The 10 Best Monuments & Statues in France, France

The Arc de triomphe was begun in 1806, on the orders of Napoleon I to honour the victories of his Grande Armée. Inspired by the great arches of antiquity, the monument combines the commemorative with the symbolic and it has always played a major role in the national republican consciousness. Every evening, the flame is lit on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the Great War. An exhibition portrays the history and explains its symbolic importance, nationally as well as internationally. The terrace provides superb views both by day and night across the city and its great sweeping avenues.-Opening hours : April to September: from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; October to March: from 10 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.-Closed: 1st January, 1st May, 8th May (morning), 14th July (morning), 11th November (morning), 25th December-Entry fees: Adults = 9,5 €; Concessions = 6 €; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

The Benedictine Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most remarkable examples of mediaeval religious and military architecture and was one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites from the 8th to the 18th century.The Abbey comprises a superb ensemble of clerical buildings including the abbey church, the cloister, the refectory, the monks' ambulatory and the gardens of what has been known as the ""Merveille"" (Marvel) since the 12th century. In summer, the Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is best seen in all its splendour after sunset during the special “sons et lumières"" shows. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open: > 2nd May to 31st August: from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. > 1st September to 30th April: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last admission 1 hr before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25 December. Admission fees: Adults : 9€; Concessions (18 to 25) = 5,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

The pontifical Carthusian monastery of the Val-de-Bénédiction was founded in the 14th century by Pope Innocent VI. The frescoes of the Saint John Baptist's Chapel were painted by Matteo Giovanetti, who created the frescoes in Avignon Palace. The three cloisters, surrounded by forty cells and gardens, made it one of the largest Carthusian monstery in France.

Situated near the British Military Cemetery of Bayeux, the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy narrates the battles which took place in Normandy after the D-Day landings, between 7th June and 29th August 1944. The collections of military equipment, the diorama and the archival films allow the visitor to grasp the enormous effort made during this decisive battle in order to restore peace in Europe.

The Abbaye aux Dames is today the musical hub of Saintes. It was the first convent in the Saintonge region. The nuns were powerful women, wearing crosses and striking coins. The influence of the abbey was vast. This is still true today thanks to its musical activities and its unique architectural heritage.The Notre Dames church is a pearl of Romanesque art. The portal is richly decorated. The bell tower, in the shape of a pine cone and covered in stone scales, can be visited. Why not follow the path to heaven, you'll find a panoramic view over the town of Saintes. Discover the convent building, from its chapter house to the nuns' private quarters.

Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval est le rêve d'un homme, piéton des postes, qui a concrétisé pierre à pierre après 33 ans de travail solitaire une œuvre unique.André Malraux en 1969 a classé le Palais Idéal : Monument historique. C'était pour lui le seul exemple en architecture de l'art Naïf.