Paris, the capital of France, is often called La Ville Lumière (meaning ‘The City of Light’), however, beneath this bustling European city of 12 million people, lies a dark subterranean world holding the remains of 6 million of its former inhabitants. These are the Paris Catacombs: a network of old caves, quarries and tunnels stretching hundreds of miles, and seemingly lined with the bones of the dead.
What you may SEE:
1. skulls- cranes
2. bones- des os
3. long corridors- longs couloirs
4. crosses- des croix
5. tunnels- les tunnels
What you may HEAR:
ghosts- des fantômes FOOD: la salade lyonnaise DESSERT: Choux à la crème
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A les Catacombs, j'ai marche beaucoup (I walked a lot)
Place de la Concorde is situated at the end of the Champs-Elysées. Today it is famous for the Luxor Obelisk (a 3,300 year old Egyptian obelisk erected on the square in May 1998), the surrounding prestigious hotels, and the two monumental fountains (Fontaine des Mers and Fontaine des Fleuves). Created in 1772, Place de la Concorde was originally known for having been an execution site during the French Revolution. Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette (among others) were guillotined here. Between 1836 and 1846 the architect Jacques-Ignace Hittorf redesigned the square to become what it is today.
What you SEE:
1. big fountain- grande fontaine
2. obelisk- obelisque
3. horse statue- cheval statue
4. streets-des rues
5. tall light poles- lampadaires de hauteur
What you HEAR:
the fountain splashing- le clapotis de la fountaine
FOOD: une quiche DESSERT: gateau basque
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A le Place de la Concorde, j'ai vu la fontaine
Disneyland Paris, originally Euro Disney Resort, is an entertainment resort in Marne-la-Vallée, a new town located 32 km east of the centre of Paris, and is the most visited theme park in all of France and Europe. Even big kids can have great fun and thrills in a day at Disneyland. With 2 Disney parks®, more than 50 attractions, shows and parades, Disneyland Paris promises a unique day with friends or family. With 5 themed worlds, the Parc Disneyland® is a dream place for big kids on the lookout for magic and lots of fun! Feel the adrenaline exploring the far reaches of space or the remains of an abandoned temple. Next door, the Walt Disney Studios Park® offers many adventures and thrills: defy gravity in a plummeting elevator, live a 100% Rock 'n' Roll adventure with bends and looping or enjoy Remy's mad adventure! But save some energy to enjoy the fantastic shows and parades late into the night. Just a day at Disneyland Paris for a lifetime of memories is a lot closer than you ever thought possible.
What you may SEE:
1. mickey mouse- Mickey la souris
2. pink castle- chateau rose
3. rides- maneges
4. kids- enfants
5. characters- personnages
What you may HEAR:
people laughing and screaming- les personnes rire et crier
FOOD: le pan-bagnat DESSERT: les macarons
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A le Disneyland de Paris, j'ai recountre Minnie Mouse (I met minnie mouse)
Inaugurated on the occasion of the 1900 Universal Exhibition and classed as a historic monument, the Pont Alexandre III is one of the most emblematic bridges in Paris because of its architecture and location. At its four extremities are huge 17 metre-high pylons crowned with gilt bronze sculptures of winged horses representing the illustrious Arts, Sciences, Commerce and Industry. Pont Alexandre III connects the Invalides on the Left Bank to the Grand Palais and Petit Palais on the Right Bank. From the bridge you can enjoy a sweeping view of these buildings as well as the Eiffel Tower and over the Seine, which makes it a popular place for a stroll at any time of day or night.
