UNESCO Sites in France

France unesco sites
France unesco sites
France unesco sites
unesco world heritage sites

France UNESCO has registered 49 sites on the World Heritage list and 36 on the tentative list.

Some places are so interesting that it’s relevant to keep them for future generations. This is why UNESCO has built a list of crucial classified properties in which superb places stand out for their aesthetic, natural, artistic, or cultural significance.

More than a thousand places are registered as Unesco’s World Heritage worldwide. Due to my interest in visiting World Heritage sites, I compiled the UNESCO list in France and the corresponding map.

France UNESCO list

  1. Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe
  2. Amiens Cathedral
  3. Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
  4. Belfries of Belgium and France
  5. Bordeaux, Port of the Moon
  6. Bourges Cathedral
  7. Canal du Midi
  8. Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Former Abbey of Saint-Rémi and Palace of Tau, Reims
  9. Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars
  10. Chartres Cathedral
  11. Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay
  12. Cordouan Lighthouse
  13. Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche
  14. Episcopal City of Albi
  15. Fortifications of Vauban
  16. From the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, the Production of Open-pan Salt
  17. Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge
  18. Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
  19. Historic Site of Lyon
  20. Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion
  21. Le Havre, the City Rebuilt by Auguste Perret
  22. Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
  23. Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera
  24. Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin
  25. Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
  26. Palace and Park of Versailles
  27. Paris, Banks of the Seine
  28. Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière and Place d’Alliance in Nancy
  29. Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
  30. Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps
  31. Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley
  32. Provins, Town of Medieval Fairs
  33. Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the “Triumphal Arch” of Orange
  34. Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France
  35. Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt
  36. Taputapuātea
  37. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement
  38. The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
  39. The Climats, terroirs of Burgundy
  40. The Great Spa Towns of Europe
  41. The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes
  42. Vézelay, Church and Hill
  43. Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
  44. Chaîne des Puys – Limagne fault tectonic arena
  45. French Austral Lands and Seas
  46. Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve
  47. Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
  48. Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island
  49. Pyrénées – Mont Perdu

France UNESCO Map

Click on the blue pins to view more relevant information about each World Heritage site in France.

