Designed to mimic the appearance of open books, this quartet of 24-story towers, built over a garden-style courtyard, houses France's historical and literary archives and can accomodate 1600 readers.

In the late 18th century, public health concerns due to overflowing cemeteries caused Paris city officials to exhume the bones of 6 million dead and transfer them to these quarry tunnels.

Visitors with a taste for the macabre can descend into the Catacombes and explore 900 metres of dark, skeleton-lined tunnels. The tunnels were also the headquarters of the Résistance during WWII.

Elaborate tombs compete for attention in the world's most illustrious necropolis. Established in 1805, it was named for Louis XIV's confessor, Père François de la Chaise.

The Père-Lachaise Cemetery's cobblestone avenues, draped in lush vegetation, wind through 118 acres of intricately sculpted tombs, creating a serene Gothic atmosphere.

Père-Lachaise Cemetery is the final resting place of over one million people. Among the entombed souls lie Jim Morrison, Honoré de Balzac, Oscar Wilde, Frédéric Chopin, and Edith Piaf.

The roof terrace of the Montparnasse Tower stands a dizzying 206 metres above the skyline, providing a breathtaking view of the city that includes virtually every notable Paris monument.

The regal atmosphere of the Château continues out into the grounds with an expansive arrangement of gardens, sculptures, walking paths, and pools stretching into the distance.

In 1661, Louis XIV began work on what he meant to be the envy of all Europe, the Château de Versailles. The resulting structure stands to this day as a world-wide symbol of wealth and extravagance.

In the Hall of Mirrors, an atmosphere of grandeur is created by the large arched windows, each one complemented by corresponding beveled mirrors, gilded lamp bearers, and intricate chandeliers.

Inside the Château, the historical paintings and engravings of the Museum of the history of France trace the history of France's parliamentary process following the monarchy's collapse in 1789.

The Hall of Mirrors, the most famous room at Versailles, was begun in 1678 by Louis XIV. The story of his reign is illustrated by the paintings on the corridor's vaulted ceiling.

Canopies constructed to protect passers-by from falling debris cover the square below La Grande Arche de la Défense. This 35-story monument sits as the centrepiece of Paris' La Défense suburb.

Mostly known as Paris' financial district, La Défense is also the site of a variety of stores, restaurants, and outdoor shows, including a music festival on June 21st, the official Holiday of Music.

In a salute to modern architecture that can be seen from several miles away, this group of towers over 30 stories high marks La Défense, Paris' new business district.

Beautifully sculpted tombs surround the choir area in the Basilique St-Denis. These tombs commemorate French royalty from the 6th century up to the Revolution.

This magnificent collection of Renaissance monumental tombs in the Basilique de St-Denis is widely regarded as the most important group of funerary sculptures from the 12th to the 16th century.

The magnificent Gothic architecture of the choir area at the east end of the 12th-century St. Denis Cathedral is home to the elegantly sculpted tombs of the kings of France.

Built between 1137 and 1281, St. Denis Cathedral, with its stunning array of massive columns, pointed arches and rib vaults, is considered by many to be the first appearance of Gothic architecture.