heurteloup, 02.47.05.37.12.  website

L’Adresse Small, thoroughly charming hotel near Place Plumereau. 12 rue de la Rôtisserie, 02.47.20.85.76.  website

Restaurants

Le Turon Quality French food and local specialties at reasonable prices. 94 rue Colbert, 02.47.66.14.25.

Comme Autrefouée Just off place Plum, an original dining experience in a medieval setting. The meal consists primarily of  fouaces —a type of traditional wood-oven baked pita bread beloved by Rabelais’s Gargantua—filled with rillettes , haricots blancs or local goat cheese. 11 rue de la Monnaie, 02.47.05.94.78.  website

Le Rive Gauche Modern ambiance, innovative cuisine. 23 rue de Commerce, 02.47.05.71.21. website

Bike Rentals

Détours de Loire 35 rue Charles Gilles, 02.47.61.22.23. website

Originally published in the May 2011 issue of France Today

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The Occitanie region regroups 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit, including the city of Carcassonne, the pont du Gard, the Canal du Midi or the episcopal city of Albi !

Périgord or Dordogne benefits from a particularly temperate climate which makes it a pleasant region to live in all seasons and a privileged destination for your next vacation. Visit Dordogne

Popular all year round for its mild climate, the beauty of its landscapes and its many activities, the Gironde is a destination of choice. Visit Gironde

Go on an excursion and admire the hillsides of the vineyards, the lavender fields and be lulled by the song of the cicadas. Visit Provence

We can create a totally tailor-made trip according to your very own desires. There are a lot of possibilities that you might be interested in or that we can suggest to you.

A two-days tour of 5 iconic medieval villages

Ready for time travel with this tour ?

During this 2 days, we’ll visit Puycelsi , Bruniquel , Castelnau-de-Montmiral , Saint Antonin de Noble Val , Saint Cirq Lapopie and Rocamadour . If you love medieval ambiance, old stones and old villages, this tour is for you. This is more a tour to stroll and admire old buildings and beautifull landscapes. You will go back in time with this off the beaten paths tour.

This tour has some easy walk with some steep streets, you need good walking shoes, accessible to people who are used to walk.

This tour is available all year round. Subject to availability at time of booking.

What will I do during this tour ?

Five medieval villages in the “Vallée de Vère”

In the morning departure to Castelnau-de- Montmiral which was built in 1222. The picturesque Place de la Mairie is lined with houses with various facades, stone, timber, brick.

Then we head to Puycelsi planted on its rocky outcrop. You will have a unique view of the Gorges de l’Aveyron and the forest of Grésigne below!

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Perched at the top of a cliff, Bruniquel offers facades crafted in limestone, wild gardens, steep streets paved with pebbles, beautiful homes dated from the 15th, 16th, and 17th century.

In the afternoon we will walk to the medieval city of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. Founded in the 8th century around an old Benedictine abbey, it has a beautiful heritage, witnessed by it’s past as an important craft and commercial center.

In the morning, stroll in Saint Cirq Lapopie , you will dive directly into the medieval period, between houses dating from the twelfth to the fifteenth century. Travel back in time ith this medieval atmosphere, with 13 historic Monuments of this classified village. All you have to do is go with the lanes and intimate gardens, looking up at the trilobed windows or entering the arcade shops set up in the same places as their ancestors boilermakers, skinners or wood turners.

Free time for lunch

In the begening of the afternoon we depart to Rocamadour that is located in the Dordogne Valley: The sacred city is clinging to the cliff in a superposition of houses and chapels. On the way to Santiago de Compostela, the Saint-Sauveur Basilica and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Crypt Saint-Amadour are open to visitors once they have climbed the 216 steps of the Pilgrims’ Stairs. . The miraculous chapel, one of the seven other chapels built in the hollow of the rock, houses its jewel, the Black Virgin venerated for over a millennium.

Back to Toulouse.

Good to know

This guided tour includes :

• Transport from and to Toulouse to 7 villages
• 1 night with breakfast for 2 people double bedroom
• English speaking private guide / driver
• Comfortable car or van

This guided tour does not includes :

• Entrance fees
• Lunch, drinks
• Personal insurance and expenses

*Pick up and drop off location For shared tours From Carcassonne : Place du Prado, 11000 Carcassonne From Toulouse : Metro Ramonville station : Take the exit « SORTIE vers parc relais et arrêt minute »

For private tours Choose your hotel on the list or specify your pick up location by entering the address when booking.

Coronavirus Informations

All vehicles are cleaned after each service, guides wear masks and all activities, museums & attraction visited apply strict sanitary rules. Bring your masks as they are compulsory in the vans.

Need more infos ?

Our tour guide know perfectly the destinations they sell and will tailor-make a tour to your unique needs.

E-mail [email protected]

Phone +33 (0)6 51 84 02 79

Tours from Toulouse

Cité de carcassonne and lastours castles.

A walking guided tour of Carcassonne in the morning and the Castles of Lastours with breathtaking views in the afternoon.

Cité de Carcassonne walking tour

La Cité is a stunning and unique place to visit, strolling through the medieval village with its tiny and twisted alleys.

Cité de Carcassonne and wine tour

A walking tour of Carcassonne in the morning for a good overview of the town and the visit of a winery with wine tasting in the afternoon.

Albi & Cordes-sur-Ciel

Discover two medieval cities that are not to be missed. This is a perfect tour for the heritage and medieval age lovers.

Albi & Wine tasting in Gaillac

In this tour, discover Albi, an interesting and long history medieval city and a local winery in Gaillac with wine tasting.

Four medieval villages in the “Vallée de Vère”

Discover 4 medieval villages in the "Vallée de Vère", if you love medieval ambiance, old stones and old villages, this tour is for you.

Montségur Castle, Camon and Mirepoix

A deep dive in the historical part of the region, 2 medieval cities and the castle of Montségur, with some breathtaking views on the program.

Toulouse walking tour

Visit the historic center of Toulouse to discover its main monuments and key places, this tour will give you a good overview of the pink city.

Day in the Pays Lauragais and its famous cassoulet

A great combination of culture and gastronomy. Have lunch in a restaurant where cassoulet is homemade !

A Lady In France

The Medieval City of Tours

Tours is worth the mention – less for its château and more for the medieval city’s history and location. This is the perfect place to stay if you want to visit the châteaux in the Loire because it’s in the centre of everything. We stayed in the “Château Belmont” (also called the Hotel Clarion) with a package that we got through weekenddesk.fr. I was not compensated for mentioning this, but I thought the hotel worth talking about.

Moving along to the Tour Château. It’s less interesting than the other châteaux because it wasn’t really lived in. It was a medieval stronghold – first built in the XI century, then added on in the XIII, destroyed and not totally repaired until the XX century.

Here are a few pictures.

A flamboyant gothic church with renaissance accents (I read someplace).

But what is most charming about Tours is not the monuments, but that it retains its medieval feel:

the cobblestone streets

An older woman was walking by as I took this picture and she mentioned what a shame it was that younger people didn’t respect history. I had to agree.

You even have troglodytes (pronounced tro-glo-deets) from the 2nd and 3d century. You see this everywhere in the Loire Valley- people living in homes dug out of the side of a mountain or hill – but to have such old ones and right in the city centre is pretty exciting.

I love to hear from you, friends. You can comment using the box below or your Facebook profile. But FB doesn't notify me of new comments, so if the post is more than a week old and you want to make sure I see your comment, it's better to use the comment box. Merci!

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April 24, 2014 at 11:59 pm

April 25, 2014 at 5:08 pm

May 5, 2014 at 1:34 pm

May 5, 2014 at 3:47 pm

I feel sad that you weren’t able to share that with her. When you do go, I think you will be surrounded by your grandmother’s memory and presence every step of every street.

May 15, 2014 at 3:01 am

May 16, 2014 at 3:37 pm

It is so very cool!

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Medieval Burgundy - Abbeys and churches of the High Middle Ages

A superb collection of Romanesque and early Gothic buildings.

Numerous highlights include the magnificent remains at Cluny, Fontenay abbey, the choir at St Thibault, Vézelay, Notre-Dame at Dijon.

Exceptionally well-preserved historic towns; we stay in Tournus, Dijon, Auxerre.

Many rural drives through beautiful landscapes.

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08 - 15 Jun 2024 Fully booked

• Expert lecturer
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The key to understanding medieval Burgundy is its situation, a cradle of wooded hills drained by three great river systems flowing, respectively, to the north, south and west. Not only did this lend the area the status of a lieu de passage , but it guaranteed its importance, ensuring that the medieval duchy was open to the forms and traditions of far-flung regions.

Remarkably, much of Burgundy’s medieval infrastructure survives. Even extending back as far as the ninth century, for in the interlocking spaces of the lower church at St-Germain d’Auxerre one might catch a glimpse of western Carolingian architecture and painting, a glimpse that presents this most distant of periods at its most inventive and personal.

It is equally the case that while the great early Romanesque basilicas which once studded the underbelly of the Ile-de-France are now reduced to a ghost of their former selves, what survives in Burgundy is sublimely impressive, as one might see in that great trio of crypts at Dijon, Auxerre and Tournus.

As elsewhere, the twelfth century is well represented, though the depth of exploratory work undertaken here cannot fail to impress. The fundamental Romanesque research was probably conducted to the south, at Cluny and in the Brionnais, but the take-up in central Burgundy was immediate, and in the naves of Vézelay and Autun one might see two of the most compelling essays on the interaction of sculpture and architecture twelfth-century Europe has produced.

Nor were Cistercians slow to tailor Burgundian architecture to suit their needs, and though her great early monasteries have now perished, at least Fontenay survives, ranking among the most breathtaking monastic sites of medieval France. Gothic also arrived early, and there began a second wave of experimentation, tentative at first but blossoming in the centre (where the new choir at Vézelay is the first intimation we have that Gothic architecture had a future outside northern France) into perhaps the most lucid of all architectural styles.

It is thus no surprise that the thirteenth century saw the region at the cutting edge of Europe. At Auxerre a definitive account of space as illusion took shape, and at Semur-en-Auxois a theatre of stone clambered aboard the church. Moreover, the patrons invested heavily in glass. No thirteenth-century church was without it - and most have retained it, blazing the interior with a heady combination of light, meaning and colour. This sublime vigour even continued into the later middle ages, where under the Valois dukes of Burgundy, Dijon became a major artistic centre, attracting artists of the calibre of Rogier van der Weyden and Claus Sluter.

Take the Eurostar at c. 10.30am from London St Pancras to Paris and then onwards by TGV (high-speed train) to Le Creusot. Continue by coach to Tournus where two nights are spent.

Cluny, Berzé-la-Ville, Tournus. Cluny is the site of the largest church and most powerful monastery in medieval France. Study the magnificent remains of the church and monastic buildings. The tiny chapel at Berzé-la-Ville was perhaps built as the abbot of Cluny’s private retreat, and is embellished with superb wall paintings of c. 1100. At Tournus see the striking and immensely influential early 11th-century monastery.

