Last reviewed: 17th April 2024 | Next review due: 17th April 2025
From the towering Gothic cathedrals of Chartres and Amiens to the awe-inspiring abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, these sites stand as testaments to human achievement and artistic expression. Explore Roman and Romanesque monuments in Arles, wander the fairytale-like châteaux of the Loire Valley, or marvel at the prehistoric cave paintings of the Vézère Valley. UNESCO sites in France offer a journey through time, inviting you to discover the wonders that have shaped this remarkable nation.
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Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Nestled in southeastern France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes boasts a wealth of UNESCO treasures. Journey through time in Lyon's historic center, a Roman and Renaissance gem. Delve into volcanic wonders at the Chaîne des Puys, a landscape sculpted by ancient eruptions. Hike pilgrimage paths linked to the medieval Way of Saint James. Explore France's stunning natural heritage through four UNESCO Global Geoparks, each showcasing unique geological formations.
Cultural 3 | Natural 1 | Mixed 0
Historic site of Lyon
Cultural, 1998 Lyon
France’s third largest city, it was founded in the 1st Century BC by the Romans. Famously, the cinematographe was invented here by Léon Bouly in 1892. Due to lack of money, Bouly was unable to maintain his patent and so the Lumière brothers were free to adopt the name and develop the technology.
Lyon was awarded World Heritage status for its historical and architectural importance, including in the production and weaving of silk. Nowadays, it has a reputation for innovation and fostering start-ups.
Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche
Cultural, 2014 Ardèche
This cave contains the earliest known and best preserved figurative cave paintings in the world. It’s located on a limestone cliff above the former course of the Ardèche river and was only discovered in 1994. Not only were the paintings discovered, but also fossilised remains and animal markings and prints. Also discovered was a child’s footprints, which may be the oldest footprints ever discovered.
Situated in the centre of France, the property comprises the long Limagne fault, the alignments of the Chaîne des Puys volcanoes and the inverted relief of the Montagne de la Serre. It is an emblematic segment of the West European Rift, created in the aftermath of the formation of the Alps, 35 million years ago.
Journey back in time with the exquisite Romanesque architecture of Vézelay Abbey, a masterpiece on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Explore the Fontenay Abbey, a remarkably intact Cistercian monastery showcasing medieval monastic life. Marvel at the innovative Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans, a former saltworks showcasing 18th-century industrial design. These are just a few of the cultural gems waiting to be discovered in this captivating region.
Cultural 5 | Natural 0 | Mixed 0
Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay
Cultural, 1981 Marmagne, Côte-d'Or
The Abbey is the oldest preserved Cistercian Abbeys in the world. It’s located in the commune of Marmagne in Burgundy. It was founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, who was a high profile French saint, and is a fine example of the Romanesque period. Sights to see include the Church itself, the Dormitory, Cloister, Chapter Room, Common Room and the Forge. The Abbey is nestled within landscaped gardens, which has also been granted with many different awards and statuses. The Abbey is privately owned, and has been in the same family since 1820.
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Vézelay, Church and Hill
Cultural, 1979 Burgundy
Located in northern Burgundy, Vézelay is a beautiful village which plays host to a Benedictine Abbey – the Abbey of St Mary Magdalene. The village is also the start of one of the four major pilgrim routes in France and Richard the Lionheart and Phillippe Auguste set out on the 3rd Crusade from Vézelay. The Abbey is located at the top of a hill which the village forms around. Relics of St Mary Magdalene can be seen within the Church. The Church was built with the alignment with the sun and at midday of the summer solstice, the light comes through the windows and creates an incredible precise pattern on the floor of the nave.
Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains and Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans
Cultural, 1982 Arc-et-Senans, Doubs
The Royal Saltworks was built in 1775 by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, a prominent Parisian architect. The extraction of salt in this area started in the Middle Ages, and continued right up until 1895. The building broke the mould in terms of design and architecture, and was even signed off by Louis XV. Today, the building houses exhibitions and details of other similar design projects.
