France!
Did you know you can actually go to the center of France, from which all distances in France are measured? It’s on the Ile de la Cite. Go to Notre Dame and stand in front of the Cathedral in the Place du Parvis. Walk to the upper left toward the Portal of Mary in the Cathdral. Keep looking down and you will see a small octagonal bronze plaque in a stone circle, with “Point Zero Routes de France” in bronze letters. This is the heart of Paris and of France.
It doesn’t seem to be well-known. The plaque is not protected by a fence or rope, so you can take a picture of your feet right beside it. Buying a book from Shakespear and Company stamped with their logo and the legend “Kilometer Zero Paris” supports this historic site and also the artists who live above the store, a fitting (and easily-packed) souvenir of yoru visit.
This one small kilometer holds Notre Dame, the Archaeological Crypt (with Roman Walls and 19th Century sewers), Sante-Chapelle, and the Cluny Museum (Unicorn Tapestries and a genuine unicorn horn), among many, many other wonders. We tried to do it all in one day. A tip: Buy a Museum Pass and pace yourself!
Sabrina