5 Must See Monuments and Memorials in Paris

Paris, the capital and the largest city in France is home for nearly 3,500 historical monuments and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here are some of monuments and memorials in Paris that you must not miss when visiting Paris.

Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe with the French Flag (Best example for Neoclassical architecture)

Arc de Triomphe is a 164 feet high monument and one among Paris’s most famous monuments. This monument is one of the finest examples of Neoclassical architecture style. The commissioning of Arc de Triomphe began in 1806; however, the entire construction was completed only in 1836 as the construction was halted for various reasons. The masterminds behind this famous monument are Jean Chalgrin, Louis-Etienne Hericart de Thury. Arc de Triomphe holds a lot of sculptures, reliefs, details about some of the great battles, etc. With the help of a lift, visitors can reach the top of the monument and can get a panoramic view of the Paris city (one has to climb the last 46 steps).

Cleopatra’s Needle

Cleopatra's Needle or Luxor Obelisk

Cleopatra’s Needle is an ancient Egyptian obelisk and is re-erected in three cities, namely, London, Paris and New York. If you think this has any connection with Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, it is not so. They were already more than thousand years old when Queen Cleopatra was alive. Cleopatra’s Needle at Paris once served as the entrance to the Luxor Temple. Cleopatra’s Needle is also sometimes referred as “Luxor Obelisk.” It is 23 meters high and is made of red granite. The total weight of the obelisk is believed to be 250 tonnes.

Flame of Liberty

Flame of Liberty, above the tunnel of Pont de l'Alma where Princess Diana died in an accident

One can notice a torch with flame in the hands of Statue of Liberty, one of the wonders of the world at the New York City; Flame of Liberty is a gold leaf covered replica of the flame in the torch. This monument is 3.5 meters high and is located in the 8^th arrondissement. International Herald Tribune offered this to represent the celebration of 100 years (completed in 1987) of publishing an English language newspaper in Paris in 1989. This also served as a token of friendship when the restoration work in the Statue of Liberty took place. This is one of the major tourist attractions for Diana followers after she died in an accident in a tunnel beneath Pont de l’Alma.

July Column

Colonne de Juillet with the three glorious (Trois Glorieuses) dates of July

July Column (Colonne de Juillet) is yet another famous monument in Paris that commemorates “Trois Glorieuses” or the “Three Glorious” days in the month of July during the Revolution of 1830 when the “July Monarchy” of Louis-Philippe commenced with the fall of Charles X of France. this project actually started to commemorate the “Fall of the Bastille” in the year 1792; however, the project did not get past the foundation laying stage. It is 154 feet high and weighs 74,000 kilograms.

Pantheon, Paris

Pantheon de Paris, a church converted as a mausoleum

When said Paris, can anyone forget Pantheon? Yes, Pantheon (located in the 5^th arrondissement) is one of the must see mausoleum in Paris; this was initially built as a church that was dedicated to St. Genevieve and for her relics. This is yet another best example for Neoclassical architecture styles. The masterminds behind this famous mausoleum are architects Jacques-Germain Soufflot and Jean-Baptiste Rondelet.

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5 Eye-catching Churches in Paris

Paris is a city with rich cultural heritage and is home for some of the beautiful churches in the world. These eye-catching churches have a history of their own and are a part of the history of Paris.

Saint-Eustache

Location: 1^st arrondissement

Saint-Eustache, it has the largest pipe in France

The current church building was constructed between 1532 and 1632, which is one century. Saint-Eustache was a Roman general in the 2^nd century AD who was burned alive with his family members for converting to Christianity; the church got its name on his remembrance. This church is one of the wonderful examples of Gothic structure with Renaissance detail. There is a Keith Haring sculpture in the chapel of the church to remember the epidemic AIDS death happened in the year 1980. Saint-Eustache church has the largest pipe in France with nearly 8,000 pipes.

Notre Dame de Paris

Location: 4^th arrondissement

The back view of the famous Notre Dame de Paris with flying buttress and gargoyles

Notre Dame de Paris is also known by various names like Notre Dame Cathedral or Notre Dame, which means Our Lady of Paris. This is yet another beautiful example of French Gothic architecture; however, majority of the religious imagery was damaged or destroyed during French Revolution. When renovation took place the church was returned to the Gothic architecture. This church holds the cathedra or the official chair of the Archbishop of Paris. This church holds the record of first few buildings in the world that used flying buttress or arched exterior supports; it is a historic monument in France.

