The Panthéon’s Viewing Platform: best views of Paris
Want some of the best views of Paris away from the tourist crowds? Then head up to the Panthéon’s Viewing Platform.
Want some of the best views of Paris away from the tourist crowds? Then head up to the Panthéon’s Viewing Platform.
Every year within a section of the Jardin des Tuileries, the garden turns into a lively fête foraine (summer fairground), and this year sees its 30th anniversary. With over 80 different attractions to explore and experience, the Fête des Tuileries is great for all the family. Recently I headed up la Grand Roue, aka the Ferris wheel, to see some amazing views of Paris above. I decided to ascend in the evening, with the hope of seeing the incredible sunset from overhead. Even though I didn’t, the views of the city did not fail to impress as always. Here are a few photos that I took. If you would like to head up the Grand Roue, the Fête des Tuileries is open until 23rd August 2015.
Have you ever walked past this big tower near Hôtel de ville on Rue de Rivoli, and thought ‘what is that?!’ If so, you’re not alone, with myself included. I have often been around this mysterious tower, and known nothing about it… untill now. What you are viewing is la Tour Saint-Jacques. Built in the early 16th century, the tower was part of the church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie (yes you might have guessed it – ‘Saint James of the Butchery’). However, the church was demolished during the French Revolution in 1797, and all that remains today is the tower. After lots of reconstruction beginning in the 19th century and finishing in 2009, the tower was given a new facelift and brought back to its original splendor. However, la Tour Saint-Jacques still possesses an air of mystery. While you can access the square surrounding it, it’s another story with the tower itself. Often I have found myself by its gates, wondering if the lock preventing people from entering is ever unlocked – and only last week were …