To begin our first full day in Paris, Dr. Pflanze took us on a walking tour of the cities major monuments. We began our morning in the sleaziest of places, at the Moulin Rouge (picture from 2011). From this street of ill rapport, we climbed up the hills of Montmartre. This neighborhood was originally known for its windmills, and in the 20th century became home to many artists including Dali, Mondrian, Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh. On the peak of the hill overlooking the rest of the city is the astounding Sacre Coeur church. A more modern church by Parisian standards, the view over the city is impressive as is the church's interior.
The group next traveled to the Eiffel Tower. An iconic symbol of Paris, the iron tower was originally built for the 1889's World Fair. Although monumental, the tower remained past the exposition only because of a more utilitarian use, as a radio tower. Today, it is the most visited site in Paris. Our final tour stop was the Arc de Triomphe (picture from 2011). The monument is reminiscent of a Roman victory arch, but is actually a modern statuary to commemorate french soldiers from the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. The arch sits as the pivot point for many large streets, including the Champs Elysee, a boulevard famous for its shopping and where we all headed next!
To begin our first full day in Paris, Dr. Pflanze took us on a walking tour of the cities major monuments. We began our morning in the sleaziest of places, at the Moulin Rouge (picture from 2011). From this street of ill rapport, we climbed up the hills of Montmartre. This neighborhood was originally known for its windmills, and in the 20th century became home to many artists including Dali, Mondrian, Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh. On the peak of the hill overlooking the rest of the city is the astounding Sacre Coeur church. A more modern church by Parisian standards, the view over the city is impressive as is the church's interior. 
The group next traveled to the Eiffel Tower. An iconic symbol of Paris, the iron tower was originally built for the 1889's World Fair. Although monumental, the tower remained past the exposition only because of a more utilitarian use, as a radio tower. Today, it is the most visited site in Paris. Our final tour stop was the Arc de Triomphe (picture from 2011). The monument is reminiscent of a Roman victory arch, but is actually a modern statuary to commemorate french soldiers from the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. The arch sits as the pivot point for many large streets, including the Champs Elysee, a boulevard famous for its shopping and where we all headed next!
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