Rue de Rivoli, Arc de Triomphe, Madeleine...Le Paris de Napoléon
Mercredi 5 mai 2021, cela fera 200 ans que Napoléon est mort. La rue de Rivoli, l'Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile, la Madeleine, entre autres, témoignent de son action à Paris.
Paris ne serait pas la ville qu’elle est si Napoléon, dont c’est le bicentenaire de la mort le 5 mai 2021, n’y avait pas imprimé sa marque. De la rue de Rivoli à l’Arc de Triomphe, en passant par les canaux ou la colonne Vendôme, retour sur ces lieux de la capitale où plane l’ombre de l’Empereur.
Lorsque l’on évoque la rue de Rivoli, on pense immédiatement à Haussmann. Avec justesse puisque l’on doit au baron les parties centrale et orientale afin de la connecter à la rue Saint-Antoine et de créer ainsi un grand axe est-ouest dans le centre de Paris. Mais avant, la partie occidentale de la rue (qui correspond à peu près à la partie aux arcades) a été percée sous le Premier Empire.
S’inspirant d’un projet révolutionnaire de 1793, Napoléon, devenu Premier Consul, fit édicter le 17 vendémiaire an X (9 octobre 1801) un décret ordonnant une série de percements entre le jardin des Tuileries, la place Vendôme, la rue Saint-Honoré et la rue Saint-Florentin, sur les jardins des couvents de l’Assomption, des Capucines et des Feuillants.
La nouvelle rue ainsi tracée prit le nom de Rivoli en souvenir de la plus célèbre bataille de la Première campagne d’Italie. Elle permit également d’ouvrir deux voies perpendiculaires, les rues de Castiglione et des Pyramides.
Par un décret du 15 mars 1801, Bonaparte décida la construction d’un pont reliant le Louvre et le collège des Quatre-Nations aujourd’hui l’Institut. Entre 1801 et 1804, une passerelle de neuf arches en fonte réservée aux piétons est construite à l’emplacement de l’actuel pont des Arts : c’est le premier pont métallique de Paris.
Pas forcément au goût de Napoléon : « Cela n’a aucune apparence de solidité ; ce pont n’a rien de grandiose ; je conçois qu’en Angleterre, où la pierre est rare, on emploie le fer pour des arcs de grande dimension ; mais en France, où tout abonde… » Le pont s’effondre en 1979 avant d’être remonté en 1992.
Si Louis XV avait posé la première pierre de l’édifice en 1763, la Révolution française stoppa les travaux alors que les fûts des colonnes de la Madeleine s’élevaient jusqu’à la hauteur des chapiteaux.
Finalement, le 2 décembre 1806, au camp de Poznań en Pologne, l’Empereur Napoléon Ier signait un décret pour l’édification d’un temple à la gloire des Armées françaises : « le Monument dont l’Empereur vous appelle aujourd’hui à tracer le projet sera le plus auguste, le plus imposant de tous ceux que sa vaste imagination a conçus et que son activité prodigieuse sait faire exécuter. C’est la récompense que le vainqueur des Rois et des Peuples, le fondateur des empires, décerne à son armée victorieuse sous ses ordres et par son génie. La postérité dira : il fit des héros et sut récompenser l’héroïsme ».
Après la campagne de Russie de 1812, Napoléon renonça au temple de la Gloire, et revint au projet primitif d’une église. Il ne verra jamais le btiment achevé en 1842.
Napoléon Ier, au lendemain de la bataille d’Austerlitz, déclare aux soldats français : « Vous ne rentrerez dans vos foyers que sous des arcs de triomphe», faisant ainsi référence aux arcs de triomphe érigés sous l’Empire romain afin de commémorer un général vainqueur défilant à la tête de ses troupes. Par un décret impérial daté du 18 février 1806, il ordonne la construction de cet arc de triomphe consacré à perpétuer le souvenir des victoires des armées françaises.
Il pense à un emplacement près de la Bastille avant d’opter pour la place de l’Etoile. La première pierre est posée en 15 août 1806 et le monument sera inauguré trente ans plus tard. On y retrouve notamment gravées les noms des grandes batailles de la Révolution et de l’Empire.
