Top Famous Historical Places in France to Visit

Posted on: Sep 24, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Top Famous Historical Places in France to Visit

France is one of the main countries rooted deeply in history and culture. This history is reflected through the numerous iconic landmarks located in the country. From prehistoric caves to medieval castles and Roman monuments, there are multiple famous historical places in France that you can visit.

France belongs to the Schengen Area. Therefore, you should get Schengen travel insurance to apply for the visa. Once you've obtained your visa, you can go around exploring the places, especially the historical monuments, during your visit to the country.

List of Famous Historical Places in France

Medical expenses in France are slightly higher, which is why you must have proper travel medical insurance coverage to explore France.

Here are some of the top historical places in France to visit:

1. The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the prominent France important monuments, often referred to as the world-famous Iron Lady. This is a metallic structure and was initially referred to as the 300-meter tower. An antenna was installed on the summit for the digital radio in 2022.

2. Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous historical places in France, known for its flying buttresses, towers, and more. Even today, Notre Dame Cathedral is a significant medieval monument of Paris. The monument is known for its French Gothic architecture. It took around 200 years to be constructed.

3. Palace of Versailles

Located in Versailles, the Palace of Versailles is one of France's important monuments. Louis XIV's architect built the original structure of the palace. The magnificence of the building was developed during the French Revolution in 1789. The Palace has around 2300 rooms, a geometric garden, and an iconic Hall of Mirrors.

4. The Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is a 49m tall stone structure located on the Champs-Élysées on Place de la Concorde. If you climb the 284 steps of the Arc, you'll get a panoramic view of Paris. An eternal flame is rekindled beneath the Arc to honour the millions of French soldiers who died during the Great War. As you plan to explore this beauty, do not forget to get travel insurance for France.

5. Pantheon

Over the years, as one of the most celebrated historical places in Paris, France, the Pantheon has undergone numerous changes. The Pantheon was damaged due to the First and Second World Wars. Considering the numerous changes that Pantheon has undergone, you'd get to see a blend of various architectural styles. If you want to witness this beauty, you need to get Schengen travel insurance so that you can get your visa approved soon.

6. Paris Catacombs

Go beyond the streets of Paris and witness the eerie vibe of the Paris Catacombs, one of the most important historical places in Paris, France. Although one of the most important places, the Paris Catacombs is a less-visited site. It provides an insight into how the city managed its increasing cemeteries in the 18th century. The Paris Catacombs have walls lined with human bones, underground tunnels, and historical plaques that talk about the origins of the city.

7. Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise has specific timings during which you should visit this place. One of the most unique facts about the cemetery is that it has a blend of park and cemetery into one. Although it is a slightly odd place to visit, it surely offers an insight into the international and French cultural heritage. The overseas travel insurance that you have should protect you against unwanted financial expenses during the trip.

8. The Walls of Aigues

The Walls of Aigues-Mortes are one of the famous historical places in France. This is a fortified town whose walls are well-preserved since the medieval era. There are numerous towers that you can visit. The Walls of Aigues are situated in the Camargue region and have existed since the launch of the Seventh and Eighth Crusades of the 13th century by King Louis XI (Saint Louis).

9. Sainte Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle was built in the 13th century by Louis IX. It is an architectural wonder that you must visit. Sainte Chapelle is one of the most prominent and finest royal chapels of France. You must have overseas travel insurance so that you can explore and witness this Rayonnant Gothic style architecture, attracting multiple tourists every year.

10. Basilique Du Sacré-Cœur

Located in Paris, Basilique Sacré-Cœur is one of the top destinations to visit in France, signifying the stories of French resilience. This monument was built after the 1870 Franco-Prussian War to boost the national morale resurgence sense. This monument is located at the top of the hill of Montmartre, which signifies the Mount of Martyrs in ancient French. It is incredibly tall and can be seen from almost everywhere in Paris.

However, when travelling to France, you must be aware of specific rules. You can learn about these guidelines in our blog, Guidelines to Follow while Travelling to France.

Conclusion

You can buy travel insurance for France before your trip, and get your visa approved using it. You must check the coverage that can help you in the long run. Once you've had all your documents sorted, you can explore all the above-mentioned historical places. Even if a medical emergency arises, you can get travel medical insurance that helps you during the trip. Thus, you'll get to explore the historical places peacefully as you have proper financial backing.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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