Here are some of the places I have visited in the lovely city of Paris.
It might be a little bit cliché, but I tend to visit tourist traps on my first trip anywhere. In spite of the crowds, scams, and corny vendors, I think there is still value in seeing a place and learning its history and positive features. It was cloudy with occasional rain all day long so the following places were not as crowded as usual. I sometimes find a certain beauty in the backdrop of rain clouds.
I started my day by traveling to Bastille Station and then enjoying a walk along the Seine River. The artwork on the walls of the station was fantastic! It was a really nice walk and I enjoyed taking in the sights and sounds of this aquatic path. My goal was to walk all the way to Notre Dame.
Along the way, I also discovered one many “Love Lock” locations. The Bridge of the Archbishopric Pont de l`Archevêché was a common location where couples would place a lock and toss the key into the river as a symbol of lasting love. In recent years this has been outlawed and the locks removed due to safety and environmental aspects (this issue has also happened in Venice and New York).
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
With over 900 years of history, this Catholic Cathedral was at the top of my list. Made famous in 1831 thanks to author Victor Hugo and the book ( using the English Title) The Hunchback of Notre dame. Unfortunately, all the tours were sold out so I did not get to go inside unless I wanted to pay the opportunity cost of not seeing other parts of the city today. In-person, the size and architecture delivered quite the viewing experience.
Louvre Museum , Jardin des Tuileries, and Av. des Champs Elysees
Next up on my walkabout was a short visit to the Louvre Museum and shops. Once again, due to limited time I did not get to explore much of this place as I urgently wanted to get to the Arc du Triomphe.
I did enjoy some of the sculptures, archetecture, and some interesting shops.
I continued my walk through the Jardin des Tuileries. This 17th Century formal park featured many amazing statues, fountains, and generally peaceful open spaces for play or picnics. Continuing on along the Avenue Champs-Elysees I cam across Place de la Concorde, an 18th-century plaza with an Egyptian Obelisk and a set of fountains.
Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile
Translated in English as “Triumphal Arch of the Star”, this landmark is one of the most recognizable in the world. It is a monument to those that fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Beneath its value is a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (ww1).
The view from the top, even in cloudy weather, did not disappoint. Here is one of my first Iphone Panographic Photos.
The Eiffel Tower
Constructed from 1887-1889, this “La dame de fer” (French for “Iron Lady”) was meant to welcome visitors to the World’s Fair. Since that time millions of people have visited this monument. According to some sources it has over 25,000 visitors per day. The closest I have ever been to something like this is the Paris Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Kings Island Amusement Park in Mason, Ohio, USA, and the Tokyo Tower in Japan, all notable replicas.
Like some of the other destinations of the day, I did not go into or on a tour of this location. It’s a difficult choice, but I am sure I will visit this city again some day. I always try to think of my first exploration as a way to get familarized with as many locations as I can.
One notable thing that brought me to this location is that I am a 007 James Bond fan and the Eiffel Tower was featured in 1985’s View to a Kill.
I had not really eaten all day so I found a nearby café and enjoyed a late lunch. French cafes are a common sight and experience here.
Out of time for the day and need to prep for the workweek, I hope to add more locations later in the week… (see part 3)