Un autre arc aux Tuileries
Napoléon aura initié deux arcs. Le premier est construit sur la place du Carrousel. Plus petit que les autres avec ses 14,6 mètres. Ordonné en 1806 comme son cousin du rond-point de l’Étoile, il est achevé en 1808. À cette époque, il était dans la cour du palais des Tuileries, qui sera détruit par un incendie lors de La Commune de Paris, en 1871, et rasé en 1883. Aujourd’hui, il est dans la perspective unissant le Louvre, le jardin des Tuileries et les Champs-Élysées.
En 1808, Napoléon Ier décida de faire construire un édifice particulier pour abriter la Bourse de Paris contrainte de déménager à plusieurs reprises. L’Empereur confie la construction de l’édifice à l’architecte Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart.
Il souhaite ainsi voir s’élever un emblème de la puissance et de l’accomplissement auxquels la France est parvenue. Ni Brongniart ni l’Empereur ne verront l’édifice achevé en 1825.
Erigée sur ordre de Napoléon Ier de 1806 à 1810 pour commémorer la bataille d’Austerlitz, celle que l’on nomme la colonne Vendôme sur la place éponyme a été ensuite détruite lors de la Commune de Paris en 1871, avant d’être reconstruite sous sa forme actuelle. Au fil des années, elle reçoit les noms de colonne d’Austerlitz, puis colonne de la Victoire avant de devenir colonne de la Grande Armée.
Elle culmine à 44,3 mètres et mesure environ 3,60 mètres de diamètre moyen. Réalisée de pierres parées de bronze, elle est posée sur un socle et surmontée par une statue de Napoléon Ier.
Cette fontaine fut commandée en 1806 par Napoléon Ier à Emmanuel Crétet son ministre de l’intérieur, pour commémorer ses victoires (Lodi, Arcole, Rivoli, Pyramides, Mont Thabor, Marengo, Austerlitz, Ulm, Iena, Eylau, Dantzig, Friedland) et pour délivrer de l’eau potable gratuite aux Parisiens.
Terminée en 1808, elle a la forme d’une colonne ornée au sommet de feuilles de palmiers, d’où son nom. Son fût porte une liste des victoires de Napoléon en Italie, en Égypte et dans d’autres pays.
Sous le Second Empire, la place du Chtelet fut transformée et agrandie, et en 1858 le monument entier fut déplacé de 12 mètres vers l’Ouest, pour être placé au centre de la nouvelle place
Les canaux : Pour acheminer l’eau dans Paris et faciliter le transport de marchandises et de personnes, Napoléon ordonne la construction des canaux de l’Ourcq, de Saint-Martin et de Saint-Denis. Le réseau est progressivement inauguré au cours des années 1820.
Les numéros des immeubles : C’est un décret de 1805 qui définit le système de numérotation actuel. La disposition des numéros est déterminée par la situation de la rue relativement à la Seine.
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El nombre de la estación proviene de un pueblo que se estableció en el siglo vi al oeste de la capital en torno a una capilla de la diócesis de París que fue dedicada en el siglo xiii a Santa María Magdalena. Siglos después se incorporó a París al crecer la ciudad y se edificó el actual templo de estilo neoclásico.
Fue inaugurada el 5 de noviembre de 1910 con la apertura de la línea A, hoy línea 12, de la Compañía Nord-Sud. El 13 de julio de 1913, llegaría la línea 8, con la puesta en marcha de su tramo inicial entre en Beaugrenelle y Opéra. Mucho más recientemente, el 15 de octubre de 1998, se abrió la estación de la línea 14, una estación que marcó el final de línea hasta el año 2003, siendo posteriormente prolongada hasta Saint-Lazare.
Se compone de dos andenes laterales 75 metros de longitud y de dos vías.
Está diseñada en bóveda elíptica revestida completamente de los clásicos azulejos blancos biselados del metro parisino.
La iluminación es de estilo Motte y se realiza con lámparas resguardadas en estructuras rectangulares de color naranja que sobrevuelan la totalidad de los andenes no muy lejos de las vías.
