Words are my forte … they usually emerge freely often causing dismay to my friends and family members for my non-stop banter. Yet here I am, at a loss of words, raking my brains to describe the stunning beauty that unfolded before us. My photographer husband laughed aloud looking at my perplexed face and suggested, “How about some ‘E’ words like exceptional”. Indeed! The epithet, “Voir Paris et mourir” (Visit Paris before you die), is surely not an exaggeration.(Paris)
Although the city is famous for its monumental mountain of steel, the Eiffel Tower, there are endless enchanting sights to enthrall you till you are hopelessly lost in her beautiful artistic world. The architectural splendor so gloriously reflected in her buildings and monuments, sweeping boulevards with the best-looking lamp posts, dazzling Avenue de Champs-Elysées, grand Muse de Louvre, elegant chapels, vibrant motley crowd, designer boutiques, top-notch restaurants and quaint sidewalk, the list could go on. Every nook and corner have something to offer, it’s best to savor that taste slowly like sipping the delicious French wine.
A word of caution, be very careful of your belongings. Often, bemused tourists fall prey to pick pocketers. I was no exception. Someone very gently took out my camera from my backpack in a moving bus which was not crowded at all. So, he/she must be genius in that game as I had no clue. Solo travelers avoid walking alone late at night.(Paris)
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An Engineering Marvel
Was there a better way to astound the world with an enormous wrought Iron engineering marvel to inaugurate the World Fair of 1889 and at the same time commemorate the centenary of a revolution (French revolution, 1789) that brought down the feudal monarchy to establish France as a republic? I guess, Not. Named after its designer Gustave Eiffel, whose company also built this wrought iron lattice tower, Eiffel Tower, was also the tallest man- made structure on earth at that time. The dominancy lasted till 1930 when America came up with Chrysler Building, and thereafter Empire State Building (1931).(Paris)
Tour de Eiffel is an integral part of visiting Paris, and it is immensely expensive so I would advise that you go late in the afternoon, to enjoy both the daytime and nighttime view. The sight of the illuminated city at night from atop Eiffel Tower is purely ethereal. Can you believe the Parisians were horrified in the beginning at this monstrous structure that stuck out like sore thumb amidst the elegant architectural monuments of Paris? Now, it is the highest revenue grosser among the historical sights of Paris.
After the French revolution, Louvre was converted into a public museum to display the nation’s master pieces most of which were collected from its various colonies by unfair means of course
You can climb up to the first tier, but to go to the second or top tier you need to take lifts. Try to book tickets beforehand. There are restaurants on every tier serving fine French cuisine and that requires a hell lot of money.
Museums Galore
Everyone will tell you about The Museo de Louvre, but there are multiple museums of great quality. If you are a museum buff then buy the combined museum pass which will be cheaper.
Located on the right bank of the Seine, the museum building is a grand architectural structure which was once used as the Royal Residence under French Kings. After the French revolution, Louvre was converted into a public museum to display the nation’s master pieces most of which were collected from its various colonies by unfair means of course. Yet, I must admit the museum has taken very good care to preserve their booty.(Paris)
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The beautiful glass pyramid in front of the museum is a ticket counter in reality and acts as an entry way to the museum. As part of an ambitious revamp project, the then president Francois Mitterrand, commissioned Chinese American architect I.M. Pei to build the glass pyramid of Louvre. Today it has become more popular than the museum and is featured more prominently in every tourist’s Facebook or Instagram.
A pristine peaceful edifice amid a bustling district
If you want to discover the paradoxical enigma of Paris, then you must not forget Montmartre, a captivating blend of iconic landmarks like Moulin Rogue and Scare-Coeur. While the former is the birth place of sensuous dance forms that introduced cabarets to the world, the latter is a quiet basilica dedicated to Jesus’ sacred heart, far removed from worldly pleasures. The former needs a pocket full of money, entry to the latter is free. However, if you want to climb the white dome of the Basilica, then you need to pay a little.
Montmartre boasts of being the soul of bohemian Paris. It is also one of my favorite districts in Paris. I simply love to sit on the green grass in front of the basilica and soak it all in. In moonlit nights the sparkling white edifice looks simply out of this world. It reminds me of our very own Victoria Memorial.
