One of the prominent tourist destinations in Europe, France has a rich history as symbolized by its numerous monuments. While some of these landmarks are from the classical period, others date back to the prehistoric era. Some of the structures of national importance are:
Eiffel Tower
Constructed between 1887 to 1889, the Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World's Fair by engineer Gustave Eiffel. Rising to three levels, the tower has restaurants on the first two levels, while the top floor is an observation deck providing panoramic views of the city and its landscape. Constructed using wrought iron, this lattice tower is one of France’s enduring iconic landmarks.
Palais du Luxembourg
Dating back to the 17th-Century, Palais du Luxembourg was designed by French architect Salomon de Brosse. Surrounded by a lush green park, the structure was meant to be the royal residence of the regent Marie de' Medici, who was King Louis XIII’s mother. A landmark of historical and national importance, the structure today functions as the seat of the Senate.
Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
Overlooking the English Channel, the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is one of the country’s prominent religious landmarks. Dating back to 1523, legend has it that the church was constructed on the order of Archangel Michael. Declared as a Monument Historique since 1862, the church also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, making it one of France’s most visited cultural sites.
Strasbourg Cathedral
Located in the center of the city, Strasbourg Cathedral is a 15th-century church credited to the renowned German architect Erwin von Steinbach. Notable features of this landmark include the astronomical clock found in the cathedral's southern transept, 14th-century stained glass windows, richly ornate, 15th-century baptismal font and many more. Regarded as one of the world’s tallest buildings, it was described as a “gigantic and delicate marvel” by French poet Victor Hugo.
Louvre
Established in 1793, the Louvre is one of the world's largest art museums. The collection of this museum includes the Louvre Pyramid, paintings such as the Mona Lisa and Liberty Leading the People, Egyptian relics, sculptures, decorative arts, Islamic art and Near Eastern antiquities.
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