|
Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
|
In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
|
Arc de
Triomphe
Paris, France
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli
Currency Converter
The Arc de Triomphe stands in the heart of Paris's 8th
arrondissement.
Commissioned by
Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806, its construction was a testament to his ambitions
and the grandeur of the Napoleonic era.
One of the most famous
avenues in the world is the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe stands at the western end of
it.
The imposing
presence dominates the skyline, making it a landmark that is instantly
recognizable to people around the globe.
Come, take a look!
Billy and Akaisha with the Arc in the background
In 1806, Napoleon ordered the construction of a triumphal arch
to glorify the Grand Army, and the first stone was laid on 6 August of the same
year. Over 160 feet high, it by far outshone all of its predecessors. It was meant to provide a majestic close to the
prospect of the Champs-Elysées.
In the mid-19th century
(under Napoleon III) Baron Haussmann set out to make Paris
the grandest city in Europe.
The 12 wide boulevards that radiate from the Arc de Triomphe were part of his master plan.
This series of major
boulevards intersecting at diagonals with monuments as centerpieces clearly
shows that Haussmann's
plan did not anticipate the speedy automobile.
Post card of the Arc de Triomphe
An iconic symbol of French
national identity, the Arc de Triomphe took 30 years to build.
With sculptures and high-reliefs
of battles, there are 660 names of these battles fought and those of the all the
generals who took part in them.
The Champs-Élysées is
the wide avenue on the right
One of the most famous
avenues in the world, the Champs-Elysees is known for its luxurious shopping
including luxury car showrooms.
This boulevard connects two
of Paris's most iconic landmarks, the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la
Concorde.
It has been the site of
numerous historical events, including military parades, celebrations, and
protests, and the avenue is home to theaters, cinemas, and restaurants, making
it a cultural hub.
Lined with trees and
elegant buildings the Champs-Elysees is the traditional final stage of the Tour
de France, a significant event for cycling enthusiasts.
The Eiffel Tower in the
center background
This is another stunning panoramic view of Paris
with the Eiffel Tower made of open-lattice wrought iron in the center.
When the French government was organizing the International
Exposition of 1889, a
competition was held for designs for a suitable monument.
More than 100 plans
were submitted, and the Centennial Committee chose that of the noted bridge
engineer Gustave Eiffel. When completed, the Eiffel Tower served as the entrance
gateway to the exposition.
Up on the top of the Arc
de Triomphe
It was a blustery, rainy
day when we walked up the circular staircase to the top of the Arc.
We are wrapped up in
jackets, sweaters and scarves to stave off the wind and try to keep some body
heat.
Yeah, I should have worn a
toque!
BRRRRRR!
Avenue de la Grande
Armee
A major thoroughfare in Paris,
Avenue de la Grande Armee stretches from the Arc de Triomphe to the Défense business district.
There are twelve roads that lead out from the Arc de Triomphe
and is often referred to as the "Étoile" (star).
It's a distinctive
feature of Paris's urban layout.
Haussmannian buildings
and the Eiffel Tower
You will see all throughout
Paris, the characteristic Haussmannian buildings.
It's part of what
distinctly unifies and beautifies Paris.
Typically, these buildings
feature a courtyard in the center, as you see here. These courtyards provide natural light and ventilation to the inner
parts of the building, which would otherwise be deprived of direct sunlight due
to the building's depth.
The Eiffel Tower gets a new paint job every 7 years and it takes 60 tons of paint to
cover it!
A closer look at the
Champs-Elysees on the right, Avenue de Friedland on the left
The ground floors of these buildings often house businesses,
while the upper floors are typically residential. This is a common pattern in
many historic city centers, where the commercial activity takes place at street
level and residential spaces are located above.
Avenue de Friedland is a
prestigious street known for its elegant Haussmannian architecture and upscale
residences.
It's particularly famous
for its grand mansions and embassies, reflecting its high-end status. While it
may not be as globally recognized as the Champs-Élysées, it's highly regarded by
Parisians and visitors alike for its quiet luxury and historical significance.
In today's real estate market, apartments on upper floors
generally command more money and are considered more desirable. In large part
because Haussmann apartments were built before elevators became the norm, upper
floors were less desirable, with lower ceilings and rents.
The ground floors of
Haussmann buildings were designed to accommodate shops and commerce. The first
floor (second, in the U.S.) was usually reserved for the shopkeeper and often
used for storage. The second (third, in the U.S.) floor was known as the noble
floor, reserved for the elite, with the highest ceilings and grandest
proportions.
The top (6th) floor was generally reserved for household staff.
Miniature rooms sometimes included fireplaces for heating and tiny balconies.
Not all had water hook ups, and even today top floors of upscale Haussmann
buildings may contain converted maids rooms as small as 50-150 square feet that
have no access to water and shared toilets in the hallway. It's not uncommon for
people to buy out the top floor and combine them to create larger apartments
with prized views.
A winding staircase
inside the Arc
A stairway of 284 steps reaches from the ground level to the
top of the monument;
The stairs are designed as a spiral staircase, with two
separate staircases (one for ascending and one for descending) that wrap around
the inner core of the arch.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,
added in 1921.
It's a solemn tribute to the
countless soldiers who perished in World War I. An eternal flame burns above the
tomb, symbolizing the nation's gratitude and remembrance.
The names you see etched into the stone at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are
the names of battles and victories from the Napoleonic Wars. These names
commemorate the sacrifices made by French soldiers during that era.
Every day at 6:30 p.m. since just
after World War I, the flame is rekindled and new flowers set in place.
The front view of the Arc de Triomphe
One of the most stirring
moments in the Arc's history occurred in
1919 when French pilot Charles Godefroy daringly flew a Nieuport biplane through
the arch. This bold act was a symbolic gesture to commemorate the end of World
War I, etching an unforgettable image in the history of the Arc de Triomphe.
(Can you imagine flying a
plane through this arch? Holey Moley!!)
The square directly in front of the Arc de Triomphe is Place Charles de Gaulle.
From 1940 to 1944, a large swastika flew from here as Nazis
goose-stepped daily down the Champs-Elysées. Allied troops marched triumphantly
from this arch in August 1944.
Since 1920, out of deep
respect or perhaps superstition, all military processions, including those of
the Nazis and the Allies, have consciously chosen to avoid passing directly
under the Arc. Instead, they solemnly march around it, honoring the sanctity of
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This tradition underscores the profound
reverence and significance the tomb holds in the hearts of many, standing as an
enduring symbol of remembrance and respect.
Charles de Gaulle in the
center
The liberation of Paris in August 1944 marked a significant
turning point in World War II. After four years of German occupation, the city
was finally freed by the combined efforts of the French Resistance, the Free
French Forces, and the Allied armies.
On August 25, 1944 De Gaulle led a procession down the
Champs-Élysées to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Taking a photo for forever memories
The Arc de Triomphe is a most popular tourist
destination, with millions visiting yearly.
The photo this couple is taking will last
forever in their memories.
Wanna go?
It's a must see, and information is below:
__________
Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France
Place Charles de Gaulle 75008 Paris, France
10am - 10.30pm Last access 45 minutes before closing time.
Price : 16€ Free admission for under 26-year-old residents of the EU.
Telephone:+ 33 (0)1 55 37 73 77 Fax:+ 33 (0)1 44 95 02 13
Website for the Arc de
Triomphe
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
HOME
Book Store
Retire Early Lifestyle Blog
About Billy & Akaisha
Kaderli
Press
Contact
20 Questions
Preferred
Links
Retirement
Country Info
Retiree
Interviews
Commentary
REL
Videos
|
