Postcards from Paris, France—A Tour Through the 'City Of Light'

Striking contrasts at the Louvre and the seemingly "liquid" glass pyramid!
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Around every corner in the “City of Light,” awaits a quintessentially Parisian-perfect postcard that fills your frame with the unforgettable sights of Paris. From its soaring monuments and magnificent architecture to its scenic views along the Seine and charming sidewalk cafes, Paris captivates us with its visual romance that fills our hearts with cherished memories! Whether brilliant sunshine and contrasting shadows or cloudy skies casting a subdued light that saturates the colors, Paris is beautifully bathed in any light. And at night, the city twinkles in dazzling displays of illuminations at the Eiffel Tower as well as the warm glow of the ambient light along its boulevards.  It's magical!

From the moment I arrived via the overnight train from Florence to the time I sadly departed five days later, I set out on my quest through Paris to capture postcards of this picturesque city from uniquely Parisian perspectives. Whether I climbed to the top of the world or walked along quaint streets and the River Seine, Paris opened her arms to me and invited me in for a look at its scenic and spectacular vistas regardless of the light. By the time I was through and my journey came to an end, I discovered that Paris truly is the City of Light. Come along on this visual tour through an enchanting place that is Paris, and I hope you find this pictorial souvenir evokes the true essence, beauty and flavors of Paris.

Quintessentially Parisian architecture and sidewalk cafe!  

The sprawling grounds of the Tuileries Gardens fill the foreground with the Musee D'Orsay, L'Hotel National des Invalides and the Basilica of Sainte-Clotilde in background.  

Walk along the River Seine and magnificent vistas such as this are suddenly revealed. Note the Musee D'Orsay in the background. The Eiffel Tower is peeking in at the left.

The views from our room at the hotel Regina offered up sweeping vistas of Paris including the Tuileries Gardens, Musee D'Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, L' Hotel National des Invalides and much more. Below are a few of the shots taken from our window behind the "H" in Hotel Regina.

The iconic Eiffel Tower has come to define Paris itself and has changed its skyline forever after it's completion in 1889 for the World Exposition of the same year.  

Officially known as the L'Hotel National des Invalides, the National Residence of Invalids was completed in 1679 and originally intended to be a retirement home for war veterans.  Now, it's a massive complex of museums, galleries and the final resting spot of many a French war hero not to mention Napoleon Bonaparte. You can also see the towering gothic bell towers of the The Basilica of Sainte-Clotilde." 

 

This is the view from our hotel room at the Hotel Regina looking down at the Place des Pyramides. Nothing in the world comes close to the incomparable Parisian architecture that lines the city's streets.  There's a golden statue of Joan of Arc just out of view from this picture.  Here's a better look.  

Walking toward the Place de la Concorde with its Luxor Obelisk—originally from the Luxor Temple in Egypt and dating back to 1400 B.C., and the Arc du Triomphe de l'Etoile in the distant background, completed in 1836.

Modeled after Trajan's Column of Rome, Napoleon ordered construction of the Place Vendome Column  to commemorate the Victory of Austerlitz.  There are 425 bronze bas relief plates that spiral their way to the statue of Napoleon himself atop the column.  

Across the River Seine and in the area of Paris known as the Left Bank, you'll find the Cathedral of Saint Germain.  If you've seen the movie "Da Vinci Code," you will remember this place well.  Our tour of the Cathedral revealed spectacular interiors and magnificent stained glass windows.

Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés located in the Left Bank of Paris.  By far one of the oldest churches in Paris, the original abbey was founded in the 6th century by the son of Clovis I. The cathedral we see today was rededicated in 1163.

Magnificent stained glass portrait of Jesus reflects a most holy light inside Saint Sulpice.

Interior Nave of Saint Sulpice.

Just one of many spectacular scenic views of Paris from the top of Notre Dame.  Even more jaw-dropping views await at the top of the South Bell Tower.  

Notre Dame.  I strongly recommend you climb all 387 steps to the top of the South Bell Tower for jaw-dropping 360-degree views of Paris!  Just to left of Cathedral's front door, you'll find the entrance to the stairway leading to the top.  Don't worry about climbing these all at once, there are two places for a bit of a respite if you need.  Your first is the gift shop where you can do a little shopping and rest up. From there, continue onward and upward to the top of the main cathedral building where views such as the one above await.  At this level, the choice is yours—you can either descend after you've taken in the scenic vistas, or if you're not too winded, continue up the the top of the south bell tower. Believe me, once you see Paris from this vantage point, you'll be glad you put forth the effort. Visit NotreDamedeParis.fr for most spectacular 360 tours of the interior and exterior of Notre Dame.

This breathtaking view of the end of the Ile de la Cite and the River Seine was taken from atop the bell tower.  

Hanging with some friends I made at the top of Notre Dame.

An aerial view of Sainte Chapelle on the Ile de Cite in Paris France.  Read more about this chapel and its tapestries of majesty . 

The magnificent Palace Versailles and the Hall of Mirrors that lies within these walls are a MUST-SEE sight that should be on everyone's itineraries.  The sprawling and meticulously-manicured gardens in the back of the palace are a true sight to behold.  

The sculptures at the top of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Tuileries Gardens commemorate Napoleon's victories circa 1807.  

Au revoir from the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel - entry way into the Tuileries Gardens.  

Designed in 1807 by Charles Percier and Pierre Francois Leonard Fontaine, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is your entry way to the Tuileries Gardens. Standing at 63 feet, the arch is a near replica to the Arch of Septimius Severus in the Roman Forum.
I hope you enjoyed this tour through the light of Paris and the spectacular scenery it reveals to those who are seeking a uniquely Parisian perspective.

Au Revoir from Paris!

Additional Reading:

• Saint-Denis Steeped in the History of the French Monarchy
• Sainte-Chapelle - the Holy Chapel and its tapestries of majesty
• Loire Valley Chateaux Day Tour from Paris