Description

  1. Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe: is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe, France. It is known for its well-preserved Romanesque murals and other art from the 11th and 12th centuries, including one of the largest and most complete sets of murals from this period in Europe.
  2. Amiens Cathedral: is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Amiens, France. It is known for its impressive Gothic architecture, particularly its towering nave and western facade adorned with ornate sculptures and stained glass windows.
  3. Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments: Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Arles, France. It is known for its well-preserved examples of Roman and Romanesque architecture and art, including the Arena of Arles and the Romanesque Church of St. Trophime.
  4. Belfries of Belgium and France: The Belfries of Belgium and France is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes 56 belfries located in Belgium and France. It is known for its well-preserved examples of medieval bell towers, symbolizing civic power and cultural heritage in the Middle Ages.
  5. Bordeaux, Port of the Moon: is in Bordeaux. It is known for its well-preserved examples of 18th-century neoclassical architecture and urban planning, particularly its port area along the Garonne River.
  6. Bourges Cathedral: is a Site in Bourges. It is known for its impressive Gothic architecture and stained glass windows, particularly the elaborate rose window on the western facade.
  7. Canal du Midi: is a Site in southwestern France. It is known for its well-preserved examples of 17th-century hydraulic engineering and urban planning, particularly its network of canals, locks, bridges, and aqueducts that enabled commercial transportation and trade in the region.
  8. Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Former Abbey of Saint-Rémi and Palace of Tau, Reims: is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Reims, France. It is known for its well-preserved examples of Gothic and Romanesque architecture and art, particularly its cathedral and abbey church.
  9. Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars: is a Site located in the Champagne wine region of France. It is known for its well-preserved examples of vineyards, houses, and cellars that reflect the region’s unique viticultural traditions and cultural heritage.
  10. Chartres Cathedral: is in Chartres. It is known for its impressive Gothic architecture and stained glass windows, particularly the elaborate rose window on the western facade.
  11. Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay: is in Burgundy, France. It is known for its well-preserved example of Cistercian architecture and monastic life, particularly its abbey church and cloister.
  12. Cordouan Lighthouse: is located in the Gironde estuary of France. It is known for its well-preserved example of a 17th-century lighthouse and its importance in maritime navigation and safety.
  13. Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche: This cave contains some of the oldest known cave paintings in the world, dating back around 36,000 years.
  14. Episcopal City of Albi: This site includes the cathedral, palatial bishop’s residence, and several other buildings in the surrounding historic city center.
  15. Fortifications of Vauban: This site consists of 12 fortifications built by the military architect Vauban in the 17th century to protect France’s borders.
  16. From the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, the Production of Open-pan Salt: This site includes a series of salt mines, salt pans, and associated buildings that were used to produce salt in the 18th and 19th centuries.
  17. Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble, and Avignon Bridge: This site includes the Palace of the Popes, a fortress and palace complex that served as the seat of the papacy in the 14th century, as well as the surrounding historic city center.
  18. Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne: This site includes the medieval fortress of Carcassonne, a walled city with over 50 towers and 2 concentric walls that served as a stronghold for centuries.
  19. Historic Site of Lyon: This site includes the historic city center of Lyon, which features a range of architectural styles from the medieval period to the 19th century and includes Roman ruins and Renaissance buildings.
  20. Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion: This site includes the historic city center of Saint-Emilion, a wine-making town that features Romanesque churches, ruins of a feudal castle, and underground monolithic churches.
  21. Le Havre, the City Rebuilt by Auguste Perret: This site includes the city center of Le Havre, rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s after being heavily damaged during World War II, and features a range of modernist buildings.
  22. Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay: This site includes the island monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel, situated on a rocky outcrop in the middle of a bay, the surrounding tidal flats, and salt marshes.
  23. Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera: This site includes the historic city center of Nice, which features a range of architectural styles from the Belle Époque period and the Promenade des Anglais and other landmarks.
  24. Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin: This site includes the coal mining region of Nord-Pas de Calais, which played a major role in the industrialization of France in the 19th and 20th centuries.
  25. Palace and Park of Fontainebleau: This site includes the palace and surrounding park of Fontainebleau. This former royal residence features a range of architectural styles from the Renaissance to the 19th century.
  26. Palace and Park of Versailles: This site includes the palace and surrounding park of Versailles, which served as the seat of the French monarchy from the 17th to the 18th century, and features a range of architectural and artistic treasures.
  27. Paris, Banks of the Seine: Located in the heart of Paris, the banks of the Seine River are home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses the riverbanks and the 28 bridges that span the river within the city limits and is recognized for its architectural and historical significance.
  28. Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière, and Place d’Alliance in Nancy: This UNESCO World Heritage site is located in Nancy in northeastern France. It comprises three public squares designed in the 18th century by architect Emmanuel Héré. The squares are considered some of the most impressive examples of classical 18th-century urban design and are known for their harmonious proportions and ornate decorations.
  29. Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct): The Pont du Gard is a well-preserved ancient Roman aqueduct bridge located south of France. It was built in the 1st century AD and was used to transport water from a spring to the city of Nîmes. The bridge spans the Gardon River and is considered a masterpiece of ancient engineering and architecture.
  30. Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps: This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of 111 archaeological sites in six countries (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland) that feature prehistoric pile dwellings dating from the Neolithic and Bronze Age. These pile dwellings are a unique form of housing constructed on wooden stilts above water or wet ground and are recognized for their exceptional testimony to early human settlements and technological development.
  31. Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley: The Vézère Valley in southwestern France is home to numerous prehistoric sites and decorated caves that date back to the Paleolithic era. This UNESCO World Heritage site includes 15 major sites, including the famous Lascaux Cave, and is recognized for its exceptional examples of early human art and culture.
  32. Provins, Town of Medieval Fairs: Located about 80 kilometers southeast of Paris, Provins is a well-preserved medieval town that was an important center of trade and commerce during the Middle Ages. The town’s annual fairs were among the most important in Europe during the 12th and 13th centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site includes many well-preserved examples of medieval architecture, including fortified gates, walls, and churches.
  33. Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the “Triumphal Arch” of Orange: The Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the “Triumphal Arch” of Orange are located in the town of Orange in southeastern France. These well-preserved ancient Roman structures were built in the 1st century AD and are considered some of France’s most impressive examples of Roman architecture.
  34. Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France: This UNESCO World Heritage site comprises several routes in France that pilgrims took to the Saint James the Great shrine in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. These routes date back to the 11th century and played an important role in the cultural exchange between Spain and France.
  35. Strasbourg, Grande-Île, and Neustadt: Located in northeastern France, Strasbourg is a historic city shaped by French and German culture over the centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site includes the Grande-Île, an island in the center of the city home to many well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings and the Neustadt. This 19th-century district was designed to reflect the city’s new status as part of Germany.
  36. Taputapuātea: Located in French Polynesia, Taputapuātea is a cultural landscape comprising a network of marae (traditional Polynesian temples) and other sacred sites associated with the ancient Polynesian culture. It was a major center for Polynesian seafarers and was important in spreading their culture throughout the Pacific.
  37. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a collection of 17 buildings designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, widely considered one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. The sites are located across seven countries and include private homes, public buildings, and religious buildings, each representing key aspects of Le Corbusier’s architectural philosophy.
  38. The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape: Located in southern France, this cultural landscape includes diverse natural and cultural features. It is characterized by a centuries-old tradition of agro-pastoralism, with extensive terraced fields, dry-stone walls, and vernacular architecture that reflects the relationship between the land and the people who have inhabited it.
  39. The Climats, terroirs of Burgundy: This cultural landscape is located in the Burgundy region of France and is characterized by a unique system of vineyard parcels known as “climats.” These parcels are defined by their soil type, topography, and microclimate, resulting from centuries of careful land management by local winegrowers.
  40. The Great Spa Towns of Europe: This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes 11 European spa towns, each with a unique architectural and cultural heritage related to their role as health and well-being centers since the 18th century. The towns include Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, Vichy in France, and Bath in the United Kingdom.
  41. The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes: Located in central France, this cultural landscape is characterized by the Loire River and its tributaries, as well as the châteaux, gardens, and towns that line its banks. It is a prime example of Renaissance architecture and landscaping, with châteaux such as Chambord and Chenonceau being major tourist attractions.
  42. Vézelay, Church, and Hill: This cultural landscape is located in the Burgundy region of France and includes the town of Vézelay, its Romanesque church, and the surrounding hill. The church is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and a major pilgrimage site, while the hill provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
  43. Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe: This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes 78 forest areas in 12 European countries. These forests are home to some of the world’s most extensive and best-preserved examples of beech forests. They are important for their biodiversity and role in the region’s cultural heritage.
  44. Chaîne des Puys – Limagne fault tectonic arena: Located in central France, this cultural landscape is characterized by a chain of volcanic peaks known as the Chaîne des Puys, as well as the surrounding Limagne fault, which is a major geological feature. It is an important site for studying volcanism and geology and a popular tourist destination.
  45. French Austral Lands and Seas: This property includes the sub-Antarctic islands of Crozet, Kerguelen, Saint-Paul, and Amsterdam. The islands are of volcanic origin and host many endemic and rare species of flora and fauna. The property also encompasses a large marine area of the Southern Ocean, which supports a unique ecosystem.
  46. Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve: This property is located on the western coast of Corsica and comprises three distinct areas: the Gulf of Porto, the Calanche of Piana, and the Scandola Nature Reserve. The property showcases a stunning natural landscape, including striking rock formations, diverse flora and fauna, and the unique red porphyry rock formations of the Calanche.
  47. Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems: This property comprises six marine clusters of coral reefs and associated ecosystems located off the coast of New Caledonia. The lagoons are home to a unique diversity of marine life, including numerous endangered and endemic species, and are considered one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world.
  48. Pitons, cirques, and remparts of Reunion Island: This property is located on the island of Reunion, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean. The property comprises two large volcanic peaks, or pitons, that rise sharply from the surrounding landscape and three large natural amphitheaters, or cirques. The property also includes a large area of rugged coastline and various unique flora and fauna.
  49. Pyrénées – Mont Perdu: This transboundary property straddles the border between France and Spain and comprises two distinct areas: the French Pyrenees National Park and the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park in Spain. The property includes diverse natural landscapes, including high mountains, deep canyons, glacial lakes, and forests, and is home to various flora and fauna. The area also has significant cultural and historical value, with numerous prehistoric and historical sites and traditional pastoral practices maintained for centuries.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France have protected places for their cultural and natural importance.

