PARIS: ATTRACTIONS
The Basilica Of The Sacre Coeur
The Basilica of the sacre corue, or the sacred heart is both a working Parisian Roman Catholic church, and also a popular tourist attraction. The mosaic that can be found in the apse of, 'Christ in majesty', is one of the largest in the world. The Sacre Coeur is the place in which the cities patron, Saint Denis, was beheaded, sometime in the 3rd century. Legend has it that after St.Denis was killed, he stood up, picked up his head, and walked several miles north, where the 'city of Saint Denis' still stands today.
Arc De Triomphe
A true French boulevard, The Champs Elysees passes right through the centre of Paris. At 3km long it forms part of the line of the Axe Historiqe, with the Glass Pyramid at the Louvre lying on its axis. At one of the ends of the street, lies the tourist-popular Arc de Triomphe and at the other the Place de la Concorde. Lined with cinemas, cafes, fashion chain stores, and lavish speciality stores it's tres chic!
The Champs Elysees
A true French boulevard, The Champs Elysees passes right through the centre of Paris. At 3km long it forms part of the line of the Axe Historiqe, with the Glass Pyramid at the Louvre lying on its axis. At one of the ends of the street, lies the tourist-popular Arc de Triomphe and at the other the Place de la Concorde. Lined with cinemas, cafes, fashion chain stores, and lavish speciality stores it's tres chic!
Bastille
The Bastille prison holds a very special place in the heart of the French public. It was the storming of the building on July 14th, 1789 that marked the beginning of the uprising, that was to evolve into the French revolution. Built sometime around 1370, it was originally to be a part of the defence for Paris. However, in the 15th century, Charles VI converted it into a prison. During the storming of the Bastille, 1000 people gathered outside the gates of the prison, calling for its surrender, removal of its guns, and demand for guns and gun powder. By the afternoon, the crowd had broken into the prison. Gunfire was exchanged. Ninety-eight attackers died, as well as one defender. Some of its demolished remains still are around today, and one of the towers of the fortress was discovered in an excavation in 1899. It is displayed in a nearby park.
Place De La Concorde
The place de la Concorde is a large square, and found at the eastern end of the Champs-Elysees. The square designed in 1755, was filled with statues and luxurious fountains. After the French revolution, the square underwent much of change, for example, it got its current name. Today, an Egyptian obelisk can be found in the square, which is a popular tourist attraction, and it is decorated with hieroglyphics from the reign of Ramses II. The 3,300 obelisk was presented to France in 1829 by Egypt for the victory at Mehemet Ali.
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