In moonlit nights the sparkling white edifice looks simply out of this world. It reminds me of our very own Victoria Memorial.
A world full of dazzle and glory
To enjoy the vibrant city life of Paris, let’s take a walk along the Champ de Elysees. This 230 ft. wide avenue is famous for Arc de Triumphed standing tall at the west end of the road at the crossing of Plaza de Charles de Gaulle.
The history of the arched gateway is as fascinating as the gate itself. The work on the Arc was initiated by Emperor Napoleon in 1810. He commissioned architect Chagrin to construct a spectacular Entry gate for the royal couple after his marriage to princess Marie-Louise of Austria on April 2, 1810. However, the workers went on strike denouncing the low wages and miserable working conditions, and the project was delayed. Meanwhile, there was a regime change and Napoleon got ousted. None of the latter emperors showed any interest to complete the project. Eventually, in 1823, King Louis XVIII, ordered architect Louis-Robert Gouts to complete the project. As destiny would have it, Louis died soon after, and the project was stalled again.
Ironically, in 1840 when Napoleon’s remains were returned to France his coffin passed through that very Arc which he commissioned to build but for an entirely different reason
His successor, his brother Charles X, after a lot of delay and dilemma began construction in 1826. Change of scenario again! A group of patriots, from the half completed Arc de Triumphed, revolted against King Charles and soon after, the completed Arc de Triumphed resurfaced as the Gateway of Triumph of people and the revolution.
Ironically, in 1840 when Napoleon’s remains were returned to France his coffin passed through that very Arc which he commissioned to build but for an entirely different reason. The illuminated Arc looked dazzling at night but I was more impressed by the complicated maze of streets and the 16-lane avenue, without any trace of traffic jam. How was that even possible! Back home, maneuvering our four lane highways could be a nightmare.
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Anyway, that’s Paris! I heaved a sigh and looked at the numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops lining the avenue that could transport you to a world of razzmatazz and glitz. “Mom, I want to try escargot. Our French teacher said that’s a delicacy one should not miss”, my daughter tugged at my sleeves. Fair enough! Local delicacy should be tried.
Since I was expecting something nice and exotic, imagine my horror when a plate of tiny snails was placed in front of me. I was even more shocked to see my daughter, my very own fish-hating daughter attacking those snails with her fork scooping out its interior and munching it happily as if that was the best meal ever! And it was a hopping sum of Euros!
Important Tips for Independent Travelers:
- Paris is well connected by multiple airlines, so do your research before finalizing one that suits you best. We took Air France from Bangalore.
- A Schengen Visa is needed to go to France that can be used to travel to most countries in Europe.
- From the Charles de Gaul (pronounced Shall de gal) airport, you can get to the city by using metro. Try to buy the Metro/bus pass that can be used in any public transport in Paris. Uber taxis are available easily but expensive.
- Museum Pass can be bought online or from Information centers in Metro station. Metro is very well connected and signposted clearly.
- Entry fees are high. So be selective, but if you can manage do go to the top tier of Eiffel Tower and climb the Arc de Triumphed. These experiences are mind-blowing.
- Food is expensive, any meal can cost 25/30 Euros, except fast food like McDonalds. It might be advisable to carry some dry snacks from home. Many restaurants have ‘cover charge’ – meaning some extra amount to sit and eat, so ask beforehand if you don’t want to pay that.
- Many of the hotels do not have elevators, and you are expected to carry your own luggage. So, pack wisely.
- Driving is easy in Paris and Indian license is accepted everywhere. But parking is difficult and costly based on where you want to park. So, take public transport and walk to your destinations. You will see people are walking all the time. It is easy and safe, with some caution of course.
Photos by Subhasis Banerjee
Monideepa Banerjee is an avid explorer and passionate writer from Bangalore, India. Her articles on travel, art and culture have been featured widely in many prestigious dailies and magazines, photo-journals and web-portals in India and abroad. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism, a B. A in English, a B.Ed. and a Diploma in Early childhood education. She is well-versed in Bengali and English and writes spontaneously in both the languages. Her published books, ‘The (mis) adventures of Teddy Tumbledore, ‘Jungle Beats’ and ‘Thamma o Gavaskar’ (in Bengali) are well accepted by young readers for their engaging yet simple narrative and emotionally resonant content.
