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Of course, it goes without saying that a place like Paris would have so many beautiful buildings and structures that thrive throughout the city. Everyone’s fan favorite is obviously the Eiffel Tower. To me, there are two different Eiffel Towers in Paris. The first one is the one you see when you are right up next to it. You can see the fine details in the structuring, you might even notice the names engraved into it. This Tower is overpowering, so much so that you can’t take it all in without lifting your head up. The second version is the Tower you see when you drive across the city and the tip peaks across the relatively smaller structures of Paris. Maybe you climb atop a large building and gaze across the landscape, only to notice it yet again popping out and grabbing your attention. I prefer the second one more, because I think the Eiffel Tower was meant to be seen on a higher level, rather than ground level. |
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Another famous structure is the Arc de Triomphe. A famous construction that was built to honor the country’s military heroes. The Arc is located in the center of six long stretching roads that divide the buildings amongst themselves. On the outskirts of the Arc, rests a humongous roundabout, that has no markings in the pavement to mention any lanes. How I didn’t witness a single crash you ask? I have no clue. Once you get inside the Arc, you get your workout in the form of a extensive number of spiraling stairs that will have you panting and your heart beating. Inside is a gift shop, a museum of the military, and some scale models of the Arc. The best part however, is the view from the top of the Arc. As soon as you step out from the top, it’s as if your brain flips the reset switch. Your eyes are overloaded with so much information and so many colors. The glimpse is the best you’ll ever see in your life. Especially when you see the second Eiffel Tower in the background. It’s screensaver-on-your-phone worthy, forget that, it’s more like screensaver-in-your-brain worthy. |
| The third famous building, is the colossal church that is the Notre Dame de Paris. It is famous for it’s design, size and importance in French history, as it was used for baptisms. Walking up to the building, you have to wait outside in a huge line that forms hundreds of yards from the actual structure. As you inch closer, you can see the kings and angels that are carved from the cathedral. One actually is beheaded, and carries his head in the palm of his hand, cool. After a series of brief security stops, the place is filled with paintings, engravings, and of course pews. There’s what I would describe as a modern confession zone, where you can speak to a pastor. Over all, it’s a very unique place and definitely deserves your visit. |
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Lastly, a little bit of a drive away from the city reveals the treasured Palace of Versailles, the fabulous mansion where kings and queens of France lived years ago. The whole building is covered in gold, a symbol of the extravagant wealth of the past owners. The building stretches 3 square miles which includes the palace itself, and an extremely large lawn that includes fountains, a lake, and several restaurants. The tour of the building reveals the secrets the palace holds. Hundreds of portraits and paintings, gold covered furniture, and a long strip of mirrors in the ballroom. The whole experience was pretty eye opening. You could see why millions of peasants eating nothing but grass and dirt, would want to rebel against the rich estates. |
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