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UNESCO Building

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UNESCO Building - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Photo: Andy Quan

A visit to the Paris headquarters of  UNESCO , the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is well off the beaten path for most tourists, but it would appeal to anyone who wants to see something a little different, who loves architecture and great art, or who could use a dose of peace and understanding! It’s a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, or an even shorter one from Invalides, in the 7th arrondisement.

The last time a Bonjour Paris insider visited UNESCO , it was easier to visit, spend a whole day hanging out, and even having a meal in the cafeteria with probably the best view of the Eiffel Tour in Paris. But these days, it requires a bit more planning.

One of the easiest and best ways to visit UNESCO is to visit during the European Night of Museums (or “Museum Night”). On 17 May, UNESCO will open its doors to the public for the 8th consecutive year so you can discover its buildings and art collection. Maybe you can fit in a visit to other venues the same evening. On this fabulous night, museums are open until 1 am, and it’s FREE. This year marks Museum Night’s 10th anniversary and last year, two million visitors took part.

Many of the museums will be hosting special activities. UNESCO is no different. Visitors can check out the temporary exhibition “Art for Peace”, featuring new works by the artist Lin Xiang Xiong, as well as contemporary works where artists from China and Belgium offer a cross-cultural perspective. It’s international understanding in art! Doors open from 8 pm with last admission at midnight. You’ll come in at the main entrance at 7 place de Fontenoy and exit at 125 avenue de Suffren near the Suffren metro station. Bookings not necessary!

Henry Moore sculpture, “Reclining Figure” at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Photo: Andy Quan

Another way to visit UNESCO is to come to one of their free cultural and intellectual events that are organized each month. An example of events was a recent jazz concert in honor of International Jazz Day and an exhibition exploring Buddist Sutras! Check out the listings on the official website:  www.unesco.org/fr/cultural-events

Otherwise, you can arrange in advance for a public tour; but get some friends together as they’re only for groups. Lasting half an hour, these guided tours take place in French and English, Tuesday through Friday at 10am or 3pm, and include a short presentation of UNESCO, a guided tour of the Japanese Garden, the Meditation Space of Tadao Ando, some parts of the main building and a viewing of some major artwork. It takes some planning though; they ask to be contacted 10 weeks in advance with an email to [email protected] and the date you want to visit.

Meditation Space by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Photo: Andy Quan

Created in 1945, UNESCO’s aim is to “contribute to the building of peace , the eradication of poverty , sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information.” Translated into more practical terms, UNESCO advocates for education for all, builds intercultural understanding through such actions as the protection of World Heritage sites, pursues scientific cooperation, and promotes freedom of expression.

Architecturally, the buildings at UNESCO headquarters are fantastic; the most prominent is a ‘three-pointed star’, with three long wings of a building radiating out from the core in a classic 50s design. The site also includes two other buildings and a set of underground offices and hallways, surrounding sunken courtyards. The HQ was almost designed by the famous Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, but in an archetypal move, three architects from different countries (France, Italy and the United States) were appointed as a less controversial choice.

Alberto Giacometti’s sculpture “Walking Man” at UNESCO. Photo: Andy Quan

It’s not just the buildings that are interesting at UNESCO. The headquarters host some of the world’s finest artwork with works scattered throughout the space by luminaries such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Alexander Calder. One of Giacometti’s Walking Men is located at UNESCO; a version of the same sculpture was the most expensive sculpture in the world from 2010–2015. Henry Moore’s Reclining Figure is not only stunning in its monumental form, but it is also located perfectly on the lawn outside the main building. A focal point for attention, the statue changes character under different angles of the sun.

Quiet and assuming, one of the most stunning artworks is the Meditation Space designed by famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Ando works most often in concrete, with an emphasis on form, light and simplicity. A cylinder measuring 21 feet high and wide, the Meditation Space hovers above a pool with rocks that were exposed to radiation from Hiroshima, now irradiated, but with water flowing over them, cleansing the souls of the dead – or the wounds of war. The Japanese garden is also beautiful. Created by the Japanese-American artists Isamu Noguchi in 1958, the garden was created by a sculptor, rather than a landscape architect, thereby tilting the balance between nature and human creativity towards the latter.

