Archive for 'History in France'

  

Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Puy du Fou, France
While Disneyland is, without a doubt, the most famous theme park in all of France, it is not, by a long shot, the only one. In fact, it is not even necessarily the most interesting theme park you might visit. If you have found a vacation rental in Pays-de-la-Loire and you've had your fill of princesses and iconic characters and rides and are still looking for an interesting theme park to explore, one of the most fascinating that you could ever hope to stumble upon is Puy du Fou.

Puy du Fou is an incredible historical theme park in Les Epesses in the region of Pays-de-la-Loire that attracts 2 million visitors each year. Opened in 1978. originally as an open-air amateur dramatics night wherein volunteers re-enacted the bloody history of the Vendée in the ruins of a castle and is now known for its incredible historic recreation extravaganzas that make use of thousands of actors and animals, astounding sets, mind-blowing special effects and sumptuous costumes. There are no rides and, yet, children that visit are enthralled by the experience and adults, too, are blown away by the scale and magic of being transported back in time.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, History, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions, Water & Amusement Parks

  

Friday, April 27, 2018
The Lady & The Unicorn
The Musée de Cluny, or Musée National du Moyen Âge, is a rather special museum that is located in one of the oldest buildings in Paris, a former townhouse that dates to the 14th century, with the foundation of 3rd century Gallo-Roman thermal baths beneath it.

The museum itself is dedicated to medieval life and is home to objects such as sculptures, graphic works, manuscripts, stained glass, and furniture and other decorative items.

However, the most famous thing in its holdings are the iconic “The Lady and the Unicorn,” tapestries.

Founded in 1843 by the French State, the museum is made up of 23 rooms, all crammed to the gills with fascinating objects. These pieces are the focus, of course, but the museum is worth visiting for its pretty gardens and the building itself, which is a beautiful mansion in Gothic and Renaissance styles.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, History, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions

  

Monday, December 18, 2017
Beachfront
Biarritz is a name synonymous with perfect white sandy beaches, crashing waves and clear blue Atlantic ocean, surfing, grand old buildings and luxury.

This famous city in France is located on the Bay of Biscay, on the Atlantic coast in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, in the French Basque Country in the southwest of the country. It has been a favoured seaside destination since the 19th century, when it was the getaway location du jour of Napoléon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugénie. In fact, Empress Eugenie was so enamoured with the place that she built a palace on the beach, which is now the Hôtel du Palais. Other members of the European royalty, including British monarchs Queen Victoria and King Edward VII and the Spanish king Alfonso XIII, Oskar II from Sweden, Leopoldo from Belgium, the empress of Russia, Natalia from Serbia, and her ill son Alexandro, Jurgi V, as well as aristocrats, the rich, actors and celebrities from all across Europe, America and South America came to Biarritz.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Beaches, History, Tourist Attractions