Beaune, Autun, Dijon. The 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune houses Rogier van der Weyden’s Last Judgement. The stalwart Romanesque church of Notre-Dame has fine tapestries. At Autun the cathedral of St Lazare is celebrated for its sublime sequence of Romanesque capitals and relief sculptures by Gislebertus. First of three nights in Dijon.

St Thibault, Semur-en-Auxois, Fontenay. The church of the market town of St Thibault has a 13th-century choir that is the most graceful Burgundian construction of the period. The fortified hill town of Semur-en-Auxois has a splendid Gothic collegiate church. The tranquil abbey of Fontenay is the earliest Cistercian church to survive and has an exceptionally well-preserved monastic precinct.

Dijon. A day dedicated to Burgundy’s capital and one of the most attractive of French cities with many fine buildings from the 11th to 18th centuries. St Bénigne has an ambitious early Romanesque crypt. Notre-Dame is a quite stunning early Gothic parish church. The palace of the Valois dukes now houses a museum with extensive collections of work from the period of their rule (1364–1477).

Saulieu, Avallon, Vézelay. Visit the Basilique St-Andoche in Saulieu, with carved capitals depicting flora, fauna and biblical stories. Drive north to Avallon, whose fine Romanesque church is spectacularly situated above the river Cousin. Vézelay, a picturesque hill town whose summit is occupied by the abbey of La Madeleine, was one of the great pilgrimage centres of the Middle Ages, and has one of the most impressive of all 12th-century churches for both its architecture and its sculpture. First of two nights in Auxerre.

Auxerre. The morning includes the magnificent Carolingian crypt of St Germain and the cathedral, a pioneering 13th-century building with exceptional glass and sculpture. The afternoon is free.

Sens. The striking cathedral of Sens is among the earliest Gothic churches of Europe, housing important glass and an exquisitely carved 12th- and 13th-century west front. The diocesan museum also houses an extensive collection of Roman and medieval antiquities. Take the Eurostar from Paris arriving at London St Pancras c. 6.30pm.

John McNeill

Specialist in the Middle Ages and Renaissance – lectures for Oxford University’s Department of Continuing Education. He is Honorary Secretary of the British Archaeological Association, for whom he has edited and contributed to collections of essays on medieval cloisters, chantries, Anjou, and King’s Lynn and the Fens. In 2010 he established a biennial series of international conferences on Romanesque visual culture. His most recent effort in this field –  Romanesque Saints, Shrines, and Pilgrimage  – was published in 2020. He is also author of the Blue Guides to both Normandy and the Loire Valley.

Price, per person

Two sharing: £3,340 or £3,120 without Eurostar and TGV. Single occupancy: £3,750 or £3,530 without Eurostar and TGV.

Train travel by Eurostar (Standard Premier) and TGV (first class); travel by private coach; accommodation as described below; breakfasts and 6 dinners with wine or beer, soft drinks, water and coffee; all admissions; all tips; all taxes; the services of the lecturer and tour manager.

Accommodation

Hôtel De Greuze , Tournus: 4-star hotel located on the ramparts of the town with a very good restaurant. Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge , Dijon: centrally located, comfortable 4-star hotel furnished to a high standard. Hôtel Le Maxime , Auxerre: 3-star hotel in the city centre. Single rooms are doubles for sole use throughout.   

How strenuous?

There is quite a lot of walking, some of it on steep hillsides, and standing around. There is plenty of coach travel and you stay in three hotels. You will need to be able to lift your luggage on and off the train and wheel it within stations. Average distance by coach per day: 71 miles.

Are you fit enough to join the tour?

  Group size

Between 10 and 22 participants.

Travel advice

Before booking, please refer to the   FCDO website   to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting.

Combine with

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The Schubertiade ,  16–23 June

Flemish Painting , 19–23 June

The Grange & Glyndebourne , 22–26 June

'Action packed. We saw several super places off the beaten track which we knew nothing about. We never got bored! A really wonderful holiday.'

'A good selection of abbeys and cathedrals. The tour was nicely paced.'

'I enjoyed this tour very much indeed. It was well planned then well executed. I have travelled with the lecturer before and cannot speak too highly of his attention to detail.'

' The lecturer was full of enthusiasm, knowledge and boundless energy - clearly had great love of the subject which was communicated highly effectively to us.'

'For me, it was the best course in Medieval history I have ever experienced.'

'John McNeill was the perfect lecturer on this trip. He has a deep knowledge of all aspects of the Romanesque and Gothic periods and is able to convey this knowledge in a way that is easily understandable and to put it in wider context. He has infinite patience and a very nice sense of humour.'

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Sarlat-la-Canéda

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Villages of the Dordogne Valley : A Picturesque half-day Escape

Journey into Prehistory: Museum, Lascaux IV & Rouffignac Cave

Sarlat Market & Dordogne Culinary Tour : A Taste of Local Flavors

Lascaux IV International Center : A Glimpse into Prehistoric Cave Art

Rocamadour Village: Discovering Medieval Splendor

Domme, Beynac & La Roque-Gageac: A Private Journey Through Dordogne Villages

Unveiling Prehistoric Art: Visit Prehistory Museum, Lascaux IV & Rouffignac Cave Private

Rocamadour & Saint Cirq Lapopie Cultural Heritage Tour

Prehistoric Treasures: Private Tour to Pech Merle & Cougnac

Step Back in Time: Private Walking Tour of Medieval Sarlat

Explore Dordogne's Beauty: 5 Days with a Small Group based in Sarlat

Rocamadour Village from Sarlat private tour: A Hidden Gem Unveiled

Learn more about dordogne, unveiling the dordogne: a journey through history, beauty, and flavor .

Dordogne: France's Fairytale Countryside Awaits

Immerse yourself in a land where medieval villages whisper tales of times gone by, prehistoric wonders ignite your imagination, and rolling green landscapes soothe the soul. The Dordogne region, nestled in southwestern France, beckons you for an unforgettable adventure.

Why Choose Dordogne?

1. Step Back in Time: 

Explore charming villages like Sarlat and Rocamadour, where cobbled streets and ancient architecture transport you to another era.

2. Prehistoric Marvels:  Delve into the Grotte de Lascaux IV , a breathtaking cave adorned with 17,000-year-old paintings.

3. Foodie Paradise:  Savor the Dordogne's exquisite cuisine, from truffles and foie gras to local wines and cheeses.

4. Nature's Playground:  Hike or cycle through lush valleys, canoe down the Dordogne River, or soar above it all in a hot air balloon.

Unforgettable Dordogne Experiences:

1. Guided Tours:  Explore hidden gems and gain local insights with our expertly-led tours. Discover the best medieval villages , delve into prehistoric wonders, or embark on a gourmet food and wine adventure.

2. Sarlat's Saturday Market:  Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere , browse local produce and crafts, and savor regional delicacies on our special market tour.

3. Lascaux IV & Beyond:  Explore the wonders of Lascaux IV and delve deeper into prehistory with a visit to the International Centre for Parietal Art.

4. Dordogne Valley Gems : Witness the captivating beauty of Beynac, Domme, and La Roque Gageac on our Villages of the Dordogne Valley tour.

5. Bergerac Wine Country:  Embark on a journey through vineyards and chateaus, culminating in a delightful wine tasting experience.

Beyond the Must-Sees:

1. Hot Air Balloon Adventure:  Witness the Dordogne Valley bathed in golden light as you drift peacefully in a hot air balloon .

2. Canoeing or Kayaking:  Glide down the Dordogne River, taking in the stunning scenery and charming villages along the way.

3. Medieval Might:  Explore the Château de Castelnaud , a powerful fortress transformed into a museum showcasing medieval warfare.

Plan Your Dream Dordogne Escape

Dordogne offers experiences for every traveler. Whether you crave historical exploration, outdoor adventure, or a culinary journey, our multi-day tours are crafted to exceed your expectations.

Contact us today and let us help you design the perfect Dordogne itinerary!

What is Dordogne?

How do i get from bordeaux to sarlat-la-canéda, where is sarlat, where to stay in sarlat la canéda, explore our destinations in dordogne.

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All of our arrangements have been specially designed to incorporate a reason to travel and, for ease of choice, these have been categorised under the titles shown below.

6 nights from

• Medieval Cities Along the Seine

Save up to £ 500 per person

• Europe Tours

Sailing past Paris landmarks and between the bucolic banks of the Seine and Yonne rivers, this péniche (barge) cruise carries you back in time to medieval streets, artists’ landscapes, and the sumptuous royal châteaux of the 17th-century ‘Grand Siécle’

Touring at a tempo in tune with its surroundings, while enjoying the contemporary comforts of a stylish barge, this is a tranquil and relaxing cruise, exclusive to Jules Verne’s travellers, and extending our popular portfolio of péniche tours. With just eleven well-equipped cabins, a lounge bar and dining room, a Sun Deck and jacuzzi terrace, the CroisiEurope vessel offers high standards of service and cuisine, with all meals and most drinks included. A well-balanced blend of leisurely sailing and daily sightseeing, the journey begins among the monuments of Paris, before sailing to famous places and lesser-known gems within easy reach of the capital. Settlements steeped in history and character include little Barbizon, dubbed “the painters’ village”; Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, a tiny, fortified town, its Grande Rue running between two medieval gates; and Sens, with its mighty cathedral and a small church on the Île d’Yonne. For two grand estates of the ‘Great Century’, the tour explores the stately spread of the private Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, and the inimitably opulent, UNESCO listed, Château de Fontainebleau, used by every king of France from its 12th-century origins to the late 18th century.

