French Republic

• Form of government: presidential republic
• Area: 547,000 km 2
• Population: 60.000.000 inhabitants (92% French, North African 3%, 2% German,
• 1% Breton, Provencal, Basque, Catalan)
• Official language: French
• Other languages spoken: Catalan, Breton S.A.
• Religion: Roman Catholic (90%), Protestant (2%), Muslim (1%), Mosaic (1%), unreported (6%)
• Capital: Paris (13,000,000 people)
• Currency: EUR

Landscape

France has a varied landscape, with mountains that reach youth in the Mediterranean to Lake Geneva: French Alps (alt. max. 4807 m vf. Montblanc), which describes the valley Rhnului (Ron); here find glaciers, lakes, grow inaccessible, deep valleys, the high Pyrenees between France and Spain, ancient mountains that extend into the central, southern and north-eastern, eastern border: Jura Mountains on the border with Switzerland, the Vosges Mountains border with Germany, the Ardennes plateau, very eroded (400-600 m) from the border with Belgium (NE), Massif Central has volcanic peaks, to the south continue to Ceveni Mountains, is in the North Armorican Massif (Brittany Peninsula).

 

Plains formed much of France, constituting depression areas, basins separated by mountains: Paris Basin, the Acvitaniei, Rhone corridor, Plain Loire, Alsace Plain, of Flanders and Normandy, which are hills in southern Normandy, Languedoc coastal plains (S), Roussillon (S) and Biscay (SW); specify is the Riviera Côte d'Azur between Marseille and the border with Italy, France has an extremely rich hydrographic network, the water is long and constant, the rivers flowing into the Atlantic Ocean ( Loire Loire, Garonne, Dordogne), in the English Channel (Sena), the Mediterranean (Rhone), France is rich in lakes: Lake Leman / Geneva, Bourget Grand-Lieu, Lac d'Annecy

Climate

Temperate oceanic V, influenced by winds from the Atlantic, which brings high rainfall, to E, together with the increasing altitude, the climate is temperate continental, on the shores of the Mediterranean climate is Mediterranean with dry summers, mild winters and hot, rainy, sometimes cold mistral winds knock here and Tramonti, the average temperature of January / July is 2/18C Paris 0/19C Strasbourg, Clermont-Ferrand 2/19C, 5/20C Bordeaux and Marseille in the 6/22C

Neighbors

N Channel, NE Belgium, Luxembourg, is Germany, Switzerland, SE Italy, S Monaco, the Mediterranean, Spain, Andorra, W Atlantic France all ages.

Perhaps nowhere has progress so much ink on paper as to immortalize the history of France. + i here is not just about a chronology of the Gallic wars and dynasties, but a true cultural epic, of immeasurable dimensions. For France is not only home to countless artists first hand, but also a land of promise for painters and writers everywhere, attracted by the bohemian atmosphere of this land and the inspiration that seems to float in the air. One can even say that the world is divided into France and the rest, as the locals sun rotates around Paris, during stops in parks that surround the castles of the provinces and tourists bow beauty of these places. It breathes history, numerous palaces, museums and monuments of the boundaries whilst maintaining excellent French. But everything here is present contemporary at any step, an example of this is the glass pyramid at the Louvre or futuristic buildings in the neighborhood in Paris

Defense

Strongly anchored in current affairs, the French Republic is now the main producer of perfume in the world, the center of a strong community of artists and scientists, a haven of fashion and, last but not least, an important political and military leaders, with a word very hard to say in the organizations such as the European Union and NATO.

Useful information

Lodging

In France there is absolutely accommodation establishments of all categories, from small room to the picturesque country inns and campgrounds with no pretensions to ancient castles or apartments in luxurious hotel rooms. Highest prices for the latter are undoubtedly those in Paris and the Cote d'Azur, which varies between 69 and 200 euros per night. In other regions, the price of a room is 39-120 euros. Much more affordable so-called bed-and-breakfast (chambres d'hte), extremely high in rural areas. The same can be said of campsites throughout the country, where two people can halt overnight against payment of 4-8 euros. Youth Hostels (called here auberges the jeunesse) have rates of around 10 euros per person per night, but may require, regardless of age. Another accommodation option is a home rooms available in university towns holiday periods.

