French Attractions

When you hear the phrase Roman theaters, or even the word Romans, you probably get all these mental images of men pitted against lions and tigers while Roman emperors and thousands of spectators are cheering around. But you just don't know whether their cheering for the beasts, or the men, do you? There are these same Roman theaters in Lyon, France, and they're just as interesting as being actually there in the time of those Roman emperors. But there aren't any lions nowadays, only men.

The Fourvière Roman theaters have been only opened up for public viewing in 1980. This is because the Gallo-Roman Civilizations., which is a nearby museum, has only finished up its operation plans during that time. But, the massive Roman theaters found within Lyon are now among the most famous landmarks of France. The theaters now hole summer events in France, such as the actual Fourvière Nights festivities. This is a French festival with unique musical activities and other stuff reminiscent of old French history and culture.

The excavation of the massive Roman theaters in Lyon, France was spearheaded by then Lyon city mayor Edouard Herriot. This was in the late 1930s. Now these semi-circular ruins have now been restored so as to give off its original antique flavor. These theaters were witnesses to the rise and fall of the powerful Roman empire. Many Roman festivities were done inside these theaters, and the French government is doing everything to maintain the culture as well as the rich historical background this place holds.

Whose heart wouldn't melt for the Hunchback of Nôtre-Dame? We are almost used to having stout and overly-good looking lead men to star even in animated films! But this time, a rather hideous creature triumphs over the center stage. Do you know that the setting of the story is a forefront cradle for ingenuity and heritage at France?

Not only is it monumental but it also depicts character. Like paintings, probably it may take after the architect's style or the trend during the archaic generation. Whatever influences its structure, still, it stands as a landmark not only to France but to the willingness freedom of the artists.

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame raises up to 226 feet also equivalent to 69 meters. Should you decide to take the trudge, you can take the flight up the stairs to the gallery. From the gallery, you may wanna take advantage of a photo-op with the gargoyles and the chimera. Both structures you may find odd but surely of mystique charm. Another 147 steps will take you the cathedral's belfry where you'll find to your astonishment the legendary Emannuel bell. Just so you would know, a bit of trivia, it weighs 13 tons.

All in all, the tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral takes you to the recesses of this fine structure. Some may find it eccentric to their taste. But isn't France popular for its exquisite and eclectic culture?

The history of France is enchanting and mythical. Here, the kings and queens reigned. A tour in France will prove how magnificent and huge the castles in the fairy tales are. Also, there are mysterious, haunted, and sacred monasteries, churches, and landmarks in France. Among the most dubious, yet eagerly researched and continuously being proven and debated are the secrets of Rennes Le Chateau.

In the southern most part of France, there lies a wide landscape that showcases the enigmatic past of the French religion. The place is suspected to be hiding a treasure that will reveal the secrets of the Christian Church, and will cause banishment of the Roman Catholic Church. The relics and archeological discoveries in Rennes Le Chateau have been documented and tested for authenticity. The whole area of the Chateau is considered as a perfect geometrical platform that, if and only if, people will try to understand, the place is a big jigsaw puzzle of secrets and treasures.

It is said that the last king of the Merovingians reigned in here, and before he died he hid the most precious secret somewhere in the mountains or valleys of the Chateau. This treasure could only be located using the geometrical patterns. To this date, no one has confirmed the real mystery behind the deafening silence and peace of this hidden paradise of France.

Paris is among the beautiful European cities endowed with so many monumental attractions. Anyone who has stepped into it and who has knowledge of its map knows how well its historical monuments are strategically built and located across the city. Some of the best spots in Paris though are not found in strategic positions. Such is true with Saint Chapelle.

Saint Chapelle lies partially hidden by the much bigger and wider structure of the grand Palais of Justice on the Ile de la Cite. I had already noticed its long towering spires during the time I passed by the place on my way to Notre Dame. Outside, the chapel appeared like the other common gothic churches. I must say it seemed less appealing to me at first due to its smaller size and partially concealed structure. But you need to go inside the chapel in order to witness for yourself why the sacred place is considered as one of Paris' best.

Saint Chapelle is the pride of the French capital not only because of its gothic architecture, but primarily because of its stained glass windows. Who could ever think that a dull and towering structure such as Saint Chapelle transforms itself into a colorfully vibrant and tall wall of stained glass windows once you step inside? But it's true and I am glad I saw the place before I left Paris.