Just south of Dijon, The Climats refer to a patchwork of vineyard plots that cover the slopes of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune. They vary according to specific natural conditions (geology and exposure) as well as vine types. The status also includes the villages and town of Beaune which are central in the production of wine in this area.
The Centre-Val de Loire region in France boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site unlike any other. Spanning 280 kilometers along the Loire River, it's a tapestry of nature and history. Majestic châteaux like Chambord and Chenonceau rise from the landscape, while charming towns and vineyards complete the picture. This remarkable ensemble is a testament to the harmonious relationship between humanity and the environment throughout centuries.
Cultural 3 | Natural 0 | Mixed 0
Bourges Cathedral
Cultutal, 1992 Bourges, Cher
The Roman Catholic Cathedral of St Etienne is dedicated to Saint Stephen. The present cathedral was built as a replacement for a structure which was built in the 11th Century. There are still traces of this building in the crypt. Work probably began on this structure in the 12th Century. Its French Gothic style has remained fairly intact over the year, more so than other cathedrals built around this time. Visitors to the cathedral marvel at its architecture and the Cathedral is still surrounded by medieval timber houses of the town of Bourges. It’s a truly unique cathedral that was ahead of its time.
Partly built starting in 1145, and then reconstructed over a 26-year period after the fire of 1194, Chartres Cathedral marks the high point of French Gothic art. The vast nave, in pure ogival style, the porches adorned with fine sculptures from the middle of the 12th century, and the magnificent 12th- and 13th-century stained-glass windows, all in remarkable condition, combine to make it a masterpiece.
The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes
Cultural, 2000 Centre-Val de Loire, Pays de la Loire
The Loire Valley is an outstanding cultural landscape of great beauty, containing historic towns and villages, great architectural monuments (the châteaux), and cultivated lands formed by many centuries of interaction between their population and the physical environment, primarily the river Loire itself.
Corsica, a rugged island off the southern coast of France, boasts a one UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Gulf of Porto. This stunning region encompasses the Scandola Nature Reserve, famed for its dramatic cliffs, underwater ecosystems, and rare wildlife. The Gulf also features the Calanques de Piana, where rose-colored granite formations rise majestically from the turquoise Mediterranean.
Cultural 0 | Natural 1 | Mixed 0
Gulf of Porto
Natural, 1983 Corse-du-Sud
Located in Corsica, this nature reserve is part of the Natural Park of Corsica and occupies the Scandola peninsula. The landscape is rugged and plays host to many sheer cliff faces coloured red. Famed for its scrubland vegetation, the waters are crystal clear and marine life occupy the many islets and caves. Seabirds can also be found here. One of the few natural World Heritage sites.
History buffs and architecture lovers rejoice! From the enchanting Grande Île district of Strasbourg to the majestic Reims Cathedral, these sites showcase the Grand East region's rich cultural heritage. Explore the elegant squares of Nancy, delve into the world of champagne production, or stand in awe of medieval abbeys.
Cultural 4 | Natural 0 | Mixed 0
Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Former Abbey of Saint-Remi, and Palace of Tau, Reims
Cultural, 1991 Reims, Marne
The Cathedral in Reims is important in that it was the place where French Kings were crowned. The present building replaced a much older structure which was destroyed by fire in the 13th Century, which originally itself was on the site of some Roman baths. During the First World War, the Cathedral was used as a hospital, before a large proportion was destroyed in the bombing.
The Abbey of Saint-Remi was founded in the 6th Century. The remains of Saint Remi are conserved there, and have been so since the 11th Century.
The Palace of Tau was the palace of the Archbishop of Reims, and displays many objects from the cathedral as well as those associated with the coronations of the Kings of France.
Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière, and Place d'Alliance in Nancy
Cultural, 1983 Nancy, Meurthe-et-Moselle
Nancy is a city in North Eastern France, and was the capital of the Duchy of Lorraine. Place Stanislas is a large square built in the 18th Century by Stanislaus I of Poland, and links the old town of Nancy to the new town, which was created by Charles III.
Two other squares, Place de la Carrière and Place d'Alliance were also given Heritage status along with Place Stanislas. Place de la Carrière is renowned for its 18th century architecture and Place d’Alliance is the smallest of the three, and was listed for its art, peace and refinement.
The initial property, inscribed in 1988 on the World Heritage List, was formed by the Grande-Île, the historic centre of Strasbourg, structured around the cathedral. The extension concerns the Neustadt, new town, designed and built under the German administration (1871-1918). The Neustadt draws the inspiration for its urban layout partially from the Haussmannian model, while adopting an architectural idiom of Germanic inspiration. This dual influence has enabled the creation of an urban space that is specific to Strasbourg, where the perspectives created around the cathedral open to a unified landscape around the rivers and canals.
The property encompasses sites where the method of producing sparkling wines was developed on the principle of secondary fermentation in the bottle since the early 17th century to its early industrialisation in the 19th century. The property is made up of three distinct ensembles: the historic vineyards of Hautvillers, Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Saint-Nicaise Hill in Reims, and the Avenue de Champagne and Fort Chabrol in Epernay. These three components – the supply basin formed by the historic hillsides, the production sites (with their underground cellars) and the sales and distribution centres (the Champagne Houses) - illustrate the entire champagne production process. The property bears clear testimony to the development of a very specialised artisan activity that has become an agro-industrial enterprise.
Hauts-de-France boasts a rich tapestry of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore the soaring Gothic beauty of Amiens Cathedral, a masterpiece of stained glass and architecture. Witness the industrial legacy of the Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin, a poignant reminder of the region's resourcefulness. Stand beneath the Belfries of Belgium and France, a collection of towering civic watchtowers symbolizing power and commerce. Finally, delve into the somber history of the Funerary and Memory Sites of the First World War, a network of memorials honoring the fallen soldiers.
Cultural 4 | Natural 0 | Mixed 0
Amiens Cathedral
Cultural, 1981 Amiens, Somme
Amiens Cathedral overlooks the River Somme and is one of the largest 13th century Gothic cathedrals in France. It’s the tallest complete Roman Catholic cathedral in the country, as its nave reaches over 42 metres high. It was built between 1220 and 1270, and is renowned for its ornate Gothic sculptures giving it an impressive façade. Inside, the cathedral boast 126 pillars, giving it the title of largest medieval interior in Western Europe.
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Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin
Cultural, 2012 Nord-Pas de Calais
This site is interesting in that it represents the period of industrialisation in Northern France. The area has been shaped by over three centuries of mining coal beginning in the 18th Century. The site consists of 109 separate components over 120,000 ha. It features mining pits (the oldest of which dates from 1850) and lift infrastructure, slag heaps, coal transport infrastructure, railway stations, workers’ estates and mining villages including social habitat, schools, religious buildings, health and community facilities, company premises, owners and managers’ houses, town halls and more.
Belfries of Belgium and France Cultural, 1999 Several sites (shared with Belgium)
This would take a lot of visiting! This UNESCO World Heritage site is actually made up of 56 individual buildings and their bell towers, representations of civil liberty in Flanders and the Duchy of Burgundy. Originally, there was a list of 32 belfry towers in Flanders and Wallonia, and then in 2005, 23 other belfries were added from Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy regions. Some church towers are also included on this list as at some point in history, they were used as watch towers or alarm bells.
Funerary and memory sites of the First World War (Western Front) Cultural, 2023 Several sites (shared with Belgium)
All along the Western Front of the First World War, which stretched for some 700 km from the North Sea to the Franco-Swiss border, a series of 139 funerary and memorial sites bear witness to the common desire of the various parties involved in the conflict to honour their children who fell in battle. This objective takes the form of individual graves and/or memorials listing the names of the missing. Places dedicated to meditation, remembrance and tributes are specially created. Beyond the diversity in size, location and design, there is a clear desire to create spaces that are worthy of the sacrifice made. This is reflected in the choice of noble materials, as well as in calls for renowned architects, botanists, landscape architects and artists to design sites of exceptional architectural, artistic and landscape quality.
