Places Michael Ballard Wants to Go

The only remaining collection of flayed figures made by French "madman" Honoré Fragonard.

The man who introduced reinforced concrete to the world demonstrated its genius by using it to build his own house.

18th century underground pilgrimage site, dedicated to a Saint that did something...

An unusual sand beach in the middle of a forest.

Peeing dogs guard the Roman hunting goddess atop a fountain at France’s Château de Fontainebleau.

The experimental test tracks of a retro-futuristic monorail still stand in the French countryside.

A beautiful and classically designed villa, with an hourly infestation of monsters.

Designed to mark the geographical center of France.

The not-quite-incorruptible St. Bernadette is perhaps the most beautiful of preserved saints—with a little help from Paris.

Despite centuries of architectural innovation, this French castle is being built like it's the 13th century.

This former limestone quarry is now a subterranean wonderland of grand stonework.

View one man's eccentric collection of nearly 5,000 corkscrews, then sip some Chablis.

This natural French spring has been turned into a magical grotto by Roman and medieval constructions.

For over 300 years this little carving has been the city’s good luck charm.

This French chateau is home to the world’s largest private collection of fighter jets.

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

Was the twisted roof on this church's belltower an intentional design or a happy accident?

The shape of this old salt factory complex was inspired by the course of the Sun.

One of the world's most complex timepieces.

The woman who helped save 15th-century France was born in this humble home.

Before the electric telegraph, a chain of stone towers carried messages across France.

A sandstone block marks the alleged spot where the legendary writer was conceived.

An ancient monastery, a locked room, and a mysterious book heist.

Explore this medieval cathedral by trying to spot all the malevolent monsters hiding in its beautifully colored windows.