Discover France in 100 Destinations - Softcover

Ferrand, Franck

Softcover

ISBN 10: 2080204467 ISBN 13: 9782080204462

Publisher: Flammarion, 2021

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

Franck Ferrand is a journalist, broadcaster, and French historian. He published Jacques Garcia: Decorating in the French Style, Bordeaux Châteaux: A History of the Grands Crus Classés 1855-2005, Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés 1855, and Highland Living.

From the Back Cover

France is replete with sites steeped in history, from painted prehistoric caves to Roman aqueducts, and from medieval churches to Renaissance châteaux, and its geography is extraordinarily diverse, from mountain ranges and coastlines to vineyards and rivers. French historian Franck Ferrand draws a new portrait of France through 100 essential places to discover, organized thematically and cross-referenced on regional maps. Behold the enigmatic standing stones of Carnac or the Roman Theater of Orange; visit the homes of Leonardo da Vinci, George Sand, or Charles de Gaulle ; stroll past Monet's water lilies at Giverny or through the formal gardens at Villandry ; admire the artistry of the Bayeux Tapestry or the Issenheim Altarpiece ; and savor the wines of Beaujolais or the famous Médoc. This volume―which spans regions and cities, museums and monuments, architecture and natural wonders―provides readers with a fresh introduction to the world's most beloved country.

Edition details

• Publisher: Flammarion
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 2080204467
• ISBN 13: 9782080204462
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 168