 

Transportation

Airline Air France has flights to almost any destination in the world. Most go to and from Paris airports, but some international flights and destination are Nice. Domestic flights may be heading for Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg and Toulouse. The rail network is well developed, is traveling from Paris to most European capitals, including (from putting into operation of the Euro-tunnel, in 1994) to London. High-speed trains (TGV - Train Grande Vitesse) have special lines, the main domestic destinations are Lyon and Marseille. Note: tickets are composteaza on the platform before boarding the train. Buses are slower and less convenient, but cheaper, young people aged under 26 and elderly people get discounts. + ofatul is an adventure in France, especially in large cities. Seat belt is mandatory for all passengers, and the speed limit is 50 km / h in the village, 90 km / h outside their and 110-130 km / h on motorways. In

coastal cities are organized numerous ferry flights to various destinations in Britain and Ireland. Also, can visit France comozii cruise ships that cross waterways and rivers in this country is so rich.

French Calendar

• January 1 New Year
•   Easter Monday (the end of March or early April)
•   May 1 Labor Day
• May 8 Victory Day (the end of World War II)
• Ascension (usually early May)
• July 14 French National Day (fall of the Bastille)
• August 5 Assumption
• November 1 Feast of the Holy Tututor
• November 11 Armistice Day (1918)
• December 25 Christmas

Prices on demand

Whatever type of accommodation you choose, French financial transparency is the same, because hotelierii are required by law to display in each room rates across the season, with taxes and services included. But beware: prices are calculated at the room, not per person, and do not include breakfast.

 

Habits of day and night

Boards appearance can vary widely within the same establishment, so if you do not like the terms of accommodation, ask to see other rooms. When you make reservations, specify if you want Lits or a deux une chambre grand lit. Also specify clearly if you douche or baignoire (tub), provided that the latter are charged extra.

Holidays union

Although not necessarily the holy habit of siesta, as their Iberian neighbors, the French feared the system compensates by unions in the world. Thus, one fails to comply with health and leisure more than the inhabitants of this beautiful country, where the leaves are deliciously long and celebrations of all kinds abound. Also, if such a celebration falls on a Thursday, nobody even hurt appetite for sleep coming Friday at work.

Brief history gastronomic

Recognized internationally for its exceptional cuisine, France has not got even one night at this performance. Specialists in the field say that this art has been asked by the Romans when they conquered Gaul. Prerenascentiste of French dishes but were heavy and overly spicy. It appears that Queen Catherine de Medici Italian origin, who arrived here in 1533, revolutionized the local cuisine, introducing and labeling the mass. In the eighteenth century, Francois de La Varenne has created sophisticated French sauces, and the onset of the nineteenth century, Marie Antoine Carema established the basic rules of local cuisine, meeting in 5 volumes comprehensive. Georges Auguste Escoffier modernized and perfected recipes predecessor, laying the foundations of the main French culinary school. The rest, of course, is history.

Kitchen heritage

Although a relatively small country, France is divided into 30 distinct culinary regions, depending on the influence of the cities or the predominant landform. Locals are extremely refined, enjoying virtually all the ingredients provided by nature. The French are mad about spices, which they know very well and use them in many combinations, it is comercializandu in special shops called piceries.

Their sophistication is evident in terms of herbs, salads and tocanele in their being found in different proportions the bay leaves, lavender, basil, tarragon, rosemary, fennel seeds, chives, thyme, oregano leaves, sage, parsley and much more. The French are specialists in cooking the bodies, an example of this is the famous bed of foie gras (goose liver pate stuffed). All they found the flavor truffles (mushrooms form of tubers, which grow in the ground) and wild boar meat. Besides the classic dishes of fish, molluscs, eel and shellfish, local restaurants in the menu of edible snails (Escargots) and frog legs.

 

Several patterns stand out in the main regions of the country: in Alsace it mainly eats chopped cabbage and its juice fermented with salt and served with pork, ham and onion in Burgundy make good house red wine, Normandy has specialized in sauces seafood well connected, and the Cote d'Azur are the olive oil, vegetables and garlic.

 

Dressing for five stars

French sauces are famous worldwide. The best known of the traditional recipes are egg and butter bearnaise, tied with white wine, bechamel flour, milk and butter, rubbed with onions, bordelaise a mixture of green onions and red wine, pasta of hollandaise and egg yolk butter, lemon juice and a mixture of rouille sauce, seasoned with pepper, olive oil and garlic.

