12 Jaw-Dropping UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France
When you think of France, you most likely think of big cities like Paris and Marseilles, or iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. But France is a diverse country with thousands of years of history, distinctive cities, and incredible landscapes.
So it’s no surprise that France is home to a large collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites that bear witness to the country’s rich historical and cultural background.
After all, UNESCO seeks to identify and protect cultural and natural sites around the world considered to “be of outstanding value to humanity.”
So whether you like exploring medieval constructions, Roman monuments, or natural wonders, there’s a perfect UNESCO site in France that will capture your imagination. Let me introduce you to some of its important heritage attractions!
12 Unbelievable UNESCO Sites in France
1. Mont Saint-Michel
Why Is It a UNESCO Site: Rising from the waves, this abbey and fortress creates a fairytale like vision of whimsical medieval architecture paired with incredible views of land and sea.
Honestly, for the beauty alone this place could receive its UNESCO designation. But beyond that, Mont Saint-Michel served a critical role in Christian history as a pilgrimage site and Archbishop seat.
It also saw conflict over its control during the many wars between France and England and weathered the changes brought by revolutions and World Wars.
Finally, it’s a natural marvel, as the bay is home to the largest tides in Europe. These dramatic tides can rush in as quickly as a person can run, completely surrounding the Mont and transforming it into an island.
Why You Should Visit: Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most incredible places you’ll ever see. The first time you see the Mont on the horizon you’ll have to pinch yourself, because is this real?
You’ll love the many angles and viewpoints you can find looking at the island. After you get your fill, exploring the Mont is a great experience as you wind your way up the steep hill and explore the incredible abbey. The tour is both informative and beautiful.
Finally, consider booking a tour to explore the bay itself, as the views from behind the Mont are equally impressive and you’ll learn about the ecology and unique features of the bay. You’ll also learn how to escape quicksand!
Pro Tip: Mont Saint-Michel can get extremely busy, so if you can go earlier in the day, you’ll enjoy your time more. The abbey also does a nighttime light show in summer, so you can consider a second visit for a different experience.
2. Pont du Gard
Why Is It a UNESCO Site: Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Pont du Gard is a prime example of a well-preserved major Roman infrastructure.
This Roman aqueduct crossing the Gardon River was built in the 1st century to supply water to the ancient Roman colony, Nemausus (now Nîmes) for several centuries.
Why You Should Visit: The Pont du Gard is a sight that stops you in your tracks. Its scale and age make it so impressive, straddling the river with 3 tiers of arches.
The best part is that you can walk along the aqueduct and feel connected to the history.
Pro Tips: Walk to the top of the aqueduct on both sides for unique vantages and to discover further ruins, and be sure to explore the trails on the sides of the river.
3. Carcassonne
Why Is It a UNESCO Site: Carcassonne is the largest walled city in Europe, boasting an impressive set of double walls with dozens of towers enclosing a beautifully restored medieval city.
Its designation also recognizes its deep roots with history reaching back to ancient Iberia, a Roman settlement, and the founding of the kingdom of France. It also played an important part in the crusades against the Christian sect known as the Cathars, as it was one of their refuges.
Why You Should Visit: Carcassonne is awesome – in all the best meanings of the word. You feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you walk toward the imposing castle. In addition to experiencing the walls and village, there is a beautiful Gothic cathedral and a castle complex that you need to explore.
There are beautiful vistas galore, both looking out from the city and looking toward it. We particularly liked the view from the old bridge.
The “new” town is also a great visit with pretty squares, fun buildings, and impressive churches. Overall, we adored our visit to Carcassonne and Matthew declared it one of his top 10 favorite places in France.
Pro Tips: From the castle, you can access the ramparts and walk the 1.5km path around the city. Don’t skip this!
I’d also recommend climbing the bell tower of Saint Vincent in the New City for incredible views back to Carcassonne.
Finally, this city receives around 4 million visitors a year, and 2 million of them are in August. If you can, avoid August at all costs.
4. Bordeaux, Port of the Moon
Why Is It a UNESCO Site: Bordeaux, a city in southwestern France, received its designation in 2007 for its massive collection of 350 historical monuments and buildings.
The Port of the Moon boasts a unique blend of English and French heritage and influence, with stunning Haussmannian architecture that mirrors the elegance of Paris. Often nicknamed “Little Paris,” the city’s resemblance to the French capital is undeniable.
Why You Should Visit: Quite simply, the city is beautiful. The planned architectural theme makes for a cohesive, attractive effect. In particular, impressive buildings such as Sant André Cathedral and the Porte Cailhau are wonders.
