Interesting France History

While it is always fun to visit Europe for the fashion extravaganzas and exciting cuisine, another reason that vacationers find cities like Paris so interesting is because of the tremendous amount of history that occurred there. These are the events we all have read about in school texts. Yet in a single visit, history can come alive when we stop to pay homage to the monuments and edifices that speak to us from the past. France history often has been linked to that of England, especially since 1066 when William the Conqueror made his way to the British island and erected the Tower of London as his residence, claiming the land as his own and joining the island to the French mainland. Since that time French and English rulers have continued to invade each other’s lands and claim resources used by the other. But in modern days that longstanding enmity seems to have been laid to rest. Nevertheless, it is a great idea to visit French landmarks located in or near Paris if you plan to visit the country. Start with Notre Dame. This beautiful Gothic cathedral boasts 387 steps to the bell tower where guests can look out over the city for a breathtaking view while avoiding the direct glare of stone gargoyles. Landmark of the famous Disney kids’ movie, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” the cathedral has long been a venerated site to local citizens. Then move on to the Place de la Concorde where a 3,000-year-old Egyptian obelisk presides over all. Political history is especially compelling. You will want to visit the

Arc de Triomphe that was commissioned by Napoleon in the 19th century. Or go back further in time to the palace of Versailles, seat of royalty, with its Hall of Mirrors and distinguished gardens. Don’t forget to stop at Le Louvre, an art gallery featuring numerous renowned art works that will speak to you from the ages in which they were created. Conciergerie is the prison that held 3,000 guillotine victims, including Marie Antoinette. With so much to see and enjoy about French history, you will learn as you go and take away some brilliant facts as well as sobering thoughts. Come and see what the history of this noble country can teach us about the times today and about ourselves.