 

Custom cuisine

The French do not eat too much at breakfast, to be content with baguettes and croissants with butter and jam, plus some caf au lait (coffee with milk). The most abundant is the lunch table, not in terms of quantity, but the number of dishes served. Dinner is something easy (fish or chicken with vegetables), but no less elaborate. Over days, the French May munching pastries (absolutely delicious) or their traditional sandwiches (baguettes).

Good cheese and wine skin

Much to our surprise, in France cheese is served as dessert with fruit. Assortments are many, from those with herbs or pepper to the blue. Rocquefort are famous cheese (called and Queen branzelor), the Valençay (goat milk, originally from the Loire Valley), Camembert (in Normandy), Brie (from them of France) and Ossau-Iraty (Basque). Usually cheese is served with wine, either Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Muscat and Pinot Gris. The principal vineyards are those of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Ctes du Rhne. Also do not forget that in France came into the world champagne and cognac.

Paris (overview)

An amount of amenities called Paris

Ultimate destination of each passenger, Paris is a city unique and fascinating, that few people can boast that he knows in depth. + i here is not just about the size of the metropolis, to which I add extensive satellite suburbs and many cities, but the richness of European capitals which have, in time, new ornaments. Like London, Paris abounds in museums where the exhibits were made, following armed conflicts or diplomatic agreements, in almost all parts of the world.

From this point of view, Louvre owns the world record for absolute historical and artistic value. But all in Paris continues to build building in the contemporary spirit and social life of the metropolis is outstanding. Here the pace in fashion and here start the main trends in art and culture. + schools are famous for centuries Paris, Sorbonne scholarships are a privilege for any young European or American. Important political and industrial, Paris captures the richness of its green spaces, not necessarily very demanding, but extremely well-groomed, in which people come to relax and forget the bustle of the city. + ie unlikely to see elsewhere in the world, in the very center of an overhaul of such caliber, people sprawling on the grass in the park, taking a picnic or reading, simply a book.

 

View from Eiffel Tower

Although a large city, Paris is surprisingly compact and can be crossed easily in step. The exception to this rule are only two areas: the Bois de Boulogne and Montmartre district, to reach they should use the means of transportation or take a taxi. French capital is separated in two by the River Seine, in the middle remaining relatively isolated from their islands as well as to St. Louis. Many bridges rose above the waters of the Seine, on how different and beautiful, the so trebuincioase travelers. Area on the left bank of the river (the south) has a bohemian air, being more intimate and more picturesque than the one on the right bank of the Seine, somewhat pretentious.

 

The main tourist attractions of the city are found on an axis oriented east-west from Chtelet to the Arc de Triomphe, the passage through avenues Rivoli and the Champs-lyses. But regardless which will take the steps, you will discover with surprise that beauty is common in Paris, materialized by market pocket located behind almost every building and the beautiful little park midget, only to be lucky residents of this European capital.

 

French Finance

Starting from January 1, 2002, the official currency in France is the European single. Prices do not benefit but the uniqueness, the same product can be purchased, depending on area, for quite different amounts. But on average, a cup of coffee costs EUR 1.2, a glass of beer 1,5-4 EUR EUR 1,5-3 a refreshing drink and a sandwich with ham 2,3-4 EUR.

 

Hours

Banks are open in France from Monday to Friday between 9:30 and 17:00, with a break of about an hour for lunch. Stores in large cities and the capital have program from 9:00-9:30 to 19:30-20:00, without interruption. The food may remain open until late at 22:00, but those who do their basket until that time may remain hungry until the next morning, the French neagreand notion of non-stop shop.

Drink

Who does not know yet, they say in French to tip pourboire (from / to drink). The waiters leave but Spare change does not mean to encourage vice, custom site is as easy round to score if conscientious waiters and taxi drivers to receive a bonus of 10% of transportation fee. Museum guides waiting 1-1.5 per round, as the drivers of tourist coaches. Keep your money in the pockets quietly if you see displayed in any establishment inscription Pourboire interdit.

Paris (sightseeing)

 

Notre Dame

Located on the Cit them, the two branches of the Seine, Notre Dame is the longest-running and most spectacular landmark in Paris, was built on a site dedicated more than 2,000 years of churches. Actual construction of the fourth that number, was started in 1163 and completed in 1345. Dramatically affected during the French Revolution, the cathedral was restored in the nineteenth century, as not only the largest and oldest in France, but also an international standard of architectural beauty and harmony. Façade to rise in three levels, the first of them being included into the three main entrances, richly decorated with sculptures representing biblical scenes.

