The “city of love” is rich in famous buildings and unforgettable places. The most famous building is undoubtedly the Eiffel Tower, which was named after its inventor. The tower is about 320 meters high and can be climbed on foot to the second of the three platforms. The top platform can only be reached by elevator. From above you have a magnificent view over the city – Paris to the horizon!
One of the most famous squares in the city is Montmartre, the highest “hill” in Paris, on which the magnificent white Sacré-Coeur Basilica stands. Not far from the basilica is the famous painter’s quarter, where, among other things, many tourists can be painted or caricatured. The avenue des Champs-Élysées is also very popular with visitors to the city. This street is almost two kilometers long – at one end is the Obelisk on Place de la Concorde and at the other end is the Arc de Triomphe, another of the city’s landmarks.
The Gothic church of Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Construction work began as early as the 12th century. The church is located on the Île de la Cité, an “island” in the river Seine. The famous Palace of Versailles in the neighboring town of the same name not far from Paris is not directly part of the city, but is still very popular. The castle is open all year round and when the weather is nice it is advisable to take a long walk in the spacious gardens.
The Invalides Dome with its golden dome is also a popular destination for tourists. The cathedral was built in the 17th century and was initially used as a church. However, since the middle of the 19th century it has served as the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. Because of its dome, the Invalides Dome is often confused with the Panthéon.
The Panthéon was also built in the 17th century and also as a church; Today it serves as a tomb for many French personalities such as Louis Braille, Marie Curie, Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
Three other buildings from modern times that are popular with visitors are the Montparnasse skyscraper, which is located in the district of the same name and is the tallest building in Paris, the Grande Arche, a 110-meter-high triumphal arch in the high-rise district of the “new city” (Nouveau Paris ) as well as the Louvre with its famous glass pyramid, which used to be a royal palace and now serves as one of the most important museums.
Les Calanches
The Calanches de Piana are among the special natural wonders of France and have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983. The fascinating rock formations have been a popular destination for tourist groups from all over the world who are on recreational or study trips on the island of Corsica for years.
Les Calanches de Piana: Fantasies made of stone
The Calanches of Corsica are on the west coast of Corsica, south of the city of Porto. The D81 road from Porto to Piana crosses the Calanches for a length of 13 km. The fascinating formations rise around 400 m above sea level.
The so-called tafoni are particularly impressive. This weathering has turned the crimson granite into bizarre shapes and washed out shapes that even have names. The “dog head” is right next to the busy street with various parking and viewing bays.
Other formations such as the “turtle”, the “eagle”, the “bishop” or the particularly striking “heart” can be seen by visitors on hikes through the area. The “mule path” leads on an old route through the Calanches. Other hiking trails end at Capu d` Orto and the large rock “Chateau Fort”. From there you have a fantastic view of the Gulf of Porto.
The best time to visit Les Calanches is in the late afternoon, when the setting sun bathes the granite rocks in a reddish light and the formations literally explode in fantastic colors.
Camargue
Flamingos, hiking paradises and beaches
Experience the fairytale Camargue
The picturesque Camargue is a largely protected region in southern France between the two arms of the Rhône. The idyllic river delta covers an area of approximately 750 square kilometers and shines with a dreamlike landscape that is the habitat of a sometimes unique animal world. These include pink flamingos that can be seen in the shallow waters and the white Camargue horses. Patient bird watchers can spot little egrets too. The Basse Camargue delights beach vacationers and water sports enthusiasts with wide beaches and a dune landscape with grasses, herbs and steppes. The Moyenne Camargue is characterized by swamps and sparse trees. The wetlands of the Haute Camargue are used for rice cultivation.
Leisure activities and attractions in the Camargue
Those who like to go hiking in the country can learn a lot about the region in the Camargue via viewing platforms and nature trails and thus extend a holiday to a study trip. Bringing sunscreen, drinking water and mosquito repellent is advisable for both hikers and cyclists. The flat, sunny landscape can get very hot and the wetlands are a refuge for insects. Visitors will find a smaller vantage point at Salin de Giraud with a view of the surrounding salt pans and a salt lake. A special highlight is a guided ride with the enchanting Camargue horses, which are born dark and only become distinctively white-gray as adults. The rides with the horses, which are particularly sure-footed due to wider hooves in the swampy area, also lead to the wonderful sandy beaches. Visitors, those who want to enjoy the sun and sea while traveling will find what they are looking for in Saintes-Maries and Salin-de-Giraud. Swimming, kite surfing, and kayaking are all possible here. There are also some fresh water showers available. Those interested in history will find a Roman arena in the city of Arles, where it is worth climbing the towers. Parts of the city will remind visitors of paintings by Vincent van Gogh.