France

{"ops":[{"insert":"Built for the 1889 World's Fair in Paris, the "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Eiffel Tower"},{"insert":" is a 1000-foot tall wrought-iron tower, considered an architectural wonder and one of the most recognizable structures on the planet. It underwent a major facelift in 1986 and is repainted every seven years. It welcomes more visitors than any other paid monument in the worldEUR"an estimated 7 million people per year.\n"}]}

Some of the massive walls at the fortified town of Carcassone. Restored in 1853, the fortress became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

A section of the fortifications at Chateau Comtal, part of the larger defenses at the fortress of Carcassone.

A street scene on a rainy day in the fortified town of Carcassone.

The ancient Roman arena at Nimes is still in use today. Built about A.D. 70, it was remodeled in 1863 and can seat some 16,300 spectators.

The Maison Carree in Nimes, one of the best preserved of surviving Roman temples, dates to 16 B.C. In subsequent centuries it served as a church, a meeting hall, a storehouse, and a stable. In 1823 it became a museum.

The Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard, built during the mid-first century A.D., was part of a 50 km (30 mi) long aqueduct system that brought water to the city of Nemausus (today's Nimes). Built entirely without the use of mortar, its construction is thought to have taken about three years using 800 to 1,000 workers.

The city of Avignon in southeastern France is well known as the former seat of the papacy in the 14th century. Shown is the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) on the right and the Romanesque Cathedral Notre Dames-des Doms on the far left.

A beach at Nice. The city is a major tourist center and a leading resort along the French Riviera.

Farmers market in Nice.

Approaching the fortified medieval town and artist's haven of Saint-Paul de Vence in Provence.

Flowers drip from balconies in the town of Saint-Paul de Vence in Provence.

A street market in Beaune, a town located in the heart of the Burgundy wine region.

A street scene in Dijon, the capital of the Burgundy region. The city was first settled by the Romans and then became the domain of the Dukes of Burgundy, who ruled the area until the late 1400s. It is known for its many architectural styles and hosts the annual Dijon International and Gastronomic Fair.

The Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne (Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy) in Dijon.

A cafe on a canal in Colmar. The town, situated on the Alsatian Wine Route, was founded in the 9th century. In 1226, it became a Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire. It was conquered by Louis XIV and the French in 1673 and over subsequent centuries alternated between German and French control. It reverted to France in 1945.

Buildings along a canal in Colmar, an Alsatian town known as "Little Venice." Situated on the Lauch River, Colmar connects to the Rhine via a canal.

Half timbered houses along a shopping street in old Colmar.

A street scene in old Colmar. The picturesque town is a tourist magnet; it annually hosts the Alsatian Wine Fair.

Street scene in the Alsatian town of Colmar.

Colorful houses along a canal in Colmar, an Alsatian town with the sobriquet of "Little Venice."

The Eglise Saint-Matthieu (Dominican Church of St. Matthew) in the Alsatian town of Colmar was built in the 13th century.

Colorful house in the medieval Alsatian town of Riquewihr. The locale is renowned not only for its historic architecture, but also for the fine wines it produces.

The road into Ingersheim on the Alsatian Wine Route.

Vineyards along the Alsatian Wine Route.

Vineyards along the Alsatian Wine Route.