Steeped in history and grandeur, the Île-de-France region surrounding Paris boasts an impressive collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the opulent palaces of Versailles and Fontainebleau to the medieval town of Provins and the banks of the Seine itself, these sites offer a glimpse into France's artistic, architectural, and cultural heritage.
Cultural 4 | Natural 0 | Mixed 0
Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
Cultural, 1981 Fontainebleau
The largest Royal Châteaux in France, Fontainebleau was originally a medieval palace before becoming a château. It has been the residence of many of France’s kings, and even Napoleon relocated the throne here before he was finally exiled. Its location in relation to Paris and the abundance of game in the surrounding forest is one of the reasons it became so popular with French monarchs. It has served as a military school, a prison and an art and music school during its time. It was occupied by the Germans during the war and even became a headquarters for NATO. Visitors can see Marie Antionette’s bedroom, the Throne Room, Napoleon’s Apartments and the Pope’s Apartment. The gardens and parks are also included in the World Heritage status due to their impressive nature.
Versailles was originally a small village dating from the 11th century; now, it has been swallowed up by the suburb of Paris. The Palace itself was built as a hunting lodge by Louis XIII in 1623 before being turned into a Royal Palace by Louis XIV. In 1682, the Palace was deemed fit enough for Louis XIV to move the royal court from Paris, and it remained as such until the French Revolution when the Royal family were forced to return to Paris.
Following the Revolution and the fall of the monarchy, Versailles fell into disrepair. Some work was done to try and restore the Palace by Napoleon and Louis XVIII. Louis-Phillippe turned the Palace into a museum of French history in the mid-19th Century and continued the work to bring it back to its former glory. Primarily a museum and tourist attraction, it is still used for political and ceremonial functions.
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Paris, Banks of the Seine
Cultural, 1991 Paris
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. On its banks sit the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and the Sainte Chapelle, 37 bridges cross its waters including the Pont Neuf which dates back to 1607.
Provins is a medieval fortified town with many interesting aspects to its history and features. It was the home of one of the Champagne fairs, which were so important to the economy in medieval times, when the city was under the protection of Counts of Champagne. It has well preserved city walls, and two sets of caves beneath the town - one set contains Bronze and Iron Age graffiti and the other was used for storage.
Considering Normandy's popularity and wealth of attractions, it is home to just two UNESCO-recognised treasures. The awe-inspiring Mont Saint-Michel, a tidal island crowned with a Gothic abbey, has captivated visitors for centuries. Then there's Le Havre, a port city reborn from the ashes of WWII.
Cultural 2 | Natural 0 | Mixed 0
Le Havre, the City Rebuilt by Auguste Perret
Cultural, 2005 Le Harve
Le Havre's location in North West France resulted in heavy bombing in the Second World War, to the extent that the whole city needed to be rebuilt. Pioneering 20th-century architect Auguste Perret was tasked with that job. His material of choice was concrete, and he started from scratch by clearing any old structures that were remaining. His plans were widely celebrated as being able to maintain the former layout, but bringing it into the 20th Century. The reconstruction work was completed in the 1960s. It is only one of a few modern sites in Europe given World Heritage status, and was granted this because of the ‘innovative utilisation of concrete’s potential.’
A medieval island commune in Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is a sight which has become familiar to tourists as one of France’s most recognisable landmarks. It rests just 600 metres from the mainland, and was only accessible at low tide before a new bridge was built to connect it to the mainland in 2014. The island was constructed on a hierarchical system, so at the top is the abbey and monastery, then great halls, storage and housing, and then outside the walls was the accommodation for fisherman and farmers.
