Archives: Atlas Obscuras

Pic du Midi Observatory

Discover Pic du Midi Observatory in Sers, France: This futuristic observatory at the top of the Pyrénées offers unrivaled views.

Arles Amphitheatre

Discover Arles Amphitheatre in Arles, France: This ancient theater was once the home of fierce gladiatorial battles.

Carnac Stones

Discover Carnac Stones in Carnac, France: Hundreds of prehistoric stones, arranged in perfect lines in a French field.

Testut-Latarjet Museum

Discover Testut-Latarjet Museum in Lyon, France: Nicknamed the "Museum of Horrors," this French anatomical collection has been fascinating visitors for over a century.

Museum of a Million and One Roots

Discover Museum of a Million and One Roots in Cornimont, France: This collection of French root art looks like an indoor fairy wonderland.

Cemetery of the Dogs

Discover Cemetery of the Dogs in Asnières-sur-Seine, France: The Cimetière des Chiens et Autres Animaux Domestiques is one of the oldest pet cemeteries in the world.

Francois Daneck’s Colonial Concept

Discover Francois Daneck's Colonial Concept in Saint-Ouen, France: Collection of antique taxidermy and natural specimens, near one of Paris's oldest flea markets.

Jardin Rosa Mir

Discover Jardin Rosa Mir in Lyon, France: A tiled, multi-level garden of survival in Lyon.

Musée des Plans-Reliefs

Discover Musée des Plans-Reliefs in Paris, France: The Sun King's military models, saved from the Louvre.

Musee Robert Tatin

Discover Musee Robert Tatin in Cossé-le-Vivien, France: A self-built mosaic house and sculpture park.

36 Rue Saint Sulpice

Discover 36 Rue Saint Sulpice in Paris, France: An unusual number plate signifies the building's saucy past.

Jean-Paul Marat’s Bathtub at Musée Grévin

Discover Jean-Paul Marat's Bathtub at Musée Grévin in Paris, France: A magical, macabre wax museum, beloved by locals, uses real artifacts to depict an assassination from the French Revolution.

Strasbourg Astronomical Clock

Discover Strasbourg Astronomical Clock in Strasbourg, France: There has been an astronomical clock on this spot since the 14th century.

Musée de l’Absinthe

Discover Musée de l'Absinthe in Auvers-sur-Oise, France: One woman's decades-long obsession with the "La Fée Verte.".

Doctor Charcot’s Library

Discover Doctor Charcot's Library in Paris, France: The personal library of the founder of modern neurology is open to visitors.

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i
To represent a masterpiece of human creative genius. 261 ii
To exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design. 480 iii
To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared. 514 iv
To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history. 642 ix
To be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals. 137 v
To be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change. 172 vi
To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria). 256 vii
To contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance. 151 viii
To be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features. 98 x
To contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation. 168

PP ToS