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Celebrating Bastille Day in Paris
A year ago, my niece Julia and I were in France looking forward to celebrating Bastille Day in Paris. July 14th or le Quatorze juillet is officially known as la Fête nationale. This day, the biggest in France, commemorates the ‘Storming of the Bastille’ which took place on July 14th, 1789. It was on that day, during the French Revolution, when commoners rose up against l’Ancien Régime – the Old Regime. Their goal: to take control of la Bastille, one of Paris’ most notorious prisons. As a result, July 14th has become a celebration of the end of the oppressive French feudal system. A Celebration of Liberty The Bastille prison…
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Where to Eat in Paris When Visiting Les Invalides
Across the gorgeous Pont Alexandre III – Alexander III Bridge – from the Champs-Élysées, sits the stunning gilded dome of one of Paris’ major monuments. The beautiful les Invalides is most notably known as the final resting place of Napoléon Bonaparte. A Glorious Refuge Built by the Sun King, Louis XIV, as a refuge for veterans, it still provides support for them over 300 years later. However, today it is also home to several military museums, including la Musée de l’Armée. Through their collections and exhibitions, you can learn about the history of Paris over the last two hundred years. Les Invalides is such a fascinating place that time will…
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Where to Eat in Paris When Visiting the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower – La Tour Eiffel – is one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks, and definitely one you want to visit when in the City of Light. Not only is Gustave Eiffel’s masterpiece a stunning beacon of light, it is also an engineering marvel that warrants a closer look. This could take a while so of course you’ll want some ideas on where to eat in Paris when visiting this architectural treasure. Viewing the grand Iron Lady from ground level, you have the opportunity to appreciate the contrast of the delicate beauty of her filigreed arches against the obvious strength of her four massive pillars. And you also get…
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Paris’ Pantheon and Its Many Gods – Part 2
Scale models or maquettes of buildings always fascinate me. And happily, these are quite commonly found in historic French monuments. So my tour of Paris‘ Pantheon continued with an exploration of its beautiful maquette. A Model of Architecture The graceful beauty of its exterior was in full view as I approached it from the front. Then, I slipped around to the side and discovered a cutaway view into the interior. The level of detail was breathtaking. It even included the intricate rosette panels embedded in the coffered ceiling which stood above me. The Nation’s Crypt Of course, a centuries-old church would not exist without a crypt. And a somewhat shocking…
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Paris’ Pantheon and Its Many Gods – Part 1
I had heard of the beauty of le Panthéon – the Pantheon – in Paris long before I took the time to visit it. So, on my first solo trip to the City of Light, I decided that this was the perfect opportunity to do so. And this fascinating monument to French history did not disappoint. As I was filled with awe from the first moment I saw it. Parisian Delights I was staying in a lovely little apartment in the 16th arrondissement – municipality – just off the Champs-Élysées. From here I made my way to the Latin Quarter by Metro. Feeling a little peckish, I was happy to…
