7The National Library of France (Bibliothèque nationale de France), Paris, France
Located in Paris, the National Library of France is a treasure trove of literary heritage.
The library’s most iconic section is the Richelieu-Louvois site, housed in a magnificent 17th-century palace. The grand reading room, known as the Salle Labrouste, features stunning ironwork and intricate details. The library’s collection spans millions of books and manuscripts, including rare and ancient texts, making it a paradise for scholars and book lovers alike.
If spirituality entices you along with meditative chants and riveting discussions with monks and nuns fascinate you, monasteries are your peaceful retreats. Housing monks and nuns, monasteries are a place to live in seclusion where the inhabitants explore faith. An array of religions has monasteries, including Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, where the people who chose this path believe in living humbly. The Greek root meaning of the term “monastery” itself signifies living alone. Not everyone can adopt such a lifestyle, albeit experiencing it for a while can bestow peace to the soul. This is a guide to remote monasteries on earth.