 

Above is the gallery of kings, the cathedral and then a huge rosette, to the next level, Grand Gallery, located at the twin towers. South Tower houses the great bell of Notre-Dame, which says that he would have acted and Quasimodo, Victor Hugo's novel cocosatul. A set of stairs, totaling 387 steps, leading to the terrace of the cathedral, where you can admire Paris in all its splendor. Do not miss your way animals gallery fantastic, grotesque creatures which strajuiesc stone balustrade, at 46 meters above ground level. Inside distinguished beautiful stained glass, a statue representing the XII century it the Holy Virgin (Notre-Dame de Paris) and a rich treasury that exhibits objects of worship of various ages.

 

La Conciergerie

The sad memory for monarchy, it is the building where they were imprisoned during the French Revolution, many nobles and their supporters before their sinister encounter with the famous guillotine. Cells prisoners were restored more realistic, some shelters even mannequins dressed in the spirit of the age, quite unfortunate on their shelter bedding straw or wood narrow. Over 2,000 people were sentenced to death here in the past two years only, of which remarked the Queen Marie-Antoinette, the poet Andre Chnier those Girondists 21 deputies accused of conspiracy against the Republic, and feared Robespierre.

Le Panthon

Originally a church built in the Latin Quarter of the will of Louis XV, Panthonul was transformed into a temple of the French nation by the leaders of the heroes of the French Revolution. Its interior is richly decorated with frescoes by Puvis de Chavannes, representing key moments in the life of St. Geneve, Paris ocrotitoarea city. Currently, Panthonul is the resting place of many heroes of France, including Voltaire, Zola and Rousseau.

 

Whims monumental

Museums and monuments of Paris and the French in general are closed one day a week, usually Monday or Tuesday, and during holidays. Their program is from 9:00-10:00 to 17:00-18:00, possibly with a lunch break between 12:00 and 14:00. Sunday, most museums are open only in the afternoon, but if you are unlucky enough to catch a period of strikes, all this information does not have any significant price.

 

Humpback Lucky

Cocosatul of Notre Dame, first published in 1831, was an immediate success, covering him with glory on its author, Victor Hugo. A superb story and its ugly bell Esmeralda make big money today Parisian administration, by visiting places where it is said that action would have spent the novel. Unfortunately, both characters are fictitious, the real star of the book remains a splendid Gothic cathedral of Paris, whose restoration was rushed, in fact, the reputation given to the building of Hugo's masterpiece.

Proof of Humanism

So to pronounce French physician Joseph Ignace Guillotin (1738-1814), when he called in the National Assembly in 1789, for use sinister killing machine that bears his name today. It is true that the guillotine to prevent accidents occurring frequently painful during the execution, but rather cynical to believe that the main purpose of this instrument of beheading was effective disinfestation process industries noble.

L'Arc de Triomphe (Arch of Triumph)

Inspired by Titus's Roman arch, the huge building with a height of about 50 meters, was designed to celebrate the military successes of Napoleon. Arc de Triomphe was completed after his death but the Emperor, in 1836. It is decorated with several sculptures by Franois Rude, including departure and volunteers, soon known as the La Marseillaise and placed on the side Champs-lyses of the arc. Name of Napoleon's generals are inscribed on the stone facades of the building, those highlighted belonging heroes on the battlefield. Arc de Triomphe houses a small historical museum and tomb beneath or Unknown Soldier. He is the starting point of 12 large boulevards, whose assembly has the shape of a star.

 

Grand Palais (Grand Palace)

This beautiful building with glass roof and ornate style poque Belle is visible both from the Seine, and from the Champs-lyses. Make a fine pair of Petit Palais (Little Palace), both buildings of stone, decorated with mosaics and friezes carved, being particularly high for the 1900 International Fair. Like the Eiffel Tower, they were designed as simple temporary buildings, but once Ascended, nearly the city could not to give up on them. Grand Palais is closed for renovations until 2007, when it will be opened as a contemporary art exhibition.

