Eiffel Tower, Golden Triangle and Seine River
A visit to the bewitching
City of Light
Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao
The Hans India
(15-09-2024)
{Paris is generally welcoming and
diverse, with a rich tapestry of neighborhoods and communities reflecting
cosmopolitan nature. They contribute to Paris’s character as a historic,
culturally rich, and well-organized city; and reflect Paris's unique blend of
historical charm, modern convenience, and a lifestyle that values both its
residents and visitors} – Editor Hans
It has been a ‘Strong Desire’
of my wife, as well as mine, to visit Paris and particularly the ‘Iconic
Symbol of Paris-Eiffel Tower.’ It has been made a reality by my son and
daughter in law, who are presently working in Amsterdam. Immediately on
reaching Amsterdam, arrangements were made by them for a two-day comfortable
visit to Paris by fabulous ‘Eurostar Train’ and stay, on August 17 and
18.
Paris founded by a ‘Celtic Tribe’
in the 3rd century BCE, as a settlement on the island in the Seine River, transformed
from a medieval center of power to the radiant capital of France, and evolved
into a global symbol of art, fashion, and intellect. Paris later became a part
of the Roman Empire in 52 BCE, and Romans transformed the settlement into an
urbanized area. With the decline of Roman Empire, Paris gradually evolved out
of its control in 508 CE, and became the capital of the ‘Frankish Kingdom’
and eventually modern European city.
Paris played a significant and
symbolic role during both World Wars. It was a critical military and political
center for France and the Allies, was a hub for military logistics, planning,
and propaganda, hosted war conferences and was a symbol of French resistance
and resilience during First World War. German forces occupied Paris during
Second World War marking a dark period in the city's history. In August 1944,
the Allied troops and Free French Forces led by General Charles de Gaulle liberated
Paris. Charles de Gaulle played a pivotal role in the history of modern France,
and his influence extended beyond military leadership to the political
transformation of the country, shaping the modern French state.
Paris is foremost known for its ‘Eiffel
Tower’ a unique and globally celebrated landmark with a combination of its
historical, architectural, and cultural significance. It is singularly famous
and unique for Architectural Marvel, Innovative Design, Cultural and Artistic
Inspiration, Global Recognition, Historical Significance, Resistance and
Adaptation, Light Shows and Events, Scientific and Technological Role, Enduring
Popularity as a tourist destination etc. Then come the ‘Seine River’ the
lifeblood of Paris, The ‘Love Lock Tradition’ on its pedestrian bridge,
the ‘Pont de l'Alma Tunnel’ the tragic site where Princess Diana died, Russian
Orthodox churches etc.
Paris is known for the best of hotels,
roadside restaurants, typical shopping centers, old looking apartments, residential
buildings, shops, and hotels opening onto the road, residential and commercial spaces
in the same complex, special neighborhoods, amazing road traffic discipline, love
for cycling and walking, less use of two-wheelers, a typical Paris style prostitution
area, narrow Streets, etc. depicting atypical culture. ‘The Arc de Triomphe’
to honor the French army's victories, The ‘Champs-Elysees’ Avenue, The ‘Louvre
Museum,’ The ‘Musee du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac’ (Museum), The ‘Cour
Napoleon and the Louvre Pyramid,’ ‘Musee d'Orsay’ (Museum) once a
railway station known as the Gare d'Orsay etc.
The other places of historical
importance are: The Golden Triangle, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Elizabeth II Flower
Market, The Latin Quarter one of Paris’s oldest neighborhoods, Luxemburg
university, pantheon church, Lamare way residential street, City Hall the Paris's
municipal headquarters, Cemeteries, Military museum, National Assembly
building, Senate building, San Shama church, Montmartre Hill, Sacré-Cœur
Basilica, Luxembourg Gardens, Asian Art Museum, Museum of Anthropology, ‘Arc
de Triomphe Replica’ with Balloon and Olympic Flame etc.
