Paris

Paris MontMartre

2012-03-17T01:59:00.003-07:00

Montmartre is talked about by Parisians the way New Yorkers talk about the village: It's not what it used to be, It's like Disneyland, the artists can't afford to live here anymore,too many tourists etc. There is some truth these opinions, but there are two ways of approaching this incredibly unique village within the metropolis. The first is to follow the herd instinct and stampede your way up the famous hill, take a picture of yourself on the steps of the basilica, buy an overpriced crepe at the Place du Tertre, get conned into having your portrait sketched, and walk back down clutching newly bought key-rings, postcards, gaudy T-shirts feeling a little mystified about what all the fuss is about.

Back on the Rue de Steinkerque, walk until the street ends at Place St. Pierre. Facing you are the grassy and terraced gardens leading you to the basilica. The gardens were once gypsum quarries, hence the odd design. With the brightly lit merry go round churning out its nostalgic tunes and the imposing church white against the sky, it's time to take the obligatory photos no one will look at. If you are hungry, grab a crepe or sandwich from the stand on your left, or the pleasant café with the best view of the gardens and basilica on your right.

DETOUR: On the nearby Rue de Ronsard there is an interesting museum (St. Pierre) with local exhibitions, a gift shop and a nice café all set inside an old renovated warehouse. Across the street is the Marche St. Pierre, a multi level fabric store which rivals anything I have ever seen. If you are a designer, a home decorator or simply curious, you MUST visit this incredible business which carries every type of fabric imaginable and holds an entire office for cutting and ordering on every floor. The beauty of it is that it exudes the feel of a shop in the 1950's and not the streamlined order of a modern department store. This is the Mecca for curtain-makers, amateur tailors and seamstresses. It is also an international import/export house dealing in fabric from all over the world.

Go back to the gardens facing the basilica and you will find that to the left and up the hill are the steps and the funicular (a type of elevator/train) which you can ride to the top. The funicular does not carry the stigma of the little white train, so you can use this service and still retain your dignity, but the real traveler will scoff at such modern contrivances and take the steps. The steps are of the classic Montmartre variety--- steep and lined by pretty lampposts and deciduous trees. If it's winter and it happens to be misty, you will feel like you are in a 40's film or a Bresson photograph. *Notice the beautiful apartments you wish were yours facing the incline. At the top, turn right and you will find the 10,000,000 other people who had the same idea you did that morning. Despite the crowds, the view is the most spectacular in Paris. At night, the view is even more impressive and if you have managed to end up there with a lover, new or old, consider yourself lucky to be at the top of the food chain! Take a bottle of wine and rest assured that no bar in town has such good seating. In the summer there are often street musician who perform at the bottom of the steps, using the architecture as a kind of natural amphitheatre with an already captive audience. If you are a pretty, single girl, chances are you will have to fend off (or accept) the hopeful chatting from eager groups of young north Africans. If you are a single guy, chances are you will be trying to chat up that same single girl on the steps with the notebook and pencil and dreamy look in her eyes. You will have lots of competition, and she, lots of attention. Good luck to both.

The Basilica Sacre-Coeur was only built a century ago, an infant by Parisian standards, after the French were embarrassed by a brief but successful occupation by the Germans in 1870. It wasn't yet Hitler, but Bismark's Prussian army. The Germans seem to have a thing for Paris. The Basilica is based in Roman architecture and took over 40 years to build. (more than it took to build the Parthenon!) From a distance, the stark white domes are powerful and imposing. During WWII, 13 bombs are said to have landed on the church, but without resulting in casualties, which lent the place special status among the local people. For 5 euros you can climb the 80 meter dome and get and even better view of Paris.

Cabaret Moulin Rouge was built in 1889 by Josep Oller, who at the time owned and Olympia, another place famous in Paris. MoulinRouge is near Montmartre neighborhood of Paris called Pigalle redand is easy to locate because of the famous red windmill that has aroof. Moulin Rouge is famous because it is considered the place where was born the modern form of dance can-can. Today the MoulinRouge is a tourist attraction of dance and entertainment in mind andoffers its customers worldwide. The decor inside the cabaret still retain much of the romance of the early twentieth century France.
Among the famous artists who gave performances in the famouscabaret in Paris include: Elton John, Liza Minelli, Frank Sinatra,Josephine Baker or Edit Piaf. Moulin Rouge was the subject ofpost-Impressionist works of painter Toulouse-Lautrec. Also there were several movies including cabaret name at the 2001 Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman as the 1952 adaptation wasnominated for Best Film at the Oscars.

The main attraction of cabaret is the french can-can. This dance hasexisted long before the cabaret Moulin Rouge was a dance of the working class but it was adapted by the courtesans of the Moulin Rouge in order to excite male customers premises.

