| Page Views: 215 Last Visit to Paris: July, 2008 | Paris, Sometimes Stormy, but She Remains Afloat by von.otter - last update: Mar 30, 2009 |
| Coat-of-Arms, City of Paris, July 2008 |
“Paris, like every pretty woman, is subject to inexplicable whims of beauty and ugliness.”
— Honore de Balzac (1799-1850)
Yes, Paris. It is that city that everyone seems to love, believing it is romantic. Songs are written about it, “April in Paris” for example. At this time of the year the city is not as attractive as the song makes it seem; the weather is often rainy and damp during a Parisian April. Motion pictures are produced about it; “Funny Face” is set in Paris, actually being filmed there. Rick and Ilsa will always have Paris. It is said that if a book has the word ‘Paris’ in its title, in America the book will sell better! Such is the fascination with the French capital.
Paris is a beautiful city with much to offer any visitor. Every visit I have made there has been a joy. Contrary to popular American opinion Parisians are not any ruder than citizens of any other big city. I have visited the City of Light, so named because it was the first major world city to electrify its street lamps, four times as an adult, once as a teenager on a high school French class trip.
Pictured in this introduction is the city’s coat-of-arms. Most cities, towns and villages in Europe have a coat-of-arms. Some American cities have them too, although they are called a city seal, how dull, but then that is America.
The coat-of-arms of the City of Paris features a silver vessel, a boat from the Watermen’s Guild. This represents the important role the River Seine has played in the development and prosperity of the city. La Seine splits the city in to its Right Bank (Rive Droite) on the north, and its Left Bank (Rive Gauche) on the south,
The coat-of-arms of the city was created in 1210. The Latin motto “Fluctuat nec Mergitur” is translated into English as “Though buffeted by waves it does not sink;” it was combined with the sturdy boat in the 16th century.
Photo #1
This example hangs over the entrance to the gardens of the Musée Carnavalet, the museum of the city of Paris. Make an effort to visit this museum you will be richly rewarded; it is located in the Marais (Marsh) district. |
| Coat-of-Arms, City of Paris, July 2008 |
|  | Photo #2
It would make sense that at Hôtel de Ville, city hall, some fine examples of the city’s coat-of-arms could be found. Tours are conducted of the sumptuous interiors of this frothy building, though only in French. I would encourage you to arrange for a place on a tour. Whatever the tour guide has to say can be found in any book, in English or any other language. The point is to experience, first hand, those heady interiors! |
| Coat-of-Arms, City of Paris, July 2008 |
| | Photo #3
Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, Père Lachaise Cemetery; it is officially known as cimetière de l’Est. At 118.6 acres it is the largest cemetery within the city limits of Paris.
One of the most famous cemeteries in the world, Père Lachaise is located in the 20th arrondissement; and this example of the the coat-of-arms of the city is part of a memorial to those city civil servants who lost their lives in the Great War. |
> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]
| Pros: | "It is a beautiful city with outstanding art, architecture, and food" | | Cons: | "There are too many sloppily dressed tourists, and locals!" | | In A Nutshell: | "Art, architecture, history, food, and fashion: it is all there in Paris." |
von.otter's Paris Travel Tips
 Comments for von.otter about Paris | | | | |
StumpTim Tue Aug 4, 2009 19:42 UTC
love these Paris ideas - and good work on the quotations - give yourself a gold star!!! | BeatChick Thu Mar 19, 2009 13:13 UTC
Fascinating "look" into O. Wilde's bedroom! Did you receive any hauntingly cellefamiliar guests during your stay? Well-written tip - thanks for tipping me off to it. OOOH, fascinating tip about the dada exhibition in the gardens of St-Julien-le-Pauvre!! | Ina22Marina Wed Feb 18, 2009 17:48 UTC
Hi there Von Otter! Just read your L'Hotel tip and I admire your efforts to make your stay in it so much more special - it takes a special person to do so!! Happy Birthday! Marina | Zajem Wed Feb 18, 2009 13:40 UTC
Very nice Paris's tips!Greetings,Eman. |
|
|
email me
add as friend
