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One place to see in each department in France

I just wanted to share an article I read (I had to add it to my favourites tab for next trip to France!)

It's 'the one place you have to see in each department of France'.

https://www.thelocal.fr/20170512/visit-france-tourism-the-one-place-you-absolutely-have-to-see-in-each-department-of-france

I see some very familiar sites on there that people have mentioned that I haven't seen (Gorges du Verdon; Honfleur; Beaune) as well as places I've been lucky to see (Millau Viaduct, Carcassonne, Mont St Michel, Eze)...and places I've never heard of that look quite interesting (Postman Cheval's Palais Ideal; Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe chapel; Rocamadour). Maybe someone will find some new favourites.

Quite a list since there are apparently 95 departments!

Posted by
302 posts

Actually, I believe there are 100 or so départements in France, but only 95 in l'hexagone.

Le Palais Idéal du Facture Cheval is interesting if you're passing through or staying in the area. I wouldn't go out of my way for it, though. You kind of feel sorry for the guy, but he obviously was committed to the project.

Posted by
10633 posts

Such a different point of view, k. We are always fascinated by these untrained people who are internally driven to create and were impressed by his imagination and willpower. We knew about it for many years before being able to visit. Another example is the Watts Towers.

Posted by
33861 posts

I haven't read the list but I have a few favourites in some departments.

89 = Guédelon Castle
62 = Arras
another 62 = Vimy Ridge
06 = Monaco, technically not within the Department but totally surrounded
59 = Bergues

for a start

Posted by
4103 posts

Nicole thanks for sharing this list. We've been to several of these diverse attractions and I see many more I'd like to experience!

Posted by
302 posts

Bets,

It's all in one's perspective, I suppose. Some might say M. Cheval was full of imagination and willpower. Others might say he was nuts.

It's an interesting, though decaying, artifact -- no doubt about it.