PICTURES - PARIS

Notre Dame facade. These photos don't do it justice at all. Zoom in to get a better look at these images. This French Gothic Catholic church was built between 1163-1330.

Some little narrow streets on the Ile de la Citie or maybe from Ile de la St. Louis - the two small islands in the middle of the Seine River.

Because stairways are so narrow and there usually aren't elevators in most buildings, this is how they move large and heavy furniture - by, well, actually I don't know what this is called but it hoists heavy furniture.

Leigh by the fountain in Saint Michel square.

The pyramid entrance at the Louvre. The busiest of all the entrances - I recommend the entrance from the Metro which is poorly signed but on the other hand there is no waiting if you have a Paris Museum Pass.

Some other cool views, buildings and signs. Although dogs are allowed in almost every building, cafe, restaurant, taxi and the metro there are some places where dogs are not allowed even on a leash; as this sign states. The good news is that most Parisians feel that rules do not apply to them or their dogs. In general when dogs accompany their humans they are not on a leash at all. The dogs that is - not on a leash. They just walk with their humans down the street and they don't run into traffic, bite people or even bark much at other dogs. I was amazed that the dogs didn't run off like they would here at home. Maybe by being trained without a leash brings a different level to obedience.

I saw this iron artwork on this building from the end of a short street and it drew me in for a better look. Definitely zoom in closely. As best as I can tell this was a residential dwelling. Amazing.

This complicated but beautiful facade is done in an architectural style known as Art Nouveau. It is often used as one of the main examples of this style in art history texts. Standing at 29 avenue Rapp, Jules Lavirotte was the architect.

Here's a link for a better picture.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3360/3602818423_4b37b56290_z.jpg


This is the plaque with the artist's name.

This is another building done in the Art Nouveau style.

The Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees. This is the location where 12 streets converge into 1 circle and the kamikaze driving is king. The Arc de Triomphe ordered to be built by Napoleon as a memorial to the French Grand Army. Champs Elysees translated means Elysian Fields or heaven on earth.