La señalización por su parte usa la moderna tipografía Parisine donde el nombre de la estación aparece en letras blancas sobre un panel metálico de color azul. Por último los asientos, que también son de estilo Motte, combinan una larga y estrecha hilera de cemento revestida de azulejos naranja que sirve de banco improvisado con algunos asientos individualizados de color amarillo que se sitúan sobre dicha estructura.
A diferencias de las anteriores, la estación de la línea 14 si ofrece mayores elementos decorativos.
En sus accesos, dentro de una urna de cristal, se conserva una réplica de una obra del escultor rumano Constantin Brancusi llamada La prière (el rezo), que muestra a una figura humana desnuda rezando de rodillas. La obra fue donada a la RATP por la fundación franco-rumana para celebrar el 125 aniversario del nacimiento del autor. También en los accesos a la estación se encuentra una vidriera semicircular, a pie de suelo, que representa la gallina Ryaba junto a un texto escrito en ruso que fue donada por el metro de Moscú. Por último, dentro de la estación, en la bóveda de piedra se encuentra una instalación artística, realizada por Jacques Tissinier, titulada Tissignalisation n°14. Consiste en la colocación de mil discos de acero de 16 centímetros de diámetro que simulan hojas de papiro estilizadas coloreadas en blanco, azul, rojo y naranja.
En cuando a la estación en si, se compone de dos andenes laterales de 120 metros y de dos vías, siguiendo con el diseño moderno de todas las estaciones de la línea 14. Sin embargo, eso no ha evitado problemas de mal olor causado por la emanación de ácido sulfhídrico por culpa de una aislamiento defectuoso de las instalaciones.1
July 25th has witnessed a series of pivotal events that have shaped the course of history across various fields.
From groundbreaking achievements in aviation and medical science to significant political shifts and cultural moments, this day encapsulates a diverse array of historical milestones.
Join us as we explore some of the most notable occurrences on this date, delving into their impacts and legacies that continue to resonate today.
July 25th – On this Day in History
306 – Constantine I proclaimed Roman Emperor
On July 25, 306, Constantine the Great was declared Roman Emperor by his troops after the death of his father, Constantius Chlorus, in Eboracum (modern-day York, England).
This proclamation marked the beginning of Constantine’s reign, during which he would play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Roman Empire.
His subsequent policies and reforms, including the Edict of Milan in 313, which granted religious tolerance to Christians, had a lasting impact on both the empire and the Christian religion. Constantine’s rule laid the foundation for the Byzantine Empire and the spread of Christianity throughout Europe.
315 – Arch of Constantine inaugurated in Rome
The Arch of Constantine, one of Rome’s most famous monuments, was inaugurated on July 25, 315. Erected to commemorate Constantine I’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312, the arch stands near the Colosseum.
It is a triumphal arch adorned with sculptures and reliefs that celebrate Constantine’s victory and his consolidation of power.
The arch not only served as a political symbol of Constantine’s authority but also showcased the artistic and architectural styles of the time, incorporating elements from earlier monuments to glorify the emperor’s achievements.
1261 – Constantinople recaptured by Nicaean forces, ending the Latin Empire
On July 25, 1261, forces from the Empire of Nicaea recaptured Constantinople, ending the Latin Empire established by the Fourth Crusade in 1204. This event marked the restoration of the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos.
The recapture of the city was a significant turning point, as it restored Byzantine control over its historic capital. However, the empire never fully recovered its former power and prestige, struggling against internal strife and external threats until its eventual fall to the Ottoman Turks in 1453.
1593 – Henry IV of France converted from Protestantism to Catholicism
On July 25, 1593, Henry IV of France converted from Protestantism to Catholicism, famously stating, “Paris is well worth a mass.” This pragmatic decision was made to secure his position as king and bring peace to a country torn apart by religious wars.
His conversion helped to end the French Wars of Religion, a series of conflicts between Catholics and Huguenots (French Protestants), and paved the way for the Edict of Nantes in 1598, which granted religious tolerance to Protestants.
Henry IV’s reign brought stability and prosperity to France and earned him the nickname “Good King Henry.”