Sacré-Coeur

Location: 18^th arrondissement

Sacre-Coeur, situated at the highest point in the city called Montmartre

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Sacré-Coeur Basilica is popularly known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris and is one of the finest examples of Romano-Byzantine architecture style. The construction took nearly 3 decades to complete (1875 – 1914). This is a very popular landmark in Paris as it is situated in the highest point of the city called Montmartre. There is a garden and a fountain in this basilica. To get a panoramic view of the city, just go to the top of the dome. The main reason why this basilica looks white even after weathering and pollution is due to the fact that travertine stone is used in its construction; travertine oozes calcite and this helps the basilica to remain white constantly.

Saint-Séverin

Location: 5^th arrondissement

Saint-Severin, the oldest  church on the Left Bank of River Seine

Saint-Séverin is the oldest church on the Left Bank, which is the southern bank of River Seine; it is a Roman Catholic Church. The existing structure was built on Gothic architecture with lateral aisles during the 13^th century. This church too has flying buttress similar to Notre Dame de Paris and gargoyles on the exterior. The bells of the church are believed to be the oldest in Paris.

Sainte-Chapelle

Location: 4^th arrondissement

Sainte-Chapelle, famous for stained-glass collections. (This is the ceiling of the lower part)

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This is believed to be the only surviving building of “The Direct Capetian Dynasty” or “The House of France.” La Sainte-Chapelle is considered as one of the chief achievements of Gothic architecture during Rayonnant period. Majority of the church was damaged during French revolution; however, it was restored in 19^th century and holds the largest or the most extensive in-situ 13^th century stained-glass collections.

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7 Splendid Parks in Paris

Paris is a great city in France with so many interesting, beautiful and worth visiting places like parks, gardens, monuments, canyons, fountains, etc. Paris is known as “City of Lights” and also as “Capital of Fashion.” Paris is divided into 20 districts; these districts are called “arrondissement.” Each and every arrondissement has its own tourist attractions; here is a sneak preview of some of the brilliant looking parks in Paris.

Name of the Park: Parc de Belleville

Location: 20^th arrondissement

Parc de Belleville, the highest park in Paris

Parc de Belleville is the highest park in Paris as it is situated at a height of 108 meters on the Belleville hills; architect Francois Debulois and landscaper Paul Brichet are the masterminds behind the idea of this park. This is the best place to get the panoramic view of the city.

What it offers to visitors? 

• The longest fountain in Paris (100m long)
• Wooden playground for kids
• More than 1000 varieties of trees and shrubs
• Open-air theatre
• Ping-Pong tables
• Maison de l’Air – a museum that teaches visitors about pollution and how important fresh air is
• Display of annual flowers

Opening Hours ^*

Park is open throughout the year; however, the opening and closing time changes according to the weather. Closing time varies from as early as 5:30 p.m. to as late as 9:30 p.m.

Weekdays – Opens at 8 a.m., weekends – opens at 9 a.m.

Closing Hours

November 16 to January: closes at 5:30 p.m.

February, November 1 to 15: closes at 6:00 p.m.

March: closes at 7:00 p.m.

October: closes at 8:00 p.m.

September: closes at 8:30 p.m.

April 15 to May 15: closes at 9:00 p.m.

May 16 to August 31: closes at 9:30 p.m.

Entrance Fee: ^*

Adults – 2 Euros

Persons aged 7 and 25 – 1 Euro

Children under 7 years of age – Free

Name of the park: Parc des Buttes Chaumont

Location: 19^th arrondissement

Parc des Buttes Chaumont, third largest park in Paris

Parc des Buttes Chaumont is the third largest park in Paris and is a public garden. This park was a gypsum and limestone quarry, which was later converted to a park. This park is the brainchild of engineer Jean-Charles Alphand, horticulturist Jean-Pierre Barillet-Deschamps and architect Gabriel Davioud. The park has 5 large gates and 7 smaller gates.

What it offers to visitors? 