Have you ever wondered about the Notre Dame where 'Hunchback' came from? The Notre Dame had its construction on 1160, and it took a century to complete. Its real name is La Cathedral de Notre Dame de Paris or Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris. It is built in honor of the Blessed Mary, mother of Jesus. The Notre Dame contains twenty-eight statues that represent the Judaen and Israeili monarchy, and can hold six thousand church goers. It invites thousands of worshippers every year.

A bishop named Maurice de Sully was responsible for the idea of creating such huge cathedral. He was able to motivate the people of France, and using his ability, was able to collect funds for the said project. As soon as the construction has been completed, the Catholic Church held management of the grand cathedral. But, in the 1900's, France owned Notre Dame after its official separation from the Roman Church. Pilgrims, Christians or otherwise, are welcome in Notre Dame. Unfortunately, wedding ceremonies are not allowed in Notre Dame. The Church emphasized that marriage rites must be done in parishes in local cities and not in cathedrals.

The Chateauneuf des Papes Wine Festival, which is translated as the new castle of the Pope, is one of the most celebrated events in France. Also referred to as the Veraison wine festival, this celebration dates back to as early as the fourteenth century. It was said that there was a Pope who loved wine.

This legend goes further to tell the story of Pope Clement V. Everyday, before he left Rome, he would usually check on his beloved wine fields. His successor in 1316, Pope John XXII never failed him in taking care of the fields. In fact, he ordered a castle to be built, and he called it the Chateauneuf des Papes.

The castle was the location of the 13 wine fields. During the time when the grapes were about to be harvested, the whole region would celebrate the event. They did this through events such as jousting, wine tasting, music playing, horse riding, juggling, and a lot more merry events. To this day, the wine festival is an important event in the South of France. During the month of August, people from all over the world come here for the traditional celebration. What is really fun about the even is that people can drink free wine.

This is the event that etched Lance Armstrong's name into world sporting history. The Tour de France is possibly the biggest long-distance road bicycle racing competition in the world. The event always draws a large number of participants around the world and even tourists eager to experience France and its culture.

The race route includes every possible historic town and city in France and in some rare instances include adjacent countries. No matter where the cyclists and the tourists go, all roads lead to the finish line in Paris' famed Champs Elysees.

For filmmakers, being part of international film festivals is a determinant of success. The intense competition in the global movie scene is more than a challenge. Among the film festivals, the Cannes Film Festival has the distinction of being elite.

Aside from the lofty billing, Cannes Film Festival is riddled with tradition. Films all over the world gather in this annual event to showcase excellence in movie making. Awards, which include the Palme d'Or, are provided to the best movie. Likewise performances by the characters of the movie are highly recognized.

France is a country that has a long, rich, and colorful history. One proof of this is the numerous castles that can be found in its territory, and one of these is the Sully castle. This landmark was already built even during the time of Joan of Arc. As such, it has experienced a lot of wars, disputes, and a lot more.

Until the present time, the chateau still stands proud on the banks of Loire in France. From a distance, you can already see its pointed towers, drawbridge, and even machicolations.

The Louvre Museum is most famous right now, ironically not because of its massive art collection, but because of the controversial book by Dan Brown, the Da Vinci's Code.

The Louvre Museum is put on the spotlight especially with this year's release of movie version of the book starring Tom Hanks. The Glass Pyramid has caught inquisitive eyes and is now becoming a popular tourist must-see .

Mona Lisa, painted by the genius himself, Leonardo Da Vinci, is considered as the most popular painting in the world and is showcased at the museum (it has a wall all for its own).

When I was a young, my dad brought me to the France’s capital, Paris, to see the Eiffel Tower. I thought it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen in my life. It was adorned with magnificent lights. Cheesy as it may sound, I still use the Eiffel Tower paperweight my dad and I bought there.

Now, I am looking forward to going back to Paris again, this time to tour the famous Louvre Museum. I will make sure I reserve three days, so I can really see all the wonderful artworks there. Maybe I could bring home something nicer than a paperweight.

Oh! I can’t wait to say ‘au revoir’ to my work, and spend vacation there.