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Bois de Boulogne
The
Bois de Boulogne was an ancient hunting forest but
was landscaped in the 1860ís under the direction of Baron Haussmann.
The
Bagatelle Gardens, built around the Chateau de Bagatelle
- where classical concerts are often held - are a not-to-be-missed
part of the Bois particularly in the late spring and early summer;
tulips in April, irises bloom in May, August is the month for
water lilies, all amazing, but the highlight is the June 21st
rose exhibition when the rose garden is breath-taking.
There are several restaurants in the Bois, the most famous being
'Le Pre Catelan', romantic, good food, expensive. The Park contains
two racecourses, Longshamp and Auteuil, and there is a wonderful
childrenís amusement park, the 'Jardin d' Acclimatation'.
A reminder that at night the Bois is seedy and associated with
kerb-crawling.
Arc de Triomphe
Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 as a memorial for the French Army
but was not completed until 1836. It is 165 feet high and one can
visit the observation deck at the summit of the arc from where there
is a brilliant view of Paris. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with
its eternal flame, rekindled every evening at 6:30 PM, lies under
the Arc. It is at the centre of 12 avenues and is known as the Etoile
(star).
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