Architecture, Nantes

Listed on the Historical Monuments, the chapel was founded in the fiftteenth century by Bertrand de Quifistre, Lord Trémohar, owner of the nearby castle with the same name. It has beautiful wall paintings from the sixteenth century. https://www.rochefortenterre-tourisme.bzh/ln/en/discover/heritage-museums/built-heritage/?tif_r=38ea6a64-1640-4b26-82ca-a880d4e0b6c1&Chapelle-Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours

The castle built on the site of a mediaeval fortress was the residence of two American Francophiles painters, Alfred and Trafford Klots. Paintings collections. https://www.rochefortenterre-tourisme.bzh/ln/en/discover/heritage-museums/built-heritage/?tif_r=4de3e247-2ee9-434c-a972-4bf10948c8c3&Parc-du-Chateau-de-Rochefort-en-Terre

Stade Rennais F.C. and its stadium, Roazhon Park, are part of the Breton capital's heritage. If you are travelling to Rennes, why not attend a match to soak up the atmosphere and experience the bond between the fans and the boys in red and black. Since it was first opened on 13 October 1912, the former Parc des Sports has been well and truly transformed. Long known as the Stade de la Route de Lorient, it underwent a number of extensions in the 1950s and 1980s before its most recent renovation took place in 2004, which increased its capacity to almost 30,000. In fact, the stadium, which officially became “Roazhon Park” in 2015, has exactly 29,778 seats, all in the club’s iconic colours. Incidentally, this English-style stadium with its very Breton name also offers great acoustics…which goes without saying for this ‘city of rock’! https://www.tourisme-rennes.com/en/focus-on/roazhon-park

Major architectural work of the seventeenth century, the Parliament of Brittany is now one of the few places in France where justice and tourism coexist with guided visits https://www.tourisme-rennes.com/en/focus-on/the-parliament-of-brittany

The fairy castle Mélusine Family go for 3h visit at the time of the knights! Upon your arrival, dress up for free and start exploring the castle through a new puzzle route for children and a quiz for the older ones. http://www.holidays-la-rochelle.co.uk/what-to-see-and-do/discover-la-rochelle/monuments-to-visit/1053557-chateau-fort-saint-jean-dangle

The castle Coudray-Salbart is one of the most famous fortresses of medieval France and its high towers still dominate the Sèvre Niortaise. http://www.chateau-fort-manoir-chateau.eu/chateaux-deux-sevres-chateau-echire-chateau-fort-coudray.html

This imposing medieval fortress dating from Gallo-Roman times was the royal House of Valois's capital for five hundred years. http://www.donjondevez.com/en/le-donjon/

Commonly known as the House of the Pilori, the only wooden house in Vienna built in the 15th century supports one of the oldest Viennese façades. http://www.monweekendavienne.com/culture/sites-et-monuments/maison-du-pilori#.WkoOn1T1XLY

The centerpiece of the medieval city wall, the Dinan castle is at the heart of an ambitious project highlighting the remarkable architecture of this princely residence. The building brings together three elements united in the sixteenth century. https://www.france-voyage.com/cities-towns/dinan-5086/castle-dinan-5253.htm

Place of exhibitions, concerts and cultural events in Le Mans. Backing onto the Roman ramparts, which were altered during the medieval period, is the Collégiale Saint-Pierre-la-Cour, once the chapel of the palace of the Comtes du Maine. https://www.lemans-tourisme.com/en/partenaire/view/id/2217/category/12

Important pilgrimage centre from the 8th to 18th century, the Benedictine Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is a remarkable example of medieval architecture which is both military and religious. Visitors will be enthralled by the abbey church, the cloisters, the refectory and the monks' promenade. In summer, see a different facet of the abbey, watching the night fall during a nocturnal visit accompanied by sound and light… http://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/pcu/abbaye-du-mont-saint-michel/le-mont-saint-michel/fiche-PCUNOR050FS000M6-2.html?iDD=6

