France - Fontainebleau Estate: castle, gardens, park and forest

"The "Domaine de Fontainebleau: château, gardens, park and forest", an evolving and living cultural landscape, is proposed for inscription as an extension of the "palace and park of Fontainebleau" property inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981. It consists of a hunting residence used by the kings of France from the 12th century , gardens, ponds and a vast park surrounding the royal residence, as well as a large forest." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1

Multi-view of the forest of Fontainebleau. Thanks to Nathalie of France.

Postcard 2

Palace of Fontainebleau is located 55 km southeast of the center of Paris, France. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thanks to Jean-Piere of France.

France - Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

"Vaux le Vicomte is the first model of beautifully preserved palace of Versailles, which was, he remodeled and enlarged at the end of the reign of Louis XIV and during the following reigns. The castle of Vaux is at the center of a broad-based composition, attributed to Le Nôtre, including the gardens. The area (500 ha, including 70 gardens) was acquired by Nicolas Fouquet in 1641. The layout of the gardens seems to have been completed in 1652, while the castle was built from 1656 to 1659..." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Castle of Vaux Le Viccunte. Written on July 22, 2011 and arrived in Penang on July 30, 2011. Thanks to Fabienne of Spain.

Postcard 2

Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte. Thanks to Grets of UK who went on a river cruise in France. Merci beaucoup.

Postcard 3 

 Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte. Thanks to Jean-Pierre of France for this nice mint postcard mailed inside an envelope from France, postmarked Oct 21, 2020 and arrived in Penang island on Nov 26, 2020.

France - Megalithic Sites of Carnac

"The relics of megalithic civilizations (-5000-2000) are dispersed in the Department of Morbidhan and in the village of Carnac. On this last, there is an unique group composed of three alignment an original constituted composition of its two surrounding walls and of its lines of which one Ménec) introduces of lined up menhirs. Group composed of 4000 menhirs stretching on about 4 Kilometres and 40 hectares is supplemented of a covered path, a cromlech of menhirs isolated in the North and a very big burial mound in the South, monument portrays representative of burial mound of carnacéen type (125m x 60m x 12m high) and of a dolmen with hall." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Carnac - the alignments of standing stones on the heath. Thanks to Jean-Pierre of France who visited this amazing prehistoric site.

Postcard 2

The Menec alignment of Carnac. Nice mint postcard mailed inside envelope from France, postmarked October 21, 2020 and arrived in Penang island on November 26, 2020. Thanks to Jean-Pierre of France.

Spain - France - Mediterranean shore of the Pyrenees

"It is the cultural landscape formed by the culmination of the Pyrenees in the Mediterranean Sea. Steep rocky coast, Caps and Béar Creus, Albères mountains, it is a natural landscape of exceptional quality, which also has great wealth in biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial, copy the Mediterranean coast, with unique features such as coastal vineyards of Banyuls and spectacular amenities. Territory marked by human presence and Mediterranean trade from the earliest times, it is marked by strong historical imprints (Greek, Roman, medieval and modern), and the combination of the work of a number of greatest European artists of the twentieth century in search of light and color." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Le Cap Bear of La Cote Vermeille. The postcard got wet during postal delivery and so stamp is missing. Fortunately postcard arrived intact. Thanks so much to Fabienne of Spain for mailing from France.

Postcard 2
Banyuls-sur-Mer (Catalan: Banyuls de la Marenda) is a commune in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France. It was first settled by Greeks starting in 400 BCE. Again thanks to Jean-Pierre of France for mailing this mint postcard from France inside envelope postmarked Oct 21, 2020 and received in Penang Island on Nov 26, 2020. 

France - Rouen: Timber-framed urban complex, Cathedral, Saint-Ouen Church, Saint Maclou Church

"Rouen: Timber-framed urban complex, Cathedral, Saint-Ouen Church, Saint Maclou Church"

Source: UNESCO Tentative List

Postcard 1

Beautiful postcard of Rouen, Seine Maritime in Upper Normandy, France. Nice French stamps and a postmark of Louvre Paris! Thanks so much to Jerome.

Postcard 2
Lu rue du Gros Horloge with the famous astronomical clock. Thanks to Jean-Pierre of France for this pretty mint postcard mailed inside envelope from France postmarked Oct 31, 2020 and received in Penang island on November 26, 2020.

