Places claresmith Wants to Go

A marble Lucifer hides behind the pulpit of this Gothic cathedral.

This fairytale castle was built as a show of power but was nearly torn down thanks to its history of torture.

Each spring, a dreamlike carpet of bluebells overtakes the forest floor.

This submersible road connecting a French island to the mainland is lined with safety towers for when the tide strands travelers.

A colossal sculptural lion built by the same man who designed the Statue of Liberty.

The birthplace of the ferocious William the Conqueror, this castle is awash in medieval history.

Hundreds of prehistoric stones, arranged in perfect lines in a French field.

Sleep in a climate-controlled plastic bubble for the night.

A French artist's vague warning hangs over Belleville.

Two small chapels housed inside an ancient tree.

The industrial architecture honors the laborers who brought the Exposition Universelle of 1900 to life.

A public park off the beaten path with a beautiful waterfall and 13th century Cistercian abbey.

This Parisian gem is one of the most incredible ethnographic museums in the world.

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

Walk through spectacular aisles of hanging meat and wagon wheel–sized cheese at the world's largest wholesale food market.

This massive library holds what was once the largest book collection in the world.

A horde of stray cats rule in this secluded Parisian cemetery under a bridge.

These ramparts, once lined with towers, were constructed in defense of Beaune.

This plaza is home to a number of works, including Montpellier‘s own Arc de Triomphe.

The way that light hits a stained glass window on a specific day is one of many "clues" to a mysterious treasure.

The home where the famous astrologer wrote some of his most telling prophecies.

A small island that was once a key Axis fortification during World War II.

A 13th century fortified house built to defend the Duchy of Burgundy.

The bizarre home and sculpture garden of an eccentric artist.