So, whether it’s beauty, quiet, art, architecture or cultural events you’re after, find it at UNESCO. Have a good visit.

The gardens at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Photo: Andy Quan

Lead photo credit : UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Photo: Andy Quan

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Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, Andy is a writer and editor who has lived in Sydney, Australia since 1999. He’s also lived in Brussels and London, and has had the privilege to live in Paris a few months here and there in recent years. He’s the author of two books of poetry and two of short stories, a reiki practitioner, and one of those people who likes taking photos of their food.

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6 Unesco World Heritage sites to discover in Paris and the Ile-de-France region

Ile-de-France is home to a number of sublime Unesco World Heritage sites. Here are 6 listed sites in and around Paris for you to discover . We invite you to explore these exceptional sites, starting with the famous Château de Versailles . Located at the gateway to Paris, these sites are just waiting to be discovered.

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Guided tour of UNESCO headquarters

Until 31/12/2024

Description

Discover the headquarters of one of the world’s most famous international institutions:  UNESCO .

Your guide will take you on a special tour of the Maison de l’UNESCO  (the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), with its remarkably characterful architecture at the very heart of Paris.

While telling you all about the missions, projects and impact of this specialist UN  agency, your guide will show you around UNESCO ’s incredible premises: the vast conference rooms, which host major international events; the square, where you can admire the famous symbolic Globe, and the concrete corridors and walkways, typical of modern architecture.

A collection of works of art by the greatest artists of the 19th century can be admired as you follow the tour. Your guide will talk you through works by  Calder ,  Picasso  and  Giacometti . Re-discovering these contemporary artists outside of a museum setting, and considering their links with UNESCO ’s work, is sure to be an enlightening experience.

Surprises, discoveries and education are guaranteed on this guided tour, which is simultaneously rooted in the centre of Paris and global in its outlook.

Please note: reservations can be made 24 hours after purchasing tickets and are subject to availability at the time of booking.

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Tickets and prices.

• Reservation with the Agence Cultival is mandatory, via the Gift Vouchers and Tickets section of the website, or by calling the number indicated on your ticket .
• Important: Please wait 24 hours after purchasing your tickets to make your reservation and subjet to availability at the time of booking. Ticket valid for 12 months from date of purchase.
• The booking is subject to availability. The purchase of a ticket does not guarantee that it can be used on every date during the validity period.
• When confirming your reservation, please provide the following information for each participant: First and last name ; Telephone number
• Duration of the tour: 1h30
• Suitable for children aged 5 and over.
• Guided tour: First Saturday of every month at 11:30 and third Wednesday of every month at 15:30.
• Proof of identity required. Visitors unable to provide proof of identity will not be admitted. No cloakroom. No pushchair/luggage/umbrella storage facilities.

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19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France

In this post, we're listing some of the 49 wonderful UNESCO World Heritage sites in France. The whole of France is famous for its  many architectural and historical monuments, and we are happy to include some of these in our France vacation packages . Of the 1073 sites on the  United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) list of World Heritage Sites ,  49 are in France (as of 2023). It has the fourth largest number of historical sites in the world after Italy (58), China (57), and Germany (52). 

France’s UNESCO-listed sites take a variety of forms including  historic towns ,  palaces ,  castles ,  religious buildings ,  forts ,  canals , and  landscapes . These sites can be found spread all across France, so wherever you go, you won’t be far away from one of them. Visit the UNESCO website to find out about the criteria that must be met in order to be awarded UNESCO status.

The French formal gardens at Versailles

Here we have listed the sites according to some of the regions we cover in our tours:

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Paris & Around

There is no shortage of beautiful monuments and incredible architecture in the City of Light. However, when it comes to world  heritage sites in P aris , there's actually only one - the Banks of the Seine River.  In total, France's capital and the surrounding region of Île-de-France have four heritage sites, three of which are within easy reach of Paris . Also check our post on places you can visit from Paris in a day, with instructions on how to get there.

