Glanum, France

Glanum's ruins may be seen just outside the picturesque town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in Southern France. This Roman town was founded in the second century BC, but until excavations started in the early 20th century, it was mostly covered when it was abandoned in 260 AD. Some of Provence's most cherished ancient sites were uncovered by archaeologists after thousands of years of neglect. The city has the scars of several regime transitions, and the blending of various architectural forms is what gives rise to the spectacle you will see today. Both Hellenistic and Roman town ruins are easily apparent, and the result is spellbinding.

Visit the hot baths, stroll down the "main street" with its covered drains still dripping with water, look up at the twin temples, and stare into the different caverns and wells. It just takes a few hours to see the entire site, but it's a delight to see such impressive artwork and get a glimpse of this long-gone civilization. If you go in the spring, you'll be greeted with an even more vibrant view as the town is peppered with trees in bloom. Entry to Glanum is reasonably priced (€8 for adults; free for kids), so taking the family there won't break the bank. Just know that unless you walk a little distance from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, you will have to pay for parking. A map in your language will be provided by the front desk employees so you may explore the site at your own pace; alternatively, an audio guide costs 3 euros. There is a small museum, souvenir store, and café on the property.