Founded around 1130 by William VIII, Count of Poitou-duke of Aquitaine, the Abbey of Fontaine the Count first hosted a community of canons of St. Augustine. http://uk.poitiers-tourism.com/ancienne-abbaye-de-fontaine-le-comte/fontaine-le-comte/tabid/29111/offreid/fd222a4d-b360-4cc8-9308-539c70d38efd/detail.aspx

Located in St Malo, built by a 18th shipowners family, this beautiful Malouinière is still inhabited by the family, Magon family. The park is classified Historic Monument, takes place in 3 successive terraces with drop of water and moat south side, and a large square courtyard with a chapel of the 18th and 17th of common, north side. http://www.saint-malo-tourisme.co.uk/visit-saint-malo/attractions/museums-famous-sites/137736-malouiniere-de-la-chipaudiere

The Museum of Fine Arts Tours is housed in a historic building of exceptional quality. The site is of paramount importance for the history of ancient Caesarodunum; the museum houses in its underground the most beautiful lapidary inscription to the glory of the Turons. The first bishops had chosen to settle near the cathedral, in a palace along the wall of the IV the century. After 1789, the Palace of the Archbishops became a theatre, Central School, library and then by departmental decree of October 6, 1792, and with the passionate energy of the founder of the city's drawing school, Charles-Antoine Rougeot and his son-in-law, Jean -Jacques Raverot, became the repository of works seized during the Revolution. The museum was officially created in 1801, 1802 and during the XIX the century, the buildings are again assigned to the archdiocese. It was not until 1910 that the collections returned to the old archepiscopal palace. http://www.mba.tours.fr/131-le-musee-des-beaux-arts-de-tours.htm

Cathédrale Saint-Gatien de Tours is dedicated to the first bishop of the city and is a 'must-see' when visiting the Loire Valley. The current cathedral sits on the site of a number of predecessors all of which were damaged by fires. One in 1166 during the conflict between Louis VII of France and Henry II of England (who also ruled over the neighbouring region of Anjou at the time). Construction proper on the existing cathedral began in 1270 but progress was slow and it was not completed until 1547, so what we have is a building made up of styles spanning a number of centuries, though the predominate 'style' is obviously 'Gothic'. The nave was completed around 1450, in the flamboyant style we see today. Then, from 1450 to 1484, the facade is built in the same style on the foundations of a Gallo-Roman wall. The north tower was completed around 1507 while the south tower, in the same style, would not be completed for another 40 years!. Both seem to have acquired renaissance caps. https://www.experienceloire.com/tours-cathedral.htm

The Donjon de Gouzon houses a space of Industrial Archeology on 4 levels. This dungeon of the twelfth century. and thirteenth century, restored houses a museum space on four levels. The vertical movement is ensured by an elevator (public commission of the Delegation to the Visual Arts), work of the architect designer Sylvain Dubuisson. http://uk.poitiers-tourism.com/espace-d-archeologie-industrielle-du-donjon-de-gouzon-a-chauvigny/chauvigny/tabid/29114/offreid/da3eed0d-9a89-476f-b401-069943cf12e5/detail.aspx

Its foundations probably date back to the 10th century. Exposed along the city's ramparts, it was rebuilt after the English seats of 1346 and 1417. Ruined in 1944, the building preserved an octagonal lantern-tower from the first half of the 15th century and, standing against the chevet, an equestrian statue from the turn of the 13th century representing Emperor Constantine. http://www.caen-tourisme.fr/en/discover-caen/religious-heritage/saint-etienne-le-vieux

Located at the mouth of the river Penfeld, the Château de Brest is the oldest monument in Brest. Strategically placed, this military fortress has over 1,700 years of history in its original role - from the Roman castellum to Vauban's citadel that stands proudly on the opposite river bank to the Tour Tanguy. Classified as a monument historique in 1923, it is the oldest castle still in use with the French Navy still operating here. Today, it is also home to the National Naval Museum with lots of exhibits looking at the history of the Brest arsenal and has recently begun showing some shipbuilding exhibits in its dungeon. http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/guides/france/brittany/brest/attractions/chateau-de-brest

