Traveling Disers are lost and adrift somewhere?

[travlnman1]

You guys are sooo cool!
I LOVE this thread!
Thats for the welcome and the Stella.

Paris...my second favorite spot.
Can't beat eating jambon bagette walking down the Champs Elysee.

CastleGazer count me in on the Bateax Mouches.

You miss a day around here and you miss a whole country!

 

[suzannen]

Castlegazer, that was really cool about the catacombs. I would love to do that (don't know if I could convince DH). Anne Rice has a lot of scenes take place in the catacombs in her Vampire Lestat books. Your photos and description were really good.

But, after that I definitely think I'll need a drink when I join you and Travlnman1 and the others at the Bateaux Mouches before eating food.

 

[castlegazer]

I don't know where Ed is this morning, I think maybe he stayed later than we did at the Moulin Rouge!

what do you al want to do today?

I thought I'd fill the gap with a little background on the Bateaux Mouche:

Introduction
The waters of the River Seine have always been the heart and soul of Paris, dating back to the days when the Parisii tribe first established a fishing village on the island now known as Ile de la Cité — between 250 and 200 B.C. Prized for its position as a major inland port, Paris has been invaded, occupied, and conquered by its share of foreigners over the course of two millennia, many of whom arrived by this waterway. The last major invasion by water occurred between 885 and 886 A.D., when 30,000 Norman pirates in 700 ships sailed up the Seine, only to find it valiantly defended by Comte Eudes.

Ever since the days of the Roman Empire, when Paris prospered through extensive river trading and expanded to the Left Bank, the Seine has been a great commercial artery, linked by canals to the Loire, Rhine, and Rhône rivers. Officially established as the capital city by Clovis, king of the Franks (who defeated the Roman governor of Gaul and established the Merovingian dynasty), Paris evolved into a cultural center and a showcase of glorious architecture.

It is appropriate that the center of Paris — particularly that section gracing the Seine around Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint-Louis — features some of the city's oldest and most majestic historic monuments. For the past half-century, perhaps one of the most relaxing and expedient ways to view these sights in all their grandeur has been from the glass-covered decks of the Bateaux-Mouches, those unique long-boats leisurely plying the Seine, from whose vantage point millions of tourists have acquired their considerable appreciation for all that Paris has to offer. On some days, the sheer volume of this boat traffic resembles an invasion of a different kind, albeit one of camera shutters and tourists gazing in wonderment.

There appears to be some conjecture as to the origin of the term Bateaux-Mouches (whose literal translation is "fly-boats"). Some have asserted that the name of the oldest operating cruise line on the Seine — la Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches — originates from that of its founder, a gentleman by the name of Jean-Sébastien Mouche. However, this legend is generally conceded to be a hoax.

A more likely scenario is that the name was derived from an area of Lyon where the predecessors of these boats were first built, before they were introduced to Paris at the end of the 19th century. The various arms of the Rhône River — in a marshy area of the river valley around Lyon — were called "mouches". Apparently, the boats — whose shallow hulls were well-suited for the purpose — were commonly found navigating these "mouches". In fact, while much of the marsh land has been drained and added to Lyon's viable real estate, one of its neighborhoods (a part of the 7th arrondissement) is still called "la Mouche" today.

There is another theory on the origins of the term, one which is based on an entry in Robert historique de la langue française (Le Robert, 1992-1998, volume II, p. 2300, article "mouche"). The entry states that the word mouche was once a colloquial — or slang — expression for "spy" (see modern word: mouchard). With this in mind, the nickname of mouche was conferred upon a small warship in 1814, and subsequently to a small steamship in 1867 — thus bateau-mouche was adopted to designate similarly styled vessels.

At any rate, as the popularity of these sight-seeing vessels flourished in Paris after the second World War, la Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches has seen growing competition from a number of operators with similar vessels. Thus, over the years, the term Bateaux-Mouches has come to signify all such boats catering to tourists on the Seine, regardless of operator or even a specific vessel configuration. Some of them look like glorified barges, while others qualify as luxury yachts. Hull designs vary, though the modern boats employ either a catamaran or trimaran hull. Passenger capacity generally ranges from 200 to 350 per vessel.

The Sights
Despite the ever-increasing number of operators (and embarcation points) from which to choose, most of the boat lines offer similar itineraries, tracing the scenic route shown in the illustration above. Some operators also offer land-and-water packages, where the price of a ticket includes debarkation at various points to visit monuments, museums, or even cabaret venues such as the Moulin Rouge or the Lido. (Please refer to individual descriptions for each company.)

