When visiting France, most tourists choose famous tourist destinations such as Paris, the city of light and love or St. Petersburg. Tropez, Nice, or any other luxury jet-set spot on the French Riviera. However, to get a feel for the true French spirit, consider visiting villages and small towns off the beaten tourist trail. There are many astonishing medieval cities that testify to the astonishing evolution of European identity. These are the most magical medieval cities full of rich stories and interesting history.
Amazing historical center: Avignon
Avignon is famous for its old unfinished bridge (Pont Saint Bénézet) which gives you great photo opportunities. A must see in Avignon is the Palace of the Popes, which is almost 7 centuries old. It is located in the heart of the city and there are several guided tour You can attend. Don’t miss walking around the old town and exploring on your own. Another place you should visit is Les Halles – an amazing indoor market stocked with fresh, local goods: olive oil, bread, fish, cheese, wine – you name it!
A beautiful treat for wine lovers: Eguisheim
Eguisheim’s cobbled streets and pastel-colored fachwerk buildings will make you feel like you have traveled through time or found a movie set. The most lovely street in Eguisheim is unquestionably the Rue du Rempart Sud, which is an amazing starting point for a walking tour. You can make a full circle and explore the whole medieval center. Be sure to visit Eguisheim castle which is the birthplace of Pope St Leo IX: you’ll be amazed at how well preserved it’s! Wine lovers will be contented to hear that this village is part of the famous Alsace wine route and there are wine caves every step of the way. At least there’s 33 farmers in the village You can visit for quality wine tasting.
Medieval tourist attractions: Rochefort en Terre
Rochefort en Terre is a lovely little place located in northwestern France, but very popular with tourists. If you want to avoid the crowds, try not to visit in August and other peak season months. Filled with medieval stone houses, Rochefort en Terre is actually fun to stroll around or enjoy locally produced food in the several restaurants. This place is so unique that residents are aware of its huge tourism potential: be wary of tourist traps and at all times visit a few shops when deciding to buy local handicrafts or food and drink. It’s the kind of city that’s worth visiting for its beauty alone, although there are some landmarks you should take a look at. Take a tour around the medieval chateau and visit the Naia Museum (€5 for a full-fare ticket): it stands in stark contrast to the rest of the medieval spirit, as you can explore many curious works of art, much of it focused on fantasy and science fiction worlds.
Great fortress city: Carcassonne
The most famous tourist attractions in Carcassonne’s medieval gem are obviously the castle (La Cité) and the ramparts which sit atop the hill from the town centre. It’s best to explore it via a guided tour to learn more about the stories hiding behind the great walls, such as the legend of Lady Carcas, a fierce woman who fought to save Carcassonne in 8th century. You can even hear about the restoration work over the centuries and discover lovely examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, dating from the 13th century.th and 14th century. There are interesting archaeological exhibits that you can visit. Many tourists are fascinated by the beauty of the Canal du Midi, so they choose Anjodi’s boat trip which gives a chance to discover some of the tourist attractions such as the magnificent Old Bridge (Pont Vieux).
The must-visit hilltop village: Gordes
Located in southeastern France, Gordes located at the top of the hill. It surrounds 16th– century castle, which is the main tourist attraction here. The castle witnessed many historical events and currently houses the town hall and museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions (admission costs approx. €7, free for youngsters under 10). The interior is not as impressive as its ostentatious exterior, but it does have some beautiful highlights, such as the fireside that adorns the Hall of Honor – a real historical monument. The castle is a combination of medieval and renaissance architecture and it’s best to explore it via a guided tour.
Fairy-tale medieval architecture: Colmar
Enjoy Colmar’s canal side views and wander the historical streets to take in all the history. The Old Town looks like it fell straight out of a fairy tale: colourful old houses decked with flowers, cobbled streets and the scenery in the background is solely breathtaking. Start the tour by visiting the Place de la Cathédrale, an old gothic church which underwent restoration in the 18thth century. Followed by visiting the Former Guard House. Visiting the area known as “Little Venice” is a must: start your walk at the start of Rue de la Poissonnerie and continue along the canal. Those who like to go on cultural excursions will be contented to hear that 5 museums are open for visiting. Also, the Alsace Wine Fair is held in August every year, with a rich tradition spanning 60 years.
Here are five charming medieval places you need to put on your bucket list. Get lost the entire time while taking in interesting historical tales, great wine and exquisite views.
