Day 3 went alot smoother. Alot of sight seeing and landmarks ahead of us!
Of course just like any other day we started the day in public transportation.
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel (architects Percier and Fontaine) was built between 1806 and 1808 by Napoleon I following the model of the Arch of Constantine in Rome. The two arches conceived by Napoleon, Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile, were erected to commemorate his victories, and the grand armies he had commanded. The bronze horses which originally perched on top of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel were taken from Saint-Marc of Venice. These were later returned after WWII.
More to come........
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles was the official residence of the Kings of France from 1682 until 1790. It was originally a hunting lodge, built in 1624, by Louis XIII. It was expanded by Louis XIV beginning in 1669. He used it as a little lodge as a secret refuge for his amorous trysts with the lovely Louise de la Valliere and built a fairy tale park around it. Jules Hardouin Mansart, the king's principal architect, drew the plans to enlarge what was turning more and more into a palace from A Thousand and One Nights. The terrace that overlooked the gardens was removed to make way for the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, the Galarie de Glaces. It is here from which the king radiated his power and where the destiny of Europe was decided over a century. The French classical architecture was complemented by extensive gardens.
Another view of the palace.
"Of all the Grands Projets in Paris, none created such a stir as the Pei Pyramids in the courtyard of the famous Louvre Museum. Spectacular in concept and form, they provide a startling reminder of the audacious ability of modern architects to invigorate and re-circulate traditional architectural forms...The main Pyramid is basically a complex inter-linked steel structure sheathed in reflective glass. In fact it is an entrance doorway providing a long-overdue entrance portico to the main galleries of the Louvre. As one descends into the interior entrance foyer, the dramatic nature of the intervention becomes apparent. The main Pyramid, which certainly disturbs the balance of the old Louvre courtyard, is countered by two smaller pyramids, which provide further light and ventilation to the subterranean spaces."
No words to describe the beauty.
The kids at the top of the steps of the palace.
Group Shot!
The kids running to the fountain!
Trailing behind with an empty stroller.
Crazy but love em!
Working my fan skills...
If you look close enough you will see that I' holding the Eiffel tower:)
My awesome family. Love em!
Tristen holding the Eiffel Tower!
The monument is richly decorated in rose marble on the columns and the front paneling. It is part of the so-called Grand Axis of Paris — or Voie Triomphale — which consists of the Grande Arche de la Défense to the west, the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile at place du Général Charles de Gaulle, the boulevard Champs-Elysées, the Obélisque de Luxor at the Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Gardens, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, and the Palais du Louvre (Louvre Museum) culminating at the eastern end.
1 comment:
What an amazing opportunity to see such breath taking architecture! It's beautiful! And so is the family :)
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