Champs-lyses

The most famous boulevard of the world famous Champs-lyses keep Belle poque glory, when it was crossed by many luxurious carriages. Once a route for cattle, the artery of 2 km was arranged in 1660 by Andre Le between as an extension of the Tuileries gardens. Meanwhile, the carriages have been replaced by machines of all kinds, and beautiful buildings that are the most contentious strajuiesc avenue in the world of airline seats, representing different or exhibition halls. Note the elegant parks with pavilions dating from the nineteenth century, found in the lower part of the boulevard.

Jardin de Tuileries (Tuileries Gardens)

Represented artistic canvas Monet and Renoir, the charming gardens are close to the Louvre museum. More than a park, they are composed of more greenery adorned with statues, covered with gravel paths are bordered by tall trees, wide lawn and lined up like soldiers. Charming is the little pond in the center Tuileriilor, surrounded by movable chairs for visitors, which wallow in permanent rates several families.

Revolution song

In 1792, Claude Rouget de Lisle (1760-1836), a French captain of the garrison of Strasbourg, wrote a march which he called Song of War for the Rhine Army. Adopted by the Patriots during the Revolution, he became famous as the La Marseillaise, became in 1795, and then in 1879, the national anthem of France.

 

Timelines beautiful times

The period known as the Belle poque lucky refers to years of Paris in the first period that preceded the outbreak of World War when the arts, fashion and cabaret seemed to be the only concerns of Paris. Although all fair then they called. Bertrand Delanoë, appointed head of local administration in 2001 Paris, is the first mayor of the French capital left especially after 1871. As if was not enough, Delano has recognized that gay and took a series of non-conformist decisions such as planning a seasonal beach on the banks of the Seine, in the summer. | while keeping in mind the precedent created by Jacques Chirac, former mayor of Paris, some to entertain the prospect of a French president to grasp ... minority.

Louvre (Louvre Museum)

The most famous and richest museum in the world, the Louvre was once the royal residence. Housed in several buildings and bodies fully exploiting every possible place of exposure, it is really overwhelming for both art lovers, and for novices. The exhibits are so numerous and diverse, that after several hours have not distinguish the differences between them. About one week is required for proper visit to the giant museum, organized in four distinct levels.

The underground houses a gallery of oriental antiquities and Islamic art, a collection of French sculpture, an overview of the medieval Louvre, and Greek antiquities, Etruscan and Roman. The latter are also present at zero, along with other Eastern and Egyptian. Also, here are exposed sculptures from different eras and art objects from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.

 

The main attraction is the famous Venus of Milo. Presents the first floor, besides a number of other antiquities, many galleries of European paintings, whose star is Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, but French art objects from various eras, some bottles used crown the coronation of Louis XV. The last layer exposes a vast collection of paintings and graphics French, German, Flemish, Dutch, Belgian, Russian, Swiss and Scandinavian. Here stands Rubens hall where one can admire numerous works by Flemish artist.

Place de la Concorde (Concorde Square)

Situated at the end of Champs-lyses, Concorde is, undoubtedly, one of the most harmonious world markets. Built in 1770 to glorify Louis XV, whose name the initial wear, it became then, ironically, saw the destruction of the French monarchy. In the last decade of the eighteenth century, there were guillotined Louis XVI and his wife, Marie-Antoinette, alongside about 2,000 supporters still only presumed real or royal family. After the political fury had subsided and the blood of victims of the Revolution still exists so the boilers, and the Parisian memory, the market named Concorde. In place of the statue of Louis XV was built in 1883, an obelisk about 33 feet high, dating from Luxor and VIII century BC, gave France by the Viceroy of Egypt. Its tip was plated only in 1998.

 

Tourism Guidance

To be clear: you can not visit the Louvre in one day than in flight! + i would be a shame. It is ideal to come here a few days in a row this morning, a few sandwiches to pack and very comfortable shoes. Definitely take a plan of the building, with presentation of the galleries, and set an order of viewing. Some rooms are closing early, so it's better to start with. The entrance ticket is cheaper Sunday and after 15:00 for the day. On the first Sunday of every month entrance is free.

A smile million

In 1503, the Italian Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), famous painter, sculptor, architect, engineer and scientist, made a portrait of the wife of a Florentine millionaire named Francesco da Mona Lisa, painting known today as the Mona Lisa.

