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

Trek up this glacier before it disappears.

The world's largest solar furnace uses 10,000 mirrors to concentrate the sun's rays to generate power.

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

The world's most famous cheese caves.

This bridge was constructed from the rubble of the infamous Bastille.

The water-powered carriages are long gone, but for over a century this funicular railway has been the fastest route to the highest point in Paris.

The world's largest reflecting pool is just two centimeters deep.

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

An "inside out" building in the historical center of Paris, featuring Europe’s largest modern art museum.

This French castle is said to have once held the Holy Grail but is now a gorgeous mountaintop ruin.

The former home of France's controversial pop maestro is almost completely covered in ever-changing tributes and graffiti.

Historic medieval fortified city in southwest France.

Massive puppet-automaton machines created by French artist collective Machines de l’Ile.

Hundreds of hidden passageways weave through the old quarters of Lyon.

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

High atop the Eiffel Tower is a small apartment built exclusively to entertain the science elite and make the rest of Paris jealous.

The celebrated eyesore created by starry-eyed sweethearts.

Notorious artist squat renovated into legal studios.

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

A golden temple atop a sacred mountain, known for its giant effigy of the revered Pu Xian.

The once highest point in China blends symbolic design with a kick of adrenaline.

Walled family complexes in Southern China.

This Tang Dynasty behemoth is the biggest Buddha in the world.