1759 – French defeated at the Battle of Ticonderoga in the Seven Years’ War
On July 25, 1759, during the Seven Years’ War, British forces under General Jeffrey Amherst captured the French stronghold of Fort Carillon (later renamed Fort Ticonderoga) in present-day New York. This victory was part of a larger campaign to gain control over the strategic waterways of North America.
The fall of Ticonderoga marked a turning point in the war in favor of the British, who sought to expand their colonial territories at the expense of the French. The victory opened the way for further British advances into Canada and played a significant role in shaping the future of North America.
1797 – Horatio Nelson lost more than 300 men and his right arm during the failed conquest of Tenerife
On July 25, 1797, British Admiral Horatio Nelson led an attack on Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands during the French Revolutionary Wars. The expedition aimed to capture the strategic port, but it ended in failure.
During the battle, Nelson sustained a severe wound, resulting in the amputation of his right arm. Despite this setback, he displayed remarkable resilience and continued his naval career, eventually becoming one of Britain’s greatest naval heroes. This event highlighted his determination and contributed to his legendary status.
1814 – War of 1812: Battle of Lundy’s Lane, one of the bloodiest battles of the war, takes place
The Battle of Lundy’s Lane, one of the bloodiest battles of the War of 1812, took place on July 25, 1814, near Niagara Falls. American and British forces clashed in a fierce and indecisive engagement that lasted well into the night.
Despite high casualties on both sides, neither could claim a decisive victory. The battle demonstrated the intensity of the conflict along the Canadian-American border and underscored the strategic stalemate that characterized much of the war. It also highlighted the valor and resilience of both American and British troops.
1837 – First commercial use of an electric telegraph
On July 25, 1837, the first commercial use of an electric telegraph took place, marking a significant advancement in communication technology.
Developed by William Fothergill Cooke and Charles Wheatstone in England, the telegraph revolutionized long-distance communication by transmitting messages through electrical signals over wires.
This innovation laid the groundwork for the global telecommunications industry, transforming how information was shared and playing a crucial role in commerce, journalism, and personal communication.
1861 – Congress passed the Crittenden-Johnson Resolution, stating the Civil War was fought to preserve the Union, not to end slavery
On July 25, 1861, the United States Congress passed the Crittenden-Johnson Resolution, asserting that the ongoing Civil War was being fought to preserve the Union, not to interfere with slavery. This resolution aimed to maintain the loyalty of the border states and reassure Northerners who were concerned about the war’s purpose.
However, as the war progressed, the focus shifted increasingly towards the abolition of slavery, especially after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The resolution reflects the complex and evolving motivations behind the Union’s war effort.
1866 – Ulysses S. Grant became the first General of the Army
This appointment recognized Grant’s leadership and success as a Union general during the Civil War, particularly his role in key victories at battles such as Vicksburg and Appomattox.
As General of the Army, Grant oversaw the post-war military and played a significant role in Reconstruction efforts. His leadership and strategic acumen contributed to his later election as the 18th President of the United States.
1898 – United States invades Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War
On July 25, 1898, during the Spanish-American War, American forces led by General Nelson A. Miles invaded Puerto Rico. This military action was part of a larger campaign against Spanish colonial rule in the Caribbean and the Pacific. The invasion was relatively swift, facing limited resistance from Spanish troops.
The conflict resulted in the Treaty of Paris, which ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States, significantly expanding American influence and marking a turning point in U.S. imperialism.
1909 – Louis Blériot makes the first flight across the English Channel in a heavier-than-air machine
On July 25, 1909, French aviator Louis Blériot made history by becoming the first person to fly across the English Channel in a heavier-than-air aircraft. He piloted his Blériot XI monoplane from Calais, France, to Dover, England, covering the distance in about 37 minutes.
This achievement demonstrated the potential of aviation and marked a significant milestone in the development of powered flight. Blériot’s successful crossing captured the public’s imagination and paved the way for future advancements in aviation technology and commercial air travel.
1917 – Mata Hari sentenced to death for espionage
On July 25, 1917, the renowned dancer and courtesan Mata Hari was sentenced to death by a French military court for espionage during World War I.
Accused of spying for Germany, she was portrayed as a dangerous femme fatale, although the evidence against her was largely circumstantial.
