|
Located in the center and at the crossroads of Europe, Alsace has played a major role in France’s history since the beginning of written civilization. Here you’ll discover many infamous medieval ruins as well as a series of expertly renovated fortresses including Haut-Barr, Hohlandsbourg, Fleckstein and Haut- Koenigsbourg Castle (thank you develop the story of the Haut Koenigsbourg Castle), one of the most popular attractions in all of Alsace. Renowned for its sheer size and medieval magnificence, this towering fortress offers some of the most breathtaking views in all of Alsace.
No trip to this region would be complete without a walking tour of historic Strasbourg, home of the majestic "Cathedral Notre Dame" (thank you to give more details about the Cathedral) and "La Petit France," the oldest and most beautifully preserved area of the city UNESCO World Hetiage, And don't miss the beautiful town of “Colmar," with its medieval architecture, sculptured gables and fairytale houses. From castles to cathedrals, wineries to walking tours, there's so much history and architecture to experience that you'll want to allow plenty of time to savor it all. Thank you to give more details about the Unterlinden Museum and the masterpiece created by Grunewald - The Issenheim Altar Piece - was executed by Matthias Grünewald between 1510 and 1516. (I sent you all the information) Thank you to develop a part regarding Mulhouse, European Capital of Museums (I sent you all the information).
History is literally at your fingertips everywhere in France, and Burgundy is no exception. Its landscape is dotted with Romanesque churches, Benedictine and Cistercian abbeys, and stunning cathedrals. Historical routes include a Romanesque Road through green hills, focusing on the Romanesque Churches of Brionnais. The Route of the Burgundian Dukes in northern Burgundy leads travelers through the Arcy Caves and many castles. Tours of the chateaus of southern Burgundy lead from the Morvan to the Bresse, stopping off for visits at 16 chateaus along the way. The largest surviving Cistercian church in France is here in Burgundy as well, at Pontigny in Yonne. Burgundy's Route des Chateaux features palaces built by the architect of Versailles and frequented by notable figures from history including the poet Alphonse Lamartine and France's first elected president. With exquisite grounds and intricate gardens, they are among the most beautiful sites in France.
Burgundy's country roads and 16 tourist routes take you through quaint towns and villages where the architecture and history reveal the heart and soul of this region. Historical routes follow the footsteps of dukes, monks, and writers, while Craft and Nature roads showcase the countryside. No matter how you choose to discover Burgundy, be sure to make time for the UNESCO World Heritage sites of "Fontenay," one of the best preserved Cistercian abbeys in France, "Vezelay," a charming medieval town that was once one of the major pilgrimage sites of the Christian world and "La Charite, a famous monastery town for much of the Middle Ages.
Another not to be missed site for history and architecture is Dijon, the regional capital of Burgundy. Take a tour of Notre Dame Church and visit the town center, one of the best preserved in France, and the richness and diversity of its architectural heritage make it unique. And don’t forget to climb the 315 steps to the top of Philippe Le Bon tower for a spectacular 360 degree view above the colorful Burgundy rooftops. These and many other itineraries present pieces of the fascinating patchwork of cultural and natural influences that illuminate Burgundy's remarkable history. Past and present exist side by side, and as you follow their threads, you can't help but develop a deep appreciation and affection for the region known for living well.
Like the drink that bares its name, Champagne-Ardenne evokes a mystery and charm all of its own. In Champagne, visitors encounter the spectacular Chateau de Sedan, the largest fortified castle in Europe, complete with reenactments of battles and traditional medieval street festivals. Also important in Champagne's history is the splendid and ornate Chateau de Cirey, where French philosopher Voltaire entertained the intellectual elite of the 18th century. In this historic region, you’re invited on a breathtaking route where you’ll discover romantic villages, magnificent chateaus and numerous churches. Quaint cottages with their leaning porches and pointed gables, and rustic, half-timbered buildings hearken back to an age of expansion when wood was more plentiful and practical than traditionally-used stone. Large planks of oak make the frames, filled in with masonry, plaster, or a mixture of horsehair and plaster. All in all, 85 historic churches and chapels with thousands of stained glass windows dot this area, dating back to the 16th century.
Plan to visit, Reims, a city of art and of history that welcomes you to its famous UNESCO World Heritage sites: the cathedral of Notre Dame and the Palais du Tau, the cathedral museum, and the basilica and Museum-Abbey of Saint Remi, dedicated to the bishop who baptized Clovis. Take a stroll along the streets by day or by night, and visit the countless sites, monuments and museums which are testimony to the history of Reims. Once the capital of Champagne, shaped like a Champagne cork, Troyes is a city of beautifully preserved medieval architecture. A stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets reveals dozens of 15th- century half-timbered houses, Renaissance mansions and superb churches with some of the most exquisite stained-glass windows in France. In fact, the city boasts over 300,000 square feet of intact stained-glass windows dating from the 12th through the 17th century.
Other cities to see include, Essoyes, where impressionist painter, Renoir spent every summer until his death in 1919 and of course the village of Hautvilers, the birthplace of Champagne, made famous in the 18th century by the monk and cellar man Dom Perignon, the inventor of the champagne wine method. The village is also famed for the 140 wrought iron signs that hang from the houses of the village, each one telling a story about the occupant of the house. From the village are some stunning panoramic viewpoints over the vineyards of the Marne Valley.
|
