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The Eiffel Tower – Paris
History
The Eiffel Tower, an immense stucture of exposed latticework supports made of puddle iron, was erected for the Paris Exposition of 1889. The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII of England) officiated at the ceremonial opening. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, one was unanimously chosen, a radical creation from the French structural engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, who was assisted in the design by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, and architect Stephen Sauvestre.
However, the controversial tower elicited some strong reactions, and a petition of 300 names — including those of Guy de Maupassant, Émile Zola, Charles Garnier (architect of the Opéra Garnier), and Alexandre Dumas fils — was presented to the city government, protesting its construction. The petition read, “We, the writers, painters, sculptors, architects and lovers of the beauty of Paris, do protest with all our vigour and all our indignation, in the name of French taste and endangered French art and history, against the useless and monstrous Eiffel Tower.”
Nature lovers thought that it would interfere with the flight of birds over Paris. But the Eiffel Tower was admired by Rousseau, Utrillo, Chagall, and Delaunay. It was almost torn down in 1909 at the expiration of its 20-year lease, but was saved because of its antenna — used for telegraphy at that time. Beginning in 1910 it became part of the International Time Service. French radio (since 1918), and French television (since 1957) have also made use of its stature. In the 1960s, it was the subject of a wonderful study by semiologist Roland Barthes.
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In a Magical Kingdom not so far away – somewhere between a place where you wish upon a star and dreams come true – classic Disney heroes and heroines live once upon a time in fairytales that are, happily, never ending.
Five magical lands:
1. Main Street, U.S.A.
Turn back the clock to 1900 – Enjoy the boundless charm and hospitality of a small-town, during 1900′s. Stroll past Victorian stores, take a horse-drawn streetcar and cool off at the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour. Just like in the good old days, when Walt Disney was a boy.
2. Fantasyland
You’ll believe in make-believe – Fantasyland is the happiest of Lands, where the fairytales and stories that inspired Disney’s Classic animated films come vividly and magically to life.
3. Frontierland
See how the West was Won – Mosey through the legends of the Wild West. Cruise on a paddle steamboat and ride a runaway mine train on Big Thunder Mountain. Young folk can play in the Pocahontas Indian Village, while sharp-shooters can test their aim in the Rustler Roundup Shootin’ Gallery.
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1. Jardin des Champs-Elysées
Located between the Rond-point des Champs-Elysées and the Place de la Concorde, a restored and embellished garden was inaugurated in September 1994. Showcasing the skill of 19th century architects and horticulturalists, it is criss-crossed by countless paths flanked by majestic trees. Rolling lawns planted with shrubs and flower beds also adorn the garden.
2. Jardin du Palais Royal
Surrounded by three elegant, covered arcades, this quiet garden was the most popular place to stroll during the Revolution, and was the stage for major historical events. Lovers of contemporary sculpture will appreciate Pol Bury’s steel-ball sculptures which decorate the fountains, and Daniel Buren’s controversial, prison-striped columns built in 1986.
3. Jardin des Plantes – Botanical Gardens
This enormous swath of greenery contains the botanical garden, the Grande Galerie de l’Evolution, and three natural history museums. There is also an alpine garden, an aquarium, a maze, a number of hothouses, and a small, old-fashioned zoo. Continue reading The most Important Parks and Gardens in Paris
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