• Day 1  - Paris
• Day 2  - Evry / Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
• Day 3  - Melun / Barbizon
• Day 4  - Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne / Château de Fontainebleau
• Day 5  - Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne / Montereau-Fault-Yonne
• Day 6  - Sens
• Day 7  - Return Journey

Tour Highlights

• Small vessel cruising
• Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
• Explore charming Barbizon
• Château de Fontainebleau
• Fortified Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne
• Wander the streets of historic Sens

Travel from London to Paris on Eurostar, and transfer to embark on the barge, moored close to the Eiffel Tower, for your six-night cruise, which begins with a welcome drink and an introduction to the crew and a cruise through Paris. Enjoy an evening of entertainment. (D)

Key: B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner

- Itinerary -

Sail through the heart of the capital along the River Seine, busy with bateaux-mouches boats, crossed by the Pont Neuf (among 37 bridges), and passing monuments including the Musée d’Orsay and Notre Dame Cathedral. Continue cruising to arrive in Evry in the early afternoon, for a visit to the private Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a majestic 17th-century ensemble of Italianate and neo-classical design, encircled by gardens of fountains and terraces, and set in a 500-hectare historic estate. Back onboard the barge, join us for a drinks party this evening. (B, L, D)

Enjoy the rural riverbank scenery as you sail to Melun this morning, and, this afternoon, visit beguiling Barbizon, where cobbled streets are lined with little shops and art galleries. The artist Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot came upon Barbizon in 1827, painting naturalistic canvases of its surrounding landscapes, and paving the way for other artists to follow the style, now known as ‘the Barbizon school’. (B, L, D)

Cruise through the morning to Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, to visit the Château de Fontainebleau, boasting 1,500 rooms, 130 hectares of gardens, and 900 years of history. Built as a royal hunting lodge in the 12th century, and enlarged and embellished in the 16th, to become an extravagantly regal residence, the stately grandeur if its exterior is matched by lavish opulence within. After a tour of the fabulous palace and its formal gardens, explore the narrow streets of the charming town which surrounds it. (B, L, D)

Discover the landmarks of Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne on a guided tour this morning. Set at the edge of the Fontainebleau Forest, its landscapes immortalised by the impressionist painter Alfred Sisley, the town hems and bridges the banks of the Loing River with well-preserved remnants of its 12th-century ramparts and gates, Renaissance houses, and the Notre-Dame church. With time to stroll after the tour, don’t miss the barley sugar shop, the delicately flavoured confection for which the town is famous. Return to the barge for an afternoon float to Montereau-Fault-Yonne, and enjoy a farewell drinks party this evening. (B, L, D)

Begin the day with a tranquil cruise along the Yonne River, a tributary of the Seine, for an afternoon arrival in Sens, and a tour of the historic town. The Cathedrale St. Etienne dominates the hilltop, the first of the great Gothic cathedrals in France, and the church where Louis IX married in 1234, with stained glass windows depicting the story of murdered Archbishop Thomas á Becket. Sturdy stone and timber-ribbed façades mark the eras along the streets and squares of the old town; and the covered market is a vibrant place to taste local produce. Gala Dinner on board. (B, L, D)

Disembark this morning and transfer to Paris for your return train journey to London. (B)

Cabins are available from 6pm on arrival and until 9am on departure (before/after this, luggage storage on board is possible).

The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.

Peniche Deborah

Launched in 2016,   Péniche  Déborah is registered in France with a mainly European crew. For 20 years Jules Verne has been the main UK partner of the innovative French cruise company, CroisiEurope, established 40 years ago, now boasting the largest European river and barge fleet (over 40 ships), yet still operated by the same family. All drinks, except premium brands are included throughout the cruise. Enjoy International and French cuisine with a choice of French wines in an elegant one-sitting dining room. Breakfast is a buffet, lunch and dinner waiter service. Reception, lounge bar, sun terrace with Jacuzzi and sundeck, WiFi (free/limited). Bicycles are available for use when the vessel is moored. The vessel does not sail at night. 10 air-conditioned lower deck cabins (96 sq. ft.) with picture window, private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV. 1 air-conditioned double upper deck cabin (118 sq. ft.) with picture window, private facilities, hairdryer and safe.

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Departures & Prices

• Supplements, Extras & Upgrades

per person in a twin/double room Eurostar from Kings Cross St Pancras

Price Includes:

Rail travel, 6-night cruise, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, most drinks on cruise vessel, Jules Verne Representative, local expert guides.

Not Included:

Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Supplements per person

• Single Supplement

Flight Options

• Eurostar Standard Premier

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Medieval castles, grand châteaux & fairytale palaces

Discover the secrets of the world's castles with your Local Specialists. Hear thrilling tales of bravery and betrayal, learn the histories of feuding lords and ladies, and dine like Kings and Queens in stately castle rooms.

See the best castles in Europe

Our castle tours will show you some of Europe's best, including the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and Bran Castle in Romania, once thought to be the home of Count Dracula. Enjoy a private tour of the famous Windsor Castle in England, or visit Doune Castle in Scotland , featured in films and shows like Monty Python and Game of Thrones.

Stay with Stories in real-life castles

With our castle travel experiences, you’ll get to spend the night in some of the grand castles and châteaux of Europe. Stay at the award-winning Lodge at Ashford Castle in Ireland, where you’ll enjoy a royal dining experience. Indulge in a delicious Welsh dinner in Ruthin Castle , before retiring to your regal sleeping quarters. Or step back in time with a stay in the elegant 16th and 17th-century Château de Beauvois in France.

Discover the history of Europe’s castles

We’ll reveal the secrets and stories behind Europe’s castles. Discover the eclectic refurbishments of Cardiff Castle in Wales, and visit Glamis Castle , once the home of the Queen Mother. Explore Stirling Castle in Scotland, home to Mary, Queen of Scots and several Scottish Kings over the centuries. You can even cruise past Wray Castle on England’s largest lake, which inspired the likes of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.

The best castles and châteaux unlocked for you

Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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All you need to know about Castles and Knights Tours

How many medieval castles are there in europe.

There are thousands of medieval castles in Europe, although the exact number is not known. Some of the most famous medieval castles in Europe include Windsor Castle in England, Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, Mont Saint Michel Castle in France, Bran Castle in Romania, the Castle of Coca in Spain, and the Ksiaz Castle in Poland.

Which country has most castles?

Germany has the most castles, with at least 20,000 castles, including the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle and Heidelberg Palace. Most castles in Germany are over 100 years old. Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country. Known as the Castle Capital of the World, the country has over 600 castles, including Conwy Castle, Cardiff Castle and Raglan Castle.

What is the oldest castle in Europe?

Reichsburg Cochem is the oldest castle in Europe and one of the oldest castles in the world. It’s located in Cochem, Germany, and is believed to have been built around the year 1000 by the Palatinate count Ezzo. The first recorded documentation of the castle dates back to 1051 when Ezzo’s oldest daughter, Richeza, gave the castle to her nephew.

Which country has the best castles?

You’ll find the world’s best castles scattered all over the world. Our castle tours take you to Germany’s Gothic palaces, Romania’s medieval castles, France’s majestic châteaux, Japan’s feudal castles, Spain and Portugal’s romantic palaces, and the ancient fortresses of the United Kingdom. We also love Croatia’s medieval castles and the Czech Republic’s fairytale castles.

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Country Walks, Prehistoric Caves, and Magnificent Chateaux

Medieval france: the lot valley.

Call for Pricing

Easy to Moderate

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

There's a little gem tucked away in a tiny corner of southwest France—the Lot Valley, a secluded world of medieval cliff-top hamlets, Romanesque abbeys, open-air markets, ancient chateaux, and a savory cuisine flavored with truffles and wild mushrooms. In this deeply French realm, we hike along the tranquil Lot River and across pilgrim paths between spectacular hilltop villages. We also explore the prehistoric Pech Merle cave, filled with extraordinary rock paintings, and sample the delicious wares of local wineries and small farms. Overnights are in hand-selected historic hotels, including the majestic 13th century Château de Mercuès overlooking the Lot River.

Arrive: Rodez, France

Depart: Toulouse, France

• Hike on pilgrim trails and secret paths between villages perched on cliffs above the Lot River
• Discover the remarkable prehistoric cave paintings of Pech Merle
• Hotels of character, from a restored mill to a 13th century château
• Delicious regional cuisine, from chestnuts to foie gras, tasty Cahors wines

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

$600 due at time of reservation 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge! 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner as indicated in the Detailed Itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• Accommodations in chateaux, inns, and hotels
• A glass of wine or beer with dinner
• Entrances to museums and sites, canoe and boat trips
• Land transportation, airport transfers for recommended flights as indicated

Not Included

• International airfare, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, airport departure taxes, transfers other than those provided for group flights, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors, travel insurance, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls).

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Le Moulin de Cambelong

Conques, France

Days 1-3 (3 nights)

Hotel Le Grezalide

Grezes, France

Days 4-5 (2 nights)

Chateau de Mercues

Mercues-Cahors, France

Days 6-8 (3 nights)

Once the property of the count-bishops of Cahors, this renovated 13th century chateau has breathtaking views overlooking the mighty Lot River. The hotel's restaurant has a Michelin star, and there's a fabulous wine cellar underneath the chateau. This is an unforgettable place for our final nights in the Lot Valley.

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Laurence Frison

Stephan Renard

Richard Bell

What the Trip is Like

• 400 feet gain/loss
• Day 5: 5 miles, 4 hours, 650 feet gain, and 250 feet loss

Client Testimonials

"This is a trip we will long remember. It immersed us in the atmosphere of old France, from quaint medieval hilltop villages to prehistoric caves to nights in a romantic chateau. And we spent days hiking through the stunning landscape surrounding the Lot River."

Ventura, CA

"I would highly recommend this trip and your company to others. Everything was highly professional and FUN."

Paradise Valley, AZ

"This is a great trip to see rural France, to taste local wines and eat wonderful meals, while hiking through beautiful countryside."

Larkspur, CA

"This trip was incredible. I felt like I had never seen the ‘real’ France until this trip. The itinerary was perfect and I felt like we were transported into a different time. It was amazing!"

Steamboat Springs, CO

"This was our 4th WT trip, and we will continue to look to WT for travel."

San Diego, CA

"This trip had everything: fantastic food, wonderful accommodations, a great attention to history woven into our daily hikes, and a lot of behind-the-scene touches I really appreciated: the lively meeting with Jean Luc Matha, a master winemaker, where we tasted several of his excellent wines; lunch at the home of a sheep farmer (leg of lamb, of course); sampled goat cheeses at a local farm; heard a rousing organ recital in a 12th century cathedral; met with the lord of a chateau and had a delightful “picnic” in one of the castle's cozy rooms with a roaring fire; attended the bustling Saturday market in Conques; and, above all, the absolutely best Trip Leaders."

"The tour provided a nice mix of varied hiking trails, cultural outings, picturesque villages, good food and wine, and even some special events like the procession in Conques."

"A big plus for this trip was being in an area not ‘discovered’ by tourists."

Claymont, DE

"A great trip at a perfect time of year. The hotels were excellent, in keeping with the theme of old France. The meals were a delight, and the hikes took us through beautiful riverine landscapes and quaint medieval villages. This is the ultimate trip to France."

Elizabeth B.

"Annie's 'eating, drinking and exploring old France' trip was just as wonderful as we expected!"

Cockeysville, MD

"This was a wonderful trip. It flowed seamlessly and gave us an opportunity to visit a truly magical area of France."

Bethesda, MD

"This was one of the best walks/trips in my life. The pace was great, with time for sightseeing, and the best places to eat and stay."

Salt Lake City, UT

"This trip was perfect: exquisite itinerary, stunning scenery, charming hotels, incredible food, and outstanding trip leaders. I didn't want it to end!"

South Portland, ME

"We expected this would be a great trip and we were not disappointed. We saw beautiful villages, lovely valleys, stayed at great hotels, had interesting tours, picturesque hikes, and interesting excursions. It was a section of France we would never have explored on our own."

