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Travel Excursion – Part II: Paris Defines Nuances of Living
Art
Arc de Triomphe – Paris – Photo by
Patrice Raplee
By Patrice Raplee
Paris and élan intertwine in a never-ending liaison that forms the fabric
of the city’s society. Virtually every street in Paris is alive with
the hum of creativity. From the ornate architecture and gorgeous
French couture, to the heady aroma of fresh café au lait and warm
croissants wafting on the breeze, Paris defines the nuances of living
art.
Landmarks
A fabulous opportunity for viewing a number of the city’s
historical architecture and landmarks is to take a cruise on the
Seine River. Several companies offer tours during the day and evening,
as well as providiing lunch and dinner cruises. Bateaux-Mouches is
a reputable company that offers both types of tours. For about seven
Euros per person, visitors are afforded an hour-plus cruise along
the Seine River. This particular tour meanders past the Musee d’Orsay,
Notre-Dame, Hôtel de Ville (Paris’s city hall), the Place de la Concorde,
the Eiffel Tower and numerous other landmarks, ornate bridges, palaces,
and incredibly beautiful parks. If time permits, take the cruise
(seated outside on the upper boat level) during the day and twilight.
The romantic nature of gliding along the Seine in the evening with
the softly glowing lights of Paris and a gentle breeze whispering
past is sublime. Bateaux-Mouches is located on Pont de l’Alma, Rive
Droite in the Eighth arrondissement.
Paris’ monuments lay scattered about the different arrondissements; however,
if you are up to a good walk, many of these landmarks are viewable
by foot. The Arc de Triomphe, located on the western end of the Champs Élysées
in the eighth arrondissement is one of Paris’s most famous monuments.
Napoleon commissioned the monument after the victory of Austerlitz
in 1806. Look for the stairs that lead pedestrians under the street
to the monument; trying to cross the circular round-about is virtually
impossible and hazardous. The Arch has stairs or several service
elevators to lift ticketed visitors to the upper inside level where
a small museum is located, as well as access to the outside pinnacle.
After the Arc de Triumph, head Southwest along the Champs Élysées.
This famous tree-lined pedestrian thoroughfare meanders past boutiques,
bistros, hotels and has side streets that lead to fabulous cafes,
patisseries and upscale couture shopping. The obelisk Place de la
Concorde towers over the Southwest end of the Champs Élysées and
marks the entrance to the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries (gardens).
A leisurely stroll through the Tuileries on a sunny and warm afternoon
is a favorite Parisian activity. Continue west through the gardens
to visit the Louvre Museum.
A prerequisite for first-time visitors to Paris is to see
the Tour Eiffel or Eiffel Tower, located in the seventh arrondissement.
The queues to ride the Eiffel elevators are long, even in cold winter
months; be prepared to wait. Of course, climbing the stairs is an
option, but that path is best suited for ambitiously fit individuals.
Regardless of your ascension choice, the views of Paris and Seine
River from the Eiffel are magnificent. Make sure to plan your visit
on a clear day to avoid a mist-enshrouded viewing platform.
École Militaire resides Southeast of the Eiffel Tower through
the Parc du Champ (park). Louis XV founded the French military school
in 1750 and Napoléon Bonaparte attended the school until graduation.
The Military School now houses the Joint Defense College and the
Institute of High Studies of National Defense. A few blocks north
lay the magnificently gilded dome building of the Hôtel des Invalides.
Louis XIV initiated the project in 1670 as a hospital and domicile
for aging and ill soldiers. Today, Invalides houses the Military
Museum of the Army of France, as well as the resting place of Napoléon
Bonaparte. His tomb lies under the grand dome. The military museum
section of Invalides is fascinating; it progresses thorough the evolution
of military technology from the past to pre-WWI. The armor of knights
and horses extol France’s past and dozens of large table models exhibit
three-dimensional military battles. Although Invalides falls into
the museum category, it is a historical monument and is remarkably
beautiful.
Notre Dame – Paris – Photo by Patrice
Raplee
Notre Dame, located in the sixth arrondissment, is one of
the most eminent and structurally appealing cathedrals in the in
the world. Construction began in 1163 with completion in 1345. The
beauty of Notre Dame’s stone gothic exterior is stunning with its
exquisitely detailed stained glass windows, intricately sculptured
architecture to the chimeras (a winged gargoyle-looking statue) keeping
guard on the abutments. The moment visitors enter into the majestic
cathedral, a quiet sense of awe imbues their senses. The semi-dark
interior, illuminated with thousands of candles amid mists of incense
add serenity and leave a tangible remnant of Notre Dame’s atmosphere.
Statues, paintings and woodcarvings relay the religious events of
Catholicism and lend reverence to the cathedral’s enthralling history.
There are several sections of Notre Dame to tour. In addition,
explore the northern tower; it has a rather steep set of stairs to
climb, but the incredible views of the odd, medieval stone-sculpted
creatures are worth the scale.
The list of Paris landmarks and monuments are innumerable.
However, here are several more landmarks to explore with great French
historical significance. The Place De La Bastille in the fourth arrondissment;
Sacré Coeur on the top of Montmartre; les carrières de Paris (underground
catacombs) in the 14th arrondissment; and the Panthéon in the Latin
Quarter, where eminent French notables are interred, such as Voltaire,
Victor Hugo and Madame Curie, to name just a few.
Neighborhoods
The essential experience for many visitors to Paris includes
a non-touristy, real Parisian setting. These neighborhoods are scattered
about several arrondissements. A wonderful little street to explore
is rue Cler. The Metro stop École Militaire is less than a block
south of rue Cler and a great place to start. This street is where
locals purchase their meat, fruits, vegetables, breads, cheeses,
wine, flowers and chocolate. On weekends, the little flea market
in front of rue Cler on Avenue de la Motte Picquet sells bits of
everything from books, to statues, art and clothing. There are some
fine values and it is a good way to find out-of-the-ordinary purchases
to take home. Make sure to go early to avoid large crowds on weekends. For
one of the best Belgian chocolate shops in Paris, visit a la Mere
de Famille, located one block north at 47 rue Cler on the right-hand
side. This little shop sells delicious bon bons, candied fruits and
heavenly pure dark chocolate bites.
Further north on rue Cler is Café Lenôtre, a fabulous patisserie
for an exceptional café au lait and fresh pastry.
In the third arrondissment is another wonderful, yet upscale
area, Le Marais. This neighborhood is located just Northwest of the
Place de la Bastille monument and is an excellent place to stroll
about and window shop. Little French boutiques sell shoes, clothing,
jewelry and everything one could want for their Paris apartment.
Each building is a work of art and the tiny streets provide an intimate
feel to the vicinity. If you need a rest after walking through Le
Marais, take a break at the Place de la Vosges. It is a small park
in the shape of a perfect square, surrounded by beautiful old apartment
buildings. LeMarais is just across the Seine River from the Latin
quarter, where diners and the younger set spend their evenings.
Join us next month for more on Paris restaurants, shopping
and hotspots.
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