The Banks of the Seine River

This is the only heritage site in the city of Paris. The evolution of the banks of the River Seine demonstrates the emergence of Paris as a predominant European city. The banks are home to many of Paris’s most iconic landmarks including the  Louvre ,  the Eiffel Tower ,  the Cathedral of Notre Dame , Sainte Chapelle church , the  Place de la Concorde , the Grand Palais , the Petit Palais, the Passerelle des Arts, and several important bridges, including the Pont Alexandre III, the Pont au Change and the Pont au Double. These along with many more bridges and buildings contribute to the romantic ambiance associated with Paris. All the incredible pieces of architecture and engineering have been preserved throughout history and will be for many years to come. The Banks of the Seine were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1991. 

The Seine river banks in Paris - ©Daniel Thierry - Paris Tourist Cffice

The Palace and Park of Versailles

UNESCO inscribed the Palace of Versailles as a World Heritage site in 1979. The year 2019 marks 100 years since the signing of the Treaty of Versailles , marking the official end of World War I, between Germany and the Allies. In previous centuries it was the main residence of Kings Louis XIV, XV and XVI. Originally it was King Louis XIII’s hunting lodge before he decided to turn it into a castle in the 1630s. The palace itself perfectly demonstrates the lives of excess and extravagance led by French royalty at that time.

A majority of the construction and extravagant decoration took place under the watch of Louis XIV, who was much inspired by the beautiful Vaux Le Vicomte castle , belonging to his Superintendent of State Finances, Nicolas Fouquet. The jewel in the crown – so to speak – at Versailles is the magnificent Hall of Mirrors . Mirrors were one of the most expensive luxuries money could buy at the time, yet another display of wealth by ‘the Sun King’. The park and gardens of Versailles expand for 1,976 acres beyond the Palace. Visitors will need the better part of a day to explore them in their entirety, and thus may like to set aside a weekend to visit the Palace and the gardens.

The Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles

The Palace and Park of Fontainebleau

The magnificent Fontainebleau castle was the residence of French kings, who would often use it as a hunting lodge. It is the only royal castle to have been continuously inhabited for seven centuries, from Louis VII in the 12th century to Napoleon in the 19th. Visitors gain a fascinating insight into French history at Fontainebleau, with an ornate style of décor similar to that of Versailles. For example, the horseshoe staircase curling up to the main door is particularly impressive. In the 16th century, King François I decided to transform, expand and embellish the castle, creating an Italianate palace which combined Renaissance and French artistic styles. The King declared the palace a ‘New Rome’.

Fontainebleau typically receives fewer visitors than Versailles and therefore does not have long queues. This offers people more flexibility for visiting at any time of day. The castle grounds are huge, like Versailles, and the vast Fontainebleau forest adjacent to the castle offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, horseback-riding, or simply a pleasant stroll in the fresh country air. Fontainebleau received its UNESCO status in 1981.

Fontainebleau castle

Provins, A Town of Medieval Fairs 

The fortified medieval town of Provins was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001. The powerful Counts of Champagne once ruled this region, which is about 57 miles southeast of Paris. Its medieval trade fairs and wool industry made it an important center of international trade.

The old town is surrounded by fortified gates and ramparts and it could easily have been frozen in time. The Cesar Tower is a symbol of the power of the ruling Earls. Visitors may climb to the top and enjoy sweeping panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside. Many visitors enjoy wandering through the village admiring the medieval architecture while taking some photos. Those looking for some entertainment might enjoy La Legende des Chevaliers  show, a medieval re-enactment of knights in battle , or Les Aigles Des Remparts , a birds of prey show . The Grange aux Dimes is also worth a visit for people wanting to learn more about the medieval wool trade. In addition, naturalists visiting the town in the late spring/early summer should also pay a visit to the Rose Gardens , which will be in full bloom at this time of year.