What you may SEE:
1. golden winged statue- statue ailee d'or
2. lamp posts-lampadaires
3. hanging wreath statues- pendaison statues de couronnes
4. Le Siene
5. boats- les bateaux
What you might HEAR:
boats- les bateaux
FOOD: une omelette aux fines herbes
DESSERT: noissette (hazelnut) dacquiose
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A le Pont Alexandre 111, Je suis allé sur une promenade en bateau (I went on a boat ride)
The Tuileries Gardens get their name from the tile factories which previously stood on the site where Queen Catherine de Medici built the Palais des Tuileries in 1564. The famous gardener of King Louis XIV, André Le Nôtre, re-landscaped the gardens in 1664 to give them their current French formal garden style. The gardens, which separate the Louvre from the Place de la Concorde, are a cultural walking place for Parisians and tourists where Maillol statues stand alongside those of Rodin or Giacometti. The gardens’ two ponds are perfect for relaxation. The Musée de l’Orangerie, where visitors can admire the works of Monet, is located south-west of Tuileries. From March to December, free tours in French are organized. For lovers of candyfloss, rides and thrills, go to the Fête des Tuileries from June to August.
What you may SEE:
1. ferris wheel- grande roue
2. tulips- les tulipes
3. round ponds- bassins circulars
4. big white statue- grande statue blanche
5. Eiffel tower- le tour d'Eiffel
What you might HEAR:
people riding the ferris wheel- personnes surfant sur la grande roue
FOOD: les moules marinières
DESSERT: choux à la crème (cream puffs)
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A le Tuileries Garden, j'ai vu le grande roue
The Hôtel des Ivalides was commissionedin 1670 by Louis XIV in order to provide accommodation and hospital care for wounded soldiers. In 1815, after Napoleon's abdication, over 5,000 survivors of the Great Army were listed there. Napoleon inspected the place and visited his men in 1808, 1813 and 1815. The chapel of the Invalides was built at the end of the 17th century by Jules-Hardouin Mansart and contains Napoleon's tomb. In 1840, during the 'Return of the Ashes', a law passed on 10th June ordered the construction of the Emperor's tomb below the dome of the Invalides.
What you may SEE:
1. Napolean's tomb- La tombe de napolean
2. long walkway- longue promenade
3. cloudy sky- ciel nuageux
4. gold top- top d'or
5. big dome- grande coupole
What you may HEAR:
people talking about all the amazing things- les gens parler de toutes les choses étonnantes FOOD: steak frites DESSERT: de pain au chocolate/crossaint au chocolate
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A Les Invalides, j'ai vu la tombe de Napolean
A 19th-century architectural masterpiece, the Palais Garnier Opera House, built by Charles Garnier and opened in 1875, is the 13th opera house in Paris since the introduction of French opera by Louis XIV in 1669. Napoleon III commissioned it as part of the renovation works in the capital carried out under his command by Baron Haussmann. A historical monument open to visitors during the day staging opera and dance. Don't forget to admire the ceiling painted by Chagall in the main auditorium.
What you may SEE:
1. gold angles- anges d'or
2. plush red seats- sieges rouges en pelota
3. long staircases- longs escaliers
4. big circular mural- grande fresco circular
5. bright chandeliers- lustrous brillants
What you may HEAR:
opera singing- chant lyrique
FOOD: le gratin dauphinois DESSERT: meringue
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A la Palais Garnier, j'ai ecoute l'opera
The Sainte-Chapelle ("Holy Chapel"), located within the Palais de Justice complex on the Ile de la Cité in the center of Paris, is a diminutive yet perfect example of the Rayonnant Style of Gothic architecture. It was erected by Louis IX, king of France, to house the Crown of Thorns and a fragment of the True Cross, precious relics of the Passion. Louis had purchased these in 1239 from the Byzantine emperor Baldwin II, for the exorbitant sum of 135,000 livres (the chapel "only" cost 40,000 livres to build). Two years later, more relics were brought from Byzantium.
What you may SEE:
1. fantastic stained glass- fantastique vitrail
2. beautiful, tall ceilings- beaux, hauts plafonds
3. big stained glass windows-grands virtual
4. church alter- egalise modifier
5. big open space- grande space ouvert
What you may HEAR:
choir singing- chant coral
FOOD: un croque-monsieur DESSERT: palmiers
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A le Sainte-Chapelle, j'ai vu toute le vitrail
The Palace of Versailles is the central part of a complex that housed the French government, most notably its royalty, during the reigns of Louis XIV (France’s famed “Sun King”), Louis XV and Louis XVI. After the French Revolution in 1789, it ceased to be a permanent royal residence.