Place de la Bourse is a unique square with the river on one side and stately buildings on the other, with a massive reflecting pool in the center.
You’ll also find unique food offerings such as canelé (a rum or vanilla flavored pastry) and of course a wide selection of fine wines. The city boasts world-class vineyards and wineries that visitors can explore and sample.
Pro Tip: Three to four days is ideal for this city. While many places on this list can be done in a day or less, you’ll want a few days to explore this city and its surroundings.
Beyond the vineyards and chateaus, there are beautiful natural wonders such as Dune de Pilat, beaches, and the town of Arcachon.
5. Canal du Midi
Why Is It a UNESCO Site: The Canal du Midi was built in the late 1600’s as a way to connect the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. The goal? To both shorten the distance of having to go around the Iberian Peninsula and to focus trade through France.
This 240 km long canal (not counting off-shoots) was originally named the Royal Canal in Languedoc, but the French Revolution, which hated anything to do with the monarchy, thought that name was a bit gauche.
The canal also helped spur and facilitate the Industrial Revolution in France. Impressively, it is still operational, making it one of the oldest canals in Europe and an engineering marvel.
Why You Should Visit: Beyond the practical uses the canal was intended for, effort has been made to make the area aesthetic, too. The canal is frequently lined on both sides by shading trees with pedestrian and cycling paths running alongside.
In many of the cities it passes through, you can rent boats or take a tour along scenic sections. If you are looking for a spot to be impressed by human ingenuity and take in some peaceful views, this is a place to visit.
Pro Tip: Some of the prettiest or most interesting sections are around Toulouse, Carcassonne, Beziers, and Narbonne.
6. Nîmes, Maison Carrée
Why Is It a UNESCO Site: Nîmes boasts an impressive collection of Roman monuments, but the Maison Carrée was chosen to receive UNESCO recognition.
Not only is it one of the best preserved Roman temples in the world, it also was the centerpiece of the ancient Roman forum of Nemausus (the Roman name for Nîmes). It also symbolized the prosperity and prestige the city held within the Empire – especially the favor Augustus gave to the city.
Why You Should Visit: Nîmes was an absolutely wonderful city to visit and one we would go back to in a heartbeat.
The range of Roman history in Nîmes is remarkable—from the Tour Magne fortifications and ancient gates to the terminus of the Uzès aqueduct, and the massive Arena and Maison Carrée, there are so many fascinating sites to explore.
Add in the beautiful squares and plazas, parks, churches, and fountains, and Nîmes simpy has so much to offer.
Pro Tip: With so many monuments to visit, I would recommend getting the Pass Romanité, which gives you access to the Tour Magne, Maison Carrée, Nîmes Arena, and the Roman Museum and its wide array of artifacts.
7. Notre Dame d’Amiens
Why Is It a UNESCO Site: Notre Dame of Amiens is the largest Gothic church in France, even bigger than Notre Dame in Paris. It was built mainly between 1220 and 1288 in the heart of the Picardy region, towering over the surrounding buildings. It is a stunningly beautiful French church.
Interestingly, it was funded primarily from the production and sale of woad – a plant that produces one of the best natural blue dyes.
Amiens has ties to several UNESCO sites, including its belfry, which is part of the collective recognition of belfries across Belgium and northern France. The city also held significant importance during the Middle Ages as a key stop for pilgrims traveling across Europe.
Why You Should Visit: The cathedral is a truly impressive edifice, rising to incredible height and showing impressive attention and design. Beyond that, Amiens is a beautiful city, with impressive parks, a bustling food scene, and the incredible mosaic of canals and floating gardens known as the Hortillonnages.
Pro Tip: Rent some city bikes and ride the Chemin de Halage path along the Somme River for a relaxing time with incredible views.
8. Versailles
Why Is It a UNESCO Site: The palace and park of Versailles was one of the first sites in France to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Originally a small hunting lodge, it was transformed by Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King”, into a sprawling palace that symbolized absolute monarchy.
By moving his court and government to Versailles in 1682, Louis XIV centralized power and reduced the influence of the nobility, forcing them to live at the palace under his watchful eye.
The Palace of Versailles, renowned for its extravagant opulence, served as the primary residence of French kings until the Revolution. The lavish lifestyle it symbolized was a key factor leading to the uprising that ultimately removed King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette from power.
Versailles greatly influenced the design of other palaces throughout Europe and its architecture and landscaping are second to none.
Why You Should Visit: Versailles truly is one of the most spectacular palaces in the world – its enormous and its grandeur hasn’t been dimmed at all by time. The gardens and park are also sprawling and stunning, with plenty of little groves, nooks, and hidden gardens to discover.
