Ile de France, France

The region around Paris, called Ile de France since it is delimited by five rivers, was the historic craddle of the kingdom of France. Ile de France contains a number of exceptional historical sights. The most famous palace in France, Versailles, was built to project the power of the French king Louis XIV at the height of the French Monarchy. The Fontainebleau Palace, used by kings of France since the 12th century was transformed by Francois I with Renaissance influences. The Chartres Cathedral marks the high point of French Gothic art. The nave in pure ogival style, porches adorned with fine sculptures, and the stained-glass windows, all in remarkable condition, combine to make it a masterpiece. The fortified town of Provins, which was built specifically to host the fairs and related activities, has a well-preserved medieval urban structure. The Versailles and Fontainebleau palaces and parks, Chartres Cathedral, and town of medieval fairs of Provins form four UNESCO World Heritage Site.