T O U R E I F F E L
The Tour Eiffel was originally built after the project of the engineer Gustave Eiffel in the Champs de Mars, by the Seine river on the east side of the city, between 1887 and 1889, as the entrance of the Exposition Universelle.
At that time, it was the tallest building in the world and the record stood until the Chrysler Building was built in New York in 1930.
It was supposed to be dismantled in 1909, but the French government decided instead to keep it, being proved as a valuable support for communications.
Only when you see it for real, you can imagine the disappointment of Parisian citizens in the early years, when they couldn't avoid to see this huge assembly of iron dominating the sky, contrasting with the fine architecture styles of that time.
But the tower was then slowly accepted and nowadays it's the most recognized French piece of art and it's become a proper icon of France and Paris themselves.
In the album you can also find images of the Trocadero area and surroundings.
A R C D E T R I O M P H E
The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon I in 1806 after the victory at Austerlitz, to honour those who fought for France.
It's located in Place Charles de Gaulle (also famous as L'Étoile - the Star) in the middle of the Axe Historique, the Historical Axis that includes - in a straight line that extends towards east reaching the Louvre museum - the Champs-Élysées
avenue, Place de la Concorde and some other important historical monuments.
You can also enter the Arch and reach the roof to enjoy a very nice panorama of the city - in my opinion even more interesting than the one in Montmartre since you are in a more central position.
O N T H E B O A T
Some shots of the city taken during a touristic trip on a boat on the Seine river.
L O U V R E
The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world, and arguably the most famous. I couldn't miss it somehow, despite I must admit that during the visit I was a bit tired... and not so much
into ancient art, except probably the egyptian antiques. Also, as you can see in the photo sequence, I've never been a big fan of historical paintings and ancient sculptures... shame on me.
J A R D I N D U
L U X E M B O U R G
The Jardin du Luxembourg is the largest park in the city, located somewhere in the center south to the river, between the Sorbonne University and the Pantheon on the east side, and the Hotel des Invalides on the west.
It includes the Palace du Luxembourg, which hosts the French Senate.
N O T R E D A M E
The cathedral of Notre Dame is one of the earliest - and finest - examples of gothic style architecture. It's located in the central Ile de la Cité (also known as Ile de Notre-Dame),
one of the two islands in the Seine river.
Its construction was commissioned in 1160 by the Bishop Maurice de Sully, who lead most of his life following the ambitious and daring vision of a glorious new cathedral of Paris,
which would represent the Parisian Church of the Kings of Europe.
The construction time spanned more than one century. The main structure was ultimated in 1250, and the last elements were added in the following years until 1345.
M O N T M A R T R E
The hill of Montmartre sits north to the city center, and culminates on its top with the gorgeous Basilica of Sacre Coeur. Around the basilica, some pictoresque
old style streets and squares attract a lot of tourists, especially after the movie Amélie was released in 2001, since it is set in this area.
V E R S A I L L E S
Versailles is a town located 17 km southwest from Paris center. But when you say Versailles, you usually are talking about the Chateau of Versailles (Palace) and its park.
Once under possession of the rich and influent family of Gondi, it was in early 1600 when King Louis XIII bought first some woods for hunting purposes, ordered the construction
of a small hunting "Gentleman's Chateau" and eventually obtained the Seigneury of Versailles in 1632.
The castle was then subject of many enlargement works, and it was during the following kingdom of Louis XIV, in 1682, that Versailles became the permanent house of the court and the government.
Today, the Chateau and the Jardin are perfectly preserved and they are a milestone of several thousands tourists all over the year.
T O U R D E
M O N T P A R N A S S E
We paid a visit to the Tour de Montparnasse, the highest skyscraper in the city, to enjoy what I think is the best panorama view in Paris.
H O T E L D E S
I N V A L I D E S
The Hotel des Invalides was originally build in 17th century to host the injured soldiers who became impaired after a war. Later on a museum of the Army was set in there, and since half
the 19th century it hosts the tomb of Napoleon I.
L A M A D E L E I N E
The church of La Madeleine, nearby the Place de la Concorde, was originally built in 18th century as a National Library, in a typical neoclassical style
resembling an ancient Greek temple. It was in 1801 when Napoleon Bonaparte, fascinated bu its majestic presence, decided to turn it into a sacred site devoded to
the Emperor's glory.
The church was eventually consacrated later on in 1842.
S A I N T E C H A P E L L E
The Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel in English) is a gothic chapel located on the Ile de la Cite, at walk distance from the cathedral of Notre Dame.
It's built inside the once courtyard of the Royal Palace (now Palace de Justice) and it's not visible from outside except for its high roof.
P O N T
A L E X A N D R E I I I
The Pont Alexandre III is the most sumptuous and prestigious bridge in Paris, linking the Grand Palais area on the north of the river to the Invalides park on the south.
L A D E F E N S E
The modern district of La Defense, located to the extreme west of the Historical Axis which includes l'Etoile, Champs Elysees, Place de La Concorde and the Louvre,
has its main spot in the Esplanade which west side is dominated by the Grande Arche, a 110m high cubic building which has become
the icon of the largest business district in Europe.
3 D S T E R E O P H O T O S
Some 3D stereo shots taken around - mostly La Madeleine, Notre Dame and Versailles park. There are both crossed eyes and parallel eyes albums, depending on which
view technique you're familiar with.
L A V I L L E T T E
Ve visited the Parc de La Villette, located north east to the center, enjoying some modern architecture (La Geode, La Cite des Sciences et Industrie)
and a visit inside an old French submarine.
M I S C E L L A N E O U S
Some shots here and there.
