Millau, France

The town of Millau in south-central France once was known for traffic jams because it was here that the A75 — a largely toll-free route from Paris to the Côte d'Azur — crossed the deep valley of the Tarn River. As a result, most travelers wanted nothing more than to get out of town fast.

But that changed in December 2004 with the opening of the viaduct, a soaring 1.6-mile-suspension bridge designed by British architect Norman Foster. Now, people come to Millau just to gaze at what is claimed to be the tallest vehicular bridge in the world. Its concrete piers crest at 1,125 feet, meaning they could look down on the Eiffel Tower.

-- Susan Spano

Read more: A bridge to a forgotten stretch of French countryside

Pictured: The Millau Viaduct.