Because of its position, it has been used as a place of fortification since ancient times. It has been a garrison and a prison. The site was awarded World Heritage status not only because of its unusual natural features, but also its historical and architectural significance.
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Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Journey through history in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Explore the elegant city of Bordeaux, its harbor a designated "Port of the Moon." Discover Saint-Émilion, a winemaking jurisdiction steeped in charm. Peek into the prehistoric past at the world-famous Lascaux Caves. And set your sights on the majestic Cordouan Lighthouse, a masterpiece guarding the Atlantic coast.
Cultural 5 | Natural 0 | Mixed 0
Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley
Cultural, 1979 Dordogne
Included in this 147-site strong property are the world-famous Lascaux Caves, first discovered in 1940 and sealed to protect the delicate ecosystem in the 1960s. These caves revealed numerous Paleolithic cave paintings believed to be over 17,000 years old. Most of the images are of large animals and are extremely important to the archaeological world. Among the discovery of cave paintings, the Valley also revealed hominid remains, which have been studied by anthropologists the world over.
In an effort to preserve the original caves but continue to educate visitors, various replicas have been produced since the original caves were closed to the public in 1963. Now on the fourth iteration, Lascaux IV is displayed at the Lascaux International Center of Parietal Art (see below).
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Abbey Church of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe
Cultural, 1983 Poitou-Charentes
Located in Poitou-Charentes, this Abbey Church was built in the 11th Century in the Romanesque religious architectural style. It is often called the ‘Romanesque Sistine Chapel’, famed for its incredible 11th and 12th Century murals which are housed in the abbey, and in the crypt below. They cover several hundred square metres of the interior and depict biblical stories from the Old Testament, such as the story of Cain and Abel, Adam and Eve and Noah and the Arc. The stone spire which is over 80 metres high was added in the 14th century.
The Port of the Moon, port city of Bordeaux in south-west France, is inscribed as an inhabited historic city, an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble, created in the age of the Enlightenment, whose values continued up to the first half of the 20th century, with more protected buildings than any other French city except Paris. It is also recognized for its historic role as a place of exchange of cultural values over more than 2,000 years, particularly since the 12th century due to commercial links with Britain and the Low Lands.
Viticulture was introduced to this fertile region of Aquitaine by the Romans, and intensified in the Middle Ages. The Saint-Emilion area benefited from its location on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and many churches, monasteries and hospices were built there from the 11th century onwards. It was granted the special status of a 'jurisdiction' during the period of English rule in the 12th century. It is an exceptional landscape devoted entirely to wine-growing, with many fine historic monuments in its towns and villages.
Built in white limestone dressed blocks at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, it was designed by engineer Louis de Foix and remodelled by engineer Joseph Teulère in the late 18th century. A masterpiece of maritime signalling, Cordouan’s monumental tower is decorated with pilasters, columns and gargoyles. It embodies the great stages of the architectural and technological history of lighthouses and was built with the ambition of continuing the tradition of famous beacons of antiquity.
Explore the ingenious Canal du Midi, a watery highway. Marvel at the fortified city of Carcassonne, a medieval masterpiece. Be awed by the Episcopal City of Albi, a brick masterpiece with a stunning cathedral. And don't miss the Pont du Gard, a towering Roman aqueduct that defies time. Occitania offers a captivating blend of nature, culture, and architectural wonders.
Cultural 6 | Natural 0 | Mixed 1
Pont du Gard
Cultural, 1985 Gard
Built shortly before the Christian era to allow the aqueduct of Nîmes to cross the Gard river, Port du Gard is unusual in that it has three tiers of arches. It is highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts and one of the best preserved. The aqueduct itself was used to transport water to homes in Nîmes and transported about 44,000,000 gallons of water a day, up until around the 6th Century.
