64 Old Ruins to Explore in France

Jumièges is one of the most famous abbeys in Normandy which was founded Founded in the 7th century by Saint Philibert. It was transformed into a stone quarry after the French Revolution, the remains are magisterial and offer an unforgettable vision. Jumièges Abbey was called “the most beautiful ruin in France”, and benefited from the image of an outdoor site impregnated with Romanticism.

Abbaye de Montmajour is a fortified Benedictine monastery that was founded between the 10th and 18th centuries. During the Middle Ages, it was a major pilgrimage site. Today, the abbey ruins are preserved by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux as a historical monument.

Saint-Victor Abbey is a former abbey situated in Marseille. It was founded during the late Roman period and named after the saint and martyr of the local soldier, Victor of Marseilles.

The Alyscamps is a large Roman necropolis, which was consecrated in the 3rd century by Saint Trophime, the first bishop of Arles, as a burial ground for Christians. They were famous in the Middle Ages and are referred to by Ariosto in Orlando Furioso and by Dante in the Inferno. Christians from far up the river Rhone river would send corpses down the river on rafts with a coin in the mouth to pay for burial in this necropolis.

The Amphitheatre of Nîmes is a perfect illustration of the degree of perfection attained by Roman engineers in designing and constructing this type of extremely complex building. it measures 133 metres long and 101 metres wide, with an arena of 68 by 38 metres. It was one of the best preserved amphitheaters from the roman world.

Crossing a Mediterranean forest in the heart of a preserved environment, you will discover the Casteddu de Cucuruzzu, which is one of the twenty or so known casteddi of the island, located mainly in southern Corsica. Discovered in 1959 by the archaeologist Roger Grosjean, the Cucuruzzu site has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1982 and is on the list of 100 historic sites of common interest in the Mediterranean countries. It unveils to the public architectural remains of the Bronze Age.

Located in the city of Aries, Arles Amphitheatre is one of city’s most important and impressive Roman structures. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arles Amphitheatre was built in 90 AD and during its prime time, it had a seating capacity of over over 20,000 spectators. It was built to conduct chariot races and bloddy hand to hand battles.

Barnenez is the largest megalithic mausoleum in Europe and also one of the world’s oldest pyramids. It shows light to the ancient history and mystery of the locality. The footprint of the Barnenez cairn takes the form of a trapezoid. The entire monument is 74 meters long and it is one of the earliest megalithic monuments in Europe and one of the oldest man-made structures in the whole world.

Cailhau Gate is a city ​​gate in Bordeaux, in the French department of Gironde. It served as both a defensive door and a triumphal arch and has been listed as an ahistorical monument since 1883. it was the main entrance to the city from the port and give access to the Palais de l'Ombrière, the residence of the Dukes of Guyenne, then the seat of the Parliament of Bordeaux from 1462.

Castle Hill Located near the city center of Nice. It offers a delightful walkway with striking views over the Baie des Anges. The park owes its name to the castle of Nice which once shielded the city from multiple invaders from different kingdoms and duchies during the Middle Ages.

A beautiful medieval castle which was built in the 13th century and it belongs to the Tournemine family at the heart of the forest in Côtes-d'Armor. Now the castle has been restored by the state and is now open for visitors. There are so many things to see in and around this castle and there is a 3D film to help you understand this fortress' history. It has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1922.

The Castle of Saint-Fargeau is a monument in the municipality of Saint-Fargeau. It is an attraction for holidaymakers staying in the region.The château was originally a hunting residence in 10th century. The château was designated as a monument historique in 1945 and has been open to the public since.

One of the beautiful castle located in the heart of France which is also called the ladies chateau’ as throughout its history it is they who have most influenced its design and its destiny. The current château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river. An architectural mixture of late Gothic and early Renaissance and it also has a beautiful garden that is open to the public.

A beautiful castle which was the remains of ancient French architecture. Built between the years of 1604 and 1634, and changed little since, the castle presents an immaculate picture of symmetry, peace, and the aristocratic good life. The interior reflects a living history of the generations of the family and it is still owned by descendants of the original builders. There is also a beautiful garden around this place and is one of the visitors paradise.

One of the beautiful castle which was located in the heart of Brittany which was famous for its collections. It has a vast collection of the imaginary world of Brocéliande, the Celtic world, medieval literature, romantic renewal, artistic creations, and contemporary collections. It was a forest castle in the olden ages at the Paimpont forest. Today, the castle is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

A majestic castle which was built in 1382 by John IV of Montfort, Duke of Brittany. It stands on the Medieval rampart of the town. It was an example of the ancient architecture of France and also it paves light to the ancient history of this area. The castle was listed for protection as a monument historique in 1886. It is owned by the commune and houses the local museum.

The Château de Foix is a castle in the French département of Ariège. An important tourist site, it dominates the town of Foix and was once a Cathar Castle. It is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. It was the home of the celebrated family of counts who became the viscount of Béarn, then kings of Navarre and kings of France.

An impressive castle with a curtain wall and 13 towers. A beautiful architectural wonder which takes you to medieval times and tells the fascinating history of the fortress. The current castle dates from the 12th century and consists of three enclosures whose walls are dotted with towers. It was one of the main tourist attractions in this area and also a nice place which paves the way for the history of France.

Château de La Rochepot is a 12th-century feudal castle of neo-Gothic-Burgundian style, rebuilt in the 15th century. In the 19th century, it was completely restored and covered with glazed burgundy tiles. It is located in the commune of La Rochepot in the Côte-d'Or department, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France. The castle was built in 1180 on the ruins of a castle burnt down in the 11th century. It belonged to seigneur de Montagu Alexander of Burgundy. Nowadays, these ruins are located in the nea

The castle de Monbazillac is a unique and original architectural blend of medieval defensive fortifications and Renaissance exuberance. Set in the heart of the prestigious vineyard of the same name. It is an attractive wooded setting with far-reaching views across the region. The castle contains some finely decorated rooms and apartments.