Built between 1764 and 1790, the Paris Pantheon was the first major monument of the French capital and the first place from which Paris could be seen from the heights. Mainly because its construction predates that of monuments such as the Eiffel Tower. It is located in the Latin Quarter, very close to the Luxembourg Gardens. Continue reading “The Paris Pantheon”
It was the last great Parisian fountain located on a facade since subsequently, all monumental fountains were placed in squares or parks. The Saint-Michel fountain, is a Parisian fountain located in the 6th arrondissement of the city, situated in the corner between the boulevard Saint-Michel and Place Saint-André-des-Arts. We happened to visit it at a time when it was surrounded by tents due to an artisan market that was taking place at the end of May. Continue reading “The Saint-Michel fountain in Paris”
At last we got the opportunity to see and climb to the top of the most famous triumphal arch in the world, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Although Napoleon Bonaparte ordered its construction in 1806, to commemorate the victory in the battle of Austerlitz, it was during the mandate of Louis-Philippe that it was completed in 1836. Its construction lasted thirty years and its architect was Jean-François Chalgrin. Continue reading “The Arch of Triumph – L’Arc de Triomphe”
Upon arriving to the IV District of Paris, one can see in the distance a tower that attracts the attention more and more as one gets closer. It is the “Tour Saint-Jacques” or the Saint James Tower, located in the middle of the square that bears his name and which is surrounded by gardens. Continue reading “Saint James Tower, Paris”
For a long time we had admired photographs of the stained glass windows of “Sainte-Chapelle” or the Holy Chapel of Paris. Not one photo can live up to the wonder encountered upon arriving there. It is a privilege to witness live and in full color so much beauty concentrated in a relatively small space. And, although it is not comparable to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Sainte-Chapelle is a jewel of Gothic art, being considered one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture. Continue reading “Saint Chapelle, Paris”
One of the must-see places to visit in Paris is the Luxembourg Palace. On a sunny day, and after a long walk, it is the perfect stop to rest in one of the many green metal chairs that are around. So, from reading a good book, eating a light meal or just relaxing while contemplating the many statues and sculptures found in the gardens, it’s worth a stop. Continue reading “The Luxembourg Palace and its Gardens”