Bonjour tout le monde! I’ve recently learned that you will soon be on spring break, lucky you! Now, if movies have taught me one thing is that during your spring break, you travel! Now I know that France has less sun and less tequila than Mexico but if any of you still decided to come to France, you should totally check those beautiful places out.
1-Versailles
The palace is surely the monument which represents the best how France was during its Golden Age: grand, luxurious, decadent, beautiful. Built under Louis XIV in the 17th century, the palace was where the biggest parties of the time were held. It has 2,300 rooms, among which, a theater, a chapel and the famous Hall of Mirror, where 357 mirrors, gather in seventeen arches, are spread on the 240 feet of the gallery. This place is a must see, even more, knowing ticket price is only 20€ ($21.52).
Châteaux of the Loire valley
More than 30 castles are spread by the Loire River, and all of them are beautiful and full of history. Nonetheless, if you don’t have the time or the want to do it, here are three castles that I’ve particularly loved.
2-Chenonceau
Built directly above the river, the castle is surrounded by wonderful formal gardens. Nicknamed “Le chateau des dâmes” (Ladies’ castle), the castle was indeed built and owned by women for a very long time, it has notably housed the infamous Catherine de Medici, a major figure in the European history of the 16th century. Today, you can visit it for only 13€ ($14) and admire the beautiful castle on the river.
3-Chambord
This Renaissance Castle is the largest castle in the Loire Valley. Built by François 1st during the 16th century, it has been drawn partly by Leonardo da Vinci. The painter/inventor drew the stairs in the middle of the castle. Those “double revolution” staircases are built in such way that two people climbing the stairs can see each other in the opening on the walls, but will never meet.
4-Clos Lucé
This one is arguably not a castle since no kings or queens lived in it but I put it here because it’s in this house where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years. François 1st, his protector, and close friend gave it to him when he came to France with all of his plans and some of his painting, including Mona Lisa! In the backyard of the house, you can see some of his inventions that have been built and actually work! If you love architecture, painting or engineering, it’s a fascinating place. Tickets are on 13€.
5-Arras
The city is famous for its two squares, La Grand’ Place and La Place des Héros which are surrounded by beautiful houses of Flemish-Baroque-style. The squares are overlooked by a belfry, which is a high tower built during the Middle Age to use as a watchtower. But nowadays, you can climb it to have a great view of the city and its surroundings.
So here are five places that I love in France and I hope you'll love them too. I will make lists like this one again because France is such a beautiful country with a lot of wonderful places to see.
