Paris—the
"City of Lights," the "City of Love." The nicknames of this
romantic metropolis depict its colourful past, rich history and lustful reputation.
Archaeological findings suggest that the diverse history of Parisian inhabitants
began as early as 4200 BC. The city began as a spot for boatmen and traders
due to its ideal location along the banks of the Siene River. As the years passed,
different tribes moved in and out of the area and their influence formed the
basis of the city's rich history. Thousands of years later, the eighteenth,
nineteenth and twentieth centuries brought much upheaval to Paris, and this
drama and turmoil helped create the world-famous image that draws millions of
visitors to its streets each year. Home to some of the world's most famous landmarks
on earth, there are many must-see attractions within the iconic and enchanted
city.
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Upwards
View of the Eiffel Tower 1 |
THE EIFFEL TOWER (TOUR EIFFEL)
History
A familiar sight recognized by the young and old, the Eiffel
Tower is a notorious structure, now symbolic of Paris. After two years
of construction, 300 workers and 18,038 pieces of puddled iron, designer Gustave
Eiffel finished building the tower in 1889. At the time, The Eiffel Tower was
intended to be the tallest building in the world, standing at 324-m (1,063-ft),
including the antenna. Gustave Eiffel engineered the open-frame structure using
mathematical calculations to resist the wind. Constructed for the Exposition
Universelle, a 100-year celebration of the French Revolution, the tower was
only meant to stand for 20 years. Though it was supposed to be demolished in
1909, the tower was spared because it proved to be a useful tool for radio transmission.
Acting as an incriminate bystander, the Eiffel Tower has witnessed
over a century of Parisian history. Not only did the tower observe events of
the First and Second World Wars, it also played its own role in history. In
the First World War the tower's potential as a tool for communications was exploited
by the French Military during the First Battle of Marne, and also when capturing
famed spy Mata Hari.
Visiting The Eiffel Tower
In 2006, the tower attracted over 6,719,200 visitors. At the base, tourists
will find an information booth where elevator tickets can be purchased. Via
the north, east and west elevators, visitors can reach the first and second
levels. The first floor contains exhibits and a dining and shopping area, while
the second floor features exquisite views of Paris. To reach the top floor,
visitors must take a separate elevator from the second floor. During peak season
the tower is very crowded and tourists should expect long delays. Those wanting
to skip the lineups and fit in their daily workout can ascend the tower's many
stairs to the first or second levels. Also, there are information stations setup
for visitors to read on the way up.
ARC DE TRIOMPHE
History
The construction of the Arc
de Triomphe began in 1806 after Napoleon's successful battle at Austerlitz.
Designed by architect Jean Chalgrin, the 51-m (165-ft) arc was inspired by the
Arch
of Titus and reflects a neoclassical version of ancient Roman architecture.
Each pillar features a relief sculpture constructed by academic sculptors, Cortot,
Rude, Etex, Pradier and Lemaire.
Not completed until 1836, the monument is dedicated to those
who lost their lives while fighting for France in various conflicts. Residing
at the base of the arc is The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Featuring an eternal
flame in memory of the unidentified soldiers who died in battle during the First
and Second World Wars, every November 11th the Arc de Triomphe is host to a
memorial ceremony in their honour.
Visting the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is located at the centre of Place
Charles de Gaulle, at the west-end of the Champs-Elysees.
Surrounded by Rue de Presbourg and Rue de Tilsitt, visitors can access the monument
via the pedestrian underpass. Once arriving at the memorial's centre, travellers
can pay a small fee to gain access to the landmark's peak.
See impressive views of Paris by riding a lift up or taking
a 284-step journey to the top. In addition to marveling at the surrounding panorama,
visitors can learn about the arc's history at the museum located here.
NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL (CATHEDRALE NOTRE DAME DE PARIS)
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| City
View from Atop of Notre Dame2 |
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History
Known in France as Cathédrale
Notre Dame de Paris, the name translates to Our Lady of Paris, signifying
its dedication to the Virgin Mary. The Roman Catholic cathedral was built at
the location of the first Christian church in Paris, the Saint Etienne Basilica.
Torn down by Bishop Maurice de Sully when he declared the church to be unfit,
the construction of Notre Dame began in 1163, although the cathedral was not
complete until 1345, under the rule of Louis VII.
The design of the Cathedral reflects high Gothic architecture
which can be seen through the use of pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying
buttresses. One of the first buildings to use the flying buttress, it allowed
the cathedral walls to be thinner and taller by repositioning the weight of
the building onto the outside buttresses instead of the walls. Naturalistic
influences are apparent in the stained-glass window designs and sculptures.
