A memorable Trip Through Paris City
Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Luxembourg
Gardens
Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao
The Hans India (06-09-2024)
{Paris has truly captivated my
heart with its timeless charm and elegance. The iconic Eiffel Tower standing
majestically over the city, offers breathtaking views that capture the essence
of Parisian romance. Strolling along the Seine River and witnessing the love
locks on its bridges, I felt the city’s unique blend of personal stories and
grand history}-Hans Editor Note.
Paris has several landmarks each of
which contribute to City’s historical and cultural tapestry, artistic richness,
significant aspects such as French Military History, Legislative Process,
architectural beauty, and diverse heritage. These are for instance, the Arc de
Triomphe, Louver Museum, Luxemburg Gardens, Arc de Triomphe Replica with
Balloon and Olympic Flame, Notre-Dame Church, City Hall, Senate Building etc.
We were thrilled to visit the symbol
of national pride, the ‘Arc de Triomphe,’ one of the most famous and iconic
monuments in Paris, standing proudly at the center of ‘Place Charles de
Gaulle’ near the ‘Champs-Elysees Avenue’ was commissioned by
Napoleon to honor the French Army's victories. This one of the most famous
avenues in the world is known for its grand theaters, luxury shops, cafes,
central stage for national celebrations and major parades including the annual ‘Bastille
Day Military Parade.’ The 50 meters tall structure, offers panoramic views
of Paris from its rooftop terrace. At its base lies the ‘Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier’ with an ‘Eternal Flame’ that is rekindled every evening,
serving as an emotional tribute to those who perished in World War I.
The instant we reached the world's
largest and most visited art ‘Louvre Museum’ housed in a former ‘Medieval
Fortress turned Royal Palace’ located along the Seine River, was
scintillating. It houses over 38,000 works of art including the ‘Mona Lisa’
and the ‘Venus de Milo.’ The sprawling complex combines classical French
Renaissance Architecture with Modern Design. The museum's iconic glass ‘Pyramid
Entrance’ is a striking contrast to the historic architecture, symbolizing
the fusion of tradition and modernity.
The exterior of the ‘Louvre Museum’
an older and more enclosed courtyard, is adorned with a rich array of statues
and sculptures of famous French kings, philosophers, and artists, highlighting
the cultural and intellectual heritage of France, that reflect its grand
history as a former royal palace and its current status as one of the world's
most prestigious art museums. These statues placed on pedestals, niches, and
along the balustrades, creating a sense of grandeur and continuity along the
lengthy facade. Recently Paris unveiled a temporary art installation featuring
a ‘Replica of the Arc de Triomphe’ combined with a ‘Large Balloon’
and the ‘Olympic Flame’ as part of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Another Museum situated near the
Eiffel Tower, is the ‘Musee du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac’ which is a
striking example of contemporary architecture, and of just two decades old. The
building itself appears to float above the ground, supported by stilts, and is
surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens that create a serene oasis in the heart
of Paris. The museum is dedicated to non-European art and cultures, housing an
extensive collection of artifacts from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
The museum's collection includes over 300,000 artifacts, ranging from masks,
textiles, and sculptures to musical instruments and ritual objects.
The ‘Musee d'Orsay’ is one of the
most beloved museums in Paris. The museum offers stunning views of the Seine River
and the Louvre from its upper floors. This building in fact, once was a Railway
Station, known as the ‘Gare d'Orsay’ and was constructed a ‘World's
Fair’ held in Paris. Design of the station was considered as a marvel of
modern engineering for its time, with advanced technology to accommodate the
electric trains of the era. The grand central hall, where trains once arrived
and departed, became the heart of the museum Now.
The ‘Asian Art Museum’ is one
of the largest museums dedicated to Asian art outside of Asia. It houses a vast
collection of artifacts from various Asian cultures, including Chinese,
Japanese, Korean, Indian, and Southeast Asian art. The ‘Museum of
Architecture and Anthropology’ was originally focused on anthropology and
human evolution, but later focused on human cultures and societies. The Military
Museum is one of the largest military museums in the world, housed in the
historic Hôtel des Invalides. It showcases French military history from the
Middle Ages to the present, including armor, weapons, and uniforms. The museum
is also notable for the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Yet another interesting place to see
in Paris is the ‘Notre-Dame Cathedral’ one of the most famous
Gothic churches in the world. It is renowned for its stunning architecture,
including its rose windows, flying ramparts, and ornaments. The
cathedral suffered a major fire five years ago. Pantheon originally built as a
church now serves as a mausoleum for notable French figures including Voltaire,
Rousseau, and Victor Hugo. Its neoclassical architecture and dome are iconic
features of Paris. Saint-Sulpice is one of the largest churches in Paris and
features notable works such as Delacroix’s murals and a grand organ.
The ’Luxembourg University’ in
Paris offers specialized programs in European and international law, business,
and digital transformation. It provides students with access to a vibrant
academic environment and opportunities to engage with European institutions.
The campus fosters a multicultural atmosphere and serves as a hub for research
and collaboration between academics, professionals, and policymakers across
Europe. Originally established as a Catholic Church-Affiliated University, gradually
over several centuries, it transformed from religious to a secular institution.
French Revolution marked a significant shift towards secularism. Reforms under
Napoleon Bonaparte, the University began to emphasize secular education,
focusing on academic and scientific disciplines rather than religious doctrine.
The Senate Building ‘Luxembourg
Palace’ houses the French Senate, the upper house of Parliament. The Senate
plays a crucial role in French legislation, reviewing and amending proposed
laws. The ‘National Assembly building’ located on the left bank
of the Seine, its grand facade and interior chambers are significant landmarks
in French politics, and known for its neoclassical architecture. It is the
lower house of the French Parliament. The ‘City Hall’ is the Municipal Headquarters
and a striking example of French Renaissance architecture. It serves as the
administrative center of the city, housing the Mayor’s Office and various Municipal
Departments.
The Luxembourg Gardens surround
the Luxembourg Palace, which houses the French Senate. The gardens are known
for their formal French-style layout, including trimmed lawns, tree-lined
promenades, fountains, and statues. The gardens also include a variety of
themed sections, such as a rose garden and an orchard. They serve as a popular
public park and are a central cultural and recreational space in Paris. The Elizabeth
II Flower Market is a charming spot offering a wide range of flowers,
plants, and sometimes birds. It is named after Queen Elizabeth II in honor of
her visit to Paris in 1969.
The ‘Latin Quarter’ Located on
the Left Bank of the Seine, is one of Paris’s oldest neighborhoods, known for
its rich academic and intellectual history. The area is known for its lively
atmosphere, narrow medieval streets, and a mix of historical sites and modern
amenities. Key landmarks include the Panthéon, where many notable French
figures are buried, and a beautiful botanical garden. It is also famous for its
cafes, bookstores, and vibrant student life. Paris is home to several notable
cemeteries. Walking through these cemeteries can be a journey through Paris's
rich cultural and intellectual history.
Paris has truly captivated my heart
with its timeless charm and elegance. The iconic Eiffel Tower standing
majestically over the city, offers breathtaking views that capture the essence
of Parisian romance. Strolling along the Seine River and witnessing the love
locks on its bridges, I felt the city’s unique blend of personal stories and
grand history. The grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe and the serene beauty of the
Luxembourg Gardens further reflect Paris's rich cultural tapestry.
My visit has been a ‘Memorable Trip
Through Paris City.’
(Dispatch from Amsterdam)
