Paris
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Although building work began on the Notre-Dame Cathedral in the 12th century, it was not until some 300 years later construction finally came to an end. The length of time it took to build is evident through the various styles of architecture that run through the building. Although it is predominantly French Gothic ,there are areas that demonstrate the Renaissance and the Naturalism era of construction.These varying styles add to the outstanding yet quirky beauty of the building. The
Cathedral didn’t originally have its famous flying buttresses, but after the construction of the cathedral began, the thinner walls (popularized in the Gothic style) grew ever higher and stress fractures began to occur as the walls pushed outward. The cathedral’s architects, in an effort to fix the problem, built supports around the outside walls, and later additions continued the pattern. The was among the first buildings in the world to use the flying buttress (arched exterior supports). Outside Charlemagne stands guard with statues of Saints and Kings.
Cathedral didn’t originally have its famous flying buttresses, but after the construction of the cathedral began, the thinner walls (popularized in the Gothic style) grew ever higher and stress fractures began to occur as the walls pushed outward. The cathedral’s architects, in an effort to fix the problem, built supports around the outside walls, and later additions continued the pattern. The was among the first buildings in the world to use the flying buttress (arched exterior supports). Outside Charlemagne stands guard with statues of Saints and Kings.
Meet the Gargoyles!
The Cathedral of Notre Dame is probably best known for its relation to the story of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, made famous by the numerous cartoons and movies inspired by it. After 387 steps, you too can meet the gargoyles up close.
The Cathedral of Notre Dame is probably best known for its relation to the story of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, made famous by the numerous cartoons and movies inspired by it. After 387 steps, you too can meet the gargoyles up close.
Le Tour Eiffel
Built for the 1889 Exposition to honor the 100 year anniversary of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower is today the symbol of France. The Tower was supposed to be destroyed after 20 years, but Gustave Eiffel was able to save his Tower by expanding its purpose to include meteorological and astronomical observations, physics experiments, a strategic vantage point, an optical telegraph communications point, a beacon for electric lighting and wind studies. Ascending into the Tower today, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Paris and a lovely meal at either of the two restaurants. Every evening, the Tower is illuminated by lights and a beacon. https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/the-monument
A Visit to Le Louvre
The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument. The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, originally built as the Louvre Castle in the late 12th to 13th century under Philip II. in 1546, was converted by Francis I into the main residence of French royalty. After Louis XIV shifted the center of royal life to Versailles, the Louvre became a place to display the royal collection. During the French Revolution, the National Assembly decreed that the Louvre should be used as a museum to display the nation's masterpieces. In 1983, during renovations. Architect I. M. Pei's design proposed adding a glass pyramid to stand over a new entrance in the main court. The second phase of the Grand Louvre plan, LA Pyramide Inversee (The Inverted Pyramid), was completed in 1993. Although controversial, as of 2002, attendance had doubled since completion.
The Arc de Triomphe
Started by Napoleon to celebrate his victories, the Arc de Triomphe was inaugurated in 1836 by French king, Louis-Philippe, who dedicated it to the armies of the Revolution and the Empire. The Unknown Soldier was buried at the base of the arch in 1921. The flame of remembrance is rekindled every day at 18:30. It was the site of the 2018 WW I International Remembrance Day festivities.
Along the Seine
Bridges connecting the Right and Left Banks of the Seine are known for their decorative elements. Included here are some views of Notre-Dame from the Seine. Don't bother to bring your locks anymore- the weight of the "love locks" had exceeding the carrying capacity of several structures, so the city removed them a few years ago.
A drive around Paris!
Giverny: Monet's Garden
There are two parts in Monet's garden: a flower garden called Clos Normand in front of the house and a Japanese inspired water garden on the other side of the road. Being able to stand and take pictures to exactly mirror his art was an unforgetable experience!
The central alley is covered over by iron arches on which climbing roses grow. Other rose trees cover the balustrade along the house. At the end of the summer nasturtiums invade the soil in the central alley. Claude Monet did not like organized nor constrained gardens. He married flowers according to their colors and left them to grow rather freely. These are some of my favorites!
In 1893, ten years after his arrival at Giverny, Monet bought the piece of land neighboring his property on the other side of the railway. It was crossed by a small brook, the Ru, which is a diversion of the Epte, a tributary of the Seine River. With the support of the prefecture, Monet had the first small pond dug ; even though his peasant neighbors were opposed. They were afraid that his strange plants would poison the water. In this water garden you will find the famous Japanese bridge covered with wisterias, other smaller bridges, weeping willows, a bamboo wood and above all the famous nympheas which bloom all summer long. The pond and the surrounding vegetation form an enclosure separated from the surrounding countryside.
Versailles
The Palace
The Palace of Versailles, also known as the Château de Versailles, has been the scene for several historic events, not the least of which was the signing, on 28 June 1919 in the Hall of Mirrors, of the Peace Treaty between defeated Central Powers and the Allies that brought the First World War formally to an end. The palace started out as a simple hunting lodge built by Louis XIII. However, after that Louis XIV decided he wanted to build the palace that we know today at that location. In 1789 the palace lost its seat in power, but today hosts the Museum of France's history. The palace area consists of the main palace, a large garden, an extensive park, as well as a number of annex buildings.
The Gardens
While planning the Palace of Versailles, Louis XIV gave equal importance to the garden around it, in fact it consumed 1/3 of the total budget. He handed over the task of landscaping and the garden around the Palace to French landscape architect called Andre Le Notre. The Gardens of Versailles have 11 main fountains built around Roman and Greek mythology themes.
Le Petit Trianon of Marie Antoinette
The Petit Trianon was built on the extended grounds of Versailles by Louis XV for his mistress Madame de Pompadour. and
was subsequently occupied by her successor, Madame du Barry. Upon his accession to the throne in 1774, the 20-year-old Louis XVI gave the château and its surrounding park to his 19-year-old Queen Marie Antoinette for her exclusive use and enjoyment. The model village behind the Chateau became a place for Marie to escape the pressures and formalities of court life.
was subsequently occupied by her successor, Madame du Barry. Upon his accession to the throne in 1774, the 20-year-old Louis XVI gave the château and its surrounding park to his 19-year-old Queen Marie Antoinette for her exclusive use and enjoyment. The model village behind the Chateau became a place for Marie to escape the pressures and formalities of court life.
Loire Valley
The Château de Chambord
Chambord was the brainchild of the extravagant Francois I who sought to recreate the skyline of Constantinople with its rooftop. Henry James said that "Chambord is truly royal-royal in its grand scale, its grand air, and its indifference to common considerations." Look for Francois I's emblem of the salamander (symbolizing patronage of the good and destruction of the bad) throughout the Chateau...it appears more than 700 times.
The Château de Chenonceau
Stretching across the River Cher, the Chateau de Chenonceau is my favorite of all the Loire Valley chateaux. Known for its women, Chenonceau was constructed under the supervision of Catherins Briconnet, wife of the royal chamberlain. Later, Henri II's mistress, Diane de Poitiers, built the bridge over the river. After Henri's death, his wife, Catherine de Medici returned to the Chateau to kick out her rival and topped the bridge with a gallery. The Chateau survived the Revolution because of the actions of Louise Dupin, the wife of the local tax collector.
Catherine's bedroom, her portrait, and the grounds.
The Château de Cheverny
Known in popular culture for its' inclusion in the tales of Tintin (it is called the Chateau de Moulinsart), Cheverny was constructed during the reign of Louis XIII, and is known for its simple, elegant lines.