As a long-time Parisian site
of worship, Notre Dame has been a focal point in a number of France's
historic events, many of which took a toll on the cathedral. After the Council
of Trent in 1548, rioting Huguenots damaged the church and it endured further
destruction under Louis XIV and Louis XV's reign. Notre Dame was invaded during
the French Revolution by Revolutionaries who destroyed much of the church's
interior and many of its treasures, but was eventually saved by a 23-year restoration
program that Viollett-le-Duc and Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Lassus put in motion
in 1845. The infamous cathedral gained even more recognition when Victor Hugo
used it as the setting for his novel, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame".
In addition to the many Catholic events held at the cathedral, other notable
events include Napoleon Bonaparte's crowning as Emperor in 1804 and the celebration
of France's liberation from Germany on August 26, 1944.
Visiting the Cathedral
Notre Dame is open daily for visitors to explore. Although, as the cathedral
is an active worshiping site, visiting areas are restricted during services.
Before entering the massive cathedral through the central entrance, The Door
of Judgment, visitors should observe the intricate sculptures and designs from
the early 13th century that decorate the doorway. Inside the cathedral, the
marvelous stained- glass and elaborate biblical designs of the three round rose
windows demand the attention of onlookers. To enjoy a great view of the city,
visitors can climb up 387-steps to the bell tower.
SACRE-COEUR BASILICA (BASILIQUE DU SACRE-COEUR)
History
Located at the highest point in Paris, Sacre-Coeur
Basilica is situated atop Montmartre
butte. Completed in 1914, construction of the basilica began after the French
Revolution and Franco-Prussian War. As its name translates, the church is dedicated
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and has become a memorial to those who died in
the Franco-Prussian War and French Commune.
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A
Night View of the Sacre-Couer3 |
Made of travertine stone, the basilica will remain white in
colour, even as aging and weathering occurs. The basilica's Romano-byzantine
architecture is very different from the high Gothic design of Notre Dame. The
basilica was designed in such a way as to contrast with the architectural style
of the Palais
Garnier, the Paris Opera House.
Visiting Sacre-Coeur Basilica
Tourists who want to see the Sacre-Coeur Basilica can arrive via the metro transit
system, alighting at Anvers Station. From there, hop on the Funiculaire
de Montmartre, which allows for quick transport from square Willette
to Sacre-Coeur. In addition, the area can be accessed by foot. Only a 15-20
minute walk, the uphill journey provides scenic views upon entering the district.
The main worshiping corridor of the Sacre-Coeur is open to
the public every day for free, though donations are appreciated. To see the
basilica's dome or chapel-lined crypt, guests have to pay a small fee. This
allows access to the spiraling steps that lead to the dome, and the staircase
leading down to the tomb. After visiting the basilica, exploring the many galleries
and cafes
in Montmarte—Paris' main arts hub—is a popular activity.
CATACOMBS OF PARIS
History
The
Catacombs, the setting of Edgar Allen Poe's “A Cask of Amontillado,”
contain 300-km (186-mi) of tunnels, corridors and rooms filled with stacks of
Parisians' skeletons. Serving as a place to store the deceased 20-m (65-ft)
underground, the idea of the catacombs came about in 1785 as a solution for
Paris' overcrowded cemeteries.
City graveyards like Saints
Innocents Cemetery (Cimetière des Innocents) were responsible for disease
and contamination in Paris, resulting in the use of the catacombs—which originated
as a network of limestone quarries in the Roman-era— as well as cemeteries like
the famed Pere
La Chaise (Cimetière du Père Lachaise) as a burial place. In the 20th
century the tunnels were used during the Second World War by French Resistance
fighters.
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| Skeleton
Bones in the Catacombs4 |
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Visiting the Catacombs
Although most of the corridors are restricted to the public, 1.6 km (1.0 mi)
are open to visitors. After paying admission, explorers with a camera in one
hand, and flashlight in the other, can follow the underground tunnels and be
spooked by the millions of decrepit skeletons. By the end of the tour, visitors
should expect to have their bags searched, just in case a skeleton's bone wandered
into their backpack. Making it easy for transit users, the entrance to the catacombs
is located across from Denfert-Rochereau metro station. The exit is near metro
Mouton Duvernet, 700-m (2297-ft) southwest of the entrance on rue Remy Dumoncel.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Hanna Verhagen;
WorldWeb.com; Eiffel Tower; Paris, France
- Arc de Triomphe;
Paris, France
- Hanna Verhagen;
WorldWeb.com; Sacre-Coeur; Paris, France
- Catacombs, Paris,
France
