The Most Beautiful Historic Architecture in France

Towering palaces, ancient cathedrals, and Roman ruins. There’s so much historic architecture in France, from the officially listed monuments to unmarked bridges, houses, and chapels, making it an exciting choice for visitors with a taste for design. 

France is home to over 40,000 official historical monuments, which means visiting them all is almost impossible. Fortunately, the high concentration of monuments makes it easy for travellers to get a taste of the country’s heritage from any region. 

We’ll start with the obvious. Paris, as the French capital, is home to some of the country’s most iconic architecture. From the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the only Romanesque building still standing in Paris, to the world recognised Notre-Dame, there are plenty of impressive sites to behold. 

To make exploration a little easier, here are some of the most significant examples of historic architecture in Paris. 

The Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés 

Notre-Dame de Paris 

Louvre Renaissance Wing 

The Arc de Triomphe 

La Sainte-Chapelle 

Lesser known than Paris, Marseille boasts a unique charm and ruggedness, not to mention the far fewer tourists who venture here. A stone’s throw from the breathtaking Calanques National Park and the tradition and glamour of the Provencal coast, France’s second city offers visitors a glimpse of the country’s heart. 

Hitoric architecture in Marseille includes: 

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde 

Palais Longchamp 

Fort Saint-Jean 

Château d'If 

Lyon plays a major role in Europe’s political and cultural development, making it one of the most important cities in France. Also, home to beautiful buildings from various periods and a UNESCO protected old town, Lyon is a fantastic destination for a week or a weekend away. If you’re interested in historic architecture, don’t miss: 

Église Saint-Paul 

Palais de Justice Historique de Lyon 

Cathédrale Saint-Jean 

Eglise Saint-Georges 

Affectionately known as the Pink City thanks to its red brick facades, Toulouse is a beautiful French destination to explore. Despite its industrious nature, Toulouse has an easy-going atmosphere that’s easy to fall in love with. When it comes to impressive historic architecture, there’s plenty: 

Basilique Saint-Sernin 

Couvent des Jacobins 

Place du Capitole 

Hôtel d'Assézat 

Cathédrale Saint-Etienne 

Ready to book your trip? Elevate your experience when you book your stay at the Pullman Toulouse Centre Ramblas, a luxury-style five-star hotel in the heart of the city. 

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