Twelve thematic chapters dedicated to the places that define the soul of France offer readers 100 "best of" destinations to the most beautiful, iconic, and evocative cities, sites, and landscapes. Beautifully illustrated with color photographs and regional maps, this book showcases the best of France's myriad delights, guiding us through UNESCO World Heritage sites, splendid castles, beautiful towns, great museums, and natural wonders. The compact, fully-illustrated guide reveals France's medieval treasures, gardens, vineyards, and the homes of its most celebrated creatives. From the Lascaux prehistoric cave drawings to Avignon's Papal Palace; the formal gardens of Château de Cormatin in Burgundy to the fairytale Château d'Haroué in Lorraine; and Leonardo de Vinci's house in the Loire Valley to the home of General de Gaulle, readers will discover the rich tapestry of French history and culture. This tour of France celebrates stunning landscapes: from the lighthouse of Cordouan to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senan--both masterpieces of Renaissance architecture; Monet's gardens at Giverny that inspired his Water Lilies to the Maulévrier Japanese Oriental Garden; the coastal city of Port-Cros in Provence to the Ile-aux-Moines in Brittany. This selection of the nation's most fascinating locations goes beyond the well-beaten tourist circuit to introduce you to the very heart of France. Curated by French historian Franck Ferrand and complete with overview maps to plot your own itineraries, this guide explores all facets of the multifarious country.
