France Photo Gallery

Francois I and King Henri II were once owners of the Loire Valley's Chateau Chenonceau. But Catherine de Medici built the gallery across the water and threw the great parties there.  

Originally designed to drain rainwater from roof tops, gargoyles have evolved into creepy-looking figures. Scholars believe that medieval architects made gargoyles grotesque in order to scare off evil spirits.  

Until a few daring men climbed the French Alps in the early 1800's, the mountains were believed to be cursed. But by the end of the century, all of the major peaks had been conquered.  

Much to the dismay of many notable Parisians, the Eiffel Tower, composed of 18,000 pieces of iron and 2,500,000 rivets, was built as a tribute to engineering and industry.  

Mont-Saint-Michel sits atop a 264-foot rock surrounded by sand or sea, depending on the time of day.  

France's second-most populated city, Marseille is a median between the quaint countryside of Provence and the flash of the Riviera.  

Burgundy produces over 40 million bottles of wine each year. The region features bouquets from dry whites to full-bodied reds.