France - Metz Royal and Imperial City

"With a history of several thousand years, Metz has accumulated over time, an architectural and urban heritage of the first order. Belonging to the Holy Roman Empire, the city enjoyed, in medieval times, a genuine political and economic independence conducive to its cultural development. St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of the most beautiful Gothic vessels from Europe, testifies to the artistic grandeur of that period. Became French in 1552, the city was the subject of preventive demolitions which enabled him to resist the siege of Charles V. Its attachment to the kingdom of France, effective in 1648 by the Treaty of Westphalia, gives therefore a strategic role at European level to Messina city."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Metz - aerial view of St. Etienne's Cathedral, also known as St Stephen of Metz, in Moselle Department, Lorraine. Thanks to Marie from Metz, France. Merci beaucoup.

France - Salt Marshes of Guerande

"The salt marshes of Guerande traicts form with a set of approximately 2278 hectares and is an exceptional and unique heritage. Precisely because of the specifics that characterize it is to say, the historical combination of ecological and human factors, they are arguably the most individual basin salt production as steeped in history, if not the most developed of the French Atlantic coast . They represent an ecological whole foreground. They have extreme wealth and extreme even more remarkable variety of flora and fauna that they are an artificial construct, the result of human labor, and perduring only if the salt production activity continues...."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List


Les marais salants. Guerande salt marshes are located in the southern Brittany and a long history dating back to 9th century. Thanks to Famalubel for mailing from France.

France - Rochefort Arsenal and Fortifications of Charente Estuary

"Built in 1666 by Louis XIV on the advice of Colbert, to provide the Atlantic coast of France a naval base safe, the Arsenal of Rochefort, which includes monuments as prestigious as the Royal Rope (designed by Blondel) or dry docks, is located 24 km off the sea, following the course of the Charente, in order to preserve an enemy landing. The city was built according to a plan regular grid, close and merge with I'arsenal never was in turn enclosed in an enclosure completed in 1690. Defense of the arsenal should be provided by the fortification of Pertuis including Ile d'Aix, the only point to be able to ensure the defense of the harbor. The estuary of the Charente and provides a set of forts and redoubts, satellite Rochefort, existing built or planned in the same time and I'arsenal for his defense." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

The Royale Rope Factory, Rochefort-sur-Mer. Thanks to Marie of France.

France - The ancient cities of Narbonne and territory: Nîmes, Arles, Glanum, aqueducts, Via Domitia

"The cities of Nimes, Arles, Glanum are at an important traffic hub in the history of the territories of the Roman Empire: the junction points of the path Regordane, the Via Aurelia, the Via Agrippa and Via Domitia . Activities related to these channels of communication have resulted in numerous quality constructions that have come down to modern times and which constitute the core of the ancient heritage of southern France. This heritage is made up of urban monuments, the remains of aqueducts and other works related to roads." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Fortified town of Glanum. Two well preserved Roman monuments of 1st century BC - the triumphal arch and mausoleum. Thanks to Marie of France.

France - Harbor Marseille

"Harbor Marseille.
1. Façade maritime city of Marseille, from north to south: Battery-Corbières; Entrance to the tunnel-Rove.
-Neighborhood I'Estaque; in the background of natural solid Nerthe (oppida Celto-Ligurian): Port de la Joliette: Digue du Large, Panzani Silo, Silo Arenc, Docks nineteenth century buildings of the shipping companies of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Cathedrals (old and new Major); Together, the Old Port (Fort Saint-Jean and Saint-Nicolas, health advice, Reconstruction of buildings, dock Beiges, a former arsenal of galleys, Pharo Palace); Abbaye Saint-Victor
Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde.
-Promenade de la Corniche (valley of Auffes, tide gauge, villas and country houses resorts): Old-quarters of the Old Chapel, Pointe Rouge and Montredon (bastide Pastré, industrial heritage of the nineteenth century in natural solid plan arriière Marseilleveyre. The southern boundary could be located at the Madrague Montredon, before the massive creeks, natural site, the DIREN emitting large reserves in the extension of registration for this very fragile. The effect of awareness induced by World Heritage listing of mankind would be likely to threaten the preservation of listed site. Note that the Cosquer cave, decorated cave indicating human presence in the Paleolithic era, historical monument, is located in this mountain creeks.

