Paris Landmarks

After more than two years of reconstruction, a former funeral parlor in the 19th arrondissement of Paris reopened in its new incarnation as the city's newest modern arts center christened "104" (Centquatre)...

Co-directed by Robert Cantarella and Frédéric Fisbach, the center, at 104 rue d'Aubervilliers was green-lighted by Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoë in 2005. More than two years and 100M euros later, Centquatre opened to the public in October.

Read the rest of: "104: New Modern Art Center"»

A few weeks ago, l'EPAD - the government body responsible for developing Paris' La Défense district, announced the completion of an international tender for the construction of a new high-rise tower (La Tour Signal). The project went to Ateliers Jean Nouvel.

The revered French architect (who is the winner of this year's Pritzker Prize in architecture) beat several well-known colleagues including Jacques Ferrier Architectures, Foster+Partners, Studio Libeskind, and Wilmotte et Associés...

Read the rest of: "Jean Nouvel Will Build La Tour Signal"»

Going to Paris this time was a treat – and that's despite the fact that, having lived in a warm climate for a while, I didn't have anything warm to wear. (Worse, I couldn't even make myself buy anything in Europe since the local trends in men's fashion don't really inspire me to get anything… call me old-fashioned). However, I didn't let the cold or the wet winter of Paris hold me back and I made the best of my weeklong stay in the city. Let me share a few places from my latest trip...

Read the rest of: "Paris La Belle"»

One grey New Year's Day in Paris my sister and I decided to go for a walk. Our senses happily dulled from the night before, we wandered through Montparnasse; a high wall herded us along the sidewalk.

Suddenly, it broke into large gates: a cemetery lay beyond. We hesitated, but our curiosity was piqued, so we went in...

Read the rest of: "Rambling About (In) Cemeteries: Montparnasse Cemetery"»

No, not the Paris Mob. I'm talking about l'Empire de la Mort - The Catacombs!

The Catacombs span the entire city of Paris. The tunnels and passageways spiral in an incredible distance of 186 miles! Yet, the legal tourist area spans only about a mile. For a very low entrance fee (2.5€ 26 and under, 5€ 27+) you can explore the sectioned off tunnels for as long as you want. Just bring a jacket, it's 11 degrees C in there year round...

Read the rest of: "The Parisian Underworld"»

I've always been attracted to all things completely gaudy... well, art- and architecture-wise. So, of course, I had to witness the decadence which is Versailles when I visited Paris. Aside from being into the royals of the past, I will confess... I have a big crush on paintings of young Napoleon, and I wanted to see "Bonaparte à Arcole" and the larger than life "Coronation of Napoleon" painting with my own eyes! Oh yeah, and the acres of lush gardens, Hall of Mirrors and all the crazy statues and paintings... and stuff...

Read the rest of: "Paris Daytrip to Versailles"»