The medieval town of Provins

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Normandy

There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Normandy :

Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay

Located in the department of Manche in the region of Basse-Normandie, between Normandy and Brittany, the islet of Mont Saint Michel is the ‘Wonder of the West’. This Gothic Benedictine abbey and its village were dedicated to St Michael. There are many legends associated with it. The abbey was constructed between the 11th and 16th century in a pre-Romanesque architectural style with a number of gothic structures and is also known as a 'Marvel of the Western World.' The abbey was used as both a prison and a place of worship at different times. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Mont Saint Michel in Normandy

King François I founded the city and port of Le Havre on Normandy’s coast in 1517. However, large areas of the city were destroyed during World War II, and the city was rebuilt by the architectural firm of Auguste Perret between 1945 and 1964. Auguste Perret personally designed the town hall and St Joseph’s Church. On July 15th 2005, as a commendation of the reconstruction work, Le Havre became one of the few contemporary sites in Europe to be listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Particularly notable in the modern architecture is the use of precast concrete and the straight lines of the design.   

Panoramic view of Le Havre 

Fortifications of Vauban

The watchtowers at Saint Vasst la Hougue are one of 12 groups of fortified buildings and sites located along the borders of France . They were designed by Vauban and in the 17th century and were collectively awarded UNESCO status in 2008.

Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban - later the Marquis de Vauban and commonly referred to as just ‘Vauban’ - was a French military engineer who lived from 1633 to 1707. He served Louis XIV, who commissioned him as a Marshal of France, a distinction awarded to generals for exceptional achievements.

One of the most important engineers of his time, Vauban was inspired by fellow military engineer Blaise François Pagan's text "Les Fortifications". He advised King Louis XIV on how best to consolidate France's borders to make them more defensible, and this became a key component of French policy. He also advocated retreating from certain areas to create a stronger, less porous border. This was considered a radical concept at the time. Vauban's concepts remained the  dominant model for fortification and siegecraft  for nearly 100 years thereafter. 

The Vauban watchtowers at Saint Vasst la Hougue on the isle of Tatihou

Other locations in Normandy, including the World War II landing sites, are expected to become World Heritage sites in the near future.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley has three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Loire Valley’s unique landscapes between Sully-Sur-Loire and Chalonnes

As the France Just For You ‘Head Office’ ( Emilie and Guillaume ’s home) is in the Loire Valley, we can attest to the fact that the heart of castle country deserves its status as one of France’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The gorgeous Loire Valley has an exceptional and beautiful cultural landscape . It contains historical towns and villages from across the centuries, including Blois, Chinon, Orleans, Saumur, Tours and some of the most beautiful villages in France . The 300+ châteaux are the magnificent stars scattered throughout the Loire Valley, across cultivated land that has developed from centuries of interaction between the inhabitants and their physical environment, in which the Loire River has played a significant role. The Loire Valley became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Springtime in the Loire Valley

Chartres Cathedral

In 1979, Chartres cathedral was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has changed very little since its construction was finished in the 13th century, and many of the original stained glass windows have remained intact. UNESCO refers to the cathedral as " the high point of French Gothic art ". The huge cathedral dominates the small town of Chartres, which lies 50 miles southwest of Paris. Some of this wonderful cathedral’s defining characteristics are its flying buttresses , which dominate the exterior of the cathedral. These help support the whole structure, and meant that the architects were able to increase the size of the stained glass windows significantly.

Another of the cathedral’s key imposing features are its contrasting spires , one a pyramid shaped from around the year 1160, and a taller more decorative and ornate spire which was constructed later on in the early 16th century. Hundreds of sculpted figures illustrating well-known theological themes and stories adorn the building’s three façades, and both Christian pilgrims and secular tourists find this historical masterpiece of great interest. The cathedral’s most famous relic is the Virgin Mary’s Sancta Camisa , believed to be the tunic she wore at the birth of Jesus Christ.

Chartres cathedral

Bourges Cathedral

Bourges Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of St Etienne of Bourges . It became a World Heritage site in 1992, and according to UNESCO is another of " the great masterpieces of Gothic art" . The present cathedral replaced the original structure, remains of which exist in the crypt. Documentary evidence suggests that construction on the current structure began in the late 12th century.

