Tag: Paris

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Beyond the Guillotine: Positive Outcomes from the French Revolution

the french revolution had many positive outcomes
LPLT / Wikimedia Commons (2010)

So many books, articles, and journals have been written on the French Revolution, and I’m not too sure there’s any stone left to be overturned. Every point of view concerning the impact of the Revolution has been covered (at least from what I’ve read).

What about some of the tangible items that came out of the Revolution that are still around? There has to be some positive outcomes that originated in those wonderful years we know as the French Revolution. Surprisingly, there are and many of them seem like natural outcomes but several may not.

First of all, probably the most significant and the one having the most impact not only on France but the rest of the world is the internationally accepted Metric System. Prior to the Revolution, every country had its own standard for measurement. During the Revolution, many traditional forms of measurement were replaced (e.g., the calendar). Today, you can see one of the two remaining meter standards at 36, rue de Vaurigard in Paris. These were placed around Paris so people could get used to the new system of measurement: the meter was considered the universal standard. Read More Beyond the Guillotine: Positive Outcomes from the French Revolution

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Paris Bridges

I Like Bridges

Especially the bridges in Paris. They are all so unique and each has a different history. If you’ve been to Paris and have not taken one of the river cruises, you should definitely plan on doing that the next time you have some free time. Looking at the bridge from the perspective of being on the water will offer you glimpses of sights you can’t see from either on the bridge or from the street.

The Pont de la Concorde is a great example. Commissioned in 1755 with construction beginning in 1787, the bridge connects the Left Bank along the Quai des Tuileries with the Place de la Concorde on the Right Bank. The bridge was built and competed (1791) during the French Revolution. The massive stones from the Bastille (dismantled 1789–90) were used to build the bridge. The only way you can see those stones is on the river cruise (look up as you cruise under it). The bridge was widened in 1930 to double its size. Unfortunately, the widening and subsequent renovation in 1983 obscured the original stones.

Pont Neuf

pont neuf, one of paris' bridges
Pont Neuf (1872). Auguste Renoir (18411919), Paris, Oil on canvas. Ailsa Mellon Bruce Collection.

Pont Neuf or “New Bridge” is actually the oldest bridge in Paris. The bridge was conceived during the reign of Henri II (1547–59), with construction starting in 1578 under his son, Henri III, and finished in 1607 under Henri IV. This was a most unusual bridge at the time. Read More Paris Bridges