Place de la Concorde

2012-03-08T00:29:00.002-08:00

Place de la Concorde is the largest public square in Paris and the Tuileries gardens separate the Champs-Elysees. It was originallycalled Market Louis XV and was located in the middle of an equestrian statue of him. The construction market in the shape of anoctagon began in 1754 and was completed in 1763.

A period after its construction, the market served as a meeting placefor participants in the bloody revolution in the history of France. After the revolutionaries came to power, they renamed Revolution Squareand has replaced the statue of King Louis XV with a guillotine.Between 1793 and 1795, over 1300 people were beheaded,including Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Danton and Robespierre.Name of the Place de la Concorde symbolizes the end of an era of suffering and hope for a better future.

Obelisk of Luxor, a pink granite monolith was given to France in1829 by the Viceroy of Egypt, Mehemet Ali and replaced theguillotine in the Place de la Concorde. The building, which mark the entrance to the house once Amon has over 3300 years old and isdecorated with hieroglyphics representing the power of PharaohRamses II and III. Obelisk that was brought in 1833 weighs 230 tonsand is 22.83 meters. Survived more than 33 centuries, the obeliskhas suffered most damage in the past half century due to exposure topollution from exhaust gases. The obelisk is a monument inscribed with four surfaces, forming a pyramid towards the top. Egyptiansrose two and symbolized the sun which grew in thickness when approaching the ground.

In every corner of the octagonal market are forming statues representing French cities: Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon, Marseille,Bordeaux, Nantes, Brest and Rouen. In the south-east market,Concorde bridge over the Seine to get Bourbon Palace where is the National Assembly. Near Obelisk, Tuileries gardens are Orangerie Museum.

National Library Paris

2012-03-08T00:09:00.003-08:00

The Bibliothèque nationale de France is the National Library of France, located in Paris. It is Intended to BeThat is the repository of all published in France. The current presidentof the library is Bruno Racine.

The National Library of France traces origin to the royal library IT Sfounded at the Louvre by Charles V in 1368. It expanded underLouis XIV and Opened to the public in 1692. The library'scollections swelled to over 300,000 volumes During the radicalphase of the French Revolution When the private libraries ofaristocrats and Clergy Were seized. After the establishment of the French First Republic in September 1792, "the Assembly declaredthe Bibliotheque du Roi to property and the national Be Renamed Institution WAS the Bibliothèque Nationale. After Four Centuries ofcontrol by the Crown, this great library now Became the property ofthe French people.
Following a series of regime changes in France, it Became theImperial National Library and in 1868 Moved to newly constructedbuildings WAS on the Rue de Richelieu designed by HenriLabrouste. Upon Labrouste's death in 1875 the library expanded Further WAS, Including the grand staircase and the Oval Room, byacademic architect Jean-Louis Pascal. By 1896, the library ever had become the largest repository of books in the world, although Been It has since surpassed by That Other libraries for title.

On 14 July 1988, President François Mitterrand Announced theconstruction and the expansion of one of the largest and mostmodern libraries in the world, Intended to cover all fields ofknowledge, and designed to Be accessible to all, using the mostmodern data transfer technologies , Which Could Be consulted froma distance, and Collaborate with Other Which would Europeanlibraries. Surprisingly, the library Does Not Maintain A Wireless Network. In July 1989, the services of the architectural firm ofDominique Perrault Were retained. The construction WAS carriedout by Bouygues. Construction of the library ran into huge costoverruns and technical Difficulties related to STI high-rise design, so much so That it is Commonly Referred to as the "TGB" or "TrèsGrande Bibliothèque" (ie "Very Large Library," a sarcastic allusionto France's Successful high-speed rail system, the TGV). After the move of the major collections from the rue de Richelieu, the National Library of France WAS inaugurated on 15 December 1996. More Than It contains ten one million volumes.

Arc de Triomphe

2012-03-06T06:53:00.002-08:00

In the heart of a bustling city such as Paris, in a neighborhood business,trade and tourism combines perfectly with each other, the Arc de Triomphe is linked to our collective consciousness in a way that exceeds its artisticand architectural. Construction of the monument was meant to be a tribute to Emperor Napoleon victories, was not completed until the battle of Waterloo led to his overthrow.

Arc de Triomphe was built over the remains of an unknown soldier killedduring World War I and a perpetual lamp burning in the foundation. Startingfrom the Arc de Triomphe roads in all directions and that Charles de Gaullein the spring is located is known as the "Star Market" (Place de l'Étoile).Arch Western is at the end of the famous Champs-Elysees. Arc de Triomphe is a tribute to honor those who fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic wars. Inside and above the arch are inscribed names of generals and wars fought.