Paris is generally welcoming and
diverse, with a rich tapestry of neighborhoods and communities reflecting
cosmopolitan nature. They contribute to Paris’s character as a historic,
culturally rich, and well-organized city; and reflect Paris's unique blend of
historical charm, modern convenience, and a lifestyle that values both its
residents and visitors. Paris’s commitment to preserving its historic charm
while managing urban space efficiently and maintaining public order is
reflected. Places of interest provide insight into unique urban characteristics,
and historical importance. Each landmark contribute to Paris's rich historical importance
representing significant aspects like French military history, legislative
process, and architectural beauty.
Five of our family members checked in ‘Hotel
Renaissance’ and on the first day in the midst of an intermittent heavy
rain reached the ‘Eiffel Tower’ around 8 PM. An Indian Origin Girl Student,
guided our Visit. Walking nearly a kilometer and half and subjected to Security
Check twice, we proceeded to the Ground floor Elevator. My wife on wheel chair was
allowed a separate pathway along with my daughter in law pushing it. From
Ground Floor about 50 persons were allowed in batches direct to the second
floor.
Enjoying the City View for a while from
there, climbed about 15 steps to reach another elevator to go up to third
floor. There we enjoyed seeing the wonderful illumination of Tower. Eiffel
Tower is renowned for its lighting, which adds to its allure, especially at
night. Several tourists visit Paris and the tower, specifically to have a view
of this. Every evening, it sparkles for five minutes at the start of each hour
after sunset. The lighting system has been introduced to enhance the tower's
visual impact, a key feature of it, symbolizing the romance and beauty of
Paris.
Later we got down in the elevator,
took the steps to second floor and from there in the elevator direct got down
to ground floor without touching first floor. The Eiffel Tower is divided into
three levels accessible to the public, with restaurants on the first two and an
observation deck on the third, offering breathtaking views of Paris. These
elevators can transport around thousand people per hour each. It was a
wonderful experience when we were in the elevators which travelled diagonally,
following the curve of the legs. The elevators an integral to its design and
operation since its opening, were steam-powered originally, and known to be a significant
engineering achievement at the time.
The ‘Eiffel Tower’ located near
the ‘Seine River’ was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, and was
constructed during 1887-1889 as the centerpiece for the 1889 world fair
celebrating the Centenary of the French Revolution. Made of iron, the tower
weighs approximately ten thousand tons and was the world's tallest man-made
structure, that Stands at 330 meters (1,083 feet) tall, until the completion of
the ‘Chrysler Building’ in New York in 1930. It can be viewed from the ‘Golden
Triangle Street’ near one side of the ‘Seine River’ with a panoramic
scene.
Second day on a Cab and covered almost
all-important places in Paris beginning with ‘The Golden Triangle.’ It is
a prestigious area in Paris known for its luxury shopping, upscale hotels, fine
dining, and as a hub of Parisian elegance and sophistication, attracting
fashion enthusiasts and high-end clientele from around the world. The ‘Seine
River’ in Paris, flowing through the heart of the city offers iconic views
of its landmarks. Paris has over 30 bridges spanning the Seine River, which
vary in style and history, reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage. ‘Pont
Neuf’ renowned for its historical significance and its location, is the oldest
standing bridge in Paris. ‘Pont Alexandre III’ features gilded
sculptures and lamps offering stunning views of the Seine. ‘Pont des Arts’
famous for the ‘Love Lock Tradition’ is a pedestrian bridge.
In the lead-up to the 2024 Paris
Olympics, the Seine River played host to several high-profile swimming events,
marking a significant revival of the river as a venue for competitive sports.
Historically, the ‘Seine River’ was used for swimming competitions in
the early 20th century, but pollution concerns had long made it unsuitable.
However, after extensive cleaning efforts, the river was declared safe for
swimming, leading to its inclusion in the Olympic Games. The return of swimming
to the River was hailed as a symbolic moment for Paris, showcasing the city's
commitment to sustainability and its rich sporting history.
(Dispatch from Amsterdam)
