The first place we visited was the Arc de Triomphe. We figured it would give us a nice view of some of the other areas we would visit in Paris. The Arc is impressive, it is the centerpiece of the Champs-Elysees where 12 different lanes of traffic merge. It is the largest triumphal arch in the world at over 160ft high. It was commisioned in 1806 by Napoleon to commemorate his armies victories. It was not completed until 1836 and 4 years later Napoleons remains passed under the arch on their way to his final resting place, Hotel des Invalides. Resting under the arch is the tomb of the unknown solider. We climed the 184 tightly wrapped spiral staircase to the top for a panoramic view of Paris.

Next up was the Eiffel Tower which is probably the single most recognizable structure in the world. It is Paris! The tower weighs 7000 tons and is over 1000ft tall. On a clear day you can see the tower from 40 miles away. It was constructed for the Universal Exhibition in 1889 and was only meant to be temporary. It became a permanenet fixture with the advent of wireless communication in the 1890's when scientists realized it provided the best signal in the city. We visited the 1st & 2nd level and took some inspiring photos. The 1st level hosts a movie theatre, restaraunt, shops, musuem and a bar. 

Notre Dame has been said to be more interesting from the outside then the inside. Well I don't know because we never made it inside but it is a amazing example of 13th century gothic architecture. From the courtyard you can see the trio of sculptured portals. On the left is the portal of the virgin which depicts the signs of the zodiac. The center portal is of the Last Judgement and the right portal is of Ste-Anne depicting the Virgin enthroned with child. The best view is from the left bank of the Seine

We decided to head the Louvre on Sunday after I hinted to my friends that Euro Disney was out of the question. It worked out great because the first Sunday of the month is free for everyone and since no tickets were required there were no lines but the crowds were unbelievable. When walking through some of the halls it was like you were being shuffled around by all the other visitors. It felt like your feet never hit the floor. The Louvre has recently completed a $1.2 Billion makeover and it really shows. The exterior is beautiful and the interior halls were magnificent. The collections are divided into 7 departments: Asian, Egyptain, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities. Sculptures, paintings, prints and drawings. We only saw one hall, but we did see the Mona Lisa and Italian, African and Greek Sculptures. Photography was not allowed in the Galleries so no picture of the Mona Lisa. I could have stayed my entire trip in the Louvre, but there is so much to see in Paris we had to move on.

Every year about 50,000 people visit the Paris Underground. This is not like the London Underground. This is about 1000 yards  of tunnel where approximately 6,000,000 skeletons now reside. These tunnels were first opened to the public in 1810. In the middle ages these Catacombs were rock quarries. In 1785 city officials decided to turn them into burial grounds. The bones of several million residents were moved here because of overcrowding of the cemeteries. The cemeteries were considered a health menace. In 1830 the tunnels were closed by officials considering them obscene and indecent. In World War II they were the headquarters of the resistance.

Hotel des Invalides is known as Napoleons Tomb and this is naturally where his remains are located. This property houses both Napoleons crypt (the gold dome) and the Army Museum. The Eglise du Dome was designed for Louis the 14th. Construction began in 1677 though the King died before its completion. In the chapel is the hearse used at Napoleons funeral on May 9, 1821. Surrounding the tomb are a dozen amazon like figures representing his victories. The staue of Napoleon in his coronation robe stands 8 feet tall. The Army Museum is impressive with a detailed record of battles from Medievel Times all the way through the 2nd World War. The images in the museum of the 2nd World War are fascinating.

The final stop for me was the eiffel tower again but there is something magical about it at night. I headed here on Sunday around 9pm. To my surprise the tower was not crowded. I had literally no wait to get on the elevator to get up to the 2nd foor and get to the elevator that leads to the top level. After a short wait on the 2nd elevator I arrived at the top and was amazed at the hurricane like winds but the tower was firm and did not waiver even a little. I had quite a time standing up and certainly holding the camera steady for some beautiful shots. As I made my way down to the bottom it was nearing 11pm. Every hour the Tower explodes with hundreds of strobe lights. The effect leaves you speechless. I did my best to capture it on film.

Paris was a trip that I will never forget. It's no wonder people fall in love here. There is so much to see in the city , I could go back 100 times and have a completely unique trip each time. I hope I make it back before I leave Europe.