Page 40 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France

Bask in the Sun
King’s Legacy
Louis XIV was one of the most
powerful kings to rule France.
He built the opulent palace
and gardens at Versailles
(p170); the gold decorations
and ornate Hall of Mirrors
reflect his unlimited power.
DISCOVER France Your Way Laye ­ it's now the National
Take time to visit his birth­
place at Saint­Germain­en­
Museum of Archaeo logy.

The overwhelmingly
excessive Hall of Mirrors,

FRANCE FOR symbol of Versailles
HISTORY BUFFS

France is home to magnificent prehistoric cave paintings, mysterious
megalithic sites, spectacular Roman theatres, lavish Renaissance châteaux
and haunting memorials to those killed in both world wars. Everywhere you
turn, inspiring sights attest to the country’s long and colourful history.

Ramble Through
Roman Ruins
France is strewn with superb
Roman monuments, partic­
ularly in the south. Nîmes
(p476) has a fantastic Roman
history museum, and a well­
preserved Roman amphi­
theatre, which is the setting
for the Festival of Nîmes in
summer; don't miss tickets
to major acts. The Roman
theatre in Orange also puts
on concerts. Nearby, climb to
the top tier of 2,000­year­old
aqueduct Pont du Gard (p489)
for tremendous views.

Did You Know?

Napoléon ordered
trees to be planted
along French roads so
that his armies could
march in the shade.

40

040-041_EW_France.indd 40 30/01/2019 14:47

EW Themes template v1 – 18th May 2018
Fonts: Posterama Text, Soho Gothic Pro, Soho Pro