Located in northern France on the river Deule, the city of Lille was founded in the Middle Ages, with a charter dating back to 1066. The County of Flanders, which first appeared in written documents in the 9th century, was formed after the Treaties of Verdun (843). Lille became one of its capitals and centers of commerce. The tragic death of Charles the Reckless (the last Duke of Burgundy) in 1477 put a sudden end to the splendors of the court. Years later, Louis XIV had to use all his power and determination to annex Lille to France in 1667, during the war of devolution. During the French Revolution, the city was besieged by the Austrians (1792) who were on...
Founded in the Middle Ages this riverside quarter has always been dominated by the Sorbonne (University). The district acquired its name from the university's early Latin speaking students. The Latin Quarter is generally associated with artists, intellectuals, and a bohemian way of life; this is mainly due to the thousands of students that live here year round. But, the Latin Quarter also has a history of political unrest : In 1871, the Place Saint Michel became the center of the Paris Commune, and in may 1968, it was the site of a student uprising. The 1968 uprising still plays a major role in Parisian politics. Today, the eastern half of the district has become sufficiently chic and houses members of...
Parvis du Sacre Coeur , 75018 Paris Anvers, Abbesses, Château-Rouge, Lamarck-Caulaincourt / 30, 54, 80, 85, Montmartrobus Hotel "Stayability" Index (Five is the highest rating possible) A Bit of Sacre Coeur History After the Franco-Prussian War ended in 1870, the people of France decided to construct a church in honor of the Sacred Heart in Paris on the butte Montmartre. Originally the funds for the construction of Sacre Coeur were to come only from wealthy donors. However in 1873, the government of France decreed its construction to be a state undertaking. Seventy-eight different architects entered a competition for the right to design Sacre Couer. The winning design was submitted by a veteran architect named Paul Abadie. Abadie was already well known for his...
Rouen offers visitors a rich architectural heritage accessible to all in a city where the center is almost completely pedestrianized. Wander through medieval streets amidst half-timbered houses and buildings, the oldest of which date from the 13th century, or visit one of Rouen’s many architectural jewels. Excellent examples of the Gothic style include Rouen’s Notre Dame Cathedral, the abbey church of Saint-Ouen, Saint Maclou church and the Normandy parliament building while the Gros Horloge; the Aître St Maclou or the Hotel de Bourgthéroulde are amongst the finest examples of renaissance buildings in Europe. Apart from the splendor of its architecture, Rouen is renown for many famous historic, literary and artistic characters, including Richard the Lionhearted, Joan of Arc, Pierre Corneille,...
After World War II, Saint Germain des Près became synonymous with the intellectual life of Paris centered on the open bars and charming cafes. Philosophers, writers, actors and musicians mingled in the cellar nightspots and brasseries, where existentialist philosophy coexisted with American jazz. The area is now wealthier than in the heyday of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, or enigmatic singer Juliette Grécot and the new-wave film makers (such as Godard and Truffaut). However, the writers and wannabe poets are still around, enjoying the pleasures of sitting in Les Deux magots, Café de Flore and other haunts, or in the Jardins du Luxembourg, just behind the Odeon Theatre. Jardins du Luxembourg in Paris, France Most of the 17th century buildings have...