After the aqueduct fell into disuse, the Pont du Gard remained intact, most likely because it was also used as a toll bridge. After hundreds of years, the bridge suffered wear and tear, and restorations were undertaken. Traffic can no longer use the bridge, and visitors are directed towards a visitor’s centre to learn more about the bridge and its history. It was named as a Heritage Site due to its rareness and therefore historical significance.
Canal du Midi is a 240km (150mi) long canal in Southern France, linking Toulouse and the Canal du Garonne to the Mediterranean Sea. It was completed in 1681 and is celebrated for its renowned pioneering civil engineering feats. The canal starts in the city of Toulouse and winds its way down to the Étang de Thau on the Mediterranean.
Since the pre-Roman period, a fortified settlement has existed on the hill where Carcassonne now stands. In its present form it is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defences encircling the castle and the surrounding buildings, its streets and its fine Gothic cathedral. Carcassonne is also of exceptional importance because of the lengthy restoration campaign undertaken by Viollet-le-Duc, one of the founders of the modern science of conservation.
The third largest mountain in the Pyrénées, Mont Perdu stands at 3,355m (11,000ft) high. The summit is actually in Spain and is easier to climb from the Spanish side than the French side.
Located on the River Tarn, the city was given World Heritage Status because of its rich architectural heritage. The Cathedral and surrounding episcopal buildings are built using red brick and tiles, and are easily recognised by these features. Visitors to the city should visit the Old Bridge, which has been used and continues to serve as a road bridge after over a millennia. The Bishops Palace is one of France's oldest and most complete castles.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
Cultural, 2011 Massif Central
These mountainous landscapes were awarded UNESCO heritage status as they reflect a period of almost 3,000 years of pastoral history. The landscape has evolved with the development of pastoral techniques and some of the traditional techniques that were practiced here are still present today. It’s an amazing example of how nature and human activities have existed and developed together over hundreds of years.
Built in the 1st century AD in the Roman colony of Nemausus – today’s city of Nîmes – the Maison Carrée is one of the earliest examples of a Roman temple which can be connected to the imperial worship in the provinces of Rome. The architecture of the Maison Carrée and its sophisticated decoration took part, symbolically, in a new golden age of promises of peace, prosperity and stability known by the name of Pax Romana.
Journey through time in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, where ancient Roman wonders stand alongside medieval marvels. Explore the Roman Theatre and Triumphal Arch of Orange, or marvel at the Arles Amphitheatre. Avignon boasts the imposing Palace of the Popes, while Nice, newly recognised by UNESCO, showcases its rich history as a Riviera resort town.
Cultural 4 | Natural 0 | Mixed 0
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
Cultural, 1981 Bouches-du-Rhône
The city centre of Arles contains a collection of Roman monuments, which date back as early as the 1st century BC including an amphitheatre, Roman theatre, forum, baths, subterranean galleries, courtyard and necropolis. These monuments were evidence of the popularity of Arles throughout the centuries and its status as an important city. Its city walls also contain the Church of Saint-Trophime and its cloister, which is said to be one of Provence’s finest examples of a Romanesque monument.
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Historical centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge
Cultural, 1995 Vaucluse
Avignon has an important place in French history, in the 14th Century it was the seat of the papacy and seven Popes resided here. The centre of the town plays homage to this, with many historical monuments, such as the Papal Palace and the unfinished Bridge of Avignon. Avignon officially became part of France during the French Revolution. It’s one of the few cities to have preserved medieval ramparts. Today the town also plays host to a famous festival, which brings tourists from all over the world to visit.
Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the "Triumphal Arch" of Orange
Cultural, 1981 Vaucluse
Situated in the Rhone valley, the ancient theatre of Orange, with its 103 metre-long facade, is one of the best preserved of all the great Roman theatres. Built between AD 10 and 25, the Roman arch is one of the most beautiful and interesting surviving examples of a provincial triumphal arch from the reign of Augustus. It is decorated with low reliefs commemorating the establishment of the Pax Romana.