Marie Jose D.

Lovingston, VA

"The trip was a fascinating journey through the long history of this region, from the cave at Peche Merle to the modern stained glass windows at Conques by Pierre Soulage."

"An exceptional overview of the unspoiled Lot Valley!"

Houston, TX

"We were hoping to experience the relaxed pace of village France and were not disappointed. Everything was perfect—the towns, the food, the walks, the wine, and all the ‘extra’ experiences."

Suzanne & Brady M.

Friendswood, TX

"It was an exceptional trip. A wonderful itinerary, with beautiful areas for hiking as well as sightseeing."

Santa Rosa, CA

"A glory of a trip with glorious guides, Romanesque buildings, chapels and abbeys and churches with carvings so fresh and humorous you feel as if you were walking through mid-12th century villages and secret paths. Great people, gutsy reds, endless confit du canard, superb cheeses, and gentle walks in endless beauty."

Pittsburgh, PA

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

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Experience Guédelon, Don’t Just Visit

For anyone visiting France for the castles or medieval history, Guédelon is a must. Over 300,000 people visit each year, and for a not insignificant number they have been before – more than once. The castle, strictly speaking a castle fort, even features on niche itineraries that explore castle architecture of the mid 13th century – including the Louvre in Paris. Guédelon clearly keeps good company. But it is not a castle built in the Middle Ages. And it is not a replica of one either. Nonetheless, Guédelon really does have to be experienced, and not just visited. After wanting to visit for a long time, I finally got to see the site for myself in autumn 2019. My plans to visit in May 2023 were thwarted by … yes, you guessed it … hoping to viit in the Spring of 2024 to see the progress after four and a half years. 

Thomas Dowson

• Last Checked and/or Updated 5 November 2023
• No Comments
• France , Historical Experiences , History with Kids

The story of how Guédelon came to be is one of serendipity. A chance remark in the conclusion of a research report was seen by the right person at the right time, leading to an extraordinary project that archaeologists, researchers and visitors alike have been watching develop since 1998.

Since then a team of stonemasons and builders, craftspeople and artisans have been building a medieval Château Fort on a disused quarry in a forest in Burgundy. They are dressed in period garb and use only period-specific construction techniques and methods.

Their work is both informed by and adds to archaeological research about medieval castle construction. All the while they are also actively engaging with interested visitors. Guédelon then is not simply a tourist attraction to be visited, it is at once a scientific endeavour and experiential archaeology for people from all walks of life with varying levels of interest in and understanding of the medieval history.

VISITING GUÉDELON

Opening hours.

Guédelon re-opens on 30 March 2024, until 3 November 2024.

The opening times change throughout the year, times varying according to the length of day over the summer months. And different months have different days when it is closed. Check the calendar on the Official Website .

Last admission is no later than one hour before closing time.

Ticket Prices

Adult: €14 Student: €13 Child (5-13 yrs): €11

Museum, Gift Shop, Restaurant, Picnic Tables, Parking (also for buses)

Guédelon: a 13th Century Castle Fort

Guédelon Castle has a backstory – a fictional narrative if you like. Creating the story and establishing specific details is necessary because it determines the look of the castle being built today. The social and financial position of any would be castle builder in the Middle Ages would have dictated all aspects of the castles appearance, not least its shape and size, and what features are included.

Construction of Guédelon began in 1228, two years after Louis IX was crowned in Reims. The builder, known to all as Guilbert, is a low-ranking local lord. His overlord is Jean de Toucy, who is himself a vassal to the king. Guilbert is given permission to build a fortified manor house with crenellations.

His castle fort is typical of the 13th century, and follows principles of design and layout favoured by Philip II. Guédelon then shares certain architectural features with the Louvre Castle (the foundations of which can be seen in the basement of the Louvre) but would have not been anywhere near as grand. For example, the stone used to create the building blocks of Guédelon castle would not have been as finely dressed as those we can see at the Louvre Castle.

Guilbert’s castle does not have a drawbridge at the entrance because that would have been beyond the status and financial means of this castle builder had he existed in the 13th century.

Castles of this type built in the 13th century shared a number of features that are being employed at Guédelon. The castle has a polygonal layout with high curtain walls made of stone and surrounded by a dry ditch. One of the flanking towers is always higher and larger than the others and a twin-drum tower protects the entrance gate. These are features visitors can see, or at least observe the construction of, when they visit.

Guédelon is Not a Replica

The castle is not being built on the ruins of a pre-existing castle, and neither will the completed castle be a reconstruction or replica of one that exists elsewhere. Guédelon is essentially a new build 13th century castle in the 21st century – where the purpose of the attraction is the construction of the castle.

The project team chose a construction date, designed the layout and are in the process of building that castle such that neither the building nor the methods used would have been out of place in the 13th century.

For this the team draw on a wide range of sources to inform their project. These include the canon and standards used for castle forts and manor houses at the time, the surviving buildings and their characteristics from this period and the results of archaeological research. What you see at Guédelon is a coming together of features and details that exist in a number of different places, but never all in one building.

For example, archaeologists have no evidence that wall paintings were ever used to decorate a bed chamber such as we see at Guédelon. That wall painting existed at this time, and in this area, is not in doubt. It is not inconceivable that a man of Guilbert’s status would have had some decoration in his bed chamber. The imagery used in the bed chamber at Guédelon has been taken from a church of this period that is in the nearby village of Moutiers-en-Puisaye.

So although the project is keeping true to what we know about such buildings and their owners, it is also pushing at the limits of knowledge by asking questions that might not otherwise have been asked in the normal course of archaeological research.

Medieval Building Techniques and Methods

The building site chosen for the construction of Guédelon Castle is a disused quarry, abandoned in the 1950s. What makes the site appropriate is the availability of the various natural resources required to build the castle, not just stone. These include wood to burn and for construction, clay for the roof tiles and ceramic vessels, ochre for pigment and sand for the mortar and other uses. Our local lord Guilbert would not have had to deal with the considerable costs of transporting these materials to his land.

Everything required for building the castle is made on site using existing knowledge of traditional methods. And where that knowledge is missing, or limited, experiments are carried out to find a solution that not only works but is in keeping with the period. To fire the unbaked clay roof tiles and vessels, the potters built five different kilns before having a kiln that worked. This exercise has added to knowledge of clay firing in 13th century France.

Health and Safety at Guédelon

It may seem to some that building a 13th century castle using medieval techniques and methods is a somewhat academically high-minded exercise. After all, construction sites even today can be dangerous places. Surely methods have improved for good reason. While the work is closely watched by a group of archaeologists, historians and architects, ensuring that the castle and its construction remains true to the period, there are necessary concessions to health and safety regulations of today.

In the photograph above of the construction of the twin-drum entrance you can probably recognise (lower left) what is a safety helmet. It has been disguised with cloth. In the photograph below the young quarryman, extracting rock from the quarry, is wearing a mask and safety glasses. Construction workers also wear steel toecap boots. These are not only essential requirements on construction sites today but there would almost certainly have been medieval precedents. Medieval stonemasons and quarrymen, for instance, must have worn some form of eye protection. Otherwise they would have been blinded quite quickly by the chips of stone flying about.

What is There to See at Guédelon?

In seven hectares of woodland you can see the construction of the castle, as it happens. And this is not just the laying of stone, but also a number of associated activities. From quarrymen, stonemasons and carpenters, to woodcutters, blacksmiths and tilers, as well as potters, basket weavers, carters and rope makers. There are in fact 11 different trades represented on the site. All of these may be busy in their tasks when you visit.

To visit Guédelon is to visit an active ‘medieval’ construction site. The various people will be doing what is required at that moment in time. There are no formal demonstrations, and there are no set times for when tasks will be carried out, as is usually the case on a so-called living archaeological sites. The workers are engaged in their job and they get on with it.

As visitors you are encouraged to talk to the workers, and part of their work is to engage with visitors. And from what I saw when I visited, they are only too happy to do so.

Of the castle itself, you can walk along the parapets of two of the exterior curtain walls (from where you get a great view of the courtyard). You can see the plan of the castle as the bases of the four towers and the twin-drum towers that make up the gatehouse are complete. You can go inside the great hall and the adjacent bed chamber with painted walls. The chapel, the kitchen and the guardrooms are also complete.

Beyond the castle and the activities surrounding it, you can take a short walk in the forest to see a medieval mill in action (weather and other conditions permitting).

When Will Guédelon Castle Be Finished?

If you have not already been you may very well be wondering how much time you have left. The team think there is about eight to ten more years of construction. The estimated completion date then is 2030. And there are still a number of features left to witness being built. There is much work still to be done on the twin-drum gatehouse the great tower and the portcullis. So there is still plenty of time to plan your visit.

Because the construction has been the attraction, it will be interesting to see what becomes of the project in 2030.

Guédelon Castle Progress

What was completed in 2020.

As this is a construction site, there is always something new to see. Hence the reason there are a number of people who return year after year. When I visited in September 2019 I got to see the near final stages of the construction of the pepperpot roof timber of the chapel tower. While you may have missed the building of certain features, there will more features to see. The website has a year-by-year account of the progress that has been made so far.

In last few years the builders have been working with experts from France’s National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research to create a working medieval flour mill. As of 2020 visitors can follow a woodland path into the forest for about 500 metres and see this mill in action. A miller will show how the running of the water in the millrace turns millstones that grind the wheat to produce flour.

During 2020 the currently incomplete crenelated wall-walk on the southern wall (see the photograph below) was finished so that a platform can be created that will enable visitors to watch the building of the cross-rib vault in the Eastern Tower. The cross-ribbed vault in the eastern tower of the twin-towered gatehouse is complete.

What was completed in 2021/2

These are some of the highlights from 2021/2:

• The vault and walls of the chapel were limewashed and murals added.
• Carpenters erected a frame on the dovecote tower.
• Stonemasons and masons continued their work on the door between the two towers, focussing on the interior arch of the passage.
• With the walls of the chapel were limewashed and decorated, the windows fitted with wooden frames that have painted waxcloth.
• Around 8,000 oak tiles were split in the nearby forest, these were used to cover the dovecote tower’s roof.
• Stonemasons continued with their work on the twin-towered gatehouse.

What was completed in 2023?

In 2023 a documentary by RMC Films was filmed onsite: “Guédelon : comment construire un château fort” . A 45 second trailer can be seen below. The film is available online, but you are required to create an account (no charge): RMC BFM play .

Enjoy a Medieval Meal

What anyone will see when they visit Guédelon will differ day-to-day, even hour-to-hour. You are visiting an active building site, not an attraction offering demonstrations of medieval trades and crafts. For those who want to enjoy a few hours exploring all aspects of the castle’s construction, and the various related activities, an onsite restaurant allows you to take a break and enjoy a snack or a meal. In keeping with the times of course.