Imagined by Bernard Tschumi, this building made of Limousin Douglas pine wood and wrapped in polycarbonate fits perfectly, thanks to its transparency, into the surrounding forest. With a welcoming capacity of 6,000 seats, it is dedicated to the great artistic and cultural events of the city. http://www.limoges-tourisme.com/en/What-to-see/Monuments/(fiche)/zenith-191003273-01bec22

Limoges's central market hall was built between 1885 and 1889. It is a remarkable example of 19th century architecture. The metal framework's triangular shapes each weigh 14 tonnes. It was designed by two engineers, who studied the Eiffel technique: Levesque (who spent a long time working with the manager of the Eiffel-Seyrig studies) and Pesce. http://www.limoges-tourisme.com/en/What-to-see/Monuments/(fiche)/the-central-market-hall-191000045-1714dde

Since June 1, 2016, Bordeaux has a contemporary monument, which illustrates the city's dedication to the fruit of the vine: La Cité du Vin.The purpose of this museum is to create a space where sensory experiences are centered wholly around wine. This site is fully dedicated to this "nectar," as a living piece of French history and culture http://au.france.fr/en/discover/visit-cite-vin-bordeaux-0

Of all the public buildings in Bordeaux, the Grand-Théâtre is unquestionably the most well-known and appreciated. It stands on the site of a former temple (Les Piliers de Tutelle) that was once in the middle of a Gallo-Roman forum. The Grand Théâtre's construction was made necessary by the destruction of a performance hall in 1755. The latter was located in the outbuildings of the former town hall, near the Grosse Cloche. Architect François Lhote, assisted by Soufflot, initially proposed a project that was not accepted by the city aldermen. Eventually, Marshal de Richelieu, governor of the province of Guyenne, imposed the Parisian architect Victor Louis (1731-1800). In order to pay for the construction, the land located on the southern glacis of the Château Trompette was sold. It took more than five years to build the Grand Théâtre and, after many vicissitudes, it was inaugurated in 1780 with a performance of Athalie, a play by Jean Racine. The rectangular-shaped structure opens up onto Place de la Comédie to the west with a peristyle featuring 12 Corinthian columns supporting an entablature and a balustrade decorated with 12 statues (the nine muses and three goddesses). At the beginning, this peristyle was on the same level as Place de la Comédie. However, in the mid-19th century, it was decided to lower the level to make it easier for horse-drawn carriages to cross. The Grand Théâtre was nevertheless innovative, and Victor Louis imagined a clever oblique arrangement of stones maintained by a metal tie beam at the angles of the peristyle in order to support them. This ingenious combination became known as "Victor Louis's nail". https://www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/Discover-Bordeaux/Must-See/Opera-House

Place de la Bourse has symbolised the city of Bordeaux around the world for centuries and played a major role in the city's development, trade, and reputation. Both the Bordelais and visitors alike adore this very elegant square. It took 20 years of hard work in the 18th century to build what has since become the city's very symbol! The square represents a break with medieval Bordeaux surrounded by walls for centuries. The city was finally free to grow! Intendant Boucher had tried to convince the town aldermen and the parliament to create the square and open up the city walls since 1720. He decided to entrust Jacques Gabriel, Louis XV's "First Architect" with designing this rectangular square with bevelled corners, as well as constructing the famous buildings decorated with mascarons and wrought iron. The buildings framing this place royale consist of the Hôtel des Fermes, built by Gabriel's father, followed by the Hôtel de la Bourse built by Gabriel himself, and the isolated central pavilion (1735-1755). Place de la Bourse was originally separated from the river by railings, but these disappeared during the French Revolution. The equestrian statue of the king was briefly replaced by one of Napoleon, followed by the Fountain of the Three Graces in 1869… https://www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/offre/fiche/place-de-la-bourse/PCUAQU033FS00043

