This is the most famous street in the world, as seen from the Arc di Triomphe. The Champs-Elyssee has some of the most exclusive stores and restuarants in the world: Chanel, Hugo Boss, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, to name a few. But there is a MacDonalds, too. Would you think less of me if I told…
There is a long history of risky French architecture. For example, the Eiffel Tower was widely criticized when it was built. So, too, was the new entrance to the Louvre, which is what you are looking at in this photo. It was designed by the Chinese American architect I.M. Pei. Both the Eiffel Tower and…
There is much that is captivating about a Gothic cathedral like the famous Notre Dame of Paris. The beautiful stained glass and the lofty interior space must have been truly awe inspiring to the 12th century Parisian. They certainly are to me. In this photo, you are looking at an innovation that allowed the soaring…
Napoleon, who conquered much of Europe, died at age 51 on the tiny island of St. Helena, where he had been exiled. Even today St. Helena is one of the most isolated places on earth. (See it on a map.) He was buried by the British in a grave with no name, primarily because of…
Yes, another self-indulgent photo! And you wouldn’t know that this is Paris, would you? It could be our local Mini-Mart. But check out the the wine section of this petite store. Only in France would you see something like this. That’s my friend Scott P standing with an empty shopping basket. We are about to…