Archive for 'Architectural Gems in France'

One of the most iconic institutions in all of Paris – and that's really saying something in such a famous and beautiful and beloved city – has to be the Moulin Rouge. Immortalised in the distinctive and vibrant posters of Toulouse-Lautrec in the 19th century and cemented in the public's imagination and hearts by the 1990s cult movie hit about and named after the place, it is surely one of the city's absolute must-see attractions. If you have found a vacation rental in Paris, you must make time to stop by to see the iconic exterior or, better still, catch dinner and a show at the venue!

Public buildings are often the crowning jewels of cities and libraries, in particular, are commonly very special architectural gems. However, most of us imagine grand, classical buildings, not giant heads. Yet, that is exactly what you will find in Nice.

Château de Chambord is one of the many beautiful castles located in and around the Loire Valley. However, it is, in many ways, the most extraordinary of them all. It boasts around 400 rooms, 80 staircases, a fireplace for every day of the year, and 30 kilometres of wall encircling grounds of about 5000 hectares. Furthermore, it is not only vast but also lovely, with a creamy stone facade topped by graceful spires and pinnacles, perfectly symmetrical and manicured lawns, and high ceilings and gilded interiors. As noted, it is but one of the many castles in this stunning part of France and one more reason to hop in a car and begin exploring the Loire. Just find a vacation rental with internet in France and being planning a trip to see it all with your own eyes.

Notre Dame du Haut, also known as Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut de Ronchamp or Notre Dame du Ronchamp, is a Roman Catholic chapel in Ronchamp, France that was built in 1954. It is an immediately recognisable and distinctive building that is considered on of Le Corbusier and the 20th century's most important works. Beautiful, serene and unique, it is a must-see for architecture lovers and regular tourists alike. Just find a vacation rental in Burgundy and pay a visit to this extraordinary architectural gem yourself.

Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier was one of the 20th century's leading architects. He largely designed homes and apartment buildings and was interested in how people interacted with the spaces in which they dwelled. He wanted to come up with new, pleasant and efficient ways for living in the modern world. Notre Dame du Haut was, therefore, a rather unusual work in his oeuvre.

The Palais Garnier, also known as the Opéra Garnier, is one of Europe's largest and most incredibly beautiful opera houses.

It is famous as the haunt of Paul Leroux's “Phantom of the Opera” and for its picturesque, photogenic interiors that have been the setting for endless movies, television shows and photo shoots.

A truly wonderful example of Neobaroque architecture that is a gilded dream, it was begun in 1862 and was not completed until 1875. The main reason for the delay? An underground lake was discovered underneath the building during the process, obviously!

This lake still exists and is the real-life inspiration for where the fictional Phantom used to hang out.