This French national monument is located on the Ile de la Cite, one of two natural islands in Paris. Built in the popular Gothic style of the time, Notre Dame Cathedral contains a more contemporary architectural layout than most religious structures from the 12th and 13th centuries. Building began in 1163 and continued for nearly 200 years. During the French Revolution in the late 1700s, many of the statues, as well as the original spire, were destroyed. Restoration of these items began early in the 19th century, after control of the cathedral had been returned to the Catholic Church. Victor Hugo published "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" in 1831, which takes place in and around the cathedral. The building is still used today as a religious center and has around 13 million visitors annually. Five bells, including one weighing over 13 tons, and two organs built into special music areas, are housed here and are still in regular use.
Built in 6 or 7 B.C. in La Turbie and overlooking the Bay of Monaco, this monument was constructed to honor the Roman Emperor Augustus after his army conquered areas in the Alps. The structure is composed of the remains of a small round building that sits on top of a large square base. Only four columns remain of a supposed 24, that once encompassed a tower atop the building. Once 160 feet (50 meters) high, this national monument stands at only 115 feet (35 meters) today. As the Roman Empire began to fail, various groups of people began destroying the structure. The vandalism continued throughout the centuries, with the Middle Ages bringing the disassembly of part of the structure for material to construct another building. In 1860 the monument was given historical status and various reconstructions and restorations began.
Located in the forest area of Rambouillet, this large estate has been home to french leaders for centuries. The property was originally a manor house, but was made into a fortified castle after being purchased by Jean Bernier in 1368. Large French and English gardens were added in the next few centuries. King Louis XVI acquired the estate after finding the surrounding forest to be an adequate place for game hunting. During his ownership of Rambouillet Estate, Louis XVI added a dairy as a gift for Queen Marie Antoinette, as well as a sheep farm intended for development of new breeds. Napoleon I was a frequent visitor and spent his last days before his exile from France in the castle. The estate is still used to host the president of France, as well as foreign government leaders. International political meetings also take place on occasion at the estate. The castle itself contains a council chamber, grand drawing room, oratory and grand dining room, among many others. The grounds are vast, still containing the dairy, although it does not operate, and the sheep farm, that is still used as a livestock area. The original gardens have been restored and updated, with lime trees, large lawns and a cottage that was built for the Princess of Lamballe in 1779.
