Teach Middle East Magazine Issue 3 Volume 2 Jan-Feb 2015 | Page 48

Travel Snapshots Pont De L’Archeveche This is one of the locations where tourists can view the padlocks placed on the bridge by other visitors. This bridge at Pont De L’Archeveche has an overwhelming number of padlocks, which does not allow for anymore to be added. The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile This is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. Champs-Élysées is famous for its theatres, cafés and luxury shops, and for the military parade that takes place each year on the avenue on 14 July to celebrate Bastille Day. Montmartre For a truly spectacular view of Paris, a visit to Montmartre is required. Montmartre is primarily known for the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré Cœur on its summit and as a nightclub district. Many artists including Salvador Dalí, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso had studios or worked around the Montmartre community. Today, many artists still gather in Place Du Tertre to do drawings, caricatures, portraits and landscape paintings which are sold to visitors. Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel This is a triumphal arch in Paris, located in the Place du Carrousel. It was built between 1806 and 1808 to commemorate Napoleon’s military victories of the previous year. Charles Percier and Pierre François Léonard Fontaine designed it. Boat Tours Guided boat tours are done along the Seine River and give tourists an insightful look at major historical monuments and landmarks throughout Paris. The tours are usually done in French and English. The Luxor Obelisk This is a 23 metre (75 ft) high Egyptian obelisk, which stands at the center of the Place de la Concorde in Paris. It was originally located at the entrance to Luxor Temple, in Egypt. It is over 3,000 years old and was originally situated outside of Luxor Temple, where its twin remains. Muhammed Ali, Khedive of Egypt, gifted it to France. Pyramid inside Du Louvre The pyramid inside the Museum du Louvre glass pyramid is a recent addition at the Louvre done by a Chinese architect in the 1985/86. It became popular after being featured in The Davinci Code movie. The glass reflects light into the museum so those who are in its belly can view the space easier. The museum used to be the palace and home to several kings up to King Louis 13th. PARIS