Arch of Triumph measures 49.5 meters, 45 meters wide and 22 deep andis the second largest triumphal arch existing in the world. It is so great that inthe concluding celebrations of the War, a pilot flew the biplane or under it.
The idea of Arc appeared in 1806 after the victory at Austerlitz the Emperor Napoleon. Foundation construction only lasted two years. During the Restoration, construction was stalled and would not be completed untilthe reign of King Louis Philippe.

Body Emperor Napoleon was passed under the Arc on December 15, 1840 in the second way to his last resting place, Les Invalides. In the early 60s, the monument became very dark because of soot and coal exhaust.So between 1965-1966 Arch was cleaned with bleach.

For those who ventured to enter the car in Paris is good to know that the cars entering the Arc de Triomphe have priority over those around him.Pedestrian access to the Arc is through an underground passage. The monument is equipped with an elevator from ground level to the level ofobservation. Turisitii can climb the 284 stairs or use elevator and thenclimb another 46 steps to the top. From the Arc de Triomphe panoramacan be admired by the 12 major arteries leaving the Place de l'Étoile.

Cathedral Notre Dame

2012-03-06T01:38:00.001-08:00

With its Gothic grandeur of Notre Dame in Paris, not only dominate the river Seine and the Ile-de-la-Cite and history but the Frenchcapital. The location today high in the majestic edifice sacred ancientRomans erected a temple dedicated to Jupiter, which was followed by a basilica and then a Romanesque church dedicated to St.Stephen, built Hildebert Merovingian king, in 528.

The initiative to build a cathedral, about 900 years ago, belonged toMaurice de Sully IUI, bishop of Paris, due to the increasing number ofbelievers. Work began in 1163, but have not been concluded than180 years later, in 1345, and then without the final finishes.Cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was built between illiteracy,so that was designed to present in a more plastic Bible scenes andcharacters in portals, paintings and stained glass windows that adorn.

Western side is downright spectacular. Tower in the south, almostcathedral bell, the bell is famous Emmanuel, last rebuilt in 1631 is related just to the north tower of the famous gallery of the Grand Gallery chimeras or the carved figures are frightening apocalypticinspired by old Christian legends. The lower level includes thefamous rose window with a diameter of 10 meters in front of hisstatue of the Virgin with the Infant in her arms. Many of its elementsstained glass cathedral dates from the construction of the thirteenthcentury. Last lower level, called the Gallery of Kings, has a line of 28statues of the kings of Judah and Israel, rebuilt after beingbeheaded by the revolutionaries of 1789, thought they are the kingsof France. Sculptures and stained glass windows have a strong influence on which naturalist provides almost human expression. At the bottom are three portals: the north portal of the Virgin, in the center and south Ultimate Judgment Portal Portal scenes from the life of St. Anna with mother Mary.

The interior has been transformed in the middle of the thirteenthcentury and have a maximum space and light. There is here asculpture titled Virgin of Paris. Made in flowering time the city by contributing merchants who saw the cathedral a source of civicpride, the statue stands out is rather a symbol of wealth so arrogantof piety. Objects of the cathedral are of considerable value andexperience: reliquary contains thus ring the holy crown of thorns andother relics of the Saviour the Lord's Passion of St. Louis bought in1238. The organ, dating from 1730 and restored in 1962, is the largest in France. Since 1991 the cathedral was a restoration program of interior and exterior.

Champs-Elysees

2012-03-06T00:48:00.001-08:00

Champs Elysees is known in France as "La plus belle avenue dumonde" (The most beautiful avenue in the world) and extends from Concorde Square to the Arc de Triomphe. It was renovated and widesidewalks were built of granite. It is one of the most important sights of Paris.
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Many important events take place on the well-known avenue, such as military parade celebrating the National Day of France on 14July, New Year's Eve events and the end of prestigious cycling race,Tour de France. Hundreds of stores of world famous companies,cinemas, theaters and restaurants animate the day and night.Champs-Elysees is a very good reason to choose a hotel for thosevisiting the Paris area.

Avenue Champs-Elysees was appointed in 1709. In Greek mythology these fields were where heroes went after death. Arteryhas a length of two kilometers and a width of 80 meters.Champs-Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe continues beyond theboulevard Grande Armée. Together provides insight than sevenkilometers from the Concorde Square to La Défense, the business district of western Paris.

Animation on the famous Champs Elysees maximum rates in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when it was full of luxury shopsand hotels. During that period he gained and international reputation.

After a decline in the Champs Elysees was renovated in late 1980and then regained a place where everyone wants to go.Champs-Elysees is one of the most famous streets in the world and because of this commercial space rentals here reaches over 1.5 million dollars for 100 square meters.

