Paris. France: Moliere Fountain

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin was born in Paris in 1622. However, you have to be an expert in French literature to recognize that name. Most people know him by his stage name, Molière. When it comes to dramatic writing, he's about as good as it gets in France.

Moliere wrote all sorts of stories - comedy, drama, farce, etc. The best-known works are "The Misanthrope," "Tartuffe," and "The School for Wives." His work has been performed in all major languages, and it is still popular among audiences today. Some say French is the language of Moliere.

The great writer is said to have died while on stage - while playing a hypochondriac in "The Imaginary Invalid." But his touch lives on; some of the words have remained in the French language.

Naturally, Moliere takes a bow in Paris even today. A statue of him is on the street named after him, right where it intersects with rue Richelieu. It made its debut in 1844.

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