Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise, Paris
Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise
Address: 16 rue de Repos
Arrondissement: 20th
Hours: March through November 8:00am – 6:00pm; November through March 8:00am -5:30pm
Tickets: Free
WWW: Pere-Lachaise or for panoramic views go here.
About the Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise
Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise is one of the most legendary cemeteries in the world. It is an extremely popular tourist attraction and draws in one some of the largest crowds of any cemetery.
In France a temporary ban was placed on cemeteries, deeming them a health hazard. Once Napoleon Bonaparte lifted the ban in 1804, construction on the 109 acres began. Named after Pere Francois de La Chaise, Louis XIV spiritual advisor, the cemetery was seen as too far outside of the city and was considered inconvenient… at first. Olden marketing tactics were used and the bodies of writers Moliere and La Fontaine were moved here to attract plot buyers attention. Afterwards, popularity and population quickly increased because even then it was attractive to be buried amongst the rich and famous.
The cemetery also features beautifully built sculptures and structures throughout. Wealthy families often tried to out do the plots around them by having exquisite monuments erected for their dead. This competition resulted in some of the most spectacular gravesites on the planet.
Although not all of the deceased are French, the roll call is quite impressive at that. Great writers such as Honore de Balzac, Victor Noir and Oscar Wilde reside are buried here. World renown musicians from the likes of Bizet and Chopin all the way to rock star Jim Morrison rest their bones in this cemetery. Perfomrance artists such as opera singer Maria Callas and dancer Isadora Duncan can also be found among the gravesites along with artists such as Pissaro, Max Ernst, Delacroix and Cartellier and cinema stars like Sarah Bernhardt, Yves Montand and Simone Signoret.
The Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is as eerie as it is enchanting. It is advised that visitors get a map if there are specific headstones that you would like to see.
Getting to Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise
Visitors can find the cemetery by way of metro lines 2 and 3, Pere Lachaise station.
Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise Hotels
Here is a short guide to hotels near Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise
Located at 132 Boulevard Voltaire, the 2 star Residence Voltaire offers a great price for travelers on a budget. It is near attractions such as the Pere Lachaise cemetery and the authentic Parisian atmospheres of the Bastille and Nation district. Rates start at a low 32EUR per night for a standard room.
The 4 star, Les Jardins Du Marais, is located near the cemetery. Completely renovated, the property consists of 9 buildings which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. One of the buildings houses the authentic workshop of Gustave Eiffel and is deemed a historical structure. All of the 265 rooms have beautiful views of Paris or the private gardens. Rates start at 94EUR for a single room.
The 3 star property Classics Hotel Bastille is located at 131 rue de Charonne. The hotel sits smack dab in the middle of Place de la Bastille and the Pere Lachaise cemetery, which makes for an ideal sight seeing location. Each room is modern yet relaxing with soft lighting and current amenities. Rates start at 121EUR per night for a superior room.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org
Bibliotheque Nationale de France, Paris
Bibliotheque Nationale de France
Address: Quai Francois-Mauriac 75706 Paris
Arrondissement: 13th
Hours: 9:00am – 8:00pm although some certain rooms hours may vary.
Tickets: Exhibition 7EUR; exhibition reduced rate 5EUR; lecture guided tour 4.5EUR
WWW: Bibliotheque Nationale de France
Phone: 33(0)1 53 79 59 59
About the Bibliotheque Nationale de France
The new Bibliothequq Nationale de France, translated to the National Library of France, was built in 1996. It is also known as Francois Mitterrand Library. It replaced the old library that was dubbed insufficient for all of France’s literary treasures.
The idea of a new building was proposed by France’s 1980’s President Francois Mitterrand who was known for his love of grand structures. The suggestion was applauded by all of Paris and so construction began under the watchful eye of architect Dominque Perrault.
Perrault’s concept of four 24 story towers, all of which are shaped like an open book and overlook an extraordinary center garden, is impressive. It was what anyone’s imagination would think a library to be and is able to take readers out of the busy city and into a world of fantasy. Perrault’s ideas went against the grain of the typical dingy, dungeon like library. The large, open, airy reading rooms have many windows to provide extra light for readers who sit on the contemporary yet comfortable variety of wooden furniture. The library can hold an upwards of 1,600 people at once making it one of the largest public libraries in the world.
