Archive for the ‘France’ Category

Eiffel Tower

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

The Eiffel Tower is a place off interest in Paris, France that attracts more than 6 million visitors a year and is known all over the world. The plan to build a tower 984 ft.high was conceived as part of preparations for the World’s Fair of 1889. Gustave Eiffel has designed the ingenious structure. The Parisian population did not like the monument at first they thought it was an ugly metal trash. In 1906 a permanent radio station was installed in the Tower, that was ensuring its continuing survival. At present the Eiffel tower is considered a masterpiece.

To build the Eiffel tower they needed over two years and there was used over 7.500 ton steel. 31.000 m³ ground had to be moved and they had to made 12.000 m³ of stonework. There where needed 15.000 pieces of iron and 40 ton paint. You have to climb 1665 stairs to the top. The four main pillars are connected by four arches with a diameter of 74 meter, they are 39 meter high. At the south pillar there is an elevator to the second floor.

The height including television antenna is 1052 ft. The highest point can maximum sway 12 cm in wind. By expansion and contraction of the material height may vary 15 cm. On the basement there is an information desk, a souvenir shop and a snack bar and there is a possibility to exchange money.

To get to the first floor you can take the elevator or use the 704 step counting stair. There is a movie theater, a restaurant and a souvenir shop. At this floor you can still see a section of original the spiral staircase, the staircase belonged between the second floor and the top level. Gustave Eiffel used these stairs to get to his top floor office. There is also an exhibition of the original hydraulic pump, which supplied water to the machinery of the old elevator, which ran from the second floor to the top. There is also the observatory of tower top movement, an original and unique system that monitors, with a laser beam in real time, the oscillation of the top of the Tower due to the effects of the wind and temperature. A computer linked to sensors calculates these movements.

The second floor is housed on 377 ft. and leaves you with a 360° view over Paris, this is the perfect floor to make a photographic study of the city. And you can even take a dive to the ground with your eyes looking through the glass windows located on the floor.

The top level is housed on 905 ft. There is an representation of Gustave Eiffel’s office. The wax characters seated in his office are Gustave himself and his daughter Claire as well as their famous guest, the American inventor Thomas Edison.

Marseille

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

Marseille formerly known as Massalia is the second largest as well oldest city in France. It forms the third largest metropolitan area after Paris and Lyon. Situated on the south east coast of France facing the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille has become France’s largest and most important commercial port. As of latest measurement the city of Marseille has a total population of 1,7 million people.

The rise of Marseille as a travel destination cannot be ignored, since 1998 the number of tourists has grown every year. Some may say the “World Cup effect” increased the number of tourists. But we think otherwise. Travelers wouldn’t go back to a city if they didn’t like it in the first place. It’s ever changing city center is fascinating as it offers fashion malls, cinemas and theaters, shopping facilities, music, concerts and hosts many congresses. Also cultural and historical sightseeing are available around city center, so without abandoning any of its history, Marseille presents itself as a modern European city of today.

Some of the things every traveler should have done, being in Marseille include visiting the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde a historical iconic church, Musée d’Histoire de Marseille a museum about the history of Marseille, Plage du Prado and Plage de la Corniche the shores of Marseille, Cathédrale de la Major one of the largest cathedrals of Europe, Musée de la Faïence a museum from the 18th century.

Travelers to Marseille need a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Marseille is a good destination any day of the year, the city offers besides regular tourist attractions many concerts, theater shows and ballets throughout the year. The summer time and its peak season are in the months May till August.

Paris

Sunday, March 8th, 2009

Paris is the capital city of France and the country’s largest city. It is situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region which is also known as the “Paris Region”. The city of Paris has various names claimed by travelers to the city such as; city of dreams, the city of lights and pure romance.

The streets of Paris are alive with a estimated population of 2.2 million people and 30 million foreign visitors per year. They get to visit the spacious parks (such as; Le Bois de Boulogne and Le Bois de Vincennes), shopping facilities, the many cafes and restaurants and see the street artists, monuments (such as; The Eiffel Tower the most recognizable monument in the city) and museums.

The French capital is the fashion capital of Europe. This is the place for young artists and fashion designers to be discovered, many have been and many more will follow. Modern and classic arts are equal in the art world’s most honorable museums such as The Louvre, Centre Georges Pompidou, and the the Musée de l’Orangerie.

Travelers to Paris need a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Paris is a good destination any day of the year, the city offers besides regular tourist attractions many concerts, theater shows and ballets throughout the year. The summer time and its peak season are in the months May till August.