Sites on the Tentative List

  1. Sites mégalithiques de Carnac
  2. Cathédrale de Saint-Denis
  3. Rouen : ensemble urbain à pans de bois, cathédrale, église Saint-Ouen, église Saint Maclou
  4. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
  5. Les villes bastionnées des Pays-Bas du nord-ouest de l’Europe
  6. Montagne Sainte-Victoire et sites cézaniens
  7. Ensemble de grottes à concrétions du Sud de la France
  8. Parc national de la Vanoise
  9. Massif du Mont Blanc
  10. La Camargue
  11. Bouches de Bonifacio
  12. Parc national des Écrins
  13. Parc national de Port-Cros
  14. Marais salants de Guérande
  15. Le rivage méditerranéen des Pyrénées
  16. Rade de Marseille
  17. Les villes antiques de la Narbonnaise et leur territoire : Nîmes, Arles, Glanum, aqueducs, via Domitia
  18. Le chemin de fer de Cerdagne
  19. Office National d’Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales, Meudon
  20. Hangar Y
  21. Ancienne chocolaterie Menier à Noisiel
  22. Centre ancien de Sarlat
  23. Arsenal de Rochefort et fortifications de l’estuaire de la Charente
  24. Les Iles Marquises
  25. Nîmes, l’Antiquité au présent
  26. Aires volcaniques et forestières de la Martinique
  27. Metz Royale et Impériale, enjeux de pouvoir, confrontations stylistiques et identité urbaine
  28. Les Plages du Débarquement, Normandie, 1944
  29. Sites funéraires et mémoriels de la Première Guerre mondiale (Front Ouest)
  30. Les Alpes de la Méditerranée
  31. Cité de Carcassonne et ses châteaux sentinelles de montagne
  32. Le Charolais-Brionnais, paysage culturel de l’élevage bovin
  33. Domaine de Fontainebleau : château, jardins, parc et forêt
  34. Les témoignages matériels de la construction de l’État des Pyrénées : la Co-principauté d’Andorre
  35. Saint-Honorat, Île monastique de l’archipel de Lérins à Cannes
  36. L’observatoire du pic du Midi de Bigorre, pionnier en haute montagne
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