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Eiffel Tower
The worldwide symbol of Paris. It was built for the World Fair of
1889, held to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution.
Named after its designer, Gustave Eiffel, it stands 320m (1050ft)
high and held the record as the world's tallest structure until
1930. There are three viewing platforms you can reach by elevator
(or you can walk to the first two levels) and from the top you'll
find absolutely breathtaking views. The restaurant at the top of
the
Eiffel Tower, the 'Jules Verne', is an expensive but
memorable treat, though one has to book well in advance. On the
stage below with the same view and less expensive is the 'Altitude
95', which has a Belle Epoque setting.
Musee de l'Art Moderne de la ville de Paris
Musee de l'Art Moderne de la ville de Paris
Housed in the Palais de Tokyo - Mainly devoted to artists working
in Paris in the early 20th century, the museum has major collections
of works by Georges Rouault, Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Raoul
Dufy. Other highlights: Modigliani's 'La Femme aux yeus bleus',
two of the three Henri Matisse triptychs of La Danse (1931-33)
and the monumental La Fee Electricit'(1937) by Raoul Dufy. There
are often major exhibitions held here, and there is a nice caf'downstairs.
Grand Palais and Petit Palais
Built for the 1900 World Fair, the former now has major exhibitions
and the later houses the fine arts museum of the City of Paris with
a collection specializing in 19th century French painters as Delacroix,
Courbet, Monet, Cezanne and Bonnard. Part of the Grand Palais also
houses a science museum, the Palais de la Decouverte.
Parc du Champ de Mars
The Champ de Mars was the site in 53 BC that Julius Caesar finally
conquered the rebellious Parisii tribe and later, in 886, the Parisians
beat back the invadingVikings. However, it acquired its name during
the time of Napoleon I when it was used as a drill ground for the
adjacent Ecole Militaire (Military School). Louis XV and his mistress
Madame de Pompadour commissioned the Ecole Militaire, and it was
here young Napoleon, aged 15, arrived from Corsica and enrolled
in the Military Academy.
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