This historic island prison holds one of the dungeons from the Count of Monte Cristo even though it is a work of fiction.

When the imprisoned pope's remains were finally returned to the Vatican, his heart stayed behind in France.

One of the greatest maze designer’s greatest mazes.

This life-size replica of the Statue of Liberty's flame is also a tribute to Princess Diana by default.

In the best of all possible worlds, everyone will get a chance to see this statue in which Voltaire's heart is interred.

This whimsical castle of grottoes was the labor of love of a French postman, and one of the greatest achievements of outsider architecture.

A favorite Paris bar for U.S. expats, including Gershwin, Hemingway, and James Bond.

This 1,300 year old monastery built atop a single rock was once only accessible depending on the whims of the tide.

This iconic Parisian bookstore doubles as the "Tumbleweed Hotel" for traveling writers.

France's most famous cemetery, with some of its most curious tombs.

The vast, legendary catacombs hold secrets much stranger than stacked bones.

Once a favorite playground for the world's most illustrious guests, Hotel Nacional's secret weapons and bunkers reveal a more menacing side to its golden history.

The former mansion complex of a merchant prince, related to a famed filmmaker.

Rocky outcrops containing overhangs, caves, fissures, clefts, and alcoves that invite exploration and scrambling.

A complex of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves with a large, well preserved prayer hall.

A monument to placate the spirits of an ancient forest.