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france
Alésia Celtic Museum and Archaeological Park
Pre-Christian
Chalice found at site displays intricate, decorative metallurgy with natural motifs. This is the site where Romans starved thousands of Celts to death. The museum shows Asterix comic books that portray the battles of Romans and Celts. Valuable information is also displayed about the imaging technology that finally led to the discovery of this battleground.
Beaune, Hospital Museum
15th century
Mother and child hailed by kneeling man amid mille-fleurs background. Honoring women and motherhood, anathema to Christianity’s degradation of women, marks this as Celtic. The building complex here is stunningly beautiful and wonderfully restored, with information about medical history as well as the vaunted wine auctions for charity.
Beaune, Dukes of Burgundy former residence
now wine museum
Wine presses, barrels and other related equipment from the 15th century are displayed here from the era when Burgundian leadership based in Brussels, but also maintained a presence in what is now French Burgundy.
Bibracte, Hillfort & Museum of Celtic Civilization
Pre-Christian
Wooded hilltops in Bibracte region recall refuge from attack that the high forests provided Celts. This was the area to which Julius Caesar repaired after starving out Alesia. The outsize Roman villa dominated the previously same-sized housing units, and the population dissipated..
Bourges, Museum of Natural History
Pre-Christian
Natural motifs are rhythmically shown and bordered, Celtic-style. The museum here contains an extensive collection of gravestones from a Celtic settlement.
Carcassonne castle museum
Pre-Christian & medieval
Conical-roofed tower in Frankish style in Carcassone stems from the time when the Church mounted a years-long Crusade against the Cathars here. This area is also known for its Merovingian treasures.
Châtillon-sur-Seine, Museum with Vix treasures
Pre-Christian
The museum here displays contents of an Iron Age woman’s burial chamber, including a golden torque and 6-foot tall wine crater. Other grave findings include horses and decorations buried with their owners. Items on display are extensive and wide-ranging.
Flavigny
Carolingian crypt
Arched doorways, staircases and superb masonry still characterize this Carolingian crypt of some 12 centuries ago. The town itself is charming, a museum in itself.
Fontenay Abbey
medieval
Iron forge in grand space reflects Celtic regard for manual labor, in marked contrast with Roman attitudes that physical labor was for slaves. Here production is honored and elevated by its surroundings.
Germigny-des-Prés
Carolingian
Model of 9th century Carolingian building, probably a festive hall with large round space perfected suited to a banquet table. The high windows of the central tower bring light into the entire space at all times of day. The structure is set in a surrounding garden.
Issoire, now called church of Saint-Austremoine
medieval
Rhythmic medallions and motifs, arched, striped doorway, the balance “libra” all suggest Celtic origin. Issoire is in the Auvergne region, home of Vercingetorix, who came to the aid of Alesia. He was taken back to Rome and dragged to death behind a chariot in the coliseum.
Lille, Hospices Comtesse Museum
15th century
Brightly colored and decorated Lille hospital from the 15th century accentuates door and window framing with striping to suggest arches and window quoins of alternating colors of brick. Lille was a seat of the Burgundian leaders in the 15th century. Hospitals are part of their legacy.
Lille, Rihour Palace, Dukes of Burgundy
15th century
Rihour palace from 15th century Burgundy features vaulted ceiling in great hall and Frankish-style tower with conical roof.
Monthermé, Abbey of Laval Dieu
12th century
Dancing woman with shell radiating around her head, pentacle, triangular facade with spirals, brick corner quoins, spirals on crosspiece decoration on roof, all point to Celtic origination.
Paris
Cité Museum of Architecture
Recently opened at Trocadero, the Cité houses a large collection of full-scale replicas, models, cutaways, and videos that allow examination of monuments in multi-dimensional ways.
Paris, Cluny National Museum of the Middle Ages
Pre-Christian & medieval
All 6 Lady and the Unicorn tapestries with mille-fleurs background are on display at a newly-fashioned space. The tapestries contain myriad allegorical references and are precisely and expertly designed and crafted. This one might show Marie of Burgundy, last of the Burgundian leaders, distraught by what she sees in history’s mirror. Marie and her niece are credited with saving the 15th century library collection by spiriting it away to Spain.
Paris, Archaeological Crypt of the Parvis of Notre Dame
Pre-Christian & medieval
One of the most surprising aspects of these excavations that were found during a renovation of Notre Dame is the extensive hospital and care facilities. These ruins are attributed to the Gallic, or Celtic, era around the time of the Roman takeover.
Paris, Conciergerie
Medieval
This island in the Seine is probably the longest inhabited area in Paris, since such islands were most highly-prized for defensive capabilities. Medieval aspects have been restored and opened as a museum.
Paris, Sainte Chappelle
The Sainte Chappelle features vaulted ceilings with gilded ribs and bright colors favored by Celts. Many of the sculptures of females on the rhythmical pedestals around the room have been defaced.
Abbaye des Prémontrés
Once again welcoming wayfarers of both genders, this abbey is now open to the public for overnight stays and enjoyment of its beautifully restored gardens. In the Lorraine area of France, the Hapsburgs long held sway.
Saint Denis
Basilica of St. Denis
Column capital of monk and terrified naked subject in crypt dating back to Merovingian era. St. Denis also holds many references to early Turkish and Middle Eastern connections.
Saint Germain des Près, part of former abbey
Pre-Christian & medieval
Brightly-colored and gilded ribs of vaulted ceiling, circular light fixtures, rhythmical designs all point to the Celtic origin prior to the Christian conquest of Paris.
Saint Germain-en-Laye National Archaeological Museum
Pre-Christian & medieval
Celts favored this 3-pronged treskele design, shown here as a necklace. A rich and diverse collection of artifacts and information is contained here. Attached parks and gardens were designed by André le Notre. St. Germain-en-Laye is an easy RER ride out of Paris.