Heritage gothic monument guide

The Château de Dourdan, an ancient fortified castle to discover in Essonne (91)

In the Essonne department, near Dourdan, you'll find a 13th-century fortified castle. Although you can't visit the interior, you can visit the ramparts on a walking tour!

Unusual: In Île-de-France, this leaning tower is nicknamed the Pisa of the North (91).

Did you know that in the Île-de-France region, more specifically in Essonne, there is a tower whose tilt is reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Here is the story of the Church of Saint-Martin d'Étampes and its astonishing leaning bell tower.

The Musée de Cluny, Paris' museum of the Middle Ages, its program and age-old treasures

Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Musée de Cluny is housed in the 13th-century Hôtel des Abbés de Cluny, and is home to works of art even older than that! Come and visit this museum dedicated to the Middle Ages in Paris.

The Hôtel de Sens, a royal residence of Gothic architecture hidden in the Paris marshlands

It's a sublime château-like mansion, and one of the few remaining vestiges of the medieval era in Paris. The Hôtel de Sens is a monument hidden away in the Marais district of Paris. What is its history and how can you visit it? We tell you all about it.

All you need to know about Notre-Dame de Paris: opening hours, tours, reservations, events

With its thirteen million visitors a year, Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is one of the capital's must-sees. A place of worship as well as a monument, it has witnessed the history of Paris since its construction. Since December 8, 2024, the monument is once again accessible. With reservations, year-round concerts and suggested tours, discover all the information you need to prepare your visit to this emblem of Paris, ready to welcome the world.

(Re)discover Royaumont Abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in Ile-de-France

Just north of Paris, in the Val d'Oise, stands the Abbaye de Royaumont, founded in 1228 by Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille. This royal abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in the Île-de-France region, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. With its listed buildings, Royaumont offers a fascinating insight into French medieval history. Many events now take place on the premises, and we take you on a journey of rediscovery.

In Seine-et-Marne, discover the Gothic remains of a royal abbey (77)

In Dammarie-lès-Lys, in the heart of a tranquil park, the Gothic ruins of a Cistercian abbey founded by Blanche de Castille and Saint Louis in 1244 offer a romantic getaway for lovers of old stones and heritage to explore or photograph.

The Conciergerie in Paris: a monument symbolic of the French Revolution

The Conciergerie is a historic building on the Ile de la Cité in Paris. Since its construction in the 10th century, this monument has been the seat of the Palais de Justice and a prison in turn. It was here that Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned.

The Tour Saint-Jacques, the ancient bell tower with its sublime view over Paris, is open from May to November.

The Tour Saint-Jacques, with its panoramic view over the whole of Paris, is open to visitors from May 15 to November 15, 2025. Located just a stone's throw from the Hôtel de Ville, this historic monument is a sight to behold, with its 62 meters and 300 steps. Tours are available in small groups.

The Sainte-Chapelle and its 1113 stained-glass windows, a true Gothic jewel in Paris

The Sainte-Chapelle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, with its 1113 colorful stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. This 800-year-old Gothic gem becomes a magical place under the sun.

Château de Blandy-les-Tours, a medieval monument in a charming Seine-et-Marne village

The little-known Château de Blandy-les-Tours, located in the very center of a picturesque village in the Seine-et-Marne region, boasts a rich heritage that has spanned history, wars and centuries. A true medieval fortress that has been preserved to the present day, it is one of the most impressive castles in the Île-de-France region. We take you on a voyage of discovery.

Guided tours of the ruins of Saint-Maur Abbey (94)

In the town of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés lies a little gem, an ancient abbey founded in 639, of which only the ruins remain today, and which can be admired on guided tours organized by the Société d'histoire et d'archéologie de Saint-Maur.

The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame de Mantes, nicknamed "the little sister of Notre-Dame de Paris".

In the Yvelines region, in the heart of the town of Mantes-La-Jolie, the Collégiale Notre-Dame de Mantes is one of the treasures of the Île-de-France region. This impressive church, listed as a Monument Historique, is also nicknamed "Notre-Dame de Paris's little sister".

Heloise & Abelard, Père Lachaise's oldest residents: the story of Paris's Romeo & Juliet

Do you know the legend of Heloise and Abelard? This mythical couple from medieval Paris has left its mark on people throughout the centuries. Nicknamed the "star-crossed lovers", their story continues to fascinate Parisian enthusiasts, who pay their respects at Père Lachaise, where they are the oldest residents.

Saint-Denis Basilica, the necropolis of the Kings of France in Saint-Denis (93), discover its history

How about (re)discovering the Basilique Saint-Denis? Classified as a historical monument, this religious edifice in Saint-Denis (93) is home to the necropolis of the Kings of France, and is a must-see for history buffs and those curious about the region's heritage. We tell you all about it!

Château de Vincennes: a royal fortress in Paris

Along with the Louvre, the Château de Vincennes is one of the most important castles in French history. It is also one of the largest and best-preserved fortified castles in Europe...

The Saint-Eustache Church, at Les Halles

It's impossible to stroll through Les Halles without visiting the Eglise Saint-Eustache, overlooking the district.

Eglise Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, opposite the Louvre

Just outside the Louvre, why not take a look at the Eglise Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, a beautiful church in the 1st arrondissement of Paris?

The Saint-Pierre de Montmartre church, a jewel of Gothic style in Paris

Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre is one of Paris' hidden treasures. One of the capital's oldest parish churches, it's well worth a visit.