Situated to the south-east of the chevet of the Cathedral of Saint-André at Bordeaux, the tower of Pey-Berland serves as its bell tower, built in the 15th century in the Gothic style. http://au.france.fr/en/discover/tower-pey-berland-bordeaux-0

Imbued with a long history, the Porte Cailhau offers a magnificent view of Bordeaux. Despite its age (just imagine – it dates from 1494!) this large, beautiful monument remains practically unchanged. It was built to commemorate Charles VIII's victory at Fornovo (Italy). This French king has left his mark on the tower since his likeness decorates a niche on the river side and a notice ask visitors to pay attention to the lintel and reminds them that Charles VIII died from walking quickly into just such a lintel... The Port Cailhau, thirty-five metres tall, was integrated into the city walls. In 1864, it was rented by a public letter writer and a person whose job was to weigh salt. They were both evicted in order to renovate the monument. There is a magnificent view of the oldest bridge in Bordeaux, the Pont de Pierre, from here. An exhibition displays the tools and materials used for construction purposes at the time the Porte Cailhau was built and an audio-visual presentation pieced together from old films immerses us in the world of stone masonry. https://www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/offre/fiche/porte-cailhau/PCUAQU033FS00044

An uncontested symbol of Le Havre’s renaissance, Saint-Joseph church is an extraordinary edifice: impressive dimensions and its trans-Atlantic style disturb traditional religious references, yet also make it one of the most remarkable constructions of the 20th century in France. https://www.lehavretourisme.com/en/discover/most-famous/saint-joseph-church

Born in Bourges some time around the year 1400, Jacques Coeur rapidly rose to the top of the social ladder. After his appointment as Finance Minister to the King and being made a nobleman, he began the construction of his Palace, which was finished around 1450. This monument was unique in France for its time but illustrates well the original personality of its builder. It is a precursor of the mansions of the Renaissance period: the large main building is constructed against the Gallo-Roman wall. The galleries running around the courtyard link it to the chapel over the main doorway. The façade on the street side and that of the main building are beautifully decorated with Jacques Coeur's royal emblem, together with a multitude of sculptures portraying religious themes, Jacques Coeur's travels or scenes of everyday life. http://www.ville-bourges.fr/_en/site/heritage_jacques-coeur-palace

A Royal City since the year 1100, Bourges is growing in size and prosperity. In the upper part of the town, the Great Tower, which is the twin of the keep at the Louvre, is the symbol of Royal Power. http://www.ville-bourges.fr/_en/site/cathedral

In the heart of the historic city, the cathedral has been the epitome of the development of Gothic art, since the start of its construction in the 12th century on the foundations of a 4th century basislica and an 11th century Romanesque edifice. http://en.rouentourisme.com/religious-buildings/cathedrale-notre-dame-495-en/

The Joan of Arc Historial, the largest site dedicated to the memory of Joan of Arc, is set in the heart of the Archbishop’s Palace of Rouen. Closely linked to Joan of Arc’s destiny, this site of exceptional architectural quality houses the remains of the room known as l’Officialité, the ‘Official Room’, where her sentence was pronounced in 1431, and where her rehabilitation trial took place in 1456. http://en.rouentourisme.com/arts-antiques/historial-jeanne-d-arc-2132-en

In 1758 Louis XV decided to build a new château in the middle of his gardens, which he had been working on for more than a decade. He commissioned royal architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel to build a new royal residence large enough to house the king and some of his entourage. http://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/estate/estate-trianon/petit-trianon

The history of the Palace of Versailles starts at the 17th century. It was first a hunting lodge, then a seat of power, and finally, from the 19th century onwards, a museum. Composed of the Palace, the gardens, the Park, the Trianon estate and several buildings in town, today the Estate of Versailles spreads over more than 800 hectares. http://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/estate

An eventful history than the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, located in the magnificent forest of the same name! Royal residence for several centuries since Saint-Louis, birthplace of several sovereigns, one of the most important castles of Ile-de-France now houses the National Archeology Museum. http://be.france.fr/fr/a-decouvrir/musee-archeologie-nationale-chateau-saint-germain-laye