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

Lyon's "Wall of the Silk Weavers" is one of the largest murals in Europe.

A medieval military street hidden beneath a charming French fishing village.

A Belle Epoque bordello turned into a themed love hotel.

Balconies that have a most unusual accent.

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

This Corsican Neolithic site is full of pre-Roman megalithic structures that may or may not be penises.

A former milk-delivery driver and his wife turn their home into a glimmering mosaic.

A castle-like sea fort from the 17th century is now a museum to oyster farming.

A huge Megalithic chamber tomb located behind a cafe.

This building’s ghostly exterior reflects its former lives as a prison, school, and funeral home.

One architect's organic, human-centric design has been fully realized in this alien art house.

A sublime medieval path adorns the marble floor of one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in France.

Remains of the artificial harbours invented for the Allied invasion of Normandy can still be seen at sea.

This tiny hotel perched atop a 50-foot tower really puts things into perspective.

Site of one of World War I's most horrific scenes.

A Parisian boutique devoted to la Sape, the elegant Congolese fashion subculture rooted in European colonization.

A colorful piece of contemporary art cheerfully clashes with Lyon's historical architecture.

Bordered by forest on three sides and the ocean on the other, the Great Dune of Pilat is the highest sand dune in Europe.

The largest crypt ever constructed in France was built in the 11th century on an ancient Druid sacred site.

Tens of thousands of ancient rock carvings hidden in the heart of a French national park.

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

Perfume museum and library.

This modern museum of Mediterranean culture is surrounded by a surreal concrete honeycomb.