Aside from the sheer scale of the building, visitors can also admire the stained glass windows , the Romanesque carved portals and exquisitely sculpted façades , and the flying buttresses surrounding the cathedral , which are far more slender-looking and efficient than the heavier ones at Chartres. A particularly interesting feature is the astronomical clock , which was installed to mark the baptism of Charles VII's son, the future King Louis XI, in November 1494. At this time, the royal court was based in Bourges.

The cathedral is situated in what was the northeastern corner of the former Gallo-Roman walled city. Evidence suggests that the site has been the location of the town’s main church since historical records began.  

Bourges cathedral

UNESCO World Heritage sites in Burgundy

The region of Burgundy is home to four UNESCO heritage sites:

The Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains and The Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans 

The Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans , near the town of Besançon , was the first significant achievement of industrial architecture. Built by Claude Nicolas Ledoux in the late 18th century during the era of the Enlightenment, the focus at the time was on the ideal of progress. The semicircular design of the enormous complex was intended to facilitate the organization of work in a logical and hierarchical way. Originally the plan was to build an ‘ideal city’ to follow on from this achievement, but this was never realized, possibly due to the French Revolution.

The Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains was active for nearly 200 years before closing in 1962. From 1780 to 1895, salt water from Salins-les-Bains travelled through 13 miles of wooden pipes to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans. Its location near the dense Chaux Forest ensured a constant supply of wood for fuel.

Visitors can walk around the saltworks and discover its history and why it became a listed site in 1982. Under Salins-les-Bains, there is an underground gallery dating back to the 13 th century, as well as a 19 th century hydraulic pump that still works. At the time, the salt was known as ‘ White Gold ’, and the boiler house gives visitors a sense of the hard labor involved in collecting it.

Salins-les-bains

The Climats, vineyards and terroirs of Burgundy

The Climats of Burgundy are the worldwide birthplace of terroir-based viticulture (grape-harvesting) and were inscribed as World heritage sites by UNESCO in 2015. They have become a model for all those who want to identify their wine to the place where it is produced . The 1,247 Climats are delimited areas of land separated by stone walls, and comprise the mosaic of vineyards stretching 37 miles across the slopes of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune. For this reason they are part of a powerful, deeply-rooted local culture. Each Climat has a name, which is now cast in stone in the appellation d'origine controlee system. Through careful human cultivation over the centuries, these vineyards have become renowned throughout the world.

The unique diversity of soils, the natural terraces at varying altitudes, the different types of vines that are cultivated, as well as the varied exposure to the sun all give each Climat its own identity, with unique tasting characteristics. This accounts for the huge and varying range of Burgundy wines, reflecting their place of origin and the winemaker’s skills and savoir-faire . Burgundian winegrowers have shown an incredible determination to so precisely link a wine to its place of origin and production as in Burgundy. They work with two wine varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

The Climats are bookended by the beautiful towns of Dijon to the north and Beaune to the south , both of which are included in our self drive tours of Burgundy.

Côte de Nuits vineyards. ©Photo: Stefan Bauer

The Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay

The first communities of Cistercian monks believed in the ideal of self-sufficiency. The austere Romesque-Gothic architecture of the Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, founded in 1119 by Saint Bernard, illustrates this ideal perfectly through its church, cloister, dovecote eating and sleeping quarters, bakery and ironworks. All of the building’s original features remain intact apart from the refectory. Fontenay Abbey is located about an hour’s drive northwest of Dijon and accepts visitors all year round (but check the website for opening hours, which vary depending on the time of year). From April through November the opening hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Guided tours are only available at this time of year and start at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 13:45pm, 14:45pm, 4pm, and 5pm. Entrance including a guided tour costs 12.50 euros. There are TGV trains from Paris to the nearest town of Montbard , which is about 3.5 miles away from the abbey.

