UNESCO, France

The facts, some tips and a whole lot of opinion!

On this page to date:

Lyon
Le Havre
Turin

Previously visited UNESCO sites, France; Belfries of Belgium and France, Mont-Saint Michel, Nice, Paris Banks of the Seine & City of Strasbourg.

Lyon

Turin

Le Havre

The facts; Lyon, a city with over 2,000 years of history, boasts four distinctive districts that together earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998. These areas—Fourvière, Vieux Lyon, Presqu’île, and Croix-Rousse—each hold a distinct chapter of Lyon’s past.

Fourvière – This hilltop district was the site of a Roman colony founded in 43 BC. Visitors can explore, at no cost, the well-preserved ancient theater, the Odeon, and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city.

Vieux Lyon – One of the largest Renaissance quarters in Europe, Vieux Lyon is a labyrinth of narrow streets, colorful facades, and hidden traboules (covered passageways) once used by merchants and silk workers.

Presqu’île – Grand boulevards on the bustling peninsula between the Rhône and Saône rivers with opulent 19th-century architecture, and iconic squares such as Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux.

Croix-Rousse – Previously the hub of Lyon’s silk industry, Croix-Rousse retains its distinct identity as the hill that works. Steep streets and high-ceilinged buildings, designed for canuts (silk workers) and their looms, tell the story of the city’s rich textile heritage.

The tips; Catch the funicular up to the Roman ruins, for just €3.50 its worth saving your legs.
Look for the poignant WW2 monument near the train station.

The opinion; Lyon city is a nice city to stroll around, though keep in mind, once you leave the town center it gets less mobility friendly with lots of stairs and steep streets. Get to the Roman amphitheater early as it is popular, especially with school groups.

Bacon's rating of interest; ⭐⭐⭐/5

Bacon's rating of interest; ⭐⭐⭐½ /5

Bacon's rating of interest; ⭐⭐/5

The facts; Turin is a city of elegance, history and several UNESCO-listed architectural treasures that highlight its royal legacy. The Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, a collection of stunningly opulent palaces and huge hunting lodges, were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The Royal Palace, in the historic center of Turin, symbolises the power of the Savoy family dynasty and reflect Turin’s role as the center of European Baroque artistry.

Start at the Royal Square where Madama Palace stands, with its elegant facade designed in the early 1700s.

Carignano Palace, overlooking Piazza Carlo Alberto, was the residence of the Princes of Carignano from 1694. Valentino Castle, along the banks of the Po, exhibits a distinctly French style and Villa della Regina (Villa of the Queen), with its 17th and 18th century paintings, original period furnishings and huge Italian garden featuring a large fountain with a marble sculpture of the god Neptune is absolutely worth a visit.

The tips; Take the uphill stroll to visit the Villa della Regina, its worth the views! Entry €7.

The opinion; Turin has many architectural sites aside from the Houses of Savoy to see. Within the city center, turning each corner holds another stunning building.

The facts; reborn from the ashes of World War II, Le Havre gained UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 2005 for its post-war reconstruction. Standing on the Normandy coast, the city was redesigned by architect Auguste Perret, after suffering extensive damage by allied bombings. Reconstructions highlights include the striking Saint-Joseph Church, with its towering lantern spire, and the expansive Place de l’Hôtel de Ville.

The tips; Visit Le Havre as a short day trip on the train from Rouen.

The opinion; An uninspiring concrete city with the church being the most exciting highlight, though the history can be appreciated for its existence.