Up until 2019 catering onsite was contracted out. The attraction has now taken control of the restaurant with the view to extending the visitor experience of medieval Guédelon to the restaurant. Much of the food served in the restaurant is grown in the kitchen gardens, such as broad beans, peas, chickpeas and lentils. And the same ethos applies to what is offered as with the building of the castle. For example, white and red carrots are grown and served as there were no orange carrots in the 13th century.

Guédelon Castle Virtual Tour

Besides looking at the various resources on the official website for Guédelon Castle, you can take a virtual tour of the construction site on Google maps.

If you are unfamiliar with how to view archaeology sites on Google maps, follow these steps (more details on using Google maps for virtually touring archaeology sites and museums). When you click on the map icon in the itinerary builder below, the location of Guédelon Castle will be highlighted. Switch the map to satellite view, by clicking on the box in the top left hand corner of the map. Then drag the yellow pegman from its original position in the lower right corner on to the map – light blue lines and dots will appear (as in the image below). Drop pegman on to a dot to see a 360-degree photograph, and onto a line to move about the site.

By moving about the site on the Googlemap you will see various features of the castle in different stages of construction.

Add Guédelon Castle to Your Itinerary & Travel Lists

You can create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and itinerary for your Burgundy, France visit. These can also be shared with your friends and on social media. You can see how this is done by watching our Using the Itinerary video on YouTube , or reading the Using the Itinerary page .

Guédelon Castle

Neither a replica of a historic castle in Europe, nor a reconstruction of one. Guédelon Castle is a project that brings together a wide range of expertise to build a castle using medieval methods and techniques. In 1998 construction of this castle started in a disused quarry in rural France. Thousands of people come each year to watch the progress. Not only the building of the castle itself, but also the other related crafts. Such as baskets for carrying ceramic tiles, the firing of those tiles. A must for castle lovers.

Archaeology Travel Writer

• Trip Advisor

Castelnaud medieval castle in Dordogne CDT Dordogne

Southern France during the Middle Ages

Experience medieval France in three of the richest heritage regions in the South of France.

The team at FJFY arranged everything for our 3 week trip to southern France. From car rental, train tickets, activities and wonderful accommodations they arranged it all. Stress …

The team at FJFY arranged everything for our 3 week trip to southern France. From car rental, train tickets, activities and wonderful accommodations they arranged it all. Stress free traveling! The spiral bound guide book and FJFY app gave us so much information on each area including activities and restaurant recommendations. The B & Bs were all lovely and run by friendly & helpful hosts. So many wonderful memories! This was our second trip using FJFY and if we are lucky enough to return to France we will definitely use them. Highly recommend!

Your accommodations

Step by step

• In Black Perigord,  you will stay in a restored stone house for 4 nights, nestled between the woods and the Dordogne river , perfectly located to explore the area. Your lovely hostess will open her home to you - which is filled with personal touches (artwork, books, photographies). 
• You are very close to  Sarlat  and the  prehistoric caves  and we will be happy to recommend some intimate visits for you, in 20,000 year old caves. If you are interested in history or if you are a JM Auel reader, these are a must!
• Visit the  old city of Sarla t and feel the buzz of activity on market days. We'll also tell you where to find the  most typical goat cheeses  - and if you like outdoor activities, you'll be in paradise.
• Canoe down the Dordogne river and enjoy the gorgeous views over the cliff hanging middleages castles along the way. Also, one of the most famous castles of the area is only a 30 minute walk from your B&B. And four of the "most beautiful villages of France" are within a 4 mile drive. 

Carcassonne & the Cathar Country

• Carcassonne and the Cathar country are the perfect stop over on the way to Provence. Carcassonne's medieval “Cité” will amaze you by its size and conservation. You will stay in downtown Carcassonne lively “Bastide St Louis”, a short walk to the UNESCO Medieval city. Your lovely and international hosts have a wonderful taste for welcoming and decoration which makes this place very special.
• Spend a morning with fellow travelers, enjoying the local wines and chocolates . A must for gourmet travelers !
• After Carcassonne day crowds, relax in the quietness of the walled garden and refresh in the swimming pool. In the evening, you have a vast choice of nearby restaurants a few minutes walk - we will provide recommendations. 
• In the Cathar country, walkers/hikers will be rewarded with breath taking landscapes and fortresses such as Quéribus or Perpeytuse. History lovers will be intrigued by the Cathar history . Wine lovers may be surprised by the quality of the “Minervois” wines which have improved a lot in the past 10 years. They are now on the wine lists of some of the most famous restaurants in the world.
• On the 9 th day, you will drive about 2hr30, along the Mediterranean Sea, to get to Provence.
• You will spend the last 5 nights in a typical Provencal stone house , perfectly located to explore Avignon and Isle sur la Sorgue (famous for its antiques). Your hostess and her family will welcome you warmly and give you hints and tips about the surrounding area. You will stay in a very comfortable room equipped with a small kitchenette if you wish to have a light dinner in the rose garden.
• So many things to see in less than an hour's drive from your B&B: beautiful  Avignon , also referred to as “the City of Popes”, where you can visit the Palace of the Popes, the well-preserved ramparts and the famous “ Avignon Bridge ”. Enjoy  hilltop villages on market day , and walk in the footsteps of famous painters such as Cézanne or  Picasso . We will also tell you about some hidden jewels - off the beaten track villages where you will stroll around charming streets or  have a drink at a provençal café  with locals. We can also recommend a farmer’s market and wine cellar for each day of the week!
• Trave  Vincent Van Gogh's footsteps with a private guide in Arles . Your guide will also take you to the Roman theater and amphitheater - a great introduction to Provence history & art !
• If you are interested in history, don’t miss the  Roman ruins  at Arles, Orange and the Pont du Gard. We will also take you to smaller sites – less famous and much quieter.
• Explore a family owned olive oil mill in the slopes of Luberon , with breathtaking views. In a private tour, you will be explained the whole olive oil farming process from the tree to the bottle.
• Discover quaint villages of the Luberon, riding an electric bike . You will have several itinerary options , from easy to more sporty, for you to explore hidden hamlets, chapels in the vineyards, wineries, road-trails in the olive trees and evergreen oaks. A great day, at your own pace.
• You may return the car in Marseille, Avignon, Aix or the location which will suit you best. 

   T his is a perfect highlight of Southern France for history and gastronomy lovers. 

Activities included

Canoe Down the Dordogne River

Go down the Dordogne river at your own pace in a canoe...we have selected the best section for you to see several castles standing guard high above you!

E-Biking Day in Provence

Spend a day in the Luberon gorgeous landscapes driving an electric bike. Several itinerary options for you to enjoy biking at your own pace.

Gilles Arroyo - CDT Touraine

Wine & Chocolate

Spend a morning in Carcassonne bastide enjoying the local wines and chocolates with a guide and fellow travelers. A must for gourmet travelers !

Olive Oil Farm in Luberon

Explore a family owned olive oil mill in the slopes of Luberon, with breathtaking views. In a private tour, you will be explained the whole olive oil farming process from the tree to the bottle.

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Explore the French regions

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Riquewihr lovely town M.Schampion - CDT Alsace

Lille Main Square Laurent Ghesquière - OTCL Lille

Lille & North

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Amiens Cathedral Somme Tourisme - F. Leonardi

Verzenay Champagne vineyards E.Vidal - ADT Marne

The Meuse river in Verdun Verdun Tourisme

French Basque Country Sceneries CDT Pays Basque

Basque Country

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Carcassonne

Half Timbered Farms in the Normandy Hinterland - Normandy Tours Calvados Tourisme

Dentelles - 7 days in Provence - Provence tours Alain Hocquel - CDT Vaucluse

tours of Dordogne region Dordogne Valley

Visit Chateau de l'Islette - Loire Valley driving tours Chateau de l'Islette

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Our travelers’ reviews.

Emilie, Our trip has been fantastic! We appreciate all that you did to make it so wonderful. Many, many thanks! The itineraries, special experiences--- like the 4x4 wine tour, wine picnic, and cooking with Catherine---and the unique accommodations made our vacation very very special. We start toward home tomorrow, leaving your beautiful country but …

Emilie, Our trip has been fantastic! We appreciate all that you did to make it so wonderful. Many, many thanks! The itineraries, special experiences--- like the 4x4 wine tour, wine picnic, and cooking with Catherine---and the unique accommodations made our vacation very very special. We start toward home tomorrow, leaving your beautiful country but feeling satisfied that we've seen the very best of Burgundy and Provence. Again, many thanks. P.S. We've already recommended you to several people we've met on our trip, and will continue to do so to friends and family.

Emilie, set up an outstanding itinerary that met all our desired needs, created a wonderful schedule with built in flexibility to handle planned and unplanned changes. Her suggestion for special sites to see and foods to sample were right on and an enhancement from the normal tourist recommendations. The attention to detail was greatly appreciated …

Emilie, set up an outstanding itinerary that met all our desired needs, created a wonderful schedule with built in flexibility to handle planned and unplanned changes. Her suggestion for special sites to see and foods to sample were right on and an enhancement from the normal tourist recommendations. The attention to detail was greatly appreciated and affirmed the fact that she had actually visited and tasted the recommendation. If the opportunity is afforded in the future we will again use "France Just For You".

Wow ! Wow ! Wow ! We had the best 23 day trip to France. I normally plan our vacations, but after finding the France Just For You website, I knew we had to let the experts plan our 30th Anniversary. Every Bed & Breakfast was excellent. They were so beautiful and the welcome was fantastic at every one. FJFY thinks of every detail. Directions, train …

Wow ! Wow ! Wow ! We had the best 23 day trip to France. I normally plan our vacations, but after finding the France Just For You website, I knew we had to let the experts plan our 30th Anniversary. Every Bed & Breakfast was excellent. They were so beautiful and the welcome was fantastic at every one. FJFY thinks of every detail. Directions, train tickets, dates marked on maps. It’s all organized. One of our highlights was meeting all the FJFY travel agents at their new offices in Langeais!

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Tour Medieval Europe 15 days

Discover the history of the mystery and splendor of the European Middle Ages on this tour that traverses lands of legends and castles, merchants, empires, knights and battles. This tour is aimed to discover the true heart of Europe.

Remember that all our tours are tailor-made, this is just an example that we can adapt to your ideas or needs!

The tour includes

• 14 hotel nights
• Tourist taxes
• Local guides in all cities according to itinerary
• Personal guide that will travel with the group during the entire trip
• Private bus for the entire tour according to itinerary
• Tickets to castles and museums according to itinerary

Day 1: City of origin- Barcelona

Arrival in Barcelona, ​​check in at the hotel

Tour of the famous Old Quarter, center of operations of the famous Inquisition and place where Christopher Columbus was received by the Catholic Monarchs before leaving for America. The tour includes the Ramblas, La Boquería, the Liceu, the Cathedral and the iconic streets and squares around it.

