Paris Monuments and More
- Priss Benbow
- Jun 3, 2024
- 2 min read
Iconic Sites at Night
Hôtel des Invalides
Paris monuments are spectacular at night, illuminated brightly against the inky-blue Paris night sky. I walked and explored three of them, and all transported me to a different time and place.
Construction on the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre began in 1875 and finished in 1919. The building is white and holds some of the largest mosaics in the world. There is an excellent view of Paris from the steps in front of its entrance, too.
Left to right
Top row : Basilique du Sacré-Cœur: exterior and interior mosaic detail; Musée de l'Armée - helmet
The Hôtel National des Invalides is a complex of buildings in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. It was built under Louis XIV in 1677 to house the invalids of its armies. Today, this impressive monument brings together museums, and a hospital and nursing home for war veterans. During my visit to the museum, I also found a knight in shining armor!
The Arc de Triomphe began construction in 1806 under Napoleon, the French Emperor. It honors those who fought and died for France, and a flame marks the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier underneath its grand arch.
Two practical tips. First, some of the monuments are open late on the first Friday of the month and less crowded then. Second, if you are staying in Paris for a week or two, you can purchase a Navigo Découverte card that includes unlimited metro and bus rides within Paris, and transportation to the Ile de France.
I’ll close on a sweet note – literally. For those who enjoy Tarte au Citron Meringuée, a close cousin to our Lemon Meringue Pie, Le Loir dans La Théière in the Marais serves a delicious one. Although not an actual monument, it is monumental on its own.
À tout à l'heure,
Priss
MY FAVORITE THINGS
Le Loir dans La Théière – casual tea room in the Marais. Good for lunch and dessert, or serves dessert only starting at 3 pm. No reservations.
Navigo Découverte - A travel card that includes unlimited metro and bus rides in Paris, and train travel to the Ile de France
STAY IN TOUCH
Let me know when you are in town! You can reach me via email or leave a phone message
Have really enjoyed your travelogue Priss! Will have to go to France again :-)
Priss this is all so interesting! Love your posts. And the tips - hopefully next summer we will put them to use!