Paris here we come!

The tower stands 324 metres (1,063 feet) high, including the antenna. On the Eiffel Tower, 72 names of French scientists, engineers and some other notable people are engraved in recognition of their contributions by Gustave Eiffel. This engraving was painted over the beginning of the 20th century and restored in 1986-1987 by SNTE ("Societe Nouvelle d’exploitation de la Tour Eiffel"), a company contracted to operate business related to the Tower (the Tower is owned by the city of Paris). Only the surnames appear on the Tower.

Another notable and historic landmark is the ARC DE TRIOMPHE. This monument stands in the centre of the Place de I’toile, at the western end of the Champs-lysees. It is the linchpin of the historic axis (L’Axe historique) leading from the courtyard of the Louvre Place, a sequence of monuments and grand thoroughfares on a route leading out of Paris. The monument’s iconographic programme pitted heroically nude French youth against bearded Germanic warriors in chain mail and set the tone for public monuments with triumphant nationalistic messages until World War I. The monument stands over 50 metres (165 feet) in height and is 45 metres wide. It is the second largest triumphal arch in existence after the slightly larger Arch of Triumph in North Korea.

Arc de Triomphe is so colossal that an early daredevil flew his plane through it. It was commissioned in 1806 after the victory at Austerlitz by Napoleon Bonaparte at the peak of his fortunes and finally completed — after a long pause during the Restoration — in the reign of King Louis-Philippe, in 1833-1836.

Sports enthusiasts would know that the famous Tour de France race culminates here every year.

Pedestrian access to the Arc de Triomphe is via an underpass. Metro access is at Charles-de-Gaulle-toile. From the top there is an excellent view of all of Paris, of the twelve major avenues leading to the Arc and of the exceptionally busy roundabout in which the Arc lies.

THE CHAMPS-ELYSEES (Elysian fields) were originally nothing but fields, until Mare de Medicis decided in 1616 to put up a long tree-lined pathway. In 1667, Le Notre extended the vista of the Tuileries and the Champs-Elysees became a very fashionable place to walk. In 1724, the avenue was extended to the Arc de Triomphe and the Etiole.

Today, the Champs-Elysees is one of the most famous streets in the world, with its cinemas, cafes, and luxury specialty shops. This special status made it the site of much growth and activity. At the very heart of Paris, it is one of the most symbolic places in the city, representative of its spirit and glory.

The Champs-Elysees, is also named "La plus belle avenue du monde" in French (the most beautiful avenue in the world), with its large granite sidewalks and plane trees. You may want to have a look at a selection of stores and restaurants on the Champs Elysees and those who have been fortunate or lucky enough to stroll down this avenue still speak of its beauty and charm.

THE LOUVRE MUSEUM (Musee du Louvre) in Paris, is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. The building, a former royal palace, lies in the centre of Paris between the Seine River and the Rue de Rivoli.

The Louvre holds the rich artistic heritage of the French people from the early Capetian Kings through the Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte and to the present day.

Among the thousand of priceless paintings is the MONA LISA, perhaps the most famous painting in the world. Works of artists like Fragonard, Rembrandt, Rubens, Titan, Poussin, David, and Leonardo da Vinci can also be seen. Among the well-known sculptures in the collection are Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Venus de Milo.

Besides art, the Louvre has many other types of exhibits, including archeology, history and architecture. It includes a large furniture collection, whose most spectacular item used to be the Bureau du Roi of the 18th Century, now returned to the Palace of Versailles.

LES INVALIDES

Louis the 14th, king who built the Versailles palace, staged many wars in Europe. In 1670, he decided to build the Invalides, a military hospital on the Seine River’s left banks. The objective was to create an institution to take care of the wounded soldiers. With their large church topped by golden home and 13 hectares building, the Invalides are a masterpiece of French classical architecture.

The ashes of the greatest French military genius, Napoleon, rest under the Invalides’ dome and attract many visitors to Paris. A popular tourist site today, Les Invalides is also the burial site for some of Napoleon’s family, for several military officers who served under him, and other French military heroes.

For visitors interested in churches a visit to NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL in Paris is a must see.

Notre Dame de Paris is more than seven hundred years old and is only the most recent of holy houses to occupy this ancient sacred ground.

Constructed in three stages, the cathedral was completed in 1250. This period witnessed Paris coming into its own force as a centre of political power and commerce. No expense was spared in creating a church that would reflect age. Some twenty years later, the king lent this same support to the construction of the new cathedral of Paris. Louis supported the work with generous contributions. Clearly he had motivations for strengthening France’s eminence as the stronghold of Christendom, but his piety must be considered authentic in the perspective of history. In thinking of Gothic architecture, our thoughts always ascend. For that which embodies Gothic style most is lofty; Rose Windows of stained glass, ornately crafted spires, and the guardians of grand cathedrals, the Gargoyles. Each is distinctly Gothic, and all distinctly Notre Dame de Paris.

Victor Hugo’s famous novel featuring the moving chracterisation of the hunchback, Quasimodo, has served the notoriety of the cathedral well.

For a look at the life of the ordinary artist in Paris, a visit to the famous MONTMARTRE district the highest hill of Paris, the centre of which is the BASILICA OF SACRE COEUR (Sacred Heart). Artists live and work in this area and lend their own special charm to the city. It is one of the principal artistic centres of Paris. Van Gogh, Picasso and Deqas worked in Montmartre and drew some of the inspiration from the area.

So now you know a little about France and Paris, the city where the lucky winners will be visiting.

Look out for Part III on Paris on Friday of this week.

The three questions to be answered will appear on Saturday, October 22. Entries close on November 4, 2005.