FRANCE

The following are the heritage sites, grouped into recommended gateway cities. This may help in planning on the logistics (travel and accommodation) of your journey.

BORDEAUX (BOD)

Bordeaux, the “Port of the Moon,” is a breathtaking French metropolis where 18th-century neoclassical grandeur meets a vibrant, modern soul. It remains a premier destination, featuring the futuristic Cité du Vin and the immersive Bassins des Lumières, the world’s largest digital art center. Visitors can wander through the UNESCO-listed historic center, admire the iconic Place de la Bourse reflected in the Miroir d’Eau, or shop along the bustling Rue Sainte-Catherine. From its legendary vineyards and world-class gastronomy to the revitalized Garonne riverfront, Bordeaux offers an intoxicating blend of history, culture, and elegance.

MARSEILLE (MRS)

Marseille, France’s oldest city and a bustling Mediterranean port, offers a vibrant blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty. Centered around the historic Vieux Port (Old Port), visitors can explore the narrow, artistic streets of the Le Panier district, visit the impressive Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica for panoramic views, or enjoy the nearby Calanques National Park for stunning limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. As a major commercial hub, it offers diverse cuisine, particularly bouillabaisse. Travelers should explore the city’s highlights while remaining mindful of their surroundings and security in certain urban areas.

Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments (alternative to Nimes)

NIMES (FNI)

Nîmes, situated in southern France, is a city steeped in Roman history, offering a spectacular journey through time. Its most famous landmark is the remarkably preserved Arena of Nîmes, a Roman amphitheater still used today for concerts and bullfights. Visitors can also explore the Maison Carrée, one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world, and stroll through the serene Jardins de la Fontaine. With its charming historic center, vibrant local markets, and proximity to the Pont du Gard aqueduct, Nîmes is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.

Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments (alternative to Marseille)

PARIS (BVA/CDG)

Paris, the “City of Light,” remains an unparalleled global capital of culture, gastronomy, and romance. The city is revitalized, featuring a fully restored Notre-Dame Cathedral alongside timeless icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Beyond the grand boulevards of the Champs-Élysées, visitors explore the artistic soul of Montmartre and the trendy boutiques of Le Marais. Whether indulging in a buttery croissant at a sidewalk café or cruising the Seine at sunset, Paris masterfully blends its imperial history with a modern, eco-conscious energy, making every cobblestone street feel like a living museum.

POITIERS (PIS)

Poitiers, the ancient “City of 100 Steeples,” is a hilltop treasure in western France where medieval history meets futuristic thrills. The city remains defined by its Romanesque heritage, from the 4th-century Saint-Jean Baptistery to the legendary Palace of the Counts of Poitou, seat of Eleanor of Aquitaine. While the famous Notre-Dame-la-Grande remains under facade restoration, its vibrant interior stays open to the curious. Just north, the high-tech Futuroscope theme park provides a stark, modern contrast. With its student-driven energy and proximity to the Loire Valley, Poitiers offers a quintessentially French blend of academia, art, and adventure.