Her trial and execution highlighted the paranoia and fear of espionage that pervaded wartime Europe. Mata Hari’s story has since become legendary, symbolizing the intrigue and moral complexities of espionage during the war.
1943 – Benito Mussolini dismissed as Italian premier; arrested
On July 25, 1943, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was dismissed from power by King Victor Emmanuel III and subsequently arrested.
This event marked a turning point in World War II, as Mussolini’s downfall signaled the collapse of the Fascist regime in Italy. It also led to Italy’s eventual surrender to the Allies.
The dismissal was influenced by military defeats and widespread dissatisfaction with Mussolini’s leadership. His arrest set the stage for a period of political turmoil in Italy and a shift in the balance of power in the war.
1956 – Suez Crisis: Egyptian President Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal
On July 25, 1956, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal, previously controlled by British and French interests. This bold move aimed to fund the construction of the Aswan High Dam and assert Egypt’s sovereignty.
The nationalization led to the Suez Crisis, where Britain, France, and Israel launched a military intervention to regain control of the canal. The crisis highlighted the waning influence of European colonial powers and the rising importance of Middle Eastern geopolitics during the Cold War. It also marked a significant moment in the decolonization movement.
1965 – Bob Dylan controversially used electric instruments at the Newport Folk Festival
On July 25, 1965, Bob Dylan performed with an electric band at the Newport Folk Festival, marking a significant shift in his musical style. This performance was controversial, as Dylan was primarily known for his acoustic folk music.
The audience’s reaction was mixed, with some embracing the new sound and others feeling betrayed. This moment is often seen as a pivotal point in rock music history, symbolizing the merging of folk and rock genres and highlighting Dylan’s evolving artistry.
1978 – Birth of Louise Brown, the first test-tube baby
On July 25, 1978, Louise Brown, the world’s first baby conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), was born in England. Her birth marked a groundbreaking achievement in reproductive technology, offering hope to millions of couples struggling with infertility.
The successful use of IVF opened new possibilities for assisted reproductive treatments and sparked discussions about the ethical and social implications of such technologies. Louise Brown’s birth is celebrated as a milestone in medical science.
1984 – Cosmonaut Svetlana Savitskaya became the first woman to perform a spacewalk
On July 25, 1984, Soviet cosmonaut Svetlana Savitskaya became the first woman to perform a spacewalk. During her mission aboard the Salyut 7 space station, she conducted an extravehicular activity (EVA) that lasted nearly four hours.
This achievement not only highlighted her skills and bravery but also underscored the contributions of women in space exploration. Savitskaya’s spacewalk was a significant step forward for gender equality in the field of astronautics.
1994 – Israel and Jordan sign the Washington Declaration, formally ending the state of war
On July 25, 1994, Israel and Jordan signed the Washington Declaration, officially ending the state of war between the two nations. This agreement was a crucial step towards peace in the Middle East, facilitated by the United States.
It laid the groundwork for the Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty later that year, fostering improved diplomatic and economic relations. The declaration represented a significant move towards regional stability and cooperation.
2000 – Air France Flight 4590 crashes on takeoff in Paris, killing 113
On July 25, 2000, Air France Flight 4590, a Concorde supersonic airliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. All 109 passengers and crew on board, along with four people on the ground, were killed.
The crash was caused by a strip of metal left on the runway by another aircraft, which led to a tire explosion and subsequent fuel tank rupture. This tragic event marked the beginning of the end for the Concorde program, highlighting safety concerns and contributing to the aircraft’s eventual retirement in 2003.
This striking, high-resolution image of the Arc de Triomphe, in Paris, was captured by Planet SkySat – a fleet of satellites that have just joined ESA’s Third Party Mission Programme in April 2022. The Arc de Triomphe, or in full Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, is an iconic symbol of France and one of the world’s best-known commemorative monuments. The triumphal arch was commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 to celebrate the military achievements of the French armies. Construction of the arch began the following year, on 15 August (Napoleon’s birthday).
The arch stands at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, the meeting point of 12 grand avenues which form a star (or étoile), which is why it is also referred to as the Arch of Triumph of the Star. The arch is 50 m high and 45 m wide.