Dinner on your own

Night in Barcelona

Day 2: Barcelona- Carcassonne- Avignon

Breakfast at the hotel

Departure by private bus to Carcassonne, French walled city, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Its historic ensemble houses wonderful places such as the Condal Castle, the Saint-Michel Cathedral or the Saint-Nazaire Basilica.

Tour of the citadel with our local guide.

Lunch on your own

Departure by private bus to Avignon

Dinner on your own and night in Avignon.

Day 3: Avignon

Guided tour of the city of Avignon. For some time in the fourteenth century, Avignon replaced Rome as the center of the Catholic world. The Pope left the eternal city and moved to the south of France. Even though the Popes only lived here for 70 years, they managed to leave a great legacy. The walking tour of the center will take the group through the narrow streets of the city, as well as its squares and castles.

Guided tour of the Petite Palais Museum, where you can find the largest collection of medieval art in the city.

Rest of the afternoon and dinner on your own

Night in Avignon

Day 4: Avignon- Turin

Departure by private bus to Turin

Arrival, check in and lunch on your own

Guided tour of Turin by a local guide. You will visit the Piazza Castello, admiring the most important buildings: the Palazzo Madama, the Church of San Lorenzo, the Royal Palace and the weapons room, the Turin Cathedral and the Roman Quadrilateral, passing under the elegant arches full of antique shops and coffees.

Night in Turin

Day 5: Turín- Venice

Guided tour of the Parco del Valentino where there is a small medieval city, simulating the Piedmontese capital at the time.

Departure by private bus to Venice

Arrival and check in at the hotel

Night in Venice

Day 6: Venice

Tour of the Medieval Venice with  a local guide. The group will be lost in its narrow streets and will be left to soak up the city´s history.

Free afternoon

Day 7: Venice-Graz-Vienna

Departure by private bus to Vienna

Stop to eat in the emblematic city of Graz where we will make a small tour of two hours by the hand of a local guide.

Arrival in Vienna hotel check in

Night in Vienna

Day 8: Vienna

Guided tour of the city of Vienna, whose historic center is full of places with historical interest. Modern buildings are mixed with medieval and Renaissance elements: from cathedrals to breweries, the Old Town is collected in a few streets an unequaled sample of European history. After Rome fell in the 400s, other groups controlled the camp over the centuries until the Austrians took it in the Middle Ages as a border city to fight against the Magyar (Hungarian) armies. Under the rule of the Babenbergs and the Habsburg dynasty, the wall of the Old City of Vienna expanded and the city even became the seat of the Holy Roman Empire for more than 300 years. Vienna flourished in one of the cultural centers of Europe during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries through the arts, classical music and opera. The Waltz and the Viennese Balls were born here and the center of the city of Vienna became the home of musicians such as Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Strauss.

Guided tour of the Schönbrunn Palace, home of the iconic Sisi Empress.

Day 9: Vienna- Krems- Prague

Departure by private bus to the city of Prague

Stop at the beautiful medieval village of Krems where we will go around. On the Austrian bank of the Danube, is the small village of Krems, another European corner with a lot of medieval flavor. Turned into a cultural and university center today, Krems has been recognized by UNESCO as a “Model City of Historic Preservation”. Its citizens take great care of its old town and we greatly appreciate it.

We continue the road to Prague

Upon arrival and after check-in at the hotel we will take a guided tour of the city of Prague, an architectural jewel declared a World Heritage Site. You will visit the Castle, dominating the city and one of the greatest medieval fortresses in the world. It is located on Mala Strana (Little Town) on the right side of the Vltava River and offers really impressive views of the city. In addition, the surroundings of the castle house a group of historic buildings and baroque palaces, such as the Royal Palace or the Cathedral of San Vito. We will also visit the Alley of Gold, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in all of Prague and where Franz Kakfa lived during the years 1916 and 1917.

Night in Prague

Day 10: Prague- Nuremberg

Departure by private bus to Nuremberg

Arrival and private tour of the city with a local guide. The walls surrounding the center framed the German village at the center of medieval life in Europe. This tour will discover the medieval city of Nuremberg, admiring the beautiful castle and the different parts of the historic center, including the house of Albrecht Dürer.

Night in Nuremberg

Day 11: Nuremberg- Cochem- Cologne

Departure by private bus to Cologne.

On the way we will stop to eat in the beautiful medieval town of Cochem. His letter of introduction is his castle, the fortress of Reichsburg, which as a sentinel watches over a hill. Cochem invites you to get lost among its narrow and zigzagging alleys and to soak up history.

We continue the trip to Cologne where we will spend the night.

Day 12: Cologne- Antwerp

Guided tour of the city of Cologne, a town with more than two thousand years of history: the Romans founded the capital of Lower Germania. The middle age was not a dark time for this city, on the contrary, we will see on the way that Cologne was very powerful economically, politically and above all religious, being one of the most important ecclesiastical principalities of the Holy Roman Empire. The colonists celebrate Carnival almost all year round and have a particularly relaxed character. The famous Eau de Cologne was born right here.

We will leave by private bus to Antwerp in Belgium.

Upon arrival we will check in and have time to diner

Night in Antwerp

Antwerp-Bruges-Antwerp

Breakfast in Antwerp

We leave on our private bus to Bruges

Guided tour of the historic center of Bruges where you will visit the Lake of Love, the beguinage founded in 1245, the Walplein square, the stoofstraat, the Hospital de San Juan, the church of our lady, the palace of the Gruuthuse lords, the Dyver canal , the wreath of crowns of roses, the square of the tanners, the square of the castle and its Gothic town hall, the basilica of the Holy Blood, the market square and its belfry or Belfort in Flamenco.

Return to the hotel in Antwerp and time for dinner on your own

Día 14: Antwerp-Ghent-Brussels

Guided tour of the city of Antwerp that will include the Hall of the Butchers and the Market Square with your guide. Admire the beautiful baroque masterpieces of Peter Paul Rubens to the Cathedral of Our Lady and marvel at the extraordinary Antwerp railway station.

Travel by bus to Ghent, where after lunch we will make a walking tour of the historic center, which will include the Castle of Gerardo the Devil, the Cathedral of San Bavón (famous for its altarpiece with the painting “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”), the beautiful Belfort belfry and the City Hall building.

In the tour we will also visit the oldest monuments of the city: the Church of San Nicolás, the Guild House of the Masons (built in the sixteenth century), the small medieval port (known as “The spring of herbs and grains” ), the imposing Castle of the Counts of Flanders, the picturesque district of Patershol, the Plaza del Viernes and the markets of meat and fish.

Transfer by bus to Brussels

Check in and night in Brussels

Day 14: Brussels

Breakfast in Brussels

Guided tour of the city of Brussels. Starting at the majestic Grand Place, we will walk through the narrow streets to discover the most beautiful and historical places of the city. We will visit the famous Manneken pis, the Tintin murals, the Royal Palace, stroll through the elegant Sablón neighborhood, admire the majestic Palace of Justice and much more. It is said that Brussels is one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world.

Afternoon and dinner on your own

Night in Brussels

Day 15:Brussels-city of origin

Return to your destinations

Relacionados

Templar Quest in the Languedoc, France Knights Templar, Cathars & Troubadours, Rennes-le-Château

We offer specialist tours focused on the history of Knights Templar in the Languedoc, France. These tours include guided visits to important historical sites and talks by experts. Topics covered include the origin and role of the Templars, their supposed heresies, links with the Cathars, the Mystery of Rennes-le-Château, and other esoteric traditions.

The Languedoc is a special place. Deep in the French countryside ("La France Profonde") it attracts visitors from around the world, and not only for its climate, food, wine and spectacular scenery. Its history is astounding, stretching back long before France existed. Some of the earliest cave art in Europe can be seen here, and megalithic stones dot the countryside. Hercules performed some of his labors here. Hannibal brought his elephants through here on his way to the Alps. A Count of Toulouse was the first to take a crusader cross, and the first to establish Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller back in Europe. A supposed "heresy" called Catharism flourished here, until it was crushed by the first European Crusade and the fist papal Inquisition in the world. The Dominican Order was created here, specifically to help eliminate Catharism.

There is even more. The troubadour tradition developed here, before the Languedoc was annexed to France. Nostradamus came from here. The modern Kabbalah was created here. According to local tradition Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived here for many years. According to some the the Holy Grail and the Ark of the Covenant are hidden here, perhaps in the mysterious village of Rennes-le-Château.

Our organized tours are led by English speaking experts who live locally in the Languedoc and have researched its history. They are all published authors and accomplished public speakers who have appeared in television documentaries.

You will not need to speak any French during your stay in France.

Talks and visits include:

• The Cathars: their Origins, their Beliefs and their fate
• Heresy and Inquisition in the middle ages
• The Troubadour tradition and courtly love
• Knighthood and chivalry
• The Templars. Their Origins, their European presence, their trial and their fate.
• Rennes-le-Château: from Holy Blood, Holy Grail to Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code , investigating the enigmatic Abbé Saunière
• Languedoc Mysteries: Otto Rahn and Montsegur, Mary Magdalene and the Gnostic Gospels.

Click on the following links for more information:

•  [email protected]  •   © Templar Quest   •

Home > Side Trips from Paris > Provins, France – A Beautiful Medieval Town near Paris

Provins, France – A Beautiful Medieval Town near Paris

Visit provins medieval town (cité médiévale de provins).

Are you looking for pretty small towns near Paris ? Then consider a day trip from Paris to Provins medieval town .

One of the easiest day trips from Paris by train, Provins is one of the most beautiful medieval towns near Paris, well known for its medieval architecture and well-preserved walls constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries.

The Cité Médiévale de Provins is located in the Ile-de-France region , 90 km southeast of Paris. There are many fun things to do in Provins, France, for all the family, but the town is mainly known for its Les Médiévales de Provins , the best medieval festival in France (and perhaps all of Europe). If you are in Paris in June , don’t miss the Provins Medieval Festival, it’s fantastic!

Provins is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. Click here for the list of best day trips from Paris .

History of Medieval Provins

The Cité Médiévale de Provins is a town located 90km southeast of Paris,  well known for its medieval fairs.  A long time ago, Provins was the capital of the powerful Counts of Champagne .  Thanks to the Counts’ protection and Provins’ strategic position, the town became one of the main actors in the early development of international trade fairs and the wool industry in Europe   during the 11th and 13th centuries. While other European towns or city-fairs were located close to a sea or river harbor, Provins’ location was very central but in the middle of nowhere. 

Provins’ medieval past is still palpable in the town, with its winding streets and half-timbered houses. Provins medieval town had an urban layout built to host fairs and related activities. Merchants from all over Europe and the Orient came to Provins to do business in its busy streets and squares. Provins’ medieval fair was so important that the town became very prosperous, and it was minting its own coinage, the ‘ denier provinois ‘(Provins penny).