• Cliffs, bridges (63 m long suspension bridge called the suicide bridge), man-made streams
• Grotto with a 20m high waterfall
• Playgrounds for children, outdoor terrace, roller rink
• English and Chinese gardens
• Belvedere of Sybil
• Exotic trees
• Restaurants, theatres, and Waffle Stands

Opening Hours

The park is opened all through the year; it opens at 7 a.m. regardless of the season.

Closing Hours

November through March: 9:00 p.m.

April through October: 11:00 p.m.

Entrance Fee ^*

There is no entrance fee; however, to access the island by boat, fee has to be paid.

Name of the park: Parc de la Villette

Location: 19^th arrondissement

Parc de la Villette, designed by architect Bernard Tschumi is one of the largest parks in Paris. Bernard Tschumi actually won a design competition for the park; however, many other architects have played a major role in the construction of concert halls, museums, theatres, etc. It is estimated that nearly 10 million people visit Parc de la Villette in a year.

What it offers to visitors? 

• Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie, Europe’s largest science museum
• Cite de la musique
• 6,300 seat capacity concert arena called “Le Zenith” (the largest concert arena in Paris)
• Playgrounds for children
• 35 architecture follies
• Bamboo garden and themed gardens include the garden of equilibria, the garden of islands, the shadows of the gardens, garden of childhood fears, etc.

One has to buy tickets for the shows and workshops held at Parc de la Villette, which can be done either by visiting their website or calling them up over the phone.

Name of the park: Parc Andre Citroen

Location: XVe Arrondissement

Th walkway at the Parc Andre Citroen

Parc Andre Citroen was named after the founder of the company called Citroen automobile manufacturing plant, Andre Citroen as this public park was built on the site where the automobile manufacturing plant was earlier. It is a 14 hectare public park that was designed by architects Patrick Berger, Jean-Paul Viguier and Jean-Francois Jodry.

What it offers to visitors? 

• Six serial gardens where each garden is associated with a planet, a metal, a sense, a day in a week, and a state of water
• Garden in Movement, the wild grasses in the garden move or respond to the difference in the speed of wind velocity
• A moored gas balloon that offers picturesque view of various historical places of Paris like River Seine, Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, Champ de Mars, etc.
• Fountains and greenhouses
• Play area for children in the white and black garden

Opening Hours ^*

May through September: 9:00 a.m. on all days

Closing Hours ^*

May through September 8:30 p.m. on all days

Entrance Fee ^*

The entry to the park is free.

Name of the park: Parc Montsouris

Location: 14^th arrondissement

Parc Montsouris, a public park ordained by Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann

Parc Montsouris is a 15 hectares public park ordained by Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann. This park resembles an English garden, which is quite popular genre during 19^th century.

What it offers to visitors? 

• A water reservoir on the northeast side of the park offers an entrance to the famous Paris catacombs
• Wonderful flora and fauna
• Bronze and marble sculptures
• Children playgrounds and ping-pong tables
• Snack and refreshment centers

Opening Hours

May through August: 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. on weekends

Closing Hours

May through August: 9:30 p.m. on all days including weekends

Entrance fee

They do no charge anything as an entrance fee.

Name of the park: Parc de Bercy

Location: 14^th arrondissement

Parc de Bercy, a park that contains a cluster three connected gardens

Parc de Bercy is a 14 hectare area park and one of the important parks in Paris; it is a set or cluster of three connected gardens designed by various well-known architects like Bernard Huet, Jean-Pierre Feugas, Philippe Raguin, etc.

What it offers to visitors? 

• Three gardens called Romantic Garden, Flowerbeds and Meadows
• Playgrounds, pony rides, ping-pong, etc.
• Eateries and water points

Opening Hours

May through August: 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. on weekends

Closing Hours

May through August: 9:30 p.m. on all days including weekends

Entrance fee

They do no charge anything as an entrance fee.

Name of the park: Parc Monceau

Location: 8^th arrondissement

Parc Monceau, an English style park in Paris

Parc Monceau is a 8.2 hectares public park and was designed by Louis Carrogis Carmontelle, a famous writer and painter. It is an English style park with informal layout and curved walkways.

What it offers to visitors? 

• Playgrounds for children, swings and small carousel
• Eateries and water points
• Exotic trees and birds

Opening Hours

May through August: 7:00 a.m. on all days including weekends

Closing Hours

May through August: 10:00 p.m. on all days including weekends

Entrance fee

They do no charge anything as an entrance fee.