The result was a tiny canvas, representing a good and sober woman, smiling mysteriously. The smile went crazy so artistic world, and the research community, each finding is another explanation. At one point even speculated that strange smile of Mrs. da Mona Lisa was due to prosaic dental deficiencies. Whatever the truth, Mona Lisa remains the most famous woman ever immortalized on canvas.

 

Sino-American Tribute

Although he became synonymous with the Louvre, glass pyramid that houses one of the entrances to the museum is clearly a modern addition. It was built at the insistence of the then president, Franois Mitterrand, in the restoration and reorganization of the palace by Ieoh Ming Pei, a Chinese-born American architect.

Glise de la Madeleine (Madeleine Church)

This suberb neoclassical building, with its firm and solemn columns, looks more like a Greek temple than a Christian church. Construction began in 1814, but was consecrated only in 1842, becoming the place of worship. The explanation for this is on unstable political climate of the era, the building giving the various uses, the basilica dedicated to the temple Helena Napoleon's glory or the headquarters of the National Assembly. At some point the question arose whether the building be turned into a central station of Paris. Finally, La Madeleine, as she is known by the French, became beautiful Catholic church today. The interior, although relatively poorly lit during the day, is rich and harmoniously decorated, decoration of gold shining in obscurity few worship.

 

Daily, there are jobs to keep parishioners and occasionally organizes classical music concerts, especially organ, with free entry.

 

Place Vendme (Market Vendme)

One of the most opulent in the world markets, Place Vendme urban architecture perfectly exemplify the harmonious proportions, almost rhythmic, in the XVII century, specify architect Mansart. Its main attraction is the Hotel Ritz, before which many a limo with regular park guests to account. The fashion designers and jewelers fight for a seat in Place Vendme, which gathered and important French manufacturers of cosmetics. Column erected in the center of the square was made of bronze, by melting of 1,200 guns captured by Napoleon at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. On top of it, dressed as a Roman emperor, one finds, in fact, the famous Bonaparte.

 

Palais-Royal (Royal Palace)

Beautiful Palais-Royal was built in 1630 and became a royal residence after the famous Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642) and the left mosternire Louis XIII. Now this whole architecture hosting the French Ministry of Culture, whose office is not open to the public. It stretches around a beautiful garden bordered by arcades and pavilions, divided by several rows of closely trimmed shrubs level. The set also includes a building with residential apartments, counting among them former residents of the writers André Malraux, Jean Cocteau and Colette Sidonie. There is also the famous restaurant Le Grand Vfour.

 

Of our young people ...

... in Paris learn, because Sorbonne is famous worldwide for his students. The famous Parisian school was founded in 1253-1257 by French theologian Robert of Sorbonne, chaplain and confessor of King Louis IX, is designed to prepare high clergy. Starting in 1808, comprised into the Sorbonne University in Paris.

 

Family architecture

Franois Mansart (1598-1666) is one of the most famous architects of the eighteenth century, counting among his accomplishments the castle Maisons-Laffite. His nephew, Jules Hardouin (1646-1708), better known as Hardouin-Mansart, who is married castle of Versailles, built Gallery and Chapel of Mirrors, the high Dome Invalides, in Paris, and designed the Grand Trianon.

 

Multi-cultural Personality

Jean Cocteau (1889-1963) is one of the most complex personalities of the twentieth century France, participating in all literary and artistic avant-garde movements. Writer and painter equally, he is author of several poems (such as the Requiem), fiction (Children terrible) and dramas (Parents terrible). As a filmmaker, Cocteau films made blood of a poet and Orpheus Testament.

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower is to Paris what is the Statue of Liberty for New York, Big Ben for London or Moscow Kremlin. It was created specifically for the International Exposition in 1889 by French engineer Gustave Eiffel, famous manufacturer of viaducts and bridges. Two more years and lasted raising this monument, designed in the glory era of technological explosion that started a day with the end of the nineteenth century. Although it was inaugurated by himself Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, the tower was not just the taste of Paris, which they considered too large and too modern for their town. The only reason it was not destroyed in 1909, the end of the concession, was the radio antenna was considered pertinent by the French. Behemoth weighing 10,100 tonnes and a height of 318 meters was to be demolished again during the German occupation, when it was suggested that the 18,000 pieces of metal and 2,500,000 rivets that its should be requisitioned. Tower survived but the threat today is one of the most visited monuments of Paris. At the huge queues to form continuously and lifts her up and down without interruption, carrying tourists from all over the world.