The names of all French victories and generals are inscribed on the arch’s inner and outer surfaces, while the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I lies beneath its vault. The tomb’s flame is rekindled every evening as a symbol of the enduring nature of the commemoration and respect shown to those who have fallen in the name of France.
The Arc de Triomphe’s location at the Place Charles de Gaulle places it at the heart of the capital and the western terminus of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées (visible in the bottom-right of the image). Often referred to as the ‘most beautiful avenue in the world’, the Champs-Élysées is known for its theatres, cafés and luxury shops, as the finish of the Tour de France cycling race, as well as for its annual Bastille Day military parade.
This image, captured on 9 April 2022, was provided by Planet SkySat – a fleet of 21 very high-resolution satellites capable of collecting images multiple times during the day. SkySat’s satellite imagery, with 50 cm spatial resolution, is high enough to focus on areas of great interest, identifying objects such as vehicles and shipping containers.
SkySat data, along with PlanetScope (both owned and operated by Planet Labs), serve numerous commercial and governmental applications. These data are now available through ESA’s Third Party Mission programme – enabling researchers, scientists and companies from around the world the ability to access Planet’s high-frequency, high-resolution satellite data for non-commercial use.
Within this programme, Planet joins more than 50 other missions to add near-daily PlanetScope imagery, 50 cm SkySat imagery, and RapidEye archive data to this global network.
Peggy Fischer, Mission Manager for ESA’s Third Party Missions, commented, “We are very pleased to welcome PlanetScope and SkySat to ESA’s Third Party Missions portfolio and to begin the distribution of the Planet data through the ESA Earthnet Programme.
“The high-resolution and high-frequency imagery from these satellite constellations will provide an invaluable resource for the European R&D and applications community, greatly benefiting research and business opportunities across a wide range of sectors.”
To find out more on how to apply to the Earthnet Programme and get started with Planet data, click here.
The Arc de Triomphe shines during the Christmas season on the Champs-Elysées in Paris, France. EDWARD BERTHELOT/GETTY IMAGES
As far as iconic Paris landmarks go, it's a toss-up between the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. If the Eiffel Tower boasts more T-shirts and wall art bearing its image, the Arc de Triomphe has given us some great film scenes with cars circling (and circling) it. That's because it's located within a circular plaza where 12 avenues, including the Champs-Elysées, meet.
Originally called Place de l'Étoile (Square of the Star) because of its starlike formation, the plaza was renamed Place de Charles de Gaulle in 1970 after the 20th century French president. But it was a different leader we have to thank for the Arc de Triomphe, and he is just as much a symbol of France as the structure he commissioned.
The triumphal arch was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz and to "glorify the Grand Army" in general, according to Napoleon.org. Construction started in 1806, with the first stone laid on Aug. 15.
The arch, which Napoleon planned to ride through at the head of his victorious army, was inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome. But the French version would be much more impressive at 164 feet (50 meters) high and 148 feet (45 meters) wide compared to that of Titus, which is just 50 feet (15 meters) high and 44 feet (13 meters) wide.
"Napoleon was known for never doing things on the cheap and thinking big," says W. Jude LeBlanc, associate professor at the school of architecture at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.
The emperor called on architect Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin, who had spent some years in Rome and had previously worked on a project for Versailles and churches like Saint-Philippe-du-Roule and the Church of Saint-Sulpice.
This is a lantern slide of the Champs-Elysées in 1856 with the Arc de Triomphe on the horizon.
THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY COLLECTION/V & A MUSEUM, LONDON/GETTY IMAGES
How Long It Took to Build the Arc de Triomphe
Perhaps Napoleon and Chalgrin were too ambitious in their proportions because the Neoclassical arch took 30 years to complete, although work was not continuous. In fact, it took more than two years just to lay the foundation.
It wasn't finished when Napoleon married his second wife, Marie-Louise de Habsburg-Lorraine, in 1810. As a substitute, he had a full-size replica crafted from wood, so he and his 19-year-old bride could pass under it.
Ironically, neither Napoleon nor Chalgrin saw the structure reach completion. Chalgrin died in 1811, and his former pupil Louis-Robert Goust took over the project. But in 1814, Napoleon abdicated, and work on the structure slowed to a crawl if it took place at all.
