Historic Paris, France in the 1940's
My late grandfather, Ernest, went to this historic city of Paris, France, with his wife on vacation in the 1940's and photographed the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile, known as the "Triumphal Arch of the Star," which is one of the most famous monuments in Paris, France. I love the old vintage cars in the foreground, with the famous Arch in the distance, one of my favorite photos by him.
The Arc de Triomphe stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées in Paris, rising above one of the city’s most famous avenues as a powerful symbol of French history and national identity. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806, the monument was intended to celebrate the victories of the French armies and honor the soldiers who fought for France. Learn More
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of my favorite photos, looking down at the grand catholic cathedral built back in 1163, with its famous French Gothic flying buttress, rib vault, and the colorful rose windows. The construction started by Bishop Maurice de Sully and was largely completed by 1260. It is known by locals as the "Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris". Learn More
Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret dance hall in Paris, France. The well-known Can-Can dance and the "famous Red Windmill" on the roof are iconic landmarks. It was built in 1889, by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, who owned Paris Olympia. In 1915, a fire destroyed it, and it was rebuilt. It is located at the intersection of Boulevard de Clichy, Rue Blanche, and Place Blanche. Learn More
La Basilique de Sacre Coeur is a catholic church designed by Paul Abadie in 1875, famous Basilica in the Romanesque-Byzantine style. It is known as the "Sacred Heart", Paul died in 1884, and his work was continued by Honoré Daumet, Charles Laisné, and Lucien Magne, and the church was completed in 1914. The wonderful church is visited by over 10-11 million visitors each year. Learn More
The "Place Vendôme" is in the historic city of Paris France. The Vendôme Column was erected by Napoleon I to celebrate the "Battle of Austerlitz", then demolished on May 16th 1871, by the Paris Commune, but then it was re-erected and remains a focal feature of the square. Around the square are high-end jewelry and retail shops, and with 30 hotels, the famous Ritz Paris and Hotel de Vendome. Learn More
Notre Dame Cathedral and the Seine River. The Seine River is at the heart of Paris, flowing gracefully through the French capital and linking many of its most celebrated landmarks. Its broad waters pass beneath historic bridges and along elegant quays, offering constantly changing views of the city. From the Eiffel Tower and Musée d’Orsay to Notre-Dame and the Île de la Cité, the river provides a remarkable perspective on Paris’s architecture and history. Learn More
The Arc de Triomphe Close-up became a French monument because it represents important chapters in the nation’s past, from the Napoleonic era to the sacrifices of later generations. Its position at the center of twelve major avenues also reinforces its importance within Paris. Today, visitors gather around the monument to admire its architecture, remember those commemorated beneath it, and look out across the city. Learn More
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Cheers John