Best Things to Do in Provins, France

If you are considering a Provins day trip from Paris, here are the best things to do in Provins for all the family:

1. Provins Medieval Ramparts and Tour César

To protect the town and its wealthy inhabitants, Provins got fortified. Provins’ ramparts were built between the 11th and 13th centuries, with different towers and fortified gates. Today we can still see 1,200 meters of the original ramparts and 22 towers.

Inside the walls, the Tour César (12th century) is the most emblematic symbol of Provins Medival Town. Legend says the tower was built by the same Julius Cesar (hence its name), but there’s no proof that the Romans were in Provins.

The Tour César was used as a keep and – for some years – also as a prison. Its architecture is quite interesting, with a square base that changes into an octagonal body on the upper floor. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy fantastic 360º views of the surrounding plains.

2. Grange aux Dîmes and other Historical Buildings

Provins has 58 sites registered in the French inventory of Historical Buildings, so the town can keep you busy for a while.

We recommend strolling around the winding streets of medieval Provins, with their beautiful architecture of timbered houses. We especially enjoyed La Grange aux Dîmes (2 Rue Saint-Jean, Provins), an ancient covered market from the 13th century turned into a museum. Here, different objects and mannequins show visitors how life and customs were in Provins during the medieval fairs. 

3. Les Souterrains de Provins (Provins Underground Tunnels)

Locals say that in Provins, there is the Upper Town, the Lower Town… and the Underground Town. Les Souterrains de Provins (Provins’ Underground Tunnels) is a unique part of medieval Provins. Under the street level, there are kilometers and kilometers of underground galleries, vaulted halls, and even crypts! But why?

In medieval Provins, all the houses had an underground part consisting (most of the time) of a beautiful vaulted hall usually   built 3/4 below the ground level. This part of the house had independent access from the street and usually was rented to merchants to install their shops or warehouses during the medieval fairs.

The vast network of underground tunnels and passages is mainly from the 13th century. These galleries are divided into three categories:

» civil passages used for people’s communication or shelter » military passages used as warehouses » private passages to store sheets and woolen clothes warehouses, when Provins was an important center of production of these goods.

Provins Tourisme organizes different tours to visit part of these galleries (4.5€ for adults and 3€ for children under 12). There is only one tour in English at 2.30 pm on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays. Because the guided tour is limited to 25 people, we recommend booking in advance here or on your arrival in the town.

TIP: If you are traveling on a budget or the guided tours are sold out, there’s a beautiful medieval bookshop (9 Rue de Jouy , Provins) located in one of these typical underground vaulted rooms that you can see for free.

Les Médiévales de Provins, the Best Medieval Fair in France

If you are visiting Paris in June, don’t miss Les Médiévales de Provins , considered the best medieval fair in France. During the whole weekend, people in Provins welcome visitors dressed in traditional costumes.

There are medieval markets and other activities and shows related to Provins’ glorious medieval past. Also, live bands play medieval music in the main streets and squares. Les Médiévales de Provins is a fun and colorful festival great for kids and adults.

Next Médiévales de Provins: 10 and 11 June 2023

Provins also hosts a medieval Christmas market which only lasts one weekend (last year was on 11 and 12 December). We have listed the Provins Medieval Christmas Market as one of the best Christmas Markets in France .

Paris to Provins by Train 

How to get to Provins from Paris? A Paris to Provins day trip is very easy to organize. SNCF trains Paris – Provins leave from Gare de l’Est train station (1,5 hrs direct train, hourly), and there’s no need to book train tickets in advance.

If you have a Navigo Pass (5 zones), the ride Paris – Provins is free on weekends and holidays.

When you arrive at Provins’ train station, there is a tourist shuttle bus waiting right at the exit of the station (4€ day ticket, 2.5€ single ride). This bus goes through the main sights located in the high town. We did not use this bus because we like walking and the sights are not that far from the station.

For your way back Provins – Paris, it is helpful to take a picture of the train schedule once you arrive at Provins’ train station.

Where to Sleep in Provins

With such an interesting heritage and things to do in Provins, you may want to extend your stay in Provins. A thousand candles light the streets at nightfall in summer, and musicians are on every corner, so staying in Provins overnight is more than recommended.

Unfortunately, Provins lacks budget accommodation, but there are cute boutique hotels and historic hotels in the Upper Town for reasonable prices, especially if you book in advance. Here are our favorite proposals:

DEMEURE DES VIEUX BAINS

This beautiful and quiet hotel with an excellent location is set in a historic 12th-century building and offers B&B accommodation. Each of the five rooms available is unique and spacious, and most of them have garden views – Click here to book your stay at Demeure des Vieux Bains

MAISON D’HÔTES STELLA CADENTE

This is a fantastic   B&B accommodation located close to the Cesar Tower, a kind of château in Provins. The 19th-century building has five uniquely decorated guest rooms inspired by classic fairy-tale themes, and they were designed by the fashion designer Stella Cadente – Click here to book your stay at Maison d’Hôtes Stella Cadente

LE CÉSAR HOTEL PROVINS 

With the best possible location (right in the town center), modern facilities, and contemporary design, Le César Hôtel Provins has everything you need for a unique stay in Medieval Provins – Click here to book your stay at Le César Hotel

Where to Eat in Provins

Le Banquet des Troubadours: 14 Rue Saint Thibault, for a medieval meal in a medieval atmosphere .

La P’tite Savoye: 11 Rue de la Friperie, offers French cuisine (vegetarian-friendly), and it always has excellent reviews .

Hostellerie de la Croix d’Or: 1 Rue des Capucins is the oldest hostellerie (hotel trade) in France, and it offers good traditional French food.

Click here for more Side Trips from Paris

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Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., we’re elisa, norbert, valérie, and cédric, four travel bloggers and friends living in paris. quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of our city and its lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & our best tips learn more about us.

100 iconic places to discover in France before Paris 2024

The Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will take place along the Seine in the heart of the French capital, with a flotilla of boats flanked either side by some of the country's most cherished buildings and cultural gems.

But Paris is not alone in having breathtaking tourist sites , with the entire French territory populated with historical buildings and unique landscapes.

If you have secured your tickets to the Olympic Games or plan to book in the near future , spare some extra time to visit the rest of France: print this article, or take your notebook and write down some of the places below - you'll love to visit them!

This is a non-exhaustive and subjective list given the multitude of other exceptional places to visit in France.

Discover the map of the Olympic Torch Relay route ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024

Romantic castles in France

Chambord Castle (located in Loir-et-Cher): 16th century castle listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 8 July .

Chenonceau Castle (Indre-et-Loire): 16th century castle listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Blois Royal Castle (Loir-et-Cher): 13th century castle. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 8 July .

Cheverny Castle (Loir-et-Cher): inspiration for Tintin creator Hergé, which now hosts a permanent Tintin exhibition .

Guédelon Castle (Yonne): the site of a fortified castle, built using methods from the Middle Ages that started in 1997.

Versailles Castle (Yvelines): historic monument and former home of the kings of France since Louis XIV. The Paris 2024 equestrian and modern pentathlon events will take place here . On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 23 July .

Vincennes Castle (Val-de-Marne): the largest royal castle in France. The Paris 2024 road cycling time trial will pass through here . On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 21 July .

Ormesson Castle (Val-de-Marne): iconic Renaissance building from the 16th century. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 21 July .

Historical sites in France

Omaha Beach and the landing beaches (Calvados). On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 30 May .

Mont Saint-Michel (Manche): a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 31 May .

Place Stanislas in Nancy (Meurthe-et-Moselle): a classic urban spot listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

European institutions of Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin): significant administrative organisations are located in this beautiful city. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 26 June .

Caves of Lascaux (Dordogne): paintings and engravings from the Paleolithic era can be seen on the walls of these caves. Discovered in 1940 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 22 May .

Vauban fortifications in Besançon (Doubs): Twelve fortified buildings listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 25 June .

Garabit Viaduct (Cantal): 19th century bridge designed and built by Gustave Eiffel a few years before the Eiffel Tower.

Hospices de Beaune (Côte d'Or): 15th century Gothic hospital, classified as a historical monument and converted into a museum. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 12 July .

Chauvet Cave - Pont d'Arc (Ardèche): discovered in 1994 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cave contains Paleolithic paintings estimated to be more than 30,000 years old.

Old Port of Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône): iconic area of the city a few steps from the Olympic sailing venue and the Marseille Marina . On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 8 May .

The Nîmes Arena (Gard): a Roman amphitheatre which dates back to the first century AD and is widely-considered one of the best-preserved antique arenas in the world.

The Millau Viaduct (Aveyron): an iconic cable-stayed bridge spanning the Tarn valley, which at its highest point reaches 343m. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 13 May .

Château d'If (Bouches-du-Rhône): a fortress built in the 16th century located off the coast of Marseilles, made famous by Alexandre Dumas’ novel "The Count of Monte Cristo".

The alignments of Carnac (Morbihan): a site with thousands of menhirs (megalithic stones) which were built between the 5th and 7th millennia BC.

Provins (Seine-et-Marne): a historic site from the Middle Ages which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Belfort Citadel (Territory of Belfort): a historic site built in the Middle Ages and expanded in the 19th century.

The City of Carcassonne (Aude): a medieval town which is acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 16 May .

Najac (Aveyron): a picturesque town located in the French commune of Aveyron, with six monuments listed in France’s historical monuments.

Palais Idéal du facteur Cheval (Drôme): 'The Postman Cheval's Ideal Palace' is a classified historical monument built by a postman between 1879 and 1912.

Iconic places in France

The Route des Grands Crus de Bourgogne (Côte d'Or): a 60km-long tourist route which weaves through 37 vineyards.

Oradour-sur-Glane (Haute-Vienne): a historic village and location of a wartime massacre, now a solemn place of remembrance.

La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime): located on the Atlantic coast, the fortified port dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

Port of Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine): a harbour which provides stunning views over the Emerald Coast. Don't miss the picture-postcard buildings in the town of Dinard and, in the distance, the tip of the Cape Fréhel. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 1 June .

Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine): widely-considered the capital of Brittany and famous for its half-timbered houses, several of which date back to the 18th century, including the Parliament of Brittany, the Opera and City Hall. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 1 June .

Nantes (Loire-Atlantique): famed for its castle (Château des ducs de Bretagne), cathedral and the famous Passage Pommeraye. The city will host Olympic football matches at La Beaujoire Stadium .

'Promenade des Anglais' in Nice (Alpes-Maritimes): a famous avenue along the "Baie des anges" with several prestigious hotels within a short distance to another Olympic football stadium ( Nice Stadium ). On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 18 June .

Little Venice district in Colmar (Haut-Rhin): a picturesque district with several historic canals. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 26 June .

Troyes (Aube): a medieval town centred around beautiful buildings. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 13 July .

The Grand’Place in Lille (Nord): an outstanding urban site not far from Lille’s Olympic venue: Pierre-Mauroy Stadium. On the Olympic Torch Relay: 2 July .

