While the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre
are well known to travelers around the world, France has many less familiar but
equally stunning attractions for those willing to travel a bit off the beaten
path.
Here’s where to find them:
- Located on the border between France and Germany, the Neuf-Brisach citadel in Alsace is not only a scenic star-shaped architectural structure but has also been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was originally constructed in 1697 as a French fortification to defend against attacks from Germany.
- For fans of the medieval period and hunting aficionados alike, the extensive wild game preserve at Le Brame du Cerf in the Domaine de Chambord offers a chance to observe red deer, boars and stags in their natural habitat. Although hunting privileges are reserved for the French government, the grace and elegance of the deer who live at Le Brame du Cerf is an attraction in itself.
- The Alésia MuséoParc in Alise-Sainte-Reine is a newly opened historical site that reconstructs the ancient Roman military camp of Alésia. It was in this area that Julius Caesar achieved his victory over Vercingétorix and the Gauls in 52 B.C.
- The Palais Idéal in Hauterives was built by a small-town postman named Ferdinand Cheval and is a tribute to his persistence and dedication to his dream. It represents 33 years of work and contains sculptures of actual and fictional animals, mythological creatures and a variety of architectural styles.
Exploring these hidden treasures can help you to create
memories of your vacation that will last a lifetime.