To prevent destruction of its specific charm, Paris City Hall has banned Swedish company H & M to open a store on the boulevard.

Presidents Residence France Elysées Palace, is located right on the boulevard but a little further north.

Museum Louvre

2012-03-06T00:26:00.002-08:00

The Louvre is the most visited art museum in the world, a monumentfull of historical significance and a national museum of France. It is a tourist office in Paris is located in a district of the city. In the Louvreare at about 35,000 artifacts six millennia BC and until the nineteenthcentury D.Ch

Louvre Palace Museum is housed was originally conceived as a fortress in the twelfth century under the reign of Philip II. The ruins of this fortress can still be seen today. The building continued to beexpanded many times over the centuries until it reached its current form the Louvre Palace. In 1674 the residence of French kings was moved to Versailles Palace and Louvre Palace remained as the main place where the royal art collections were exhibited. During the French Revolution was decided that the Louvre became a museumto house the most precious masterpieces of French people

When opened, on 10 August 1793, the museum had a collection of537 paintings, most of the works confiscated from the church andthe French monarchy. During the Napoleonic museum has greatlyincreased collection and changed the name of Napoleon Museum.After Napoleon's defeat many of the works were confiscated by thereturn of their owners. But the museum's collection has continued toincrease, during the Second Empire has won more than 20,000pieces. Number of works of art owned by the Louvre continued to grow steadily in gifts and donations except the two world wars.

Since 2008 the Louvre Museum's collection is divided into eightcategories: Ancient Egypt, Antiquities of the Middle East, Greece,the Etruscans and the Roman Empire, Islamic Art, Sculpture,Decorative Arts, Paintings, Prints and Drawings.

Today the museum features more than 380,000 objects and 35,000works of art. Over 60,000 square meters are dedicated topermanent exhibits. Of the 15,000 daily visitors over 65% areforeign.

Collection of paintings has over 6,000 pieces dating from thethirteenth century to 1848. At the Louvre can be found and the masterpiece of Leonardo da Vinci, Mona Lisa among many other works of art of inestimable value.

Eiffel Tower

2012-03-05T02:52:00.003-08:00

An objective is the symbol of Paris Eiffel Tower, which openedin 1889. Is 7000 tons, measuring 320.75 m high and 2.5 million rivets(iron rivets used in construction of the tower and come from plants Resita). Tower is lit most of the night. Since 2000 the top two lightsmounted lights all around away. Wherever you are in Paris or the tower can be seen or will see the headlight beam. From the third floor of the tower, on a clear day you can see up to 67 km away

One thing is falsely rumored that the architect Gustave Eiffel towerthat took the name in the end. In fact, the architect was StephenSauvestre, but the design was based on ideas of Eiffel. Eiffeldesigned the revolutionary modular construction and the companyproduced each piece separately in foundries. The tower was builtbetween 1887 and 1889 to coincide with the exhibition in Paris. This was the World's Fair that marked the one hundredth anniversary of the French Revolution

Eiffel Tower was built of iron 18,038 modules. It took 2.5 million rivetsto combine these modules. This process took over 26 months. The tower is 300 meters high. Height increases to 320 meters if you include radio antenna placed on top. Eiffel Tower weight is 7,300 tons and grow itself if we include 10,100 tons of concrete foundation.The tower includes three platforms that are found in 57 meters at 115and 274. If you want to climb to the top, you have to walk 1665 steps

Eiffel tower contains 2.5 million rivets.
    - It is 320 meters high and weighs 7,000 tons. It has 1710 steps.First floor at 57 meters and 360 steps from the ground, the secondfrom 115 to 1060 meters and the ground speed. The third floor is274 meters from the ground and can be reached only by elevator.
    - The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel (1832 - 1923), a French engineer specialized in metal buildings. Completed in 1889for Expo, was built in two years by 132 workers and 50 engineers.
    - He was about to be demolished in 1909. He was rescued by its function telecommunications tower. It is now one of the most famousbuildings in the world, receiving 5.5 million visitors annually.
    - Tower shrinks by 16 inches in winter.
    - It was the tallest building when it was completed in 1889.
    - It was built for World Expo to demonstrate that iron can be asstrong as stone, but infinitely easier.
    - Did you know that the Eiffel Tower restaurant can accommodate200 people? The name of the restaurant 'Altitude 95', is due to the fact that the restaurant is at 95 meters above sea level.
    - It took a team of 25 people to paint the Eiffel Tower.
    - It took a year and one month the tower to be built (from April1888 to May 1889).
    - Tower rust protection requires the application of 50 tonnes of paint every seven years.
    - Heating is the tower to dilate up to 9 inches.