Tag: France
I’ve got a hunch…back
When Victor Hugo began writing his classic tale The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, his goal was to make his contemporaries more aware of the value of Gothic architecture.
There has always been a debate as to whether or not Quasimodo was based on a real person. An article published in 2010 references the memoirs of a 19th-century sculptor working at Notre Dame. The memoir mentions a stone carver employed in the cathedral’s construction who had a severe hunchback and kept to himself.
In the Disney version of events, Quasimodo is friends with the gargoyles of the Church and they talk to each other.
“To a gargoyle on the ramparts of Notre Dame as Esmeralda rides off with Gringoire Quasimodo says. “Why was I not made of stone like thee?”
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Our Lady of Paris
With over 70 churches in the city of Paris, it can be overwhelming to take in them all. The one that absolutely cannot be missed is Notre Dame Cathedral.
Construction began on the towering edifice in 1136 and was mostly complete by 1260.
During the French Revolution, Notre-Dame suffered extensive damage and desecration. With many of its religious art damaged or destroyed, it wasn’t until Victor Hugo published his novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, that restoration efforts began.
In April of 2019, the roof of Notre-Dame caught fire and burned for 15 hours. The Cathedral will be restored to its former glory and is slated to re-open to the public in 2024.
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Let’s Have Lunch
There are so many choices when it comes to eating in Paris. Cafes line streets, vendors sell there wares in the street and deciding where to eat can be a challenge.
My friends and I settled on the Cafe Leone in the area surrounding Notre Dame. I would recommend this charming little restaurant to anyone looking for a quick bite. Their pizza was delicious.
Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile
The Arc de Triomphe, was commissioned by napoleon in 1806. It wasn’t until 1836 when it was inaugurated in King Louis-Philippe. The monument is dedicated to the armies of the Revolution and the Empire.
Within the small arches are engraved The names of 600 military leaders who served during the French First Republic and the First French Empire. Underlined names signify those who died on the battlefield.
The Unknown Soldier was buried at the base of the arch in 1921. The flame of remembrance is rekindled every day at 18:30. Every year on November 11th a special ceremony is held.
Of the four statues on the Arcs pillars is Le Départ de 1792 or La Marseillaise by sculptor, Francois Rude. The sculpture celebrates the cause of the French First Republic during the August 10th uprising. Above the volunteers is the winged representation of Liberty. During World War I it served as a recruitment tool and encouraged the French to buy war loans in 1915–1916.
La Marseillaise is the French National Anthem. Originally known as The War Song For The Republic Of The Rhine. The melody became a rallying cry for The French Revolution and became La Marseillaise after army volunteers from Marseillaise were heard singing it in the streets.
To help you plan your own trip to visit this monument check out the official website.
Travels With Ackbar 