Fontenay Abbey. ©Photo: Marc Ryckaert

Vezelay, Church and Hill

The Benedictine abbey of Vézelay is located in northern Burgundy, about an hour and a half’s drive west from Dijon, and was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in France in 1979. It is a famous place of pilgrimage, as it claims to hold the relics of Mary Magdalene , which were apparently acquired a short time after its foundation in the 9th century. In 1146, St Bernard of Clairvaux, a French abbot and a major leader in the reform of Benedictine monasticism that led to the formation of the Cistercian order, preached the Second Crusade there. In 1190, Richard the Lion-Heart and Philip II Augustus used the abbey as their meeting point as they departed for the Third Crusade. The sculpted capitals and portal of the 12th-century monastic church, Madeleine of Vézelay, make it a masterpiece of Burgundian Romanesque art and architecture.

Benedictine abbey of Vézelay, Burgundy

UNESCO World Heritage in Provence & Riviera

In Provence, there are four registered heritage sites, which absolutely must feature on any traveler’s France bucket list:

Roman Theater & triumphal arch of Orange

The theater of Orange was built between A.D. 10 and 25 to commemorate the Pax Romana and is one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. The 103m long facade and the surviving examples of architecture typical of Augustus' reign make this theatre unlike any other. It was introduced onto the list in 1981. After visiting Orange, you may like to relax with a nice glass of wine nearby in the beautiful Chateauneuf-du-Pape .

Orange Roman Theater - ©Gromel CDT vaucluse

Historic Center of Avignon : Papal Palace & Avignon Bridge

Avignon is well known for its medieval architecture and monuments. The austere-looking fortress of the Palais des Papes ( Popes’ Palace) , an exceptional example of Gothic architecture, dominates the city. In the 14th century, Avignon was the seat of the papacy, and this brought a great deal of wealth to the city at the time. The Popes remained in residence in Avignon for over a century until 1403. The remains of a 12th-century bridge Pont d’Avignon ( Avignon Bridge also called St Bénézet Bridge) used to connect the Papal seat to the rest of France and was at the time the only bridge across the Rhône River.

Below the Popes’ Palace is the Petit Palais and the Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms , comprising an outstanding selection of monuments that reinforce the significance of Avignon in 14th-century Christian Europe. Fast-forward six centuries and the impressive medieval ramparts surround a beautiful modern city that enjoys lovely weather and a vibrant culture. Avignon is easy to access from Paris by TGV train in around three hours. Alternatively, fly into Marseille or Nice International, which are both much closer to Avignon.

Avignon, Provence - ©David Lefranc - CDT Vaucluse

Arles and the Roman Monuments

Arles has some impressive Roman ruins – the arena, Roman amphitheater and underground galleries date back to the 1st century B.C, and the baths of Constantine and the necropolis of Alyscamps are remnants of the second golden age experienced by Arles in the 4th century A.D. The town is a good example of how an ancient city transitioned to becoming a medieval city . In the 11th and 12th centuries, it was considered one of the most beautiful cities in southern Europe.

Nowadays, Arles is much associated with Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh . It was during his stay in Arles in 1888 that he developed his post-impressionist approach to still-lifes and local landscapes. He used brighter colors and painted his natural surroundings in Provence, which included olive groves, fields of wheat, and the famous sunflowers . Travelers may be interested in visiting the Vincent van Gogh Foundation museum, which doesn’t contain many pieces by van Gogh, but includes hundreds of other pieces, many of which were inspired by the style of van Gogh.

The Roman amphitheater at Arles

Pont du Gard Roman bridge

Close to Nimes and Avignon, the Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct that stands at three stories high and was added to France’s UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1985. It was built around the 1st century A.D. under the command of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, son-in-law of Augustus. The Romans transported water from the springs near Uzès through the Roman aqueduct. Incredibly, the aqueduct was built without mortar and has nonetheless remained intact across the ages, in spite of multiple floodings and occasional negligence. This masterpiece of Roman engineering is today one of France’s most popular tourist attractions. On our Provence tours , we give you tips on how to escape the crowds AND get the best shots. We also know another bridge, which is a bit of a local secret – it’s much smaller, but it should be just for your enjoyment, as other tourists won’t know about it.  

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bordeaux region

Bordeaux and its port .

