Castles in France
Saumur Castle is an archetypal Gothic palace dating from the 10th century, which dominates the valley of the Loire in western France.
It now contains a museum of decorative arts, exhibiting exquisite tapestries, alabaster carvings, paintings, jewellery, and French porcelain. From the tower of Guet of Saumur there is a breathtaking view of the Loire Valley in all its splendour.
Mont Saint-Michel on the Normandy coast in France is an impressive sight, sitting tall on a rocky peak, which is also a quasi-island.
At high tide, it is almost separated from the mainland with only a narrow causeway providing access. Originally an abbey it was a popular destination for pilgrims and is now a major tourist attraction for visitors to the country.