Élancourt Travel Guide

Brief History: The first of the monument I mention that I've actually seen not only in miniature - a welcome change. Arc de Triomphe suggests one of those ancient Roman arches, only it's larger. Actually, it's the biggest triumphal arch in the world, about 49m high and 44m wide. Divide it by 30 and you'll get the sense of what the size of the miniature in the park actually is. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate the victories of his Grand Armee, It wasn't completed until 1836, under the reign of Louis-Philippe. Four years later, Napoleon's remains, brought from St. Helena, passed under the arch on their journey to his tomb at the Hotel des Invalides. Since that time it has become the focal point for state funerals. It's also the site of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in whose honor an eternal flame is kept burning. Though you won't see the eternal flame in the park.

Why I think it was chosen: Because it is one of the landmarks of Paris - no shade of doubt about that in my mind.

What I'd choose: I'd definitely include Arc de Triomphe with other Paris monument, though I'd probably would have included a couple of Parisian parks and gardens.

Brief History: Azay-le-Rideau is probably one of the few cases of beneficial corruption, for the castle was built by Philippa Lesbahy, wife of Francois I's corrupt finance minister. I guess some of the money went to pay for this masterpiece. And another one of my travel goals for France. Balzac called Azay-le-Rideau 'A multi-faceted diamond set in the Indre'.

Why I think it was chosen: The castle of Azay-le-Rideau presents a really fairytale-like picture, a Gothic castle set on the river and with many attractive moats. Tourist interest should have proved an additional persuasive argument.

What I'd choose: For the village of Azay, the castle. I'd probably put it on display for the region of Loire along with Cnambord, Chenonceau, Usse, and some others. So, with respect to Azay-le-Rideau, I feel like agreeing. Besides, it looks like a pretty toy on actual photos, so it seems to have been made for the park!

Brief History: Bordeaux has been a major port since before the Romans conquered the land. But, unfortunately in my mind, Bordeaux today, as I can judge from the photos, has no monuments that bear the marks of the Romans, Franks, English, Wars of Religion between Catholics and Protestants, though all this is engraved in the history of Bordeaux. So Bordeaux seemed to be a Classical city. Grand Theatre, built in 1773 - 1780 in this sense is an example.

Why I think it was chosen: A really fine example of the Classical architecture, besides, I (since my visit to France in Miniature) have read in several places that this is the highlight of Bordeaux.

What I'd choose: Now, it would've been the Grand Theatre. Or, else (if I'd really try to provide an alternative), Palais de la Bourse (may be due to the fact that stock exchanges of any kind attract me enormously) plus Hotel des Douanes.

Brief History: Chambord is the most bizarre and magnificent of the Loire castles. I can certainly tell that from the photos, though I’ve never been there. One of my travel goals for future France trips. Chambord is a result of the extravagancy of Francois I, the one to whom we owe the Louvre museum, by the way. Though a legend holds it that the design belonged to no less than Leonardo da Vinci. There were even plans to divert Loire to flow just in front of the castle, but Francois I settled for redirecting the nearby Cosson instead. There are some 440 rooms in the castle, and an innumerable amount of fancy towers.

Why I think it was chosen: Famous, scenic, historical… What else one would hope for? Though I guess the masters of miniature had a good deal of work with this one.

What I’d choose: Chambord is one of the Loire castles definitely to be featured, but I appreciated the park’s founders other choices for the Loire region, too.

Brief History: Futuroscope is a theme park just north of Poitiers, exploring state-of-the-art technology in a futuristic architectural environment. Simulators, 3D and 360 degrees’ screens and the like. ‘Magic carpet’ cinema is a thing to see, too, with one of its two screens just above the visitors’ heads, giving the sensation that they’re flying over them. Hence the ‘magic carpet’ name, I guess…Huge Kinemax is a highlight, too.

Why I think it was chosen: From what I’ve seen in the photos (not having been there myself), I guess it’s because of some really bizarre landscapes, and bright colors. They always produce greatest impressions, as they did on myself.

What I’d choose of Futuroscope: Kinemax, probably, for from what I’ve seen it’s a really cool thing, and of amazing shape. It looks like a huge blue crystal to me, actually. Though I guess this one was difficult, for I’ve read that the exhibition in Futuroscope changes very often.

Brief History: Lourdes owes its fame as the modern pilgrimage centre for the Christians to the eighteen visions a 14-year-old daughter of a miller called Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. The church endorsed the miracles that were said to happen at the site very quickly, in less then five years. Around 4 million people a year visit the cave where the visions occurred, called Grotte Massabielle. Another point for the pilgrims to visit is the room where the girl's family lived at the time of the visions.

Why in my opinion it was chosen: I believe the chief reason was its spiritual importance, though one can not discount all the tourists that flock here.

What I'd choose of Lourdes: The Basilica seemed obvious to me, I thought the grotto would've been nice, too, though perhaps less spectacular.