I REMEMBER visiting Ostend in 1971, before I went to the University of Leeds, staying in the White Horse Hotel, which I am told is no longer there. In Belgium, we went on a day trip to a village noted for its many “sex shops” but I was there to sample the famous and very delicious Belgium chocolates.
My other excursion in 1971 was a day trip to Paris which I would visit again many years later. On the Metro, we witnessed a shooting before going to the Red Windmill and a cinema. It was in the cinema that an usherette showed us to our seats and uttered the one French phrase I shall always remember – as I did not offer her a tip – “Cochon Anglais”!
The Windmill is the landmark for the Moulin Rouge which originally opened in 1889 but was destroyed by fire in 1915 and reopened in 1925 after rebuilding. It is the birthplace of the “can-can” dance. Today it is a popular tourist attraction with the nearest metro station being Blanche.
In subsequent visits to the French capital, I visited the Louvre, noted for its many art works including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, noted for its enigmatic smile. No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the lady with the mystic smile as she is called in the lyrics of the hit song by Nat King Cole!
The Rodin Museum and gardens are fascinating with statues of the “Great Thinker” and “The Kiss” being amongst my favourites.
Getting to the Rodin Museum in Paris is quite easy, thanks to its central location at 77 rue de Varenne. The most convenient option is the Metro, take Line 13 to Varenne, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the entrance of the Rodin Museum and gardens.
Of course, no visit to the French capital can be called complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower, on the Champ de Mars in Paris, is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower from 1887 to 1889. The locals call it “La dame de fer” which I am told is French for “The Iron Lady”. In 2022, almost six million people visited the tower and it is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tower has three levels for visitors with restaurants on the first and second levels. The top level’s upper platform is 276 m (906 ft) above the ground, which is the highest public observation deck in the European Union.
Tickets can be bought to ascend by stairs or lift to the first and second levels. The climb from ground level to the first level is over 300 steps, as is the climb from the first level to the second, making the entire ascent a 600-step climb. Although there is a staircase to the top level, it is usually accessible only by lift.
I am not ashamed to admit I “chickened out” after level one – not being a lover of great heights.
On firmer ground, I also visited the Arc de Triomphe, honouring those who fought for France. It was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France before he was defeated by the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo in 1815. Beneath the Arc lies the tomb of the “unknown soldier” from WW1, marked by an eternal flame.
Next time, join me on shifting sand on the beaches of Morocco where I turn down an offer of 30 camels for my best friend!
Author: John
Author of Around The World In 80 Years