Pro Tip: Ideally, plan for a whole day to visit Versailles – between the palace tour, gardens, and Grand and Petit Trianon, there’s a ton to see and do.
Ticket to Versailles should absolutely be bought online in advance. Versailles is an easy day trip from Paris and can be reached via public transit.
9. Strasbourg, Grande-Ile and Neustadt
Why Is It a UNESCO Site: Strasbourg sits at the heart of the Alsace region, an area that draws on both French and German heritages and influences. This blending has created a unique architectural style, with adorable half-timbered houses filling the historic Grande Ile.
Additionally, the Grande-Ile and Neustadt feature a distinctive urban layout, incorporating canals, bridges, and urban design that creates something special.
Finally, the Strasbourg Cathedral is recognzied as one of the most beautiful in Europe and serves as the centerpoint of the UNESCO designation.
Why You Should Visit: Strasbourg is truly a jaw-droppingly beautiful city, with flowerpots lining the charming river and canals and the half-timbered houses feeling like something right out of a storybook.
Beyond that, the cuisine in Alsace is distinct and delicious, featuring dishes such as tarte flambée, choucroute, bretzels, spaetzle, and kouglehopf.
Pro Tip: Strasbourg is beautiful at any time of the year, but in winter it is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Strasbourg is known as the Capital of Christmas and its Christmas markets and city decorations are stunning.
10. Avignon, Historic Center
Why Is It a UNESCO Site: Avignon, often called the “City of the Popes,” was the center of a unique chapter in Catholic history. For about 75 years in the 14th century, the Pope resided here instead of Rome, marking an extraordinary shift in the Church’s leadership.
Following these official Popes, two other antipopes sought to retain the papacy in Avignon for another 50 years.
In honor of the Papacy, a massive complex was established that includes the Papal Palace, gardens, a large cathedral, and an impressive set of fortifications that remain to this day.
Why You Should Visit: The Papal Palace is home to an impressive set of buildings that you can tour and gain an understanding of the history of the area. The Avignon Bridge, the city walls, the Place de l’Horloge, and the Jardin des Doms are other interesting sites to visit in the city as well.
Pro Tip: Head to the Pont Edouard Dalidier Bridge outside the city walls at sunset for incredible views of the Papal Palace rising above the walls.
11. Loire Valley
Why Is It a UNESCO Site: The Loire Valley is home to over 300 iconic chateaux, as well as charming villages with beautiful landscapes, vineyards, orchards, and fields surrounding the winding Loire River.
It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 in recognition of the incredible architecture of the chateaux and the long agricultural tradition dating back to the Stone Age.
Why You Should Visit: While the natural beauty of the region is undeniable, the top draw is unquestionably the stunning chateaux.
The most famous are the Chateau de Chambord, known for its sprawling size and Renaissance architecture; the Chateau de Chenonceau, which actually spans a river; and the Chateau de Villandry, famous for its exceptional gardens.
Pro Tip: You can pretty easily take a day trip from Paris to see a few of the chateaux, but I’d recommend spending 2-4 days in the region to see and explore more. I personally loved the Chateau de Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked for several years.
12. Saint Emilion
Why Is It a UNESCO Site: Saint-Émilion was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 for wine-making traditions and landscapes.
This medieval village, surrounded by vineyards with over 2,000 years of winemaking history, perfectly showcases the harmony between human craftsmanship and natural beauty.
Besides being surrounded by vineyards, the village is home to remarkable historical sites, including the incredible Monolithic Church, which is carved entirely out of limestone, and an extensive network of catacombs.
Plus, Saint-Émilion was named after the monk, Emilion, who lived in a cave here during the 8th century and performed many miracles in the village.
Why You Should Visit: Saint-Émilion is as charming as it is historic. The cobblestone streets wind past landmarks, wine stores, and cute corners. Surrounding it all are rolling vineyards that produce some of the finest wines in the Bordeaux region.
If you’re a wine lovers, the village is full of wine shops, and the countryside is literally non-stop vineyards. Dozens of vineyards offer tours and wine-tastings – perfect for the wine conneisseur.
Pro Tip: If you want to do a bit of wine tasting at the many gorgeous vineyards and estates, consider booking a small-group guided tour so you can visit the best locations and don’t need to worry about drinking and driving.
Wrap Up
As you can see, France is much more than just Paris or the Rivera. It’s such a varied country and is filled with diversity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Aside from the usual historical monuments, France is home to world-class villages, canals, and vineyards that survived the test of time. I’ve loved my time exploring all of these and getting to know the incredible history of France and I know you will, too.
