Built between 1862-1875, its architect was Charles Garnier. He had been picked from among 171 contestants, and was relatively unknown although he had won the Rome prize in 1848. He was only 35 when awarded with the design of the new opera house. The origins of the idea for a new opera house can be [...]
Place Saint-Michel is located on the Left Bank of Paris, France in the Latin Quarter of the sixth arrondissement. The cross-roads square exists at the intersection of several streets including: Quai Saint-Michel, Boulevard Saint-Michel, Quai des Grandes-Augustus, and Pont Saint-Michel, which connects with Boulevard du Palais on l’Ile de la Cite. A connection by a [...]
The Jardin des Tuileries is one of Paris’s most visited gardens thanks to its central location between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. As such the Tuileries are part of a grand central axis leading from the Louvre all the way to La Défense, the city’s business district. In the early 16th century the area was a [...]
The Trocadero area, made up of the Place du Trocadero and terraced gardens, is dominated by the Palais de Chaillot. Built in 1937 for the Exposition Universelle, it’s a rather ugly building, in sober Neoclassical style. The central terrace between its two wings has been kept clear, forming a perfect frame for the Eiffel Tower [...]
Correct name for this little arch is Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel which is located on la Place du Carrousel (named Carrousel from the horse dressage displays done on the square). This arch was built in 1806 to commemorate Napoleon’s victories of previous years. The arch is the second monument in the line that goes [...]
Extending from the Seine all the way to the Rue de Rivoli is the Place de la Concorde, the largest and the most famous single square in Paris. It probably would be possible to come to Paris and miss this square if (a) your hotel was located somewhere in the Latin Quarter and you never [...]
Created in 1667 by André Le Nôtre, Louis XIV’s gardener,in order to improve the view from the Tuileries garden. The avenue was lengthened at the end of the 18th century, running from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Two kilometers long and bordered by trees, les Champs-Elysées has become the center for festivities [...]
Located on the top of the hill of Montmartre, at what is the highest natural point in Paris, the Basilique du Sacre Coeur stands proud as one of Paris’ most visited destinations. The Sacre Coeur is one of the later churches built in Paris. It was completed in 1914 and opened in 1919 after the [...]
Canal Saint Martin, built in the days of Napoleon 1 (way back in the early 19th century) was not just a solution to fresh water to Paris but also opened transport lines within France and connected the rivers. In fact France has a very intricate system of canals throughout the country that have historically been [...]
1889: During the evening of the tower’s inauguration, 10,000 gas street lamps adorned the steeple and platforms. Two projectors on the tower top illuminated the other Parisian monuments below. The blue, white and red beacon lights were considered the most powerful in the world. 1900: Electricity arrives at the Eiffel Tower, as 3,200 lamps spotlight [...]
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