Paris… La Ville de l’Amour!

Paris is a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Its 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine. Beyond such landmarks as the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame cathedral, the city is known for its cafe culture and designer boutiques.It was a whirlwind few days for my daughters and me there, trying to see, taste, and do it all!

**The Cathedral of Notre Dame**
The foundation stone was laid by Pope Alexander III in 1163, and the high altar was consecrated in 1189. Between 1844 and 1864, the building was renovated. Millions of visitors each year visit the cathedral to take in it’s beauty, unique architecture, and interesting gargoyles. Fun fact: The left tower is slightly larger than the right tower.

The Eiffel Tower

Fun fact: The Eiffel Tower was never intended to stand over the Champ-de-Mars permanently. It was built for the World’s Fair in 1889 and was scheduled to be dismantled in 1909.

We braved the crowded elevators to go to the top and see the amazing view. But my favorite time was when we went back at night to relax on a blanket and enjoy the view with chocolate and conversation.

Escargot

Trying escargot was a fun experience, and finding out I actually liked it was a nice surprise!

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de triomphe was begun in 1806, on the orders of Napoleon I, to honor the victories of his Grande Armée. It bears the names of battles and generals from the Revolution and the First Empire. Every evening, the flame is lit on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the Great War.

The Louvre

The Louvre

The world’s largest, and possibly most famous, art museum in the world! Braving the crowds was well worth the experience. It was incredible to see the artwork and sculptures I’ve seen before so many times in pictures and re-creations.