The monarchy was reinstated, and King Louis XVIII resumed work on the Arc de Triomphe in 1823, with the project finally being inaugurated in 1836 by King Louis-Philippe.
Although Napoleon didn't get see his completed triumphal arch, he did pass through it. When his body was returned to France in 1840 (he died on the island of Saint Helena in 1821), it was brought to les Invalides and passed under the Arc de Triomphe on the way there.
The Arc's Parisian Placement
The Arc de Triomphe and Place de Charles de Gaulle sit along the Axe Historique (Historical Axis) of Paris, which extends from the Louvre Museum to La Défense. The triumphal arch isn't the only one along the axis. At one end, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, which was modeled on the Roman arches of Septimius and Constantine, sits between the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden. That one is about a third of the size and was also commissioned by Napoleon.
At the far end of the axis, La Grand Arche was built "as a strong unifying symbol for the bicentenary of the French Revolution" in 1989 and was a project French President François Mitterand. It was designed by Johan Otto V. Spreckelsen and is more than double the size of the Arc de Triomphe.
An aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe, which stands in the center of the Place de Charles de Gaulle, where 12 avenues, including the Champs-Elysées, meet.
ROGER VIOLLET GETTY IMAGES
With all these arches in Paris and around the world, what makes the Arc de Triomphe special?
"I don't know that it was structurally novel," says LeBlanc. Arches were well known at the time it was made, although Napoleon's was particularly massive. "What was unique was that it didn't have pilasters and columns."
The Arc includes many notable sculptures, with work by artists François Rude, Jean-Pierre Cortot and Antoine Etex on the pillars. Other surfaces include additional reliefs and the names of generals and battles.
Beneath the Arc de Triomphe are the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, added in 1921, and the eternal flame, which is rekindled each evening. Due to its scale, the Arc de Triomphe is known for offering one of the best views of the city from the observation deck at the top.
This striking, high-resolution image of the Arc de Triomphe, in Paris, was captured by Planet SkySat – a fleet of satellites that have just joined ESA’s Third Party Mission Programme in April 2022. The Arc de Triomphe, or in full Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, is an iconic symbol of France and one of the world’s best-known commemorative monuments. The triumphal arch was commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 to celebrate the military achievements of the French armies. Construction of the arch began the following year, on 15 August (Napoleon’s birthday).
The arch stands at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, the meeting point of 12 grand avenues which form a star (or étoile), which is why it is also referred to as the Arch of Triumph of the Star. The arch is 50 m high and 45 m wide.
The names of all French victories and generals are inscribed on the arch’s inner and outer surfaces, while the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I lies beneath its vault. The tomb’s flame is rekindled every evening as a symbol of the enduring nature of the commemoration and respect shown to those who have fallen in the name of France.
The Arc de Triomphe’s location at the Place Charles de Gaulle places it at the heart of the capital and the western terminus of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées (visible in the bottom-right of the image). Often referred to as the ‘most beautiful avenue in the world’, the Champs-Élysées is known for its theatres, cafés and luxury shops, as the finish of the Tour de France cycling race, as well as for its annual Bastille Day military parade.
This image, captured on 9 April 2022, was provided by Planet SkySat – a fleet of 21 very high-resolution satellites capable of collecting images multiple times during the day. SkySat’s satellite imagery, with 50 cm spatial resolution, is high enough to focus on areas of great interest, identifying objects such as vehicles and shipping containers.
SkySat data, along with PlanetScope (both owned and operated by Planet Labs), serve numerous commercial and governmental applications. These data are now available through ESA’s Third Party Mission programme – enabling researchers, scientists and companies from around the world the ability to access Planet’s high-frequency, high-resolution satellite data for non-commercial use.
Within this programme, Planet joins more than 50 other missions to add near-daily PlanetScope imagery, 50 cm SkySat imagery, and RapidEye archive data to this global network.
Peggy Fischer, Mission Manager for ESA’s Third Party Missions, commented, “We are very pleased to welcome PlanetScope and SkySat to ESA’s Third Party Missions portfolio and to begin the distribution of the Planet data through the ESA Earthnet Programme.