From the library and its contents springs a strong source of pride felt by the people of France. Nearly 10 million important historical documents are available to qualified experts for viewing, some of which date all the way back to medieval times. The library attracts researchers from near and far. Although the public does not have access to some of the most precious archives, they do have admission to nearly 200,000 books and thousands upon thousands of periodicals. The library also takes part in special events such as temporary exhibitions, lectures, workshops and even the occasional performing arts concert.
Getting to Bibliotheque Nationale de France
Library visitors can find there way by way of metro line 6’s Quai de la Gare station.
Bibliotheque Nationale de France Hotels
Here is a short guide to hotels near Bibliotheque Nationale de France
Located at 28 Bis Bd Diderot, Hotel Helvetia, is located near the library as well as other wonderful attractions like the Bastille and the Marais districts. The hotel pays special attention to guests, offering a warm welcome and an ultra smart price. Rates start at a low 47EUR per night for a twin room with a shower.
The 3 star Logis de France Claret Bercy, located at 44 Bd De Bercy, is charming with its bright mix of colors combined with old French country flair. The former post house, the Claret hotel offers a fine restaurant which pays homage to the olden days of Bercy. It is located close to the library as well as other attractions such as Bercy Village and the Palais Omnisports complex. Rates start at 70EUR per night for a single room.
Four star Le Marceau Bastille is located at 13 rue Jules Cesar. The hotel has recently been renovated to reveal up to date comforts in combination with an artsy charm. Located in the heart of the energetic Bastille District, the atmosphere that surrounds the hotel only adds to an unforgettable stay. Rates start at 131EUR per night for a single room.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org
Hotel de Ville, Paris
Hotel de Ville
Address: Place de l”hotel de Ville, Rue de Rivoli
Arrondissement: 4th
Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Tickets: Varied
Phone: 01 42 76 50 49
About the Hotel de Ville
In the year 1246, Paris’ first borough was created. The trade guilds elected Alderman as their council. However, until 1357 there was no set municipal building to take care of business in. One of the Alderman bought house on the busy place de Greve, also known as Shore Harbor. The exquisite two story home featured two towers and arcades. It came to be known as the House of Pillars and served the municipality well. In 1553 a new structure was built on the site called Hotel de Ville. Built in Renaissance style, it was enlarged several times during the 19th century.
The building, like much of the city, has had a tumultuous past. From the early 1300’s all the way until 1830 when the last execution took place, the Place de Greve were the Hotel de Ville stands, is the site of many horrendous deaths. Many, many people were beheaded, quartered, cooked or burned at the stake here. The city tried to remove the haunting memories by renaming the building Place de l’Hotel de Ville after the last death sentence took place.
A revolting Commune that occupied the Hotel set the building on fire in May of 1771 in order to demolish valued city archives. After the Commune was defeated, the government held a competition to see which architect could petition to build the best, brightest new city hall. Theodore Ballu and Edouard Deperthes proposal to restore the Hotel de Ville back to its original state won over officials. In 1882 the new Hotel de Ville was inducted.
The building gained new life with the restoration. One hundred and eight gorgeous statues representing famous Parisian citizens stand proud on its exterior. Thirty more honor French cities. The clock tower is filled with feminine sculptures which represent the Seine River, the city of Paris, work and education. The interior decor is done in a III Empire style. Much admiration goes towards the interior stylings such as the large foyer staircase, the grand Salle des Fetes (ballroom), painted ceilings and walls, the breathtaking stained glass and the copious chandeliers. After 1830, the square was enlarged and in 1982 it shook it put its shaky past behind it seemingly for good and became a pedestrian zone, filled with merry tourists and locals alike. It still stands for its original purpose, as the Paris’ one of a kind city hall.
Getting to Hotel de Ville
You can reach the Hotel de Ville on metro line 1 or line 11 at the Hotel de Ville station.
Here is a short guide to hotels near Hotel de Ville.