Stretched mostly along the left bank of the Garonne River , the enchanting city of Bordeaux is surrounded by vineyards whose names are known around the world. These include Médoc, St Emilion, Margaux and Sauterne . Visitors travel to Bordeaux in the region of Aquitaine to enjoy wine tastings , stay on wine estates, and meet local French oenologists and sommeliers.

Those who want to explore beyond the vineyards may enjoy a trip to the Atlantic beaches and the Bay of Arcachon . Bordeaux offers something for everyone.

The city of Bordeaux is the perfect example of an urban and architectural ensemble. It has more protected buildings than Paris, and exhibits both innovative classical and neoclassical trends, making it a place of great cultural value. It is a capital of wine production and a commercial port and was inducted to UNESCO in 2007.

Pont de Pierre in Bordeaux

No matter what you enjoy doing, France has something to take everyone's breath away.

Go and check out these amazing sites for yourself, marvel in awe at the incredible architecture or learn all about the history of one of these incredible places on a France Just For You Tour. 

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Travelers Reviews

My wife & I completed a 2 week self-driving tour engaging the thorough and knowledgeable services of Emilie A France Just for You. Every detail was flawlessly accounted for, GPS app, wonderful B&B's, and she planned our itinerary according to our desires. The advantage of enlisting her is to get a reality check on time spent in each area as well as …

My wife & I completed a 2 week self-driving tour engaging the thorough and knowledgeable services of Emilie A France Just for You. Every detail was flawlessly accounted for, GPS app, wonderful B&B's, and she planned our itinerary according to our desires. The advantage of enlisting her is to get a reality check on time spent in each area as well as driving distances. We had so much ground to cover that she made this an efficient trip. Too bad LeMans track was not open for viewing(had a truck race that nite, so is closed to visitors). But museum was awesome. All her chosen accommodations were wonderful & it saved me tons of hours of research. She arranged our day to day visits and was extremely flexible & enabled me to drive the 1200 miles in an efficient manner. That was very important to me, as I prefer to travel alone with my wife rather than a group, and our journey was as smoothe as a Swiss timepiece. She chose places to visit that were off the beaten path that we would have missed on our own. Highly recommend Emilie.

France Just for You - Emile and Laura - accomplished the task with skill and knowledge. Accommodations were excellent with lots of local color, suggestions for parking a large SUV were helpful, solving on the spot problems was handled with expertise and courtesy, sites were overwhelmingly beautiful. The guide book is the best. All the guides were …

France Just for You - Emile and Laura - accomplished the task with skill and knowledge. Accommodations were excellent with lots of local color, suggestions for parking a large SUV were helpful, solving on the spot problems was handled with expertise and courtesy, sites were overwhelmingly beautiful. The guide book is the best. All the guides were excellent, well informed, professional to a high extent, knowledgeable about subjects not in their area of expertise. They made a most enjoyable trip excellent. The cooking class with Oliver Laboute in his high tech kitchen and professional knowledge was the highlight of the trip, as he planned and executed a wonderful 80th birthday dinner. Best day was in Beauvais and visits to the WWI sites near Verdun. This was the second time we have booked with France just for you and will do so again in the future.

My wife and I are fairly seasoned travelers so when we decided to include a trip to France in our year long 50th Anniversary Celebration we wanted to do something different. We looked at group travel companies including those who specialize in "small" groups. None of them had the flavor we were looking for. In my search for somethin new I happened …

My wife and I are fairly seasoned travelers so when we decided to include a trip to France in our year long 50th Anniversary Celebration we wanted to do something different. We looked at group travel companies including those who specialize in "small" groups. None of them had the flavor we were looking for. In my search for somethin new I happened upon the website of France Just For You and was intrigued by the idea of having a custom-designed French experience. One or two emails later we discovered just how great our experience was going to be. Emilie Thyebaut takes your wishes and likes and turns them into realities. Her extensive planning made our two week trip a memory of a life time. Nothing was omitted--dining recommendations, excellent B&B reservations, rental car reservation, pre-booked guides for such locations as Mont-Saint-Michel--nothing was left to chance. Loke at the France Just For You website and you should be able to make your vacation dreams come true.