“The high-resolution and high-frequency imagery from these satellite constellations will provide an invaluable resource for the European R&D and applications community, greatly benefiting research and business opportunities across a wide range of sectors.”
To find out more on how to apply to the Earthnet Programme and get started with Planet data, click here.
Foundation stone. On August 15, 1806, Emperor Napoleon I's birthday, the foundation stone of the building was laid at a depth of eight meters, between the two southern pillars.
Do you want to travel to Paris, but are not sure exactly ‘Where is Paris?’
Stunningly beautiful, the City of Light and the City of Love (and my personal favorite travel destination), is located in Northern France. People from all over the world flock to Paris for its culture, art, romance and food!
With Paris coordinates of 48°51′ N 2°21′ E (48.86 degrees North latitude and 2.35 degrees East longitude), the city lies just within the temperate zone – making it ideal for travelers looking to explore without extreme weather conditions getting in their way.
The moderate climate of Paris makes it possible for tourists to take advantage of all four seasons in this amazing city.
Ready to learn all about Paris latitude and longitude, and how this impacts the weather in Paris? Lace up your shoes and let’s go!
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Table of Contents
Where is Paris? Paris latitude and longitude
Where is Paris?
Paris is located in Northern France, in the region known as Ile de France. The Seine River runs through the center of Paris, further enhancing its beauty and charm.
Paris is the capital of France, a country located in Western Europe. The neighboring countries of France are Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain.
City of Light, is located in northern France. Paris France coordinates are 48°51′ N 2°21′ E.
What is the latitude of Paris?
The latitude of Paris France is 48.86 degrees North of the equator. This means that Paris lies about halfway between the North Pole and the Equator.
What is the longitude of Paris?
The longitude of Paris France is 2.35 degrees East of the Prime Meridian. This means that it is located eastward from the reference line of 0 degrees longitude, or the Prime Meridian.
What parallel is Paris France?
Paris France is located in the Northern Hemisphere, so it lies on the 48th parallel north. This means that it is at 48 degrees north of the equator and halfway between the North Pole and Equator.
Paris is located around 15km south of the 49th parallel, and its main airport, the Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, lies on the 49th parallel.
Where is Paris located? The longitude and latitude of Paris are 48°51′ N 2°21′ E
Does latitude impact hours of daylight?
Yes, latitude does have an impact on hours of daylight. The higher the latitude, the longer the days in summer and the shorter the days in winter.
This is because as you move away from the equator towards either pole, there are more hours of daylight during the day or night depending on which season it is.
So, for Paris, which lies on the 48th parallel north and is located in the Northern Hemisphere, the days are longer in summer and shorter in winter. This is good to keep in mind when making your travel plans so you know how much sightseeing you can squeeze into a day!
(The days in Paris are not as long as those in London, since the latitude of London is higher than Paris.)
Does longitude impact hours of daylight?
No, longitude does not have an impact on hours of daylight. The duration of daylight at any location depends only on its latitude. Longitude is only used to pinpoint the location – it does not change the amount of daylight hours experienced in any given season.
How many hours of daylight are there in Paris in the summer?
In the summer, there are usually around 16 hours of daylight in Paris. This varies slightly from day to day, but overall, you can expect 15-16 hours of daylight during the summer months in Paris.
The longest day is on the summer solstice, which is usually the 20th or 21st of June.
The magnificent Arc de Triomphe, at the heart of the City of Light. The coordinates of Paris are 48°51′ N 2°21′ E.
How many hours of daylight are there in Paris in the winter?
In the winter, there are usually around 8-9 hours of daylight in Paris. This varies slightly from day to day, but overall, you can expect 8-9 hours of daylight during the winter months.
The shortest day is on the winter solstice, which is usually on December 21 or 22.
So, if you’re visiting Paris in the winter, be sure to plan your sightseeing carefully to make the most of those precious daylight hours! (But it does make it easier to see the illuminated monuments and enjoy a Paris by night tour without staying up until midnight!)
Does latitude affect climate?
Yes, latitude does affect climate. As you move away from the equator and closