UNESCO World Heritage Sites are known for being important historical or cultural sites. There are many throughout the world in many popular countries and tourist attractions. So it’s no surprise that there are several UNESCO World Heritage Sites near Paris, which is one of the most popular tourist cities in Europe. This city welcomes millions of tourists every year to view the glamour of Paris – the history, the architecture, fancy Châteaus, and shopping. There are also excellent historical sites that tourists rush to visit every year, many of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here is a list of some of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites near Paris:
Banks of the Seine in Paris
The inscription on the UNESCO website for “Banks of Seine, Paris” states: “From the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower, from the Place de la Concorde to the Grand and Petit Palais, the evolution of Paris and its history can be seen from the River Seine. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and the Sainte Chapelle are architectural masterpieces while Haussmann’s wide squares and boulevards influenced late 19th- and 20th-century town planning the world over.”
The area surrounding the Seine has long been the heart of Paris. The city has built up around it, and it’s no surprise that the area surrounding the Seine is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you walk around it today, it’s like a living museum with all of the plazas and old buildings.
This area serves as the birthplace of this breathtaking city, and the Seine has functioned as the heart of Paris since the early beginning of the city. The majority of the banks of the Seine are now reserved for pedestrians, so you can walk or bike while observing the bridges and riverside buildings.
Many famous sites that draw visitors to Paris are included in this UNESCO World Heritage site, like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, and more. The best way to explore the area around the Banks of the Seine is to wander around between neighborhoods and stop at the sights that most interest you.
Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Banks of the Seine list, but it is such a unique stop that it deserves its own description. Construction on this beautiful royal chapel began after 1238 and is considered one of the best Gothic architecture achievements. This gorgeous cathedral was tasked by King Louis IX of France to house his collection of Christian relics, including the famous “Crown of Thorns.”
This famous chapel is built on two levels. With its stunning stained glass windows and unbelievable high ceilings, the upper level is where the relics were traditionally kept. This floor was reserved exclusively for the royal family and their guests. Servants and palace soldiers used the lower level.
Sainte Chapelle has stood throughout history, and though it was vandalized during the French Revolution, it was restored throughout the years. While Sainte Chapelle no longer operates as a church, it is now open to visitors and tourists through the French Centre of National Monuments.
Château de Versailles
The Château de Versailles is famous for many things, but did you know that it was one of the first listed UNESCO World Heritage sites? The entire Estate of Versailles was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its influence on landscape and architecture.
It’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Paris area and well worth the train ride outside of the city to see. Throughout history, Château de Versailles served as the French royal residence and center of government where famous figures like King Louis XIV, King Louis XVI, and Marie Antoinette lived. This opulent palace initially operated as a hunting lodge and private retreat for Louis XII and his family, but in 1624 the first château was built on site. The walls are preserved today as the exterior overlooking the Marble Court.
Under the reign of Louis XIV, Versailles was transformed in the late 1600s into the extravagant complex surrounded by beautiful gardens that we now know today. The most famous room in the palace, the Hall of Mirrors, was built from 1678 to 1689 and is represented by 17 wide mirrors opposite 17 windows that peer over the gardens outside. Glass chandeliers hang from the beautifully painted ceiling which depict a series of 30 scenes that glorify the early years of King Louis XIV’s reign.
Outside of the Château de Versailles, there is a lot to explore on the grounds, including the gardens and the two Trianons. The grounds are so extensive here that most visitors spend the entire day walking around.
Château de Fontainebleau
The Château de Fontainebleau is another UNESCO World Heritage Site close to Paris and offers an easy day trip by train. This castle served as a residence for French monarchs and the primary residence for monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III.
The two monarchs who influenced the palace the most were Francis I and Napoleon. Fountainbleau became a national museum in 1927 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 for its unique architecture and historical importance.
In the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau, there are over 1,900 rooms in the castle. In addition, the Château was built on 130 acres of land surrounded by forest and well-manicured gardens. When you visit, you will be able to see some of the fully-furnished rooms and view the extensive grounds from the windows.
The unique part of visiting Fontainebleau is that since it has been used throughout several monarchies, you can see styles from four centuries while visiting the different rooms. While walking through the Château, you will see styles from the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. You can even see personal belongings like jewelry, household items, and clothing left behind by monarchs here.
Fontainebleau serves as a fun trip to a UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside Paris. This unique Château offers a glimpse into royal life before Versailles.
