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France - March 2003

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This view, from the Centre Pompidou, emphasises the familiar Paris buildings and rooflines.
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This view, from the Centre Pompidou, emphasises the familiar Paris buildings and rooflines.

FranceParis

  • L'Hotel Victoires Opera is in Rue Montorgueil, a famous food street, right next to a butcher shop .<br /> Watching Parisians go about their food shopping in local markets and streets like this is an experience in itself.
  • The French, especially in Paris, are very keen on physical activities - roller-blading, cycling and walking. <br /> This was the equivalent of a fun-run on wheels, where the streets were closed off on a lovely winter Sunday morning.<br /> Even "les flics" were on blades.
  • As with many places in Europe, traffic in Paris is heavy, and parking is well nigh impossible in the city. <br /> These "smart cars" abound, and the locals are very inventive in finding spots.
  • L'Hotel de Ville in Paris, or City Hall as we would call it. <br /> It is interesting to note the contrast between this photo and another towards the end of our trip when Spring had dramatically transformed the trees and gardens.
  • When the sun is shining on a winter's day, Parisians head for the outdoors, in this case the Jardin de Tuileries.<br /> The Tuileries are located right in the centre of Paris, and stretch from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde.
  • Paris has some of the most famous art galleries and museums in the world.<br /> This is "Liberty leading the People", painted by Eugene Delacroix in 1830 and is in the Louvre, an art work in itself.<br /> It is a painting symbolising the French Revolution.
  • The Louvre was originally a fort, before becoming a palace and is now a museum.<br /> Its most popular exhibit is da Vinci's iconic "Mona Lisa" which is now placed behind glass to protect it from the elements, vandalism and camera flashes.
  • Just across the river from the Louvre is The Musee d'Orsay, once a railway station. It now holds some of France's most treasured art exhibits, including many of the paintings of Vincent van Gogh and Monet.
  • This is van Gogh's "Starry Night over the Rhone", on display at the Musee D'Orsay.<br /> Some of this artwork recently visited the National Gallery in Melbourne.
  • Food everywhere in France is patiently and carefully arranged. Even the department stores make their counter space and floor displays mini-exhibitions.
  • In France, wine and beer can be bought at most shops.<br /> Large department stores such as Hediard, near Place de la Madeleine, have specialist wine departments, which are much more than just a bottle shop.
  • Cheese is accorded a food status of its own in France, where each variety has a distinct heritage. Specialist cheese shops, such as Androuet in Rue Mouffetard, are delighted to find tourists who have a knowledge of fine cheeses.
  • During World War II, many of the Jews of Paris were deported. They were boarded onto boats in the Seine and taken to the trains that travelled east to the infamous labour camps.<br /> This memorial wall, at the site of embarkation near Notre Dame Cathedral, has been dedicated to them.
  • Notre Dame Cathedral, seen from across the Seine. Winter has denuded the trees.
  • The exterior of the Conciergerie, where, during the French Revolution, prisoners were kept prior to their appointment with Madame Guillotine.<br /> Marie Antoinette was one of the most notable inmates.
  • Central Paris does not allow high-rise buildings. Thus the Eiffel Tower is truly a landmark.
  • Among the prime tourist sites in Paris is the Basilique du Sacre Coeur, situated high on a hill above Montmatre. From Sacre Coeur, views extend for more than 30km in all directions.
  • This view, from the Centre Pompidou, emphasises the familiar Paris buildings and rooflines.
  • La Tour Eiffel in the evening, as viewed from Trocadero.<br /> The Eiffel Tower is a beacon for all visitors to Paris.
  • The Louvre uses lighting brilliantly.<br /> The major sculpture works are displayed in this interior courtyard, with its fabulous natural light.
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