The architecture of Eiffel Tower(steel and iron).
by tucha
Some information about the construction:
It has:
2.5 million rivets and15,000 iron pieces (excluding rivets).
It was necessary 300 steel workers, and 2 years (1887-1889) to construct it an 40 tons of paint
Sway of at most 12 cm in high winds.
The height varies up to 15 cm depending on temperature.
. When you take a trip in Bateaux Mouche, go to the second floor of the boat, and when you pass in front of Eiffel Tower , d'ont forget to look the bottom of the Tower. From the boat, it's the best place to see it.
It's amazing!!
Studying French, Specifics
by ChristinaW
I attended summer French programs at 2 universities, the Sorbonne and l'Institut Catholique de Paris. Both were excellent and provided a true introduction to Paris and French. Paris-Anglo.com describes these programs fairly well, but they say that the Sorbonne doesn't have much conversation--this isn't true as I was there in 1988 and had a conversation class. The Sorbonne is well-known with a high-quality program, but classes are large and can be all over Paris in various buildings; methods are traditional in the basic class (e.g., grammar, vocabulary, dictees). There seemed to be a lot of Americans, then British and Japanese, but also other nationalities. I preferred ICP a little for its diversity (students from all over the world and more older students as this program is highly regarded and used by teachers for summer study), the classes were in one campus area, and the student housing was superior to the Sorbonne. I went to the Sorbonne through AIFS, a program (see below) which rents a dorm at the Sorbonne for the summer--it was not a nice one and there was little control. The students were a little younger on avg. at the Sorbonne so the dorms could be dirty and noisy. There was none of that at ICP where you stay in foyers run by nuns or brothers; the dorm was nicer quality, clean and quiet, and not coed (which I didn't want). One disadvantage was a curfew, but ICP has a variety of residences that vary, so you must ask the rules in each. You first take a placement test (oral and written) so they can put you in the right level (complete beginners do not take one); after grading, you set your program (usually a basic language class for two hrs each day, and a conversation and phonetics class with language lab 1-2 x/wk). Advanced students may get a choice of more electives, such as art/social studies seminars or translation. Some private schools may have other curricula (e.g., fashion/film classes), but this is the typical one. Classes in the nonprofit schools are fairly large (maybe 25-40 students, although conversation class was about 10). This didn't bother me as I like a large class and interactions with others. Those who cannot learn that way or need something smaller should look at private schools, being sure to inquire on class size. Here are URLs of some Paris schools with French classes to foreigners: www.icp.fr (Institut Catholique de Paris), www.fle.fr/sorbonne ( best info on this program), www.aup.fr (American U. of Paris; more for regular degree programs taught in English, but French class can be included). The Alliance Francaise is a nonprofit French org. that is well-known abroad so many foreign students go there (www.paris.alliancefranciase.fr); their costs are reasonable but I've heard the quality is not as good as at a university (see comments in Paris-Anglo.com). Some private schools are: www.institut-parisien.com, www.accord-langues.com, www.france-langue.fr, www.rambouillet.com, and Eurocentre (see www.nrcsa.com). There are also programs that handle the whole process for you and provide someone local to help, if needed, such as AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study). These can be convenient but you pay for that (costs may be double or more the actual tuition and housing costs if you applied yourself directly--be SURE to compare rates). Also, many US universities have summer study programs in France; they are not always limited to their own students, and can be another way to go with a group to smooth the way and provide companionship. You can ask at your local university if they have a French dept.; some of these may be listed in the above resources. There are some web sites and info also in the Journal Francais, a French newspaper for Americans(www.journalfrancais.com, Travel Study Guide section). Temple Univ. in Pennsylvania is one that has a summer program at the Sorbonne and allows anyone to sign up (www.temple.edu/intlprog).
First time seing Eiffel Tower
by codrutz
First time as well the second time to be in Paris, I like to take a picture the first time I see the Eiffel Tower. On June 6th we began our stroll in Paris on Ile Saint Louis and then Ile de la Cite - the birth point of Paris.
Just standing on one of the nice bridges over Seine, you can see, almost from every point in the city, the majestic Eiffel Tower, one monument that I like, for it's originality and for it's great designer - Mr. Gustave Eiffel which managed to do a great iron construction, like a giant puzzle, which is so strong and offer a great view of Paris as well as being the most representative landmark of the city.
Rather than the wide, busy...
by davehood
Rather than the wide, busy boulevards, I like to find the narrow side streets with a lot of little shops and restaurants. Just across on the left bank from Notre Dame is the best area, but there are a number of little areas. Try the area around St Germain des Pres, or Rue Cler below the Pantheon.
Packing List
by asturnut
Just pack your normal stuff. Don't forget to include power adaptors for things like hairdryers. You can't go to Paris and not buy clothes, so don't overpack your bags. Make sure you leave room in your suitcases for your purchases! I suggest you only pack one suitcase and bring a second duffle bag to fill up with all your purchases! Oh, and bring comfy shoes, you will walk A LOT! Of course bring your camera-- there are many wonderful photo opportunities in Paris. Make sure that you actually GET a photo of the Eifel Tower (I'm standing in front of it in this photo.) n/a A suitcase full of money. Paris is an expensive city. Actually, do NOT leave your money in your room. Leave it in the hotel safe. Inquire at the front desk. The concierge should speak english almost certainly.
fountain at Versailles
The Flower Market and Bird Island
Musee d'Orsay, Paris
The portal - Nov 09
