JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF PARIS

EIFFEL TOWER

You couldn't possibly visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Even if you do not want to visit this world famous structure, you will see its top from all over Paris. The tower rises 300 meters tall (984 ft); when it was completed at the end of the 19th century it was twice as high as the Washington Monument, at the time the tallest structure in the world.

The Eiffel Tower was built for the World Exhibition in 1889, held in celebration of the French Revolution in 1789.

The construction was only meant to last for the duration of the Exposition, but it still stands today, despite all protests from contemporary artists who feared the construction would be the advent of structures without 'individuality' and despite the many people who feared that this huge 'object' would not fit into the architecture of Paris.

Today, there is no such aversion anymore among the Parisians, and one could not imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, in fact it has become the symbol of the City of Light.

The man behind the Eiffel Tower was Gustave Eiffel, known from his revolutionary bridge building techniques, as employed in the great viaduct at Garabit in 1884. These techniques would form the basis for the construction of the Eiffel Tower. He was also known for the construction of the Statue of Liberty's iron framework.

The structure took more than two years to complete. Each one of the about 12,000 iron pieces were designed separately to give them exactly the shape needed. All pieces were prefabricated and fit together using approx. 7 million nails.


Paris Army Museum

The Musée de l'Armée was opened in 1905. It combined two already existing museums, the Artillery Museum and the Historical Army Museum.

Situated at Les Invalides, the expansive French Army Museum covers war from the Stone Age to Hiroshima. The museum boasts a nearly unparalleled selection of artifacts, artwork, uniforms, and personal effects from many wars. Special attention is given to 17th and 18th century wars beginning with the reign of Louis XIV, the Napoleonic Wars, the Franco-Prussian War and World War I and II.

The World War II exhibition is particularly extensive and covers several rooms, with displays on the German invasion, the occupation of France, the resistance and liberation. There's also coverage of the Holocaust, the American involvement in the war as well as the war in the Pacific. 

Visitors can also view a large collection of ancient arms and armor from the 13th to 17th centuries as well as hunting and tournament weapons and armour. A part of the museum is dedicated to oriental weapons between the 15th and 20th century. There are also some artifacts from France's participation in the American Revolution.

Napoleon

For fans of Napoleon Bonaparte, there are some very rare items to view, including the general's own uniforms and hats, his field tent, and his personal trophies. The collection of period uniforms, in general, is fascinating and is among the most extensive of any such collection in the 

world.

Tomb of Napoleon

Visitors to the museum can also include a visit to the tomb of Napoleon - there's a combined entrance fee for the tomb and the museum. The tomb is located on the premises inside the Dome Church. Also buried there are two of his brothers and his son. Some guided tours include a visit to the tomb.

Sources  :

                        www.wikipedia.org

                        www.traveleye.com