Eiffel tower and Versailles Palace-the "monumental treat"

Finally the day came when we had to visit the famous Eiffel tower, which now has become the identity and symbol of Paris. One couldn’t possibly visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Even if you do not want to visit this world famous structure, you will see its top from all over Paris. The tower rises 300 meters tall (984 ft). It was built for the World Exhibition in 1889, held in celebration of the French Revolution in 1789.

 

The construction was only meant to last for the duration of the Exposition, but it still stands today, despite all protests from contemporary artists who feared the construction would be the advent of structures without 'individuality' and despite the many people who feared that this huge 'object' would not fit into the architecture of Paris. The structure took more than two years to complete. Each one of the about 12,000 iron pieces were designed separately to give them exactly the shape needed. All pieces were prefabricated and fit together using approx. 7 million nails.

 

            Eiffel tower is always a delight for any photographer-be a professional, an amateur or just any ordinary visitor. Everyone tries to capture the tower in its entirety , which itself is no less than  a challenge. We also tried our photography skill to click this magnificent engineering marvel from different angles. Although there was some drizzle, but still it didn’t prevent us from taking a numerous pictures of the Eiffel tower. We had just an hour to take pictures as we had a pre-booked time for going up the tower.

 

            Since we had already pre-booked the tickets for a stipulated time, we escaped the huge queue that is always seen at the Eiffel tower. We had to take two lifts to reach the top of the tower. One has the option to go on foot using the stairs till second floor. But to save time, we went by the lift to the top. The elevators had glass panes that give a breathtaking view of the city as also the height of the tower. Although the experience of the elevator ride to the top of the tower is full of excitement and thrill, for those who have phobia of height, the lift do give some nervous moments too.

            The tower has three levels for visitors. Tickets can be purchased to ascend, by stairs or lift, to the first and second levels. The walk from ground level to the first level is over 300 steps, as is the walk from the first to the second level. The third and highest level is accessible only by lift. The tower has two restaurants: Le 58 tour Eiffel, on the first floor and the Le Jules Verne, a gastronomical restaurant on the second floor, with a private lift.

            The top of the tower gives a panoramic view of the city of Paris. The view of the river Seine and the illuminating city is a real treat to the eyes. At night the Eiffel tower provides an eye catching view and is definitely any photographers delight. We did take a lot of pictures. We spend half an hour on top and then came down. By that time it was dark and the Eiffel tower was already under illumination. Illumination Eiffel tower has an entirely different looks and sometimes it looks like a giant Christmas tree. We ended the day with all the glitter and illumination at the back of our mind and were already looking forward to our  visit to Place of Versailles - yet another architecture marvel and a prominent centre of French history.

Palace of Versailles: The town of Versailles is located about 20 kilometres outside of Paris. Versailles is best known for being the site of the vast royal palace and gardens built by King Louis XIV within what was previously a royal hunting lodge. It is also one of the wealthiest cities near Paris Those who know a bit of French history especially the French Revolution and the famous Treaty of Versailles would find an added interest to visit this beautiful palace full of history and a great piece of architecture. The Palace of Versailles, also known as the Château de Versailles, has been the scene for several historic events including the famous treaty of Versailles  that was signed  on 28 June 1919 within the Hall of Mirrors, between defeated Germany and the Allies that brought the First World War officially to an end.

 

            Versailles palace has a beautiful garden spread over 250 acres making it the Europe's largest palace garden. It was created in the 17th century by landscape gardener André Le Nôtre. The garden is laid out in a geometric pattern of paths, bushes, flowerbeds and trees. Le Nôtre also drained the swampy, sloping terrain and created a series of basins and a large canal, known as the Grand Canal.