In addition to the historic landmarks lining the Seine, travelers can't help but notice the many splendid bridges which span the river (35 in all), some of them several centuries old and designated as Historical Heritage sites in their own right. Ironically, the oldest of these is the Pont-Neuf, whose first stone was laid in 1578 by Henri III in the presence of the Queen Mother, Catherine de Médicis. The newest one, completed in the summer of 1996, is the Pont Charles de Gaulle — built to accommodate the recent influx of traffic from various grands projets (e.g. the Bercy sports arena, the Grande Bibliothèque, etc.).

Most of the boats are equipped with a text display and an audio announcement system, synchronized to the boat's movement and providing commentary on the passing sights in several different languages. In nice weather, these tours offer a pleasant and relaxing way to view Paris' most famous landmarks in a single hour — certainly worth the modest price for a ticket. A night-time cruise is perhaps the most stunning: the boats are equipped with huge floodlights illuminating the riverside monuments, so bright that their glow is visible throughout the city on cloudy or foggy nights.

For those travelers who wish to combine their dining experience with majestic moving scenery, there are a number of operators providing lunch and dinner cruises. Several of these are reputed to offer gourmet fare from highly regarded chefs, and the prices of these tours are commensurate with the degree of luxury offered.

 

[deadheadbelle]

I'm up for whatever you have in mind. I had nightmares last night about all those skulls!

 

[castlegazer]

Here's some more photos from last night at the Eiffel Tower:

This is my favorite, because this is the way we approached the Eiffel Tower also, from the Champs de Mars - a big park, line by typical cafes, it is just gorgeous, and was my favorite place in all of Paris after I saw this view.

This is a daytime photo of the second platform on the Eiffel Tower - yup, its this beautiful

Here's looking down from the deck:

Now you see why its best to go at night? It keeps some of the romaticism alive for me at night - during the day, its just, well, ugly.

Here's the line on most days to get onto the incline elevator:

This is a photograph of the special, custom-built elevators (lifts) that carry visitors to and from the first and second levels of the Eiffel Tower. The elevators are constructed to move upwards and downwards at two different angles in order to match the angles of the Tower’s legs (the angle beneath the first level of the tower is slightly different from the angle above the first level).

There are elevators in all four legs of the tower. Three of the legs have elevators that carry ordinary visitors; the fourth leg (the southern pillar) has a tiny, private elevator that takes people directly to and from the fancy Jules Verne restaurant on the second level of the tower. The elevators are not exactly identical in each leg, but they are all large, double-decked elevators. On any given day, from one to three elevators will be in operation, depending on the number of visitors. The elevator you see here are in the eastern pillar of the tower.

If you look closely, you can see people standing in the elevator. Most of the walls of the elevator have large windows so that you can see out and downwards. The movement of the elevator and the angle of its travel, along with the thin structure of the tower, can induce vertigo in persons who are sensitive to heights or afraid of heights, so beware!

In this pillar, there is also a stairway. You can take the stairways to or from the first or second levels of the tower; the summit can only be reached by elevator. You need to be in good shape and not afraid of heights to take the stairs.

 

[castlegazer]

Honestly, I am stymied - we can go to the Hotel Des invalides - the place bulit to house wounded soldiers and the tomb of Napoleon - very beautiful.

We could go to Sacre Couer.

We can visit the Opera.

We could go to the Pantheon

Centre Pompidou

Shopping on the Champs Elysees

Or countless other stuff.

YOU ALL PICK

 

[deadheadbelle]

Ooh ooh! Sacre Couer!!! I wanna go there.

 

[edcrbnsoul]

Sorry Capt Ed has been hit and running his post today no time to do research on Paris, but Tour Guide Julie is doing great You know how it is people want their phones and internet working, hopefully my afternoon will be slower and I can help out.

 

[castlegazer]

That's OK, my boss just stuck his head into my office and gave me yet another gigantic thing to do to prepare for the extension of our meeting this morning where I thought after I made my presentation, I was done - no sireee Bob. Don't they know we are miles away!

OK, so Sacre Couer this afternoon. Will do. I'll be back after I get some of this work stuff under control.

 

[suzannen]

I'll agree to seeing Sacre Couer if we save enough time for shopping later. I would love a new pair of shoes and perhaps some exquisite French lingerie. Ed, you wouldn't mind if we all stopped to try on that, would you?

 

[castlegazer]

Basilique du Sacré Coeur (yah, I was spelling it wrong, OK)

http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/us/index.html
A Bit of History
After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, it was proposed to construct a church to the Sacred Heart on the butte Montmartre. Although originally the fund raising was by public subscription, in 1873, the National Assembly declared its construction to be a state undertaking. Of the 78 entries in the competition for its design, the one chosen was by the architect named Abadie. He was already well known for his restoration of the St-Front Cathedral in Périgueux.
The plans for the new basilica called for an edifice of Romano-Byzantine style, and the first stone was laid in 1875. Abadie himself died in 1884 with only the foundation having been completed.

