The City of Paris, France
Spring 2000
Paris, especially in the spring, is a city of beauty. Here
are many of the sites we've seen with Mom.
The Eiffel Tower
The symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower dominates the skyline.
From virtually every part of the city, it can be seen as a landmark.
At 984 feet (300 meters) in height, it makes a good platform from
which to see the city--if the weather is clear. There are three
platforms from which viewing is possible. All three can be reached
by elevator or stairs--1652 of them. We took the elevators up
and Alex and Brian took the stairs from Level 2 down.
The Trocadero
The Trocadero gardens are one of the best places to see the
Eiffel Tower. Grand spaces, green gardens, fountains, and a wonderful
view make it a nice place to spend time. There is also entertainment
for the 'children', including merry-go-rounds and ice cream stands.
Arc de Triomphe
Napoleon had the Arc constructed to commemorate his victories.
It also contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Arc is famous
for the traffic circle, or rotary, which surrounds it. Twelve
streets intersect at one point, giving the appearance of a star.
Hence the local name of L'Etoile or 'the star'.
Champs Elysees
Champs Elysees is the long tree-lined boulevard joining the
Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde. It is a street for
walking and for seeing and being seen, with restaurants, street
side cafe's, theaters, shops, boutiques, gardens, street artists,
and people from all over the world.
Place De La Concorde
During the revolution, thousands lost their heads in the Place
de la Revolution. With Napoleon, the internal bloodshed stopped
and became the Place de la Concorde. Located at the south-east
end of the Champs Elysees, the Place now holds a large Ferris
Wheel and an Egyptian Obelisk instead of a guillotine.
Tuileries Gardens
As you walk from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde
along the Champs Elysees, you walk from bustling shops to peaceful
gardens--the Tuileries Gardens. These are quiet green spaces of
flowers, playgrounds, ponds, and cafes.
The Grand and Petit Palais
These large buildings are now museums and exhibition halls.
The names suggest that they were once palaces, but we're not sure
of the history. Regardless, the buildings are impressive and enjoyable
to look at, particularly if you like sculptured architecture.
Hotel des Invalides
The Hotel des Invalides was first constructed by King Louis
XIV to house and take care of soldiers who had been retired due
to injury. Today it houses the tomb of Napoleon and the Army Museum.
