Our first day in Paris and what else would you do but stroll along the streets from our unit to the Parc du Champ-de-Mars. Opened in 1780, the park extends from the École Militaire to the Eiffel Tower.
Offering the most beautiful views of the capital’s landmark monument.
Originally, the Champ de Mars was part of a large flat open area called Grenelle, which was reserved for market gardening. Citizens would claim small plots and exploit them by growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers for the local market. However, the plain of Grenelle was not an especially fertile place for farming.
Our first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower on the most beautiful sun drenched day.
Offering the most beautiful views of the capital’s landmark monument.
Originally, the Champ de Mars was part of a large flat open area called Grenelle, which was reserved for market gardening. Citizens would claim small plots and exploit them by growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers for the local market. However, the plain of Grenelle was not an especially fertile place for farming.
Our first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower on the most beautiful sun drenched day.
The Eiffel Tower was built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, which was to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution. Its construction in 2 years, 2 months and 5 days was a veritable technical and architectural achievement. "Utopia achieved", a symbol of technological prowess, at the end of the 19th Century it was a demonstration of French engineering personified by Gustave Eiffel, and a defining moment of the industrial era. It was met immediately with tremendous success.
Our ascent to the first level of the tower and the views are spectacular are far reaching as the day is so crystal clear. Views of the Trocadero Gardens and Palais de Chaillot.
View of the city featuring the Arc de Triomphe.
Jan looking happy with her first day in “Gay Paree”.
View toward École Militaire.
We then ascended to the summit of the tower to see even further and a new perspective of the city.
After our descent we walked to the river to go on a Bateaux Parisiens Cruise along the Seine River.
After the cruise we went and ate lunch at a riverside café before strolling along to the Trocadéro gardens. Created for the Universal Exposition in 1937, this green space of nearly 10,000 m² offers a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. The centrepiece of the gardens is the famous Warsaw fountains which, with its 20 water cannons, offers a remarkable water display, unfortunately the fountain was not operating whilst we were there. There are two stone statues, 'L'homme' by Pierre Traverse and 'La Femme' by Daniel Bacqué.
We then strolled along through the park and back to our unit as the clouds were darkening and the chill in the air was growing cooler. It is just so magical to be here in spring with the flowers adding even more charm to the love and flavor that is Paris.
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