Nice, located on the Mediterranean, at the foot of the Alps, near the Italian border, reflects the development of a city devoted to winter tourism, making the most of its mild climate and its coastal situation, between sea and mountains. From the mid-18th century, the site attracted growing numbers of aristocratic and upper-class families, mainly British, who developed the habit of spending their winters there.
After the city was ceded to France in 1860, and thanks to its connection to the European rail network, an increasing number of winter visitors from all countries flocked to the city. This led to successive phases of development of new districts beyond the medieval old town. The diverse cultural influences of the winter visitors and the desire to make the most of the weather conditions and the coastal landscape have shaped the urban development and eclectic architectural styles of these districts, contributing to Nice’s reputation as a cosmopolitan winter resort.
France's UNESCO gems spill out across the vast expanse of French Overseas Territories, from the volcanic peaks and cirques of Réunion Island to the vibrant coral reefs teeming with life in New Caledonia's lagoons, these treasures hold profound cultural and ecological significance. Martinique's volcanic majesty and the dramatic landscapes of French Polynesia further enrich this diverse collection, offering a glimpse into the unique heritage of France's far-flung outposts.
Cultural 1 | Natural 4 | Mixed 0
New Caledonian Barrier Reef
Natural, 2008 New Caledonia
This serial site comprises six marine clusters that represent the main diversity of coral reefs and associated ecosystems in the French Pacific Ocean archipelago of New Caledonia and one of the three most extensive reef systems in the world. These Lagoons are of exceptional natural beauty. They feature an exceptional diversity of coral and fish species and a continuum of habitats from mangroves to seagrasses with the world’s most diverse concentration of reef structures.
Taputapuātea on Ra’iātea Island is at the centre of the ‘Polynesian Triangle’, a vast portion of the Pacific Ocean, dotted with islands, and the last part of the globe to be settled by humans. The property includes two forested valleys, a portion of lagoon and coral reef and a strip of open ocean. At the heart of the property is the Taputapuātea marae complex, a political, ceremonial and funerary centre. It is characterised by several marae, with different functions. Widespread in Polynesia, the marae were places where the world of the living intersected the world of the ancestors and the gods. Taputapuātea is an exceptional testimony to 1,000 years of mā'ohi civilisation.
The Pitons, Cirques and Remparts of Réunion Island
Natural, 2010 Réunion
Covering more than 40% of the island of Réunion, the site includes a great variety of rugged terrain and impressive escarpments, forested gorges and basins creating a visually striking landscape. It is the natural habitat for a wide diversity of plants and forest types, from subtropical rainforests to cloud forests and heaths, creating a remarkable and visually appealing mosaic of ecosystems and landscape features.
Natural, 2019 Several sites across the Indian Ocean
The French Austral Lands and Seas comprise the largest of the rare emerged landmasses in the southern Indian Ocean: the Crozet Archipelago, the Kerguelen Islands, Saint-Paul and Amsterdam Islands as well as 60 small sub-Antarctic islands. This ‘oasis’ in the middle of the Southern Ocean covers an area of more than 166 million hectares and supports one of the highest concentrations of birds and marine mammals in the world. In particular, it has the largest population of King Penguins and Yellow-nosed albatrosses in the world.
Volcanoes and Forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique
Natural, 2023 Martinique
The global significance of Mount Pelée and Pitons du Carbet is based on its representation of volcanic processes and forest types. The 1902 eruption is considered the deadliest volcanic event of the 20th century, and a worldwide reference for the history of volcanology. Also included in the UNESCO listing is the diversity of endemic plants and globally threatened species such as the Martinique Volcano Frog and the Martinique Oriole.
There are a number of sites that are diverse in their location or that share UNESCO-listed status with other countries, these sites are known as transnational sites.
Cultural 0 | Natural 0 | Mixed 0
Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France
Cultural, 1998 Several sites across France
The Santiago de Compostela is an important pilgrimage route, which passed through many regions of France as pilgrims made their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Along the route were numerous structures which provided services to the travelling pilgrims, such as monuments, churches, even a city gate and a bridge.