Make sure you visit these parks, which are an important tourist destination in Paris when planning a visit to Paris.

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10 Best Low-Cost Airlines in the World - 2012

You are planning to visit various tourist destinations in one go and is thinking what to do as flight costs would make a hole in your pocket; don’t worry, a recent survey by “The World Airline Awards” give you the details about the best low-cost airlines in the world. Once you know which airline is the best when it comes to low-cost, you can peacefully travel around the world without burning a hole in your pocket.

The Best Low-Cost Airline of the year 2012

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World Airline Awards has conducted a survey in 160 countries to decide the world’s best low-cost airlines. This award was declared at Farnborough International Airshow held in England. The survey was taken from millions of air travelers (close to 18 million travelers) over a period of one year (June 2011 to July 2012).

Majority of the Asian airlines dominated this list.

AirAsia once again emerges as the world’s best low-cost airline. They have retained this position for the fourth consecutive year.

Jetstar Airways moved one spot down from its last year rankings to finish at 3^rd spot and Virgin America claimed the 2^nd spot.

World’s Best Low-Cost Airlines – 2012

10. Indigo Airlines

9. Azul Airlines

8. Southwest Airlines

7. Jetstar Asia

6. WestJet

5. easyJet

4. AirAsiaX

3. Jetstar Airways

2. Virgin America

1. AirAsia

Enjoy your air travel and visit your favorite travel destination!

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7 Beautiful Canyons around the World

Canyons are also called as gorges; these are formed due to long time erosions of rivers. One can spot canyons in dry or parched areas as physical weathering conditions play a major role in the formation of canyons. The canyon walls are in general formed of resistant granite or sandstone. When talking about canyons one can never forget the “Grand Canyon” in Arizona; however, we are going to take a look at equally beautiful canyons around the world other than Grand Canyon.

7. Matka Canyon, Skopje, Macedonia

Matka Canyon, popular tourist destination in Macedonia

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Matka (means womb) Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Macedonia. It is a home for 10 caves and the length of the caves vary between 20 meters to 176 meters. According to New7Wonders of Nature project, Vrelo Cave in Matka is one among the top 77 natural sites. There are lots of monasteries in Matka Canyon. One can spot lots of butterflies and bats at Matka Canyon; it is home for nearly 77 endemic butterfly species. This is one of the best spots for alpine hiking, kayaking, fishing and swimming; the best season is between April and November.

6. Kings Canyon, Northern Territory, Australia

Kings Canyon, Australia

Kings Canyon forms a part of Watarrka National Park in Australia and is a popular tourist destination for adventurous hikers or travelers. This is also a best place to watch rare and beautiful looking birds like Spinifex pigeon, black-breasted buzzard, dusky grasswren, etc. There are two walks in Kings Canyon; one walk takes you to the bottom of the canyon and the other to the top of the canyon. It is at the top walk that one finds “Heartbreak hill” that offers spectacular and scenic views of the entire landscape, a permanent waterhole, and sandstone domes; remember this is too steep and hence called the “Heartbreak Hill” or “Heart attack Hill.”

5. Charyn Canyon, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Charyn Canyon, best place to watch unusually shaped rock formations

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Charyn Canyon is located in Charyn River and is a part of Charyn National Park in Kazakshtan. This is the best place to watch unusual and oddly shaped rock formations; this is the reason why one part of it is also called as “Valley of Castles.” It resembles “Grand Canyon” in many ways even though it is much smaller in size; it is nicknamed “the little brother of Grand Canyon.”

4. Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Blyde River Canyon, Second largest canyon in Africa

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Blyde (means happy or glad) River Canyon is believed to be the world’s largest green canyon as one can witness lush green scenery everywhere around the canyon and Africa’s second largest canyon. Due to the lush subtropical foliage, it is home for many species of birds, antelopes and fishes. Some of the bird species include the beautiful Narina Trogon, Bald Ibis, Green Twinspot, Wood Owl, Jackal Buzzard, etc. This is a most sought tourist spot or attraction in Mpumalanga.

3. Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Peru

Colca Canyon during winter

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Colca Canyon is believed to be the deepest canyon in the world and is the third most popular tourist destination in Peru. To watch the near threatened Andean Condor species, one must go to Cruz del Condor, which is nearly 3,960 feet below the canyon’s rim. One can also watch lots of other bird species like Giant Colibri, Andean goose, vicuna, etc. There are lots of other things one can do at Colca Canyon other than bird watching; this includes taking a dip in the hot springs, hiking, trekking, mountaineering, visiting archeological sites, etc.

2. Fish River Canyon, Namibia, Africa

Fish River Canyon during early morning

Fish River Canyon is the world’s second largest and the largest in Africa. This is one of the most sought after tourist attraction in Namibia. This is one of the best mountaineering spots, but the sad part is that hikers have to sleep outdoors during their trekking. The best time for hiking is between May and mid-September as hiking is prohibited in the summer season owing to very high temperatures.

1.Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Tibet, China

Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, the deepest and the largest canyon in the world

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Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is considered the deepest and the largest canyon in the world. Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is place for unique plants, bird species and is home for King Cobra. Some of the unique species include Ice Mouse, Ice Flea, etc. This boasts of rich biological resources, spectacular scenery and a popular eco-tourism spot. It is a best spot for whitewater kayaking.

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Architectural Wonders – 5 Splendid Step Pyramids

I always awe at the sight of old buildings for the way they have been constructed without using any modern machinery or equipment; have you? One such architectural wonder is the “Brihadeeswarar Temple” or “Big Temple” in India that does not cast a shadow on the ground. There are so many such architectural wonders and one among them is the pyramids. Step pyramids are large structures and are made of several layers of stone. Here are some of the fabulous and impressive step pyramids just for you.

5. Pyramid of Djoser, Memphis, Egypt

Pyramid of Djoser, first step pyramid in Egypt

Image courtesty

Pyramid of Djoser is the first step pyramid built in Egypt by the architect Imhotep during 27^th century BC. It has six mastabs, meaning flat roof rectangular surfaces that are built on top of one another. It is made of white polished limestone. The total height of the pyramid is 62 meters. The complex is surrounded by 10.5 meters high Tura limestone walls. Pyramid of Djoser has six steps and the entire structure was built in two stages.

4. Pyramid of the Moon, Teotihuacan, Mexico

Pyramid of the Moon, Mexico 

This is the second largest pyramid in Teotihuacan and was believed to be constructed between 200 and 450 AD. There is a platform on top of the pyramid; this is where the ceremonies are conducted for the Great Goddess of Teotihuacan. She is the goddess of water, fertility, earth and creation. To the opposite of this platform, one can find Plaza of the Moon; this contains the central altar and the bodies are positioned to form a cross known as the “Teotihuacan Cross.”

3. Borobudur, Magelang, Indonesia

Borobudur, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia

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This is a 9^th century Mahayana Buddhist monument with six square platforms that are topped by three circular platforms. This is decorated with 2,672 relief panels (a sculpture created using relief panels gives an impression that the sculpture is raised above the background) and 504 Buddha statues. Borobudur was constructed during Sailendra Dynasty during the 9^th century. Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Indonesia.

2. Ziggurat of Ur, Dhi Qar Province, Iraq

Ziggurat of Ur (house whose foundation creates terror)

Ziggurat of Ur, also called as the Great Ziggurat of Ur means “house whose foundation creates terror” and was built during 21^st century BC (Early Bronze Age). This was later restored by King Nabonidus as the ziggurat crumbled during 6^th century BC. This is a gigantic step pyramid and is 100 feet high and 210 feet in length.

1. El Castillo, Chichen Itza, Yucatan

The famous equinox at El Castillo, Yucatan

Castillo means “castle” in Spanish; this is also called as the “Temple of Kukulkan” and was built somewhere between 9^th and 12^th centuries CE. This temple was built for the God Kukulkan; he is the Yucatec Maya Feathered Serpent deity. There are a series of square terraces on all four sides of the temple; each side has 91 steps when all these steps added with the top step, the total is 365. During spring and autumn equinoxes, sun rays fall on the northwest corner of the pyramid; this casts a triangular shadow and it is believed that an illusion of the feathered serpent crawling is formed. National Institute of Anthropology and History is maintaining this site recently.

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