Paris France
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. From the amazing architecture, to the beautiful gardens, Paris has something to offer everyone.
Louvre
Originally a fortress and then a royal palace. Today the Louvre is the largest museum in the world, spreading almost 15 acres. It welcomes on average 9.3 million visitors a year. It is also said to be haunted. If you believe in that.
The Pyramid was added in 1989 by a I.M. Pei, a Chinese architect. It is made entirely of glass and metal and stands 21 meters high. There are actually 4 pyramids on the courtyard. The main entrance to the museum is located in the center of the structure.
This is one of our favorite sculpture in the museum. Created by Antonio Corradini this “Veiled Lady” is carved out of Marble. It’s amazing how the features of this lady seem to be under a vail.
The painted ceilings inside the museum are so beautiful.
Venus De Milo is a famous Marble sculpture inside the Louvre. Created between 130 and 100 BCE, it is believed to be of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.
Apparently people were taking selfies at the Louvre long before we realized.
Arc de Triomphe
Construction of the Arc de Triomphe was ordered by Napoleon in 1806 but not completed until 1836. It was built to honor the Grande Armee. The names of 128 battles of the first French Republic and Napoleon’s Empire are written on the white walls under the vault together with the names of the generals who took part in them.
At the base of the Arch stands a torch. Every evening at 6:30 P.M. it is rekindled, and veterans lay wreaths decorated with red, white and blue near its flickering flame. It burns in the darkness to recall the sacrifice of an unknown French soldier who gave his life during World War I.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was originally built as the entrance arch for the World’s Fair in 1889. It is named after Gustave Eiffel who was in charge of the construction the tower. The tower was never intended to remain after the fair. It is 1050 feet high and weighs around 10000 tons. The French name for the Tower is La Tour Eiffel, which means “The Iron Lady”.
You can’t visit Paris and not see the most iconic landmark. Beautiful and probably the most photographed of all the Paris landmarks, The Eiffel Tower offers many different photographic possibilities. All of which for me, are firmly planted on the ground.
Noter Dame
Noter Dame means “Our Lady ” in French. It is one of the first and oldest French Gothic cathedrals, it took around 300 years to complete and dates back to the 12th century. The stained glass inside the cathedral is breathtaking. There is even a crypt underneath the building.
Although Noter Dame is often photographed from the front to capture the two ornate towers. I actually prefer the back side.
Napoleon’s Tomb
The body of Emperor Napoleon was placed here on 2 April 1861. The tomb is sculpted of red quartzite and sits on a green Vosges granite base all centered on a marble floor. Surrounding the Tomb, twelve “Victories” symbolise Napoleon’s military campaigns. In the circular gallery, a set of 10 bas-reliefs depict the main achievements of his reign.
Paris is a beautiful city with so much to offer. I’m so glad we had the opportunity to visit it twice. Now its off to new places to explore!!