Located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of Paris, it is beside the settlement of Versailles. Before the construction of the palace by Louis XIV, this settlement was little more than a hamlet but by the time of the revolution it had a population of more than 60,000 people, making it one of the largest urban centers in France.
Before the revolution, the Versailles complex included the palace, gardens, a walled-in royal hunting ground, a smaller palatial structure known as the Grand (or Marble) Trianon and an estate used by Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI’s queen. Between the palace and the town there are also buildings that housed the war and foreign affairs ministries, residences for those not entitled to live in the palace, stables and a kennel, among other structures.
What you may SEE:
1. gardens with designs- jardins avec des dessins
2. poseidon statue- poseidon statue
3. large pond- grand etang
4. long walls- longs murs
5. lots of windows- beaucoup de fenetres
What you may HEAR:
people throwing things in the big pond- gens jeter des choses dans le grand étang FOOD: un croque-madame DESSERT: tulipes
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A le Versailles Palace, j'ai jeté des pièces de monnaie dans l'eau (I threw coins in the water)
The Musée d'Orsay is a museum housed in a grand railway station built in 1900. Home to many sculptures and impressionist paintings, it has become one of Paris's most popular museums.At the turn of the nineteenth century, two large railway stations were built in Paris, the Gare de Lyon and the Gare d'Orsay. The Gare d'Orsay had the most prominent site, along the Seine opposite the Louvre. The railway station was planned by the Compagnie d'Orléans, who wanted to bring electrified trains right into the heart of Paris.
What you may SEE:
1. circular, clear ceiling- circulaire, plafond clair
2. clock- horlage
3. art- l'art
4. interesting statues and paintings- statues et des peintures interessant
5. chandeliers- lustres
What you may HEAR:
the giant clock ticking- l' horloge géante à retardement Food: savory crepes- sale (pronounced sal-ay) crepes
DESSERT: clafoutis
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A le Musee d'Orsay, j'ai vu l'horloge
This was the first French garden to be influenced by the Italian Baroque. The gardens, and the palace, were begun in 1612. The Luxembourg has long been seen as a quintessential Parisian space and remains very popular. It was designed for another Medici princess, Marie de Medici (1573-1642) , who became Queen of France. Like the Boboli garden where Marie had spent her youth, the Luxembourg plan has two axes at right angles. Jacques Boyceau superintended the layout. Today, as in the seventeenth century, it is a good place to savour the cosmopolitan atmosphere of a rich palace garden. It has changed over the centuries but, judging from Evelyn's description (below), the character of the garden is not so different. During a period of neglect, some of Watteau's romantic garden scenes were painted here. The Luxembourg Palace is now used by the French Senate.
What you may SEE:
1. fountains- les fontaines
2. gardens-jardins
3. flowers- fleurs
4. statues-les statues
5. little sail boats- petits bateaux a voile
What you may HEAR:
the wind blowing the trees- le vent qui souffle les arbres
FOOD: le cassoulet
DESSERT: l'eclair
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A le Jardin du Luxembourg, j'ai senti les fleurs (I smelled the flowers)
The Sacré-Coeur, consecrated in 1919, is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris. At the top of the Butte Montmarte, it has one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the capital, from 130 metres above ground. In a Roman-Byzantine style, the Sacré Coeur is recognizable by its white colour. Inside the building, the ceiling is decorated with the largest mosaic in France measuring about 480 m². The crypt is also worth a visit. And to go even higher up, visitors can access the dome where the 360° view of Paris is magnificent. A short walk from the Sacré Coeur is the Place du Tertre, the district of Abbesses with its steep, winding roads, and at the bottom of the hill, the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret.