Located at 19 rue de Rivoli, the 3 star Hotel Paris Rivoli is one of the closest to the Hotel de Ville attraction. In the heart of the Marais district, the hotel offers 29 rooms with wonderful amenities such as air conditioned rooms, individual bathrooms, computer connections, flat screen televisions and a welcome tray which says it all. The quaint interior is comforting and warm, as is the staff. Rates start at 68EUR per night for a standard room.
The 3 star Hotel Des Ducs Danjou, located at 1 rue Sainte Opportune, features lodging in the center of the city, close to the Hotel de Ville and other attractions like Le Marais, les Halles and Notre Dame. The rooms give off a warm glow so guests can relax after a day of seeing the sites of the city. Rooms come complete with air conditioning, flat screen televisions, computer connections and the hotels unique “Sweet Night” concept. Rates start at 97EUR per night for a single standard room.
The 4 star Novotel Paris Les Halles, located at 8 Place Marguerite de Navarre, features some of the best rates in Paris for all that it has to offer. The staff plays close attention to each and every guests comfort. The hotel works hard to make each stay unforgettable. Whether you are here for pleasure or business, the Novotel Paris Les Halles has you covered with a relaxing atmosphere, 8 meeting rooms and a catering package to boot. Rates start at 149EUR for a double room.
Photo of Hotel de Ville courtesy of Wikimedia.org
Arnes de Lutece, Paris
Arnes de Lutece
Address: Rue de Navarre, Rue des Arenes
Arrondissement: 5th
Hours: Winter 8:00am – 5:30pm; Summer 8:00am – 10:00pm
Tickets: Free
WWW: Arena de Lutece
Long ago, around the time of first century A.D. Paris was known as Lutetia. It stretched from the Ile de la Cite all the way down to the Left Bank. Prosperous Lutetia was a Galllo-Roman town during this period and the Arenes de Lutece is one of the few places in modern day Paris that this olden heritage can be found.
It is said that the Arenes de Lutece might have been one of the biggest arena of its kind built by the Romans. The sunken auditorium was enclosed by 8 foot walls with an astounding 38 meter stage. The nine niches around the arena are attributed to the amphitheatres excellent acoustics. There were also five indentations beneath the seating area, some of which open directly in the arena. It is believed that these cubbies housed caged animals for many events including circuses, gladiator showdowns and animal fighting. The bleachers sat nearly 15,000 with more comfortable seating for royalty and officials in the lower level and stone benches for women, children, slaves and poorer statuses. Here the city’s people could enjoy many events including circuses, sporting events and theater productions.
The magnificent arena was destroyed in the 3rd century and was transformed into a cemetery. Some of its stone and other materials were strewn about the city for building purposes. It was completely filled in during the 3rd century and rediscovered 16 centuries later during the building of a tram station. Today it is a monument and treasured park to the city of Paris.
Getting to Arenes de Lutece
You can find the Arenes de Lutece by riding metro lines 7 or 10 until you get to the Jussieu station.
Located at 14 Rue des Cordelieres, the 2 star Aladdin Hotel is perfect for the traveler on a budget. It is close to the Left Bank in historic Marche Mouffetard, the Latin Quarter, the Pantheon and Jardin des Plantes. The hotel features a pleasant, homey atmosphere with each of its 29 rooms over looking a quite Parisian street scene or a lovely inner garden. Rates start at a low 38EUR per night.
Located at 1 Rue Casimir Delvaigne, the 3 star Hotel Delavigne is a quaint hotel with a traditional Parisian look. It is close to the famed and fantastic Latin Quarter, Luxembourg Gardens, Odeon Theatre and close by many antique cinemas, theatres and museums as well as top of the line restaurant such as Les Deux Magots. All 34 rooms are equipped with private baths and Wifi connections. Prices start at 92EUR per night.
Located at 7 Rue de L’hotel Colbert, the beautiful 4 star Hotel Le Colbert is a perfectly luxurious place to rest your weary head after a long day exploring Paris. The hotel was recently and completely renovated. It keeps its early 19th century charm but with modern amenities such as air conditioning and internet connections. There is also a fine restaurant, elegant lobby area and bar, currency exchange desk and 24 hour reception services. Prices start at 155EUR per night.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org