 

Night lighting is spectacular, each element of the huge metal structures being put in evidence generously.

Modern Art Museum of Paris. Collection of this museum contains only works of modern art, first jobs, the chronological point of view, the paintings of artists foviste Vlaminck and Derain, followed by attempts cubist Picasso's debut. The white-walled galleries of  the museum are exhibited many canvases by Robert Delaunay, Braque, Rouault, Gleizes, Da Silva, Gromaire and Modigliani, and a large room is devoted to pieces of furniture and accessories Art Deco. The museum also houses a cafe with a very pleasant atmosphere, but with prices pretty steep, and an excellent library, where you can buy rare books, specializing in art and architecture of the nineteenth century and the twentieth century, both in French, or German and in engleaza. Besides its permanent collection, the museum in May hosting temporary exhibits of modern art. Entry to the latter cost about 7 euros, while in the halls with exhibits constant access is free.

 

Anonymous members of the team

Although the only name the vehicle is that of Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built by this same name based on plans prepared by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier and decorations were made by architect Stephen Sauvestre. The works lasted precisely two years, two months and five days. In time for the Eiffel Tower being inaugurated on March 3, 1889, in open international fair organized by the centenary of the French Revolution.

 

Agony and ecstasy at height

You may remember the efforts of manufacturers when the tower rise, because the monument is beautiful from a distance, but atrocious in proximity. To stand in line for hours whatever the weather, and creepy elevators move slowly. It can only climbed the stairs to the third level, access to the terrace is possible only with the last lift. Nerves stretched to the maximum but will relax along with achieving peak, where you can admire all over Paris's spledoarea, with bridges, towers of churches and amazing green spaces.

Wild Art

Current fovist appeared in the early twentieth century French painting, as a reaction against cleavage impressionistic tone. Its adherents grow pure color, laid on canvas in large patches, often violent, excluding the concerns of Chiaroscuro and atmospheric perspective and preferring decorative effects. The main representatives are fovismului Matisse, Derain, Friesz, Marquet and Vlamink.

Opra Garnier

Palace Garnier is the thirteenth of the Opera Theater of Paris raised from the foundation to the institution by Louis XIV in 1669. The building has been decided by Napoleon III it works in the massive renovation that King wanted made in the French capital. The competition to achieve the building was won by Charles Garnier, a young architect then almost unknown. The works lasted 15 years, from 1860 until 1875, was interrupted by various political events, some bottles of the 1870 war, empire and the fall of Paris Commune. Opera Garnier was inaugurated on 15 Januaray 1875, then not competed in any other paraphernalia of the world. Its superb carved facade is dominated by a statue of Apollo, holding above his head a golden pound. Interior richly decorated with colored marbles is Algerian and gold ornaments architecture of the Second Empire. Access steps in the theater is huge and grand hall. Only one or two per season operas are staged at the Opera Garnier, but it can be visited daily, a fee of around 6 euro.

Also, for those who have not yet come to Paris, some rooms of the Opera is used as background for some of Degas's balerinele.

 

Pompidou Center

National Center for Art and Culture Georges Pompidou, housed in a building futuristic and extravagant, was built in the seventh decade of last century, was named after French President Pompidou. Shortly after opening, the center attracts over 8 million visitors annually, ie five times more than anticipated. Closed between 1997 and January 2000 for a complete renovation, it is famous for museums and modern art that exhibits many foviste paintings, abstract and cubist, masterpieces of the twentieth century, signed by artists such as Matisse, Modigliani, Duchamp and Picasso. In addition, the center includes a public library serving the library, a foreign language laboratory, an industrial design department, two cinemas and a restaurant located on the terrace, where you can admire the panorama of Paris. Market holds a special place near the drag Romans, namely Brancusi's studio, actually four rooms in which tried to reconstitute the working environment of the great Romanian sculptor. Besides some personal items, here you can admire numerous works of the artist.

 

Prison song

From infamous prison of the Bastille, where they spend the nightmare regimes of various enemies the French, no stone is left on stone. The building was completely destroyed by the furious crowd from the early days of the Revolution. The area has remained relatively empty until 1988, when, at the bicentennial of the famous revolt of the masses, here was built Opra de la Bastille. And curses prisoners were replaced by inegalabilul sound of music