What you may SEE:
1. white domed roof- toit en dome blanc
2.grass out front- l'herbe a l'avant
3. stone steps-marches de pierre
4. intricate details carved into the building- details complexes sculptes dans le batiment
5. crowds of people- des foules de gens
What you might HEAR:
people talking about the gargoyles- les gens parler des gargouilles
FOOD: ratatouille DESSERT: le soufflé
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A le Sacre-Coeur, j'ai vu la mosaïque géante (the giant mosaic)
The Arc de Triomphe Paris, the most monumental of all triumphal arches, was built between 1806 and 1836. Even though there were many modifications from the original plans, reflecting political changes and power struggles, the Arch still retains the essence of the original concept which was a powerful, unified ensemble.
The Arc de Triomphe stands at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the "Place de l'Étoile". It’s located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. The arches whole decorative style is entirely of the tradition of sculpture from the first half of the nineteenth century.
The triumphal arch is in honor of those who fought for France, in particular, those who fought during the Napoleonic Wars. Engraved on the inside and at the top of the arch are all of the names of the generals and wars fought. There are inscriptions in the ground underneath the vault of the arch which include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I where the Memorial Flame burns and have made the Arc de Triomphe Paris a revered patriotic site.
What you may SEE:
1. Champs-Elysees
2.cars-des voitures
3. french flag- drapeau francais
4.lots of people- beaucoup de peole
5.street lights- lampadaires
what you might HEAR:
people walking- les personnes marchant
FOOD: escargot DESSERT: la tarte Tatin
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A L'Arc de Triomphe, je pris un photo
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is the most visited monument in France. It was built in the Middle Ages, at the far end of the Île de la Cité. Work started in the 13th century and finished in the 15th century. Badly damaged during the French Revolution, the cathedral was restored in the 19th century by the architect Viollet-le-Duc. Its many visitors come to admire its stained glass and rose windows, the towers, the steeple and the gargoyles. They can also discover the Notre-Dame treasury and have a go at climbing the towers to enjoy a panoramic view of Paris. In 2013, Notre-Dame is celebrating its 850th anniversary. For this occasion, many events have been organized and the cathedral will renew its heritage of campanology with the arrival of eight new bells as well as a new great bell. On the cathedral's parvis, a bronze star inscribed 'zero kilometre' indicates the centre of the country in terms of road distances.
What you may SEE:
1. watercolor-aquarelle
2. stained glass-vitrail
3. spire- fleche
4.water-l'eau
5.clouds-des nuages
What you might HEAR:
tourists talking- touristes parler
FOOD: la salade nicoise
DESSERT: la mousse au chocolat
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A le Notre Dame, je suis montee
The Louvre is the world’s largest museum and houses one of the most impressive art collections in history. The magnificent, baroque-style palace and museum — LeMusée du Louvre in French — sits along the banks of the Seine River in Paris. It is one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions.
The Louvre was originally builtas a fortress in 1190, but was reconstructed in the 16th century to serve as a royal palace. It continued to be expanded over the years. It currently covers a total area of 652,300 square feet (60,600 square meters). In 1793, Louis XIV moved the royal residence to Versailles, and the Louvre became an art museum, exhibiting the royal collection and artifacts. Under Napolean's reign, acquisitions came from conquered lands and the museum was known as Musée Napoleon. After his defeat at Waterloo, the museum returned to its original name. (source: live science)
What you may SEE:
1. The Mona Lisa- la Mona Lisa
2.sculptures- les sculptures
3. paintings- les peintures
4. art displays- des expositions d'arts
5. beautiful murals- belles peintures murals
What you might HEAR:
cameras taking photos-caméras prenant des photos FOOD: la bouillabaisse
DESSERT: une crêpe
Qu'est-ce qe tu as fait?? ( what did you do?)
A le Louvre, j'ai vu le Mona Lisa.
Whether you're lucky enough to have visited Paris or have only ever dreamed of going there, chances are you know of the French capital's most beloved landmark: the Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower, La Tour Eiffel in French, was the main exhibit of the Paris Exposition — or World's Fair — of 1889. It was constructed to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution and to demonstrate France's industrial prowess to the world.
Gustave Eiffel, a French civil engineer, is usually credited with designing the tower that bears his name. However, it was actually two lesser-known men, Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, who came up with the original drawings for the monument.
