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Famous French Monuments and Their History

Monuments francais celebres


French historical heritage is known for its monuments, which attract millions of visitors from all over the world every year. Among them, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and Mont Saint-Michel are three sites with worldwide popularity. These historic monuments of France are not only exemplary from an aesthetic point of view but are also witnesses to the history of the Hexagon. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious to experience the French way of life, these monuments offer an opportunity to revisit important periods of our past and represent a part of every French person's heritage. These sites are not only architectural achievements but also serve as educational tools for learning French. If you're taking courses for teenagers, these monuments provide a unique and concrete context to practice the language and discover French culture.

1) The Effel Tower, the world-famous Iron Lady

Tour eiffel apprendre francais en france

Let's start our journey with the famous Eiffel Tower, this world-renowned symbol of the capital and all of France. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, this metallic structure was originally called the "300-meter Tower" and was meant to be dismantled after twenty years. Today, it rises to 330 meters thanks to a new antenna installed on its summit in 2022 for digital radio. If you're planning a visit, you can prepare by gathering information on the official website dedicated to this monument or by diving into history magazines.

The anecdotes surrounding its construction are numerous. Did you know, for example, that "Gustave Eiffel" is actually a pseudonym? The famous engineer (whose birth name was Gustave Bönickhausen) had to change his surname.
The French of the 1870s found his name difficult to pronounce and were often hostile to German-sounding names. Another interesting fact about the Eiffel Tower is that it changes size depending on the season. The metal expands in the heat and contracts in the cold, so the tower can grow by a few millimeters in summer due to thermal expansion.

The Eiffel Tower is a must-see for students who have the chance to take French courses in France. French teachers love taking their students there, making it a popular destination for children. But it’s also the perfect opportunity to practice architecture vocabulary for adults while enjoying a breathtaking view of Paris.

2) The Arc de Triomphe, an imposing structure of French architecture

The Arc de Triomphe, a stone structure standing 49 meters tall, sits atop the Champs-Élysées, on Place Charles de Gaulle. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 following the Battle of Austerlitz to celebrate his military victories, this monument was only completed thirty years later. For those taking French courses in France for seniors, it’s an opportunity to explore the origin of this monument, which features a grand frieze depicting key figures from the French Revolution.

Arc de triomphe paris apprendre francais en france

If you climb the 284 steps leading to the panoramic terrace of the Arc, you will be rewarded with a unique view of Paris. This imposing monument also houses a small museum that traces its construction history. Beneath the Arc de Triomphe lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with an eternal flame rekindled every evening to honor the millions of French soldiers who died in the Great War, inviting a moment of reflection. Whether you're taking French courses in France or simply traveling for pleasure, don’t forget to take the time to explore this place.

The French campuses for children include visits to cultural sites (castles, museums, historical centers, etc.), allowing young learners to communicate in a stimulating context. For adult students, these visits offer the opportunity to combine language learning with cultural discovery. In Antibes, Fort Carré, the city walls, and the Picasso Museum will be equally interesting suggestions.


3) Mont Saint-Michel, a unique site between land and sea

Apprendre le francais en france mont saint michel

Our visit to French monuments wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Mont Saint-Michel, a fortified island unique in the world. Located in Normandy, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a true feat of medieval architecture. If you're interested in the legends surrounding French monuments, you might like to know that it was the famous giant Gargantua who supposedly created Mont Saint-Michel. One day, wanting to get rid of three small stones that had gotten into his boot, he shook it out, and the three pebbles fell, giving birth to three islets: Mont Saint-Michel, Tombelaine, and Mont-Dol.

Mont saint michel monument celebre

Another legend tells of the archangel Saint Michael appearing to the Bishop of Avranches, commanding him to build a church on a rocky islet. Today, Mont Saint-Michel attracts millions of visitors each year, fascinated by its bay. Don’t forget to wear good shoes and brace yourself for a challenge—over 350 steps await you to reach the top of the marvel!

Mont Saint-Michel is particularly appreciated by students taking French and culture courses because its long history blends religion and politics. And for those interested in regional languages, although few people still speak Niçois, a regional variety of Occitan, Norman patois is a local language that remains very much alive. For those studying French on the French Riviera, even if you're far from these popular sites, there's no need to feel envious. Our region is full of historical sites, and the prestigious hotels of the French Riviera (Le Martinez, Le Negresco, Hotel Belles Rives, etc.) bear witness to the Riviera’s glamorous past.


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