The team created an amazing trip. We gave them the nick name “travel fairies” All was just magical.

For our journey in the Loire Valley, we could not have hoped for more gracious, firendly and hospitable hosts. They made us feel like long time friends. It has been wonderful sharing this time with this French family and we hope we may meet again. The guidebook was totally professional and indispensable ! Aurevoir et merci beaucoup

This is our second trip with France Just for You. The expertly organized trip we experienced the first time, brought us back again. The B&Bs and the activities planned for us were diverse and totally enjoyable! Picnic in an active winery in harvest, cooking in a French kitchen, dune buggy ride in the vineyards at the base of Mont Ventoux all …

This is our second trip with France Just for You. The expertly organized trip we experienced the first time, brought us back again. The B&Bs and the activities planned for us were diverse and totally enjoyable! Picnic in an active winery in harvest, cooking in a French kitchen, dune buggy ride in the vineyards at the base of Mont Ventoux all amazing. We suggest that anyone reading this should give it a try. We know that Emilie and Guillaume will put together a holiday that you will never forget. Well done once again!

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Press release

Audrey Azoulay meets with Antony Blinken at UNESCO

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made his first official visit to UNESCO headquarters since the United States re-joined the Organization in July 2023. In a meeting with Audrey Azoulay, he reaffirmed the United States' full commitment to supporting UNESCO's mandate for education, sciences, culture and information.

The Director-General praised the United States' commitment to the Organization's multisector priorities including Africa and gender equality, improving access to quality education for all, as well as globally implementing the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence which was unanimously adopted by UNESCO's Member States in November 2021.

Audrey Azoulay and Antony Blinken also discussed actions that are being implemented and envisaged by UNESCO in crisis and conflict environments, notably in Iraq, Gaza and Ukraine. In recent months, the United States has made a voluntary contribution of $3 million to UNESCO to preserve the works of Ukrainian artists, including the works of Maria Prymachenko. 

On the occasion of this meeting, Audrey Azoulay also paid tribute to UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Esther Coopersmith, who passed away on March 26, and who was an ardent advocate of the United States' return to the Organization.

About UNESCO

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945. 

More information: www.unesco.org

Press contact

Matthieu LAMARRE, Cabinet of the Director-General,  [email protected]

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• Region: Europe and North America
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Behind the scenes of the UNESCO headquarters

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Discover the headquarters of one of the most prestigious international organisations during an exclusive tour of the UNESCO house in Paris .

• General and Specific Conditions :   ID required
• Location :   Invalides - Ecole Militaire
• Duration :   1.5 hour
• Nom et prénom de chaque participant obligatoire :   Name and Last Name of each participant required during the registration
• Access by Public Transport :   Cambronne (Metro line 6 ) - Ecole Militaire (Metro Line 8)
• Language :   English

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Normal price : 15,00 €

Student (-27 years) : 8,00 €

Child (-19 years) : 6,00 €

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Description

Located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris , close to the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower, UNESCO House has been home to the headquarters of this specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) since 1958. A treasure of modern architecture , it is the result of a collaboration among several emblematic figures of the twentieth century, including the three architects: Bernard Zehrfuss, Marcel Breuer and Luigi Nervi. This guided tour, which focuses on the actions and impact of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization , will allow you to discover its operation as well as its values. Accompanied by your guide, you will pass through the institution's iconic spaces, such as its impressive conference rooms, walkways, concrete corridors, the only Japanese garden of Paris , or its meditation space designed by the famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando. This visit will also be an opportunity to discover the exceptional works of art housed in UNESCO House: from Miró to Picasso, from Giacometti to Calder, a unique and unexpected collection of more than 600 contemporary masterpieces unfolds along the way. Whether you are interested in UNESCO's missions, passionate about art and architecture, or simply want to know how this famous organisation works, this unusual guided tour in the heart of Paris will arouse your curiosity, and inspire you.

IMPORTANT: Please note that you will need to pass a security check to get to the meeting point. We recommend you to arrive 15 minutes prior the time of your visit. ID document is also required. Access will be denied to visitors without an ID document.

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