Paris is the heart, the centre of France. Since the 17th Century Paris as been a centre of finance, diplomacy, commerce, fashion, good, science and the arts. But is is also a city with a wonderful character. Called the City of Light the fountains, places and monuments are all lit at night.
For most of the city's history Paris has been governed directly by representatives of the king, emperor or president of France. It was only granted municipal autonomy by the National Assembly in 1944.
There is a look to Paris, that that is due to Napoleon III and his Prefect of the Seine, Baron Haussmann. Between 1853 and 1870 they rebuilt the city centre, created the wide downtown boulevards and squares where the boulevards intersected, imposed standard facades along the boulevards, and required that the facades be built of the distinctive cream-grey "Paris stone".
Everyone has their best sights of Paris. But over the years the most popular (Top 5 in visitor numbers) include Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Centre Pompidou and the Musée d'Orsay. The notre Dame Cathedral was a major draw but has been closed for restoration for a number of years now. But of course there are so many places to see, they could not all be listed here.
We went to Chartres, located about 90 km from Paris, like many others to see the impressive cathedral. The stained glass windows are impressive, with the majority being original glass.
The exterior of the cathedral along the sides is all classic flying buttresses, the front has two spires and an impressive rose window. Chartres.
The church holds a noted relic, the Sancta Camisa, which is said to be the tunic worn by Mary at the birth of Christ. With that, this has been a location for pilgrimages for some time. Inside I remember the stoned carved choir screen, it was very impressive.
Chartres was one of the first locations we visited outside of Paris on one of the first trips. We just drove right up to the cathedral - it was simpler in those days - and did not stay very long in the town.
If we return, the upper town has old houses that date from the 15th, 16th and 17th Centuries.
On our second trip to France we went to Fontainebleau, located 65 km from Paris, to see the famous château. In those days the Hachette Guide was the book and this château was worth the three star rating.
Napoleon added the horseshoe staircase,. This is known as la cour des adieux, the farewell courtyard, as it was from here that he bid farewell to him men when he abdicated in 1814.
Although Françoise I had it built originally as a hunting lodge, his successors turned the château into a grand residence with a gallery, apartments for three queen mothers and of course a ballroom.
Fontainebleau created a decorative style of its own, known as the school of Fontainebleau.
We drove through the Fontainebleau Forest. Not sure what I was expecting, but it has been there since the Middle Ages!
With Karen being an artist, this town was on the list of places to visit. Located about 77 km from Paris this was a favorite location for the Impressionist painters.
I remember as we turned, and then drove over the small bridge with the mill beside the river, I was quite impressed.
We parked the car and had a short walk about the town. There are 15th & 16th Century houses and the church dates from the 12th t0 13th Century.
The Loing was the favorite river of artist Sisley.
It was at Provins that we experiences our first true festival. The towns people were dressed in medieval costumes, there was food, games and the town was just abuzz when we arrived.
The ramparts around the Medieval town of Provins located about 90 km from Paris.
This is a very well preserved Medieval town and at one time it was the third largest city in France. There are a number of buildings and houses that are open for tours, but the Sunday that we were there, it was all closed for the festival and the festival was great.
This impressive château was built by the Minister of Finance Nicolas Fouquet under Louis XIV. The King was so impressed, he hired the same architects to build Versailles, which of course, has to be on a more grand scale.
But never upstage your boss. The King has Fouquet send to Brittany and then later condemned him to life in prison.
On our first visit, we arrived at Vaux-le-Vicomte on our way out of Paris. We opted to take a regular road, and it took for ever, but we did have a tour of the château and enjoyed it. The gardens are pleasant.
In 2012 we returned with friends from Paris, Vannarith & Jacques, to spend the better part of the day here. Rent an audio guide, the history of this château is very interesting. The nabbing of the owner by the jealous King and his banishment is riveting.
Versailles is located about 20 km from Paris, a short train ride, it makes a great day trip when visiting Paris. Allow yourself ample time and there is lots to see and massive gardens to walk and enjoy.
This was the centre of all power in France when King Louis XIV moved from Paris to Versailles. It remained so until by the French Revolution the Royal family was forced to leave.
Sometimes we have not been big on taking guided tours, enjoying to walk by ourselves and enjoy. But here I would recommend you join the lines, purchase your tickets and taken a tour of the Grands Apartments. You will have exposure to the private world of the court and the maze of hallways in behind the rooms that join the main rooms of the apartments. We found it very interesting and you not gain an appreciation for this on your own.
