One of the most powerful religious centers in the Middle Ages, dubbed the founder of Western monasticism.

An effigy of a trapped paratrooper dangles from a Normandy church to commemorate one remarkable D-Day event.

Even France's favorite aquatic son Jacques Cousteau, couldn't get to the bottom of it.

The tradition of open-air secondhand and antiquarian bookselling in Paris dates back to the Renaissance.

A memorial to the nearly 10,000 American soldiers laid to rest on the beaches of Normandy during WWII.

French commune at the heart of conspiracies.

An Orthodox church built by the Royal Family for the Russian community exiled to the French Riviera.

One of the largest ochre quarries in the world, hidden in a limestone landscape.

This ancient theater was once the home of fierce gladiatorial battles.

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

There has been an astronomical clock on this spot since the 14th century.

This ancient Roman bridge and aqueduct still stands as a wonder of classical construction.

The mental institution where Van Gogh created some of his most famous work now allows guests to walk in the artist's footsteps.

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

One of the largest squares in Europe contains an entire artificial island.

Numerous stone coffins from different centuries, lined up in a sixth century basilica.

The only visible remains of this ancient Greek underground temple is its roof protruding from the earth.

This high-speed test track is popular with car manufacturers, speed freaks and orbiting astronauts.

Also known as the Temple of Poseidon, this is one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world.

This curious, round temple is the oldest still-standing marble building in Rome.

A popular legend claims that the famous pizza was invented at a restaurant in this alley.

A mysterious ancient elephant said to possess magic powers is now the symbol of a Sicilian city.

This amazingly preserved Doric temple was abandoned before it was ever completed.

The sunlight passing through the opening of this huge cave system creates a magical effect.