Completed in 1914, it was not consecrated until 1919 after World War I had ended. The final cost was 40 million francs. Since 1885, there has been perpetual adoration and worship within.

The interior of the church contains one of the worlds largest mosaics, and depicts Christ with outstretched arms. The nearby bell tower contains the ``Savoyarde''. Cast in Annecy in 1895, it is one of the worlds heaviest at 19 tons.


Notes
From the top of the Dome, there is a panoramic view in all directions extending over 30 kilometers.
(From a small brochure available free in the Basilica

Montmartre
Revered scene where the first martyrs of Paris met their death, and site of a famous abby of Benedictine nuns, visited by Saint Bernard, Saint Joan of Arc, Saint Ignatius Loyola, Saint Francis Xavier, Berulle (found of the Oratorians) and Olier.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart
This Basilica, in Romano-Byzantine style, was build, as the mosaic above the choir reminds us, to accomplish a vow made in consequence of the extreme need of France and of the Church in 1870. Despite the obstacles encountered by the builders, work was brought to asuccessful conclusion thanks to a law passed by the National Assembly and above all to the countless humble offerings sent from all over France. Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus, Father de Foucauld, the poet Max Jacob, the painter Utrillo, Pius XII, John XXIII often prayed here, as well as the ordinary people, in times of distress : 1914, 1940, Budapest, Algeria. John Paul II came in 1980.

Perpetual Adoration
Above the high alter a monstrance containing the bread which has become the body of Christ through the mass, has been solemny exposed since 1885 for the uninterrupted adoration during the night as during the day. Those who take part in this prayer of adoration are the link between Christ and the people of their social sphere, of their country and of the entire world which the far-reaching view the avis enables them better to recall to mind.

The architecture / The construction

· The architect is Paul ABADIE, but six architects succeeded him before the building was completed.
· The style is Romano-byzantine,
that is to say in contrast with the gothic style of medieval churches such as Notre Dame of Paris (1163-1240)

- The style was inspired by models such as Saint Sophia at Constantinople, Saint Mark's at Venice or Ravenna.

Key dates:
- 1875 : Laying of the foundation stone, and then several months work on the foundations : underpinning pits 33 meters deep are needed. Filled up, they become the pillars on which the edifice rests. Without these pillars, the Basilica would sink into the clay.
- 1878 : Work begins on the crypt
- 1881 :Work begins on the Basilica itself
- 1914 : All is ready for the consecration including the tower containing the "Savoyarde" a 19 tons bell. But the First World War breaks out (1914-1918)
1919: Consecration on the 16th of October 1919

Interior:
Also in romano-byzantine style
The great mosaïc was created between 1900 and 1922.
The stained-glass windows were installed between 1903 and 1920.
They were destroyed by bombing in 1944 and restaured in 1946.
The great organ is by Cavaillé- Coll.
Dimensions :85 meters wide, 35 meters long.
The Dome is 83 meters high.
The Cupola is 55 meters high and 16 meters wide.

From in front of the Basilica, you can see the whole city of Paris. A visit to the dome at a height of 200 meters above sea-level provides a panorama of 50 kms all around. It is thus the highest point in Paris after the Eiffel Tower (built in 1889!)
At its consecration, the church was titled a basilica, that is to say a place of pilgrimage.

 

[castlegazer]

GENERAL MAP
On the gypsum hill which stands up to the north of Paris were temples consecrated to the gods of Mars and Mercury. From these few capitals ont été preserved. Etymologically "Montmartre" pourrait être dérivé de leurs deux noms.. The other explanation "Mont des martyrs" might stem from St Denis, the first christian apostle of the future capital city of France, who is supposed avoir vécu dans des carrières de plâtre with his disciples. It has always been believed that he was beheaded. The Abbey maintained his cult, particularily after the discovery in the XVII century of une grotte marked with his name.The last abbess was guillotined during the French Revolution.
The most famous figures of the religious history of France passed through Montmartre: St Germain , St Clotilde, St Cloud , St Germain from Auxerre, St Hughes, St Bernard and St Peter the Venerable,assistants of the Pope Eugene III who consecrated the church and the altar of the Abbey, St Thomas Aquinas while professor at the Sorbonne, St Joan of Arch, during the siege of Paris, St Ignatius of Loyola who founded the Jesuits there with St Franciscus Xavier, St Franciscus of Sales, Berulle, Olier, the blessed Mary of the Incarnation, St Vincent de Paul, St Louise of Marillac, St John Eudes who arranged for the first service in honour of the Sacred Heart to be celebrated there.