The forest of Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne): a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site with its castle classified as a historical monument. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 20 July .

The Hippodrome (racecourse) of Enghien-Soisy, near Enghien-les-Bains (Val d’Oise): famous for its horse races. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 19 July .

The Bouchons Lyonnais (Rhône): traditional and local French restaurants, located near the Olympic venue Lyon Stadium .

Quais de Bordeaux (Gironde): the capital of Gironde, along the Garonne River where the Bordeaux Stadium - an Olympic football venue - is located. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 23 May .

Pays basque (Nouvelle-Aquitaine): a cultural region located by the Pyrenees on the border with Spain. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 20 May .

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (Lot): a picture-perfect region in Lot and home to the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (Tarn-et-Garonne): a commune listed among the Great Sites of the Occitanie region.

Pays Cathare (Occitanie): offers breathtaking views in the Aude region.

Gouffre de Padirac (Lot): a natural cave with an underground river flowing 100m below the surface.

Rocamadour (Lot): get your cameras ready for this local area highlighted by the association of the Most Beautiful Villages of France.

Dune of Pilat (Gironde): the highest sand dune in Europe, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Arcachon Basin.

Cordes-sur-Ciel (Tarn): a commune listed in the association of the Most Beautiful Villages of France and voted France's Favourite Village in the TV show of the same name.

Collioure (Pyrénées-Orientales): an area located in Pyrénées-Orientales on the Mediterranean coast with a picturesque marina. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 15 May .

Rungis Market (Val-de-Marne): home of the biggest farmers market in the world. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 21 July .

Museums and cultural activities in France

Verdun Memorial (Meuse): a museum dedicated to the history of the Battle of Verdun that took place during World War I. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 29 June .

Louvre-Lens Museum (Pas-de-Calais): linked to the Louvre Museum by a scientific and cultural convention. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 3 July .

Armistice Memorial in Rethondes (Oise): dedicated to the armistice at the end of World War I.

Festival of Lights in Lyon (Rhône): an annual event where light installations are projected onto numerous buildings in the city.

Avignon Festival (Vaucluse): a famous month-long annual festival of theatre and other live performances.

Rencontres de la Photographie in Arles (Bouches-du-Rhône): an international photography festival.

Mucem (Bouches-du-Rhône): Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations in Marseille.

Musée des Confluences in Lyon (Rhône): a museum of natural history located where two famous rivers meet, the Rhône and the Saône.

Music Day (France): celebrations and concerts take place throughout the French territory on 21 June of each year.

Musée des Impressionnismes (Eure): museum dedicated to the impressionist movement located in Giverny, home of its most famous resident Claude Monnet.

Musée de la BD d’Angoulême (Charente): museum dedicated to comic books, where an annual festival is held every January. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 24 May .

LYON, FRANCE - DECEMBER 04: For four nights over 70 light installations will create a magical atmosphere in the streets, squares and parks all over the city and millions of visitors both French and from abroad will enjoy the friendly and joyful spirit of this unique event on December 4, 2014 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Bruno Vigneron/Getty Images)

Natural sites in France

La Chaîne of the Puys (Puy-de-Dôme): chain of 80 volcanos listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vichy (Allier): a spa resort listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Poitevin Marsh (Vendée, Deux-Sèvres, Charente-Maritime): area of marshland nicknamed The Green Venice, where you can take a boat through meadows and woodlands. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 2 June .

Pink Granite Coast (Côtes d’Armor): coastline with pink rock formations more than 3,000 years old, and home to the Castle of Costaérès.

Les Abers (Finistère): picture-perfect fjords in Brittany. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 7 June .

Paimpon in the forest of Brocéliande (Ille-et-Vilaine): famous for its myths and legends since the Medieval Ages. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 1 June .

Loire Estuary (Loire-Atlantique): preserved wetlands.

Salt marshes of Guérande (Loire-Atlantique): an area spanning 50 km2 that has produced salt for thousands of years.

Cliffs of Étretat (Seine-Maritime): iconic site of Normandy with the famous Porte d’Aval, a natural arch made by the sea, on the white chalk coastline. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 5 July .

Verdon Gorge (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Var): a river canyon 25km in length with 700m cliffs.

Calanques national park (Bouches-du-Rhône): a series of creeks along the Mediterranean coastline that is lined with hiking trails between Marseille and Cassis. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 12 May .

Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie): the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe (4,805m) and Aiguille du midi (3,842m), that is reachable by cable car. Mont-Blanc is located at the edge of Chamonix city, host of Chamonix 1924 , the first Winter Olympic Games in history. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 23 June .

Montagne Sainte-Victoire (Bouches-du-Rhône): iconic mountain made famous by the painter Paul Cézanne. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 12 May .

Parc naturel régional du Luberon (Vaucluse and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence): mediterranean mountain with multiple picturesque villages.

Gorges de l’Ardèche (Ardèche): a 30-kilometre canyon with limestone cliffs overlooking the Ardèche river.

Port-Cros national park (Var): a natural site made up of several islands off the Mediterranean coast of Hyères. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 10 May .

Scandola Nature Reserve (Corse-du-Sud): an iconic marina home to exceptional biodiversity and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 14 May .

Pic du Midi de Bigorre (Hautes-Pyrénées): a mountain in the French Pyrenees, famous for its observatory. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 19 May .

Cirque de Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées): a picture-perfect valley in the central Pyrenees.

Gorges de l’Aveyron (Tarn-et-Garonne and Aveyron): a series of gorges registered as part of the Great Sites of the Occitanie region.

Parc naturel régional de Camargue (Bouches-du-Rhône): a 372,000-acre protected wetland home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including 30,000 pink flamingos. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 12 May .

Jura lakes (Jura): 70 lakes famed for their astonishing beauty and connected by a 93-mile road with panoramic views.

CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 25: Alpine skiers ski down a piste at La Flegere ski resort as the Mont Blanc summit is seen in the distance on February 25, 2018 near Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France. The French Alps are a popular destination for skiers and climbers, though they are also dangerous. Several visitors have fallen to their deaths while skiing or snowboarding off piste just in recent weeks. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

There’s more than one Notre-Dame!

Chartres Cathedral (Eure-et-Loire): a 12th century Gothic cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 7 July .

Saint-Étienne de Bourges Cathedral (Cher): a 12th century Gothic cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, near the Chateauroux Shooting Centre at Paris 2024 .

Sainte-Croix d’Orléans Cathedral (Loiret): a 13th century Gothic cathedral. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 10 July .

Basilique Notre-Dame-du-Port de Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme): a 12th century Romanesque basilica and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Notre-Dame de l’Assomption de Clermont Cathedral (Puy-de-Dôme): a 13th century Gothic cathedral.

Notre-Dame du Puy-en-Velay Cathedral (Haute-Loire): a 13th century Romanesque cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Abbey of Fontenay (Côte d'Or): the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey, built in the 12th century, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Vézelay (Côte d'Or): a Romanesque and Gothic basilica erected in the 12th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 11 July .

Notre-Dame de La Charité-sur-Loire Priory (Yonne): 11th century Romanesque priory and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Saint-Étienne d'Auxerre Cathedral (Yonne): 16th century Gothic cathedral. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 11 July .

Notre-Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral (Bas-Rhin): a Gothic cathedral listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 26 June .

Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral (Marne): a Gothic cathedral listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 30 June .

Notre-Dame d'Amiens Cathedral (Somme): a Gothic cathedral listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 4 July .

Palais des Papes of Avignon (Vaucluse): a Middle Age Gothic palace where the Pope lived in the 14th century. On the Olympic Torch Relay route: 19 June .

Notre-Dame-de-La-Garde Cathedral (Bouches-du-Rhône): a cathedral overlooking the city of Marseille – where the Marseille stadium and Marina , two Olympic venues, are located – that is nicknamed ‘La Bonne Mère’.

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Un spectacle exceptionnel et inédit va embraser le ciel des Pyrénées pour accueilir la flamme olympique

Le spectacle son et lumière, organisé par le fournisseur d'énergies vertes Llum, vise à mettre en valeur le patrimoine médiéval des Pyrénées-Orientales. 15 tours à signaux seront illuminées, pour un show accessible à tous.

Un spectacle son et lumière qui illuminera le patrimoine médiéval : c'est ce qui attend les habitants des Pyrénées-Orientales . Le 7 mai 2024, à partir de 21h15, quinze tours à signaux parmi les plus emblématiques du territoire rayonneront.

Un show qui pourra être observé depuis chez soi, en pleine nature, en bord de mer, ou même confortablement installés dans son véhicule à la manière d'un "drive-in". Le spectacle sera retransmis en direct sur la radio France Bleu Roussillon, partenaire de l'évènement, avec les explications d'un historien.

15 tours à signaux illuminées

Voici la liste des tours à signaux qui seront illuminées pour l'occasion :

• Tour de Prats-de-Sournia (Prats-de-Sournia)
• Força Réal (Millas, Montner, Corneilla-la-Rivière)
• Tour del Far (Tautavel)
• Tour de la Massane (Argelès-sur-Mer)
• Tour de la Madeloc (Collioure, Port-Vendres)
• Fort de Bellegarde (Le Perthus)
• Tour de Cabrenç (Serralongue)
• Tour de Mir (Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste)
• Tour de Batère (Corsavy)
• Tour del Vacaro (Llo)
• Tour de Maures (Egat)
• Tour de Creu (Matemale)
• Tour de Badabany (Corneilla-de-Conflent)
• Castell Rossello (Perpignan)
• Château de Canet (Canet-en-Roussillon)

La carte vous permet de situer les 15 tours à travers les Pyrénées-Orientales

Retrouvez les 5 zones d'illumination 

Les énergies vertes à l'honneur

Les tours à signaux seront chacune illuminées par au moins deux projecteurs motorisés, "qui reproduiront la puissance d'éclairage d'un phare" , explique Jérémy Fourquet, le coordinateur général de l'évènement. Le tout uniquement alimenté par des énergies renouvelables . L'organisateur du spectacle, Llum, est un fournisseur local d'électricité verte basé dans les Pyrénées-Orientales qui dessert l’Occitanie.

Un projet qui tenait à cœur au fondateur de Llum, David Gener. "La Tour de Mir, à Prats-de-Mollo a appartenu à sa famille pendant 500 ans. Il voulait mélanger histoire et mise en valeur du patrimoine."

Accueillir la flamme olympique

La date du 7 mai n'a pas été choisie par hasard. Le lendemain, la flamme olympique fera son arrivée en France. Elle sera de passage dans les Pyrénées-Orientales le 15 mai. 

Pour aller plus loin :

• copier le lien https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/occitanie/pyrenees-orientales/perpignan/un-spectacle-exceptionnel-et-inedit-va-embraser-le-ciel-des-pyrenees-pour-accueilir-la-flamme-olympique-2957093.html
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