Teach Middle East Magazine Issue 3 Volume 2 Jan-Feb 2015 | Page 49

Travel Snapshots The Notre Dame Cathedral Galeries Lafayette L’église de la Madeleine The Notre-Dame of Paris is the Gothic cathedral to which hundreds of thousands of tourist flock to view its magnificent design as well as to offer up prayers and light candles. It set the standard for a new architecture called Gothic from the moment of its inception in the second half of the 12th century. It has been altered and restored over the course of eight centuries. Entry is free. Do not be discouraged if there is a long line. It moves really quickly. It is a definite must-see for anyone visiting Paris. Galeries Lafayette is renowned for its high-end fashion brands and luxury offerings. Théophile Bader and his cousin Alphonse Kahn opened the first store in 1895. The flagship store is a 10-story structure located at 40, Boulevard Haussmann in Paris. There are several locations worldwide. It was designed in its present form as a temple to the glory of Napoleon’s army. The Madeleine is built in the Neo-Classical style and was inspired by the Maison Carrée at Nîmes. In addition to masses and other religious services, weddings, funerals, classical concerts and other important events are held there. Basilica of the Sacré Cœur Place De La Republique This is a famous square in Paris and is the site for many concerts and other recreational events. It was decorated in 1811 with a fountain called the Château-d’Eau. This monument stands in the centre of Place De La Republique. The metro for Republique is located under the square. From this location, you can walk to several shopping areas, as there are a number of streets that meet at Place De La Republique. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris is a Roman Catholic Church and minor basilica. Initial construction of the church began in 1875 and concluded in 1914. It is opened for tourists to peruse its beauty, grand organ and to catch a breath-taking panoramic view of Paris from the top of the dome. The use of cameras and video recording device are prohibited inside the basilica. SNAPSHOTS