Collectively, it is these constructions which were given UNESCO heritage status, there are 78 in all, with some of them being places pilgrims would travel to in their own right. The structures are a testament to the Christian religion and have important religious and historical significance.
This transnational property includes 93 component parts in 18 countries. Since the end of the last Ice Age, European Beech spread from a few isolated refuge areas in the Alps, Carpathians, Dinarides, Mediterranean and Pyrenees over a short period of a few thousand years in a process that is still ongoing. The successful expansion across a whole continent is related to the tree’s adaptability and tolerance of different climatic, geographical and physical conditions.
Fortifications of Vauban consists of 12 groups of fortified buildings and sites along the western, northern and eastern borders of France. They represent the finest examples of the work of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707), a military engineer of King Louis XIV. The serial property includes towns built from scratch by Vauban, citadels, urban bastion walls and bastion towers. There are also mountain forts, sea forts, a mountain battery and two mountain communication structures. This property is inscribed as bearing witness to the peak of classic fortifications, typical of western military architecture.
Sites included:
Vauban Citadel, Arras Citadel of Besançon Sites at Blaye-Cussac-Fort-Médoc Briançon, Hautes-Alpes Tour Vauban Ville neuve, Longwy Place forte, Mont-Dauphin Citadel and city walls, Mount-Louis Ville neuve, Neuf-Brisach Citadel and city walls, Saint-Martin-de-Ré Watchtowers, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue Sites at Villefranche-de-Conflent
Cultural, 2011 Several sites across Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Transnational site shared with: 🇦🇹 Austria | 🇩🇪 Germany | 🇮🇹 Italy | 🇸🇮 Slovenia |🇨🇭 Switzerland
This serial property of 111 small individual sites encompasses the remains of prehistoric pile-dwelling (or stilt house) settlements in and around the Alps built from around 5000 to 500 B.C. on the edges of lakes, rivers or wetlands.
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement
Cultural, 2016 Several sites across France
Transnational site shared with: 🇦🇷 Argentina | 🇧🇪 Belgium | 🇩🇪 Germany | 🇮🇳 India | 🇯🇵 Japan | 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Chosen from the work of Le Corbusier, the 17 sites comprising this transnational serial property are spread over seven countries and are a testimonial to the invention of a new architectural language that made a break with the past. The Unité d’habitation in Marseille, along with several other buildings, reflects the solutions that the Modern Movement sought to apply during the 20th century to the challenges of inventing new architectural techniques to respond to the needs of society. These masterpieces of creative genius also attest to the internationalisation of architectural practice across the planet.
Sites in France include: Maisons La Roche and Villa Jeanneret, Paris Cité Frugès de Pessac, Pessac Villa Savoye, Poissy Immeuble Molitor, Paris Unité d'habitation, Marseille Claude and Duval factory, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut de Ronchamp, Ronchamp Cabanon de vacances, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Couvent Sainte-Marie-de-la-Tourette, Éveux Maison de la Culture de Firminy, Firminy
Ben deals with all things design, working on the visual design of our annual guides, Destinations magazine, information leaflets, social media and email campaigns, and much more across the Alan Rogers, Rallies and Worldwide brands. He also produces written content for our blogs alongside our other contributors.
Deeply ingrained in Britain's culture and history, the UK's UNESCO sites demonstrate pioneering Victorian industrial heritage and mining culture. Devon's Jurassic Coast and Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway make up the share of natural sites.
With its wealth of scenic and cultural interests, Germany is a land of contrasts. From the flatlands of the north to the mountains in the south, with forests in the east and west, regional characteristics are a strong feature of German life and present a rich variety of folklore and customs.
As of November 2021, there are a whopping 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy - more than in any other country in the world! The first site to be inscribed was the Rock Drawings in Valcamonica in 1979.