 

[edcrbnsoul]

Lingerie hmmm my afternoon just became free!

 

[castlegazer]

Suzannen, not to worry, I saw your post - we will be shopping, if I don't get to it today, we'll do some shopping tomorrow when Ed can concentrate on appreciating our, um, tastes. (this is wierd to talk about here in the Basilica )

Chapelle St. Pierre:

Chapelle St. Famille:

Cuppola:

Crypt:

 

[suzannen]

Originally posted by edcrbnsoul
Lingerie hmmm my afternoon just became free!

Ed, where EVER did you find that photo of me? I've been looking for it ages!

Castlegazer, I knew once we finished our serious sightseeing you would not forget the shopping! (or eating)

 

[castlegazer]

Why don't we take this discussion outside - next thing you know, Ed will be showing the Traveling DIS'rs his swords instead of keeping that in the Test range. Not that there's anything wrong with that mind you (don't want you to think of castlegazer as the matronly one in the touring group).

Place du Tertre
Montmartre, high on the only hill overlooking Paris, has long been famous for its artists, and its magnificant Basilica du Sacre Coeur. Close by is the Place du Tertre; usually completely covered with tables and bright umbrellas..... and ``artists.'' Don't expect to find a budding Gauguin, or many Parisians here, but it is certainly harmless fun.

This is the place to come if you want to get your portrait, or that of your travel companion, drawn. Walk around this small square and look over the shoulder of an artist as he draws someone; or drink a coffee at one of the cafes which line every inch of the square

Montmartre is well known as the last village in Paris. The place du Tertre, a few streets away from the Sacré-Coeur Catholic basilica, is in the heart of Montmartre.
As you can see, the Place du Tertre is one of the loveliest squares in Paris.

Many painters occupy the Place du Tertre. They will want to paint your portrait, which can be a nice souvenir of Paris.

The Place du Tertre is a reminder of the time when Montmartre was the mecca of modern art: at the beginning of the century, many penniless painters including Pablo Picasso were living there.

The Place du Tertre is a reminder of the time when Montmartre was the mecca of modern art: at the beginning of the century, many penniless painters including Pablo Picasso were living there.

 

[edcrbnsoul]

Originally posted by castlegazer
Why don't we take this discussion outside - next thing you know, Ed will be showing the Traveling DIS'rs his swords instead of keeping that in the Test range. Not that there's anything wrong with that mind you (don't want you to think of castlegazer as the matronly one in the touring group).

What there is someone posting as me on another thread

 

[castlegazer]

Moving on now to the Champs Elysees - I have always wanted to go here, but have yet to find the time (I also need to do this in a flurry of posts as again, I have been visited by the CFO to do some more stuff for an afternoon meeting, never a good thing - and yes, my computer faces away from my door, thank God).

The glamour of the Champs-Élysées, particularly its upper end, may not be quite what it was, dominated as it is by airline offices, car showrooms, and bright, light shopping arcades. But there's still the Lido cabaret, Fouquet's high-class bar and restaurant,

and plenty of cinemas and outrageously priced cafes to bring the punters in. At Christmas this is where the fairy lights go, and on December 31 everyone happily jams in, in their cars, to hoot in the New Year.

The new landscaping project has removed the avenue's side lanes where cars used to prowl in search of parking spaces, and now pedestrians have an equal share of the avenue's width, with shade from more trees. cultural centers, deluxe hotels and other activities that participate in the tradition and prestige of the Champs-Elysees are encouraged to return by the municipality.

The stretch between the Rond-Point roundabout - whose Lalique glass fountains disappeared during the German occupation -and Concorde is bordered by chestnut trees and municipal flower beds, pleasant enough to stroll among, but not sufficiently dense to muffle the squeal of accelerating tyres. The two massive buildings rising above the greenery to the south are the Grand and Petit Palais, with their overloaded Neoclassical exteriors, rail station roofs and exuberant flying statuary. They house a number of museums and the Grand Palais is the address for major cultural exhibitions, curtailed at the moment due to major restoration works.

On the north side, combat police guard the high walls round the presidential Elysee palace and the line of ministries and embassies ending with the US in prime position on the corner of place de la Concorde. On Thursdays and at weekends you can see a stranger manifestation of the self-images of states in the postage stamp market at the corner of avenues Gabriel and Marigny.

 

[castlegazer]

Originally posted by edcrbnsoul
What there is someone posting as me on another thread

Oh, Dear God, no!!!!!!!!!!!! Not another edcrbnsoul!!!!!!!

I'm just teasing you! Feel free to show all your swords if you like -must be nice to be you - hanging out with all these women, traveling to far off lands. Now, on to shop!

 

[suzannen]

I spy a Disney store on this map! Too funny!