The Historic Routes are related to the famous people, artists or monuments of France. They relate to a specific region's buildings. Historic routes are indicated at the particular site or in front of the buildings
The historic routes are based on the themes related to its cultural heritage. Tourist routes also have themes but they are different from historic routes. These historic routes were the leaders of the themed tour in France. The first historic route dates back to 1970s. In 1989, the "route historique" trademark was registered by the Caisse des Monuments Historiques et des sites. It is presently known as the Centre de Mounments Nationaux. It provided a guarantee and unity to the historic route.
The Centre des Monuments Nationaux, supervises a network of over 100 historic monuments. These monuments have a special place in France's history and are symbolic of the diversity of France's heritage. Some monuments that come under its supervision are the fortified town of Carcassonne, the Renaissance Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, the prehistoric frescoes of the caves in the Vézère valley, the Abbey at Mont-Saint-Michel, the Arc de Triomphe and the Sainte Chapelle and its 12th-century stained-glass windows. These monuments remain open 360 days a year.
After the year 2000, the Fédération Nationale des Routes Historiques has given a new dimension to the historic routes of France. At present, there are around twenty historic routes in France. They include Châteaux, abbeys or museums. One famous historic route is the Jacques-Coeur route. It covers a total area of 170 km between the Loire and the Cher. The rural landscapes covered are magnificent. It takes you on an exotic tour of Central France's Berry-Cher.
Another popular route is the Lafayette historic route in Auvergne (Central France). Another route covers Provence - Marseilles and Aix-en-Provence Areas of Southeastern France. The monuments the route covers are the basilica and royal convent of St-Maximin, Palais des Comtes de Provence in Brignoles, Chateau de Vins, Château d'Entrecasteaux, Château de Grimaud, etc.
Some other historic routes cover Chateau de Cheverny, CDT Drome, Chateau de Breteuil, Chateau de Conde - Demeure des Princes and Abbaye Royale de Royaumont, Chateau de Montpoupon and Institut de France.
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