Place de la Concorde

During the revolution the government erected the guillotine in the Place de la Concorde. The first notable execution was that of King Louis XVI in 1793 along with Queen Marie Antoinette the same year.

The guillotine was most active in the summer of 1794 when more than 1,300 people were executed in the course of a month.

The Colossal Arch

I avoided the customary Arc de Triomphe post, but this picture is so striking, I had to share.

The arch honors those who fought for France and features all the names of generals and wars fought. Measuring 165 ft in height, it is the second largest arch in existence. Aviator Charles Godefroy flew his Nieuport biplane through it three weeks after the end of World War I.

Les Jardins de Paris: Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau, in the upscale 8th arrondissement, is different from other Parisian parks because of its "English style". Unlike the formal lines characteristic of the French park, Parc Monceau features winding paths and randomly placed statues.

It was also one of Marcel Proust's favorite haunts. Here, he strolled among bridges, waterfalls, a windmill, medieval ruins and Paris' largest tree, an Oriental plane.

Le Grand Palais

The Grand Palais is a stunning work of 20th century French architecture. Built for the 1900 Word's Fair, the palace was closed for renovations for ten years, only re-opening in 2004. It now plays host to art exhibitions, fashion and car shows, and other grand events. If you ever have the chance, do walk through this piece of Parisian history.