France is one of the countries with the magnificent palaces in Europe. The palaces, which allow us to learn about the culture and history of a country, are visited by thousands of people every year. On the list here, these French palaces that are quite romantic and dreamy will be your favorites. You definitely want to visit one of these wonderful buildings during your trip to France. Here are the 6 Best French Palaces!
İçindekiler
Check out our Yolcu360 France car rental options to explore and easily visit all these French palaces and enjoy your journey.
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is located 20 kilometers south of Paris, the capital of France.
This palace is sublime, and reveals the extent of the greatness of King Louis XIV, at the time when the palace was built. Renovated for many years, it is gradually regaining its period chandeliers and furniture. Visitors can already rediscover a magnificent Hall of Mirrors, glistening with all that glass. The gardens of the palace are also beautiful.
The Petit Canal and the Grand Canal will allow you to do your morning jog, or a boat ride in the sun, with a view of the palace (very popular in summer). You can finally rest on the green lawns of these gardens, which are always well maintained. The Place d’Arme, giving access to the palace, is always full of coaches, pouring their crowds of tourists, dazzled by the spectacle offered by the beauty of the Palace!
Every summer, sound and light shows illuminate the gardens of the palace and the Bassin de Neptune. You cannot miss this marvel if you are passing through the area. Note that the palace is accessible by the Paris St Lazare – Versailles Rive Droite Line by Transilien Train, or by the RERC terminus Versailles Rive Gauche – Palace!
Luxembourg Palace
Luxembourg Palace, located in the heart of the sixth arrondissement of Paris and nestled at one end of the very pleasant Jardin du Luxembourg, is one of the most famous Parisian institutions, and a remarkable historical monument. Majestically enthroned in the middle of this magnificent garden, it is a private mansion which would have been built in the 16th century by the Duke of Luxembourg, and which now houses the seat of the Senate. It’s a nice building that you should visit.
The Luxembourg Palace was built in the image of the Pitti Palace in Florence, for the widow of Henry IV, Mara Mdicis not that she missed her homeland, but the construction of the palace was not completed until 1631, date to which the consort had already been banished. Over time the palace had different functions, royal palace until the Revolution, prison and headquarters during the Second World War. It is located in the center of the park that bears its name. You can visit every first of the month from 10:30/12:30, request an appointment.
Palace of the Kings of Majorca
Built in the 13th century, the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, in the Gothic style, served as a fortress.
Its history is simple: In 1276, the King of Majorca Jaume II made Perpignan his capital and built a palace surrounded by gardens which would long be called the Château de Perpignan. Arriving at the palace, you can see the peaks of the Canigou. There are two chapels, one of which has a portal in pink marble. The gardens are on two levels above the ramparts.
This palace hosts several festivals during the summer. From the top of the tower, you have a splendid panorama of the city and you can already see the mythical Mont Canigou in the distance. Also note, a few steps away, the Puig district, the gypsy district of Perpignan.
Palace of the Popes
Visiting the beautiful tourist city of Avignon means visiting and admiring the Palace of the Popes which has developed an interesting episode in the history of the Catholic Church. This huge building, apart from its historical value, represents an impeccable sample of European medieval Gothic architecture. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The old palace sits to one side of the Rhone river, on a small hill within the ancient city walls. This palace covers an area over 15,000 square meters. The ceilings are still in good condition and the roofs, stairs and endless corridors are original.
When you enter the Palace of the Popes, the first impression you have is that of this large, completely closed courtyard, very formal and which immediately commands respect. The Popes moved to Avignon and Avignon was for several centuries the seat of the Catholic Church in the city. The king of France was not happy to have this “state within a state” and a fortress was built instead of the palace of the Popes. On the right you have the chapel and the large portal, accessible by a staircase. But the first visit will take you to the back of the palace where the silver and gold are hidden, and the Popes even had a fourth fort.
Palais de la Cité
Nestled in the heart of the Ile de la Cité, of which it occupies almost half of the total area, in the first Parisian arrondissement, the courthouse is one of the largest historical monuments in Paris, as well as the one of the most remarkable. It must be said that the whole, vast of 4 hectares, has something to impress, and dates back to the 10th century, the date on which its ancestor, the Palace of the city, was built. A remarkable architecture, sober but richly decorated at the same time. Do not miss the extraordinary concerts often offered inside the Sainte Chapelle.
The Palace of Justice holds an imposing place on the island of the city, indeed it is located to the west and takes up, with the Court of Cassation and the Conciergerie, about a third of the total space of the island. The entire monument has been classified as a historical monument since 1975. When you arrive via rue de Lutèce, you come directly to a magnificent golden gate overlooking the Cour du Mai, at the time of the Terror it was there that prisoners sentenced to death were sent while waiting for the fateful hour. Now it is the Court of Appeal, Court of Cassation and the Tribunal de Grande Instance who have taken over these premises.
Élysée Palace
Élysée Palace is located just a few steps from the Place de la Madeleine and its famous church, and also not far from the Champs Elysées, the Élysée Palace is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic historical monuments of the Parisian capital. In the heart of the very chic eighth arrondissement of Paris, at number 55 rue du Faubourg St Honoré, it is indeed the official residence of the President of the French Republic, a true symbolic place of Parisian political life, do not miss.
Add comment