2. Urban area behind the coastline to consider: the old city of Marseille, including:
- The Panier district (site of the Greek city, Old Charity, Hotel Dieu)
- Extensions of Louis XIV (during Belsunce, over St. Louis)
- Canebière Boulevard Longchamp, Longchamp Palace

3. Islands.
- Islands of Friuli (island yew, Pomàgues of Ratonneau)
- Island Planier" 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

The Mediterannean port of Marseilles, France. Located in the region of PACA. Thanks to Rupanjana for sending me this nice postcard.

France - The Camargue

"This area of approximately 20 000 hectares includes the Natural Reserve of Camargue and other adjacent protected areas. This delta, all natural and artificial wetlands, marshes, meadows and moors, continues to evolve as a result of sediments from the Alps, transported to the Camargue in the Rhone. Through a combination of fresh water, brackish water and seawater, this very important wetland area includes a wide range of habitats including terrestrial biotopes 8. It is a very important habitat for birds including seven species that nest at this location in France, the most spectacular being the flamingo. In addition, this area is an important wintering area for migratory birds, with more than 200,000 ducks wintering in the Camargue. This area is a Biosphere Reserve, has the European degree and is the first French site of international significance declared under the Ramsar Convention." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Flamingoes of Camargue. Thanks to Nicole of Germany who visited Camargue Nature Reserve.

France - The Railway of Cerdagne

"This is the line of railway and narrow gauge electric traction (the "Yellow Train"), built between 1903 and 1911 to connect the high Pyrenees cantons of the bag of Tet and Cerdagne Network French rail. The characteristics of this line are its age, high tech, steep requiring its path of impressive structures, and self-supply by a series of hydroelectric facilities." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Le Petit Train Jaune - The Little Yellow Train of Cerdagne, France. Thanks to Fabienne of Spain.

France - Marquesas Islands

"The Marquesas Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean near the equator, between 8 and 11 to about 5700 km south of Australia, 6000 km from the American continent and 8000 km in Southeast Asia is. This archipelago, considered one of the most isolated in the world, consists of twelve main islands of volcanic origin, aged 0.4 to 7 million years. Covering an area of ​​0.25 sq km and 340 km ², land totaling 1050 km ², spread over about 700,000 square kilometers of maritime space. The largest islands are Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa, the smaller islands being uninhabited. The highest peak is Mount Temetiu, on the island of Hiva Oa (1276 m), and four islands have peaks over 1000 m.

The Marquesas are a remarkable natural ecosystem. The large geographic isolation of the islands, geomorphological diversity associated with topography, is responsible for the diversification of flora and fauna, terrestrial and marine unique and original. Many endemic species are unique to the archipelago, sometimes restricted to one island or even a single vertex. The conservation of biodiversity can find specific issues through the presence of numerous endemic species of flora and fauna, including a rich birdlife.

The natural landscape of the Marquesas are exceptional by the singular beauty of its powerful and rugged mountains, its peaks erect, tall cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls and deep valleys and narrow.

Its inhabitants, enriched with knowledge in their extraordinary saga of Pacific peoples, learned to know and use for all areas of their lives. They developed a habitat and monumental arts of sculpture very specific to the archipelago. More than 700 archaeological sites and legendary already identified, is an exceptional heritage which the inventory is far from complete. It shows a large Polynesian population that has managed to stay despite its isolation, and build a unique culture which some elements (tattoo, architecture, sculpture in stone and wood, bone, shell ...) were highly developed, and are still the reputation of French Polynesia..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List


Hiva Oa is the second largest island of the Marquesas. The island was the final home of French painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer Jacques Brel, both of whom are buried in Calvary Cemetery, overlooking Atuona. Thanks to Sissi and Kimi of New Zealand who were on a cruise visiting the Marquesas, French Polynesia.

France - Cathedral of Saint Denis

"The cathedral of Saint-Denis, formerly royal basilica of Saint-Denis, occupies a unique place in the history of Gothic architecture, each of the major stages of its construction constitutes an artistic and technical revolution. It also occupies a very special place in national history since the thirteenth century to the French Revolution the church was the royal necropolis. Saint-Denis was in the late empire on the Roman road which ran from Lutece in Beauvais. A large cemetery grew around the remains of Saint-Denis, first bishop of Paris. The excavations confirmed the existence of a basilica in the Merovingian period, which was richly endowed by King Dagobert. Many basilicas succeeded on the premises during the Carolingian period and Capetian. It Abbot Suger who decided reconstruction. His work was continued in the thirteenth century by the architect Pierre de Montreuil..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Cathedrale-Basilique de Saint-Denis. Saint Denis Church became the burial place for the Kings of France. Thanks to Fabienne of Spain who was visiting France. Written July 19, 2011 and arrived in Penang on July 27, 2011.

France - Old Chocolate Factory in Noisiel

"The origin of the Menier factory dates back to the early nineteenth century, Jean Antoine Brutus Menier, native Anjou. Then under the leadership of four generations will grow in Noisiel, in conjunction with the cocoa plantations in Nicaragua that this dynasty had an industrial importance of both in its design and its technical implementation. It is between 1869 and 1872 Emile Menier, son of John Menier, had built by Jules Saulnier at the edge of the Marne a large building whose construction reveals a great boldness in design and choice of materials used. Resting on four stone piers based grants the river, the plant built on the pillars of hollow metal square metal frame has a visible outline where the front diagonal reinforcements. The filling was made by bricks, some glazed forming decorative elements arranged in colorful mesh decorated with flowers and cocoa. The party of great technical innovation will be the subject of publications both in France and abroad. Next to this building Saulnier, the most significant element of this crucial witness in I'histoire I'architecture of industrial plant that is Menier, It should include another building, designed by Gustave Eiffel and his Architect Stephen Sauvestre I'Exposition for Paris World in 1898 and then "back" to Noisiel of 1882 to 1884 and equipped for cooling chocolate. On the island, a quadrangular building with flat facades punctuated by metal pillars between which are part of multi-colored brick walls pierced with large windows, has often been I'appellation of "cathedral". Also be considered a bridge in place to cover a distance of about 45 meters to reach the cathedral I'autre bank of the Marne. This is the project to consider and Sauvestre which was held showing the design of Eiffel but transforming the metal bridge concrete shrink, using the same principle of inverted suspension with a range of record 44.50 meters. Finally be noted that electricity will be installed in 1875 and in 1899, 1500 persons are employed at the chocolate factory, the factory hydraulic Noisiel being one of such institutions the largest in France with a special railway line between Emerainville and Noisiel." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Aerial view of the Old Chocolate Factory - formerly owned by Nestle. Thanks to Fabienne

Postcard 2

The Cathedral is the old chocolate factory Menier in Noisiel, France. Nice stamps used. Thanks to Fabienne of Spain who was visiting France.

France - Centre Ancien de Sarlat

"The ancient town of Sarlat-la-Caneda is one of the first sectors safeguarded created in France; city pilot experiments of the 1960s under the protection of old urban centers, this set has preserved all its monuments (77 protected monuments on 11ha). The impetus for the preservation and restoration of ancient heritage went hand in hand with a policy aimed at preventing the departure of residents and cultural life symbolized by the Festival Theatre. Small city republic related to the influence of Bordeaux, Sarlat is the home of La Boétie and as such has participated in the development of the great humanist of the Renaissance, a laboratory of democracy in our country." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Sarlat (Dordogne) - Capitale du Perigord Noir, La Place des Oies. Thanks to Nathalie of France.

France - Bouches de Bonifacio

"All natural in the extreme south of Corsica formed by high limestone cliffs forming a grand front dazzling whiteness, including caves and marine debris, and the Archipelago of Lavezzi." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Limestone cliffs of Bonifacio, Corsica, France. Thanks to Marie of France.

France - Italy - Mont Blanc Massif (inscription as cross-border natural heritage, with France and Switzerland)

"The Massive one White Mount of which the summit (4.810 meters) is the more top of Europe is a unique natural environment and exceptional. The Massive one is of a perfect legibility and s'individualise itself itself: this is the mountain the more student, to the point of curvature of the alpine arch, 18 or the chaine is the thinnest and oh the others massive big separate themselves A distances as to mark his preeminence. The White Mount is the alpine more known mountain of all the Arch." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1 - France
Mount Blanc, Chamonix with special Chamonix cancellation.





Postcard 2 - Italy