French President Francois Hollande visited Timbuktu last week, just days after French forces had freed the fabled city from Islamist militants.

CNN: French troops kill 'hundreds' of Islamist fighters in Mali

The fabled city includes ancient tombs and wooden structures dating to the 15th century, a major part of its cultural heritage.

CNN: Broken limbs, torn lives in northern Mali

The fabled city, whose names is sometimes used in the West as a synonym for a faraway place, was at the center of trans-Sahara trade in earlier times.

CNN: French, Malians seize town from Islamists

"This is very serious, " said Ousmane Halle, mayor of the fabled city of Timbuktu, now under the control of Ansar Dine, a militant group that seeks to impose strict Sharia, or Islamic law.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The fabled "City of 333 Saints, " is an ancient desert crossroads and a historic seat of Islamic learning and faith.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES

The 1733-established city of roughly 130, 000 inhabitants has an aura as shaggy-chic as its fabled live oaks maned in Spanish moss.

WSJ: Journal Concierge: A Guide to Savannah, Ga.