Bibliotheque Nationale (National Library of France), Paris

Located just across the sleek Simone de Beauvoir footbridge from Bercy Park, the National Library of France is a striking complex that consists of four L-shaped towers, each 22 stories tall and resembling open books. This library, which was commissioned by President Mitterrand at a cost of €1bln, was once hailed as the world's most advanced when it opened in 1998. However, its reputation was quickly tarnished when it was discovered that vast amounts of books and rare documents were being damaged by sunlight in the glass towers. Movable shutters were later installed to remedy the issue.

Although the majority of France's most significant printed treasures are only accessible to researchers, visitors can still admire the impressive 17th-century Globes of Coronelli, a pair of 2-ton orbs created for Louis XIV. The center garden, surrounded by low-ceilinged reading rooms, features tall trees and is open to the public on the first weekend in June. The first-floor gallery is home to popular temporary exhibitions, such as the life of Casanova. To enter the library, visitors must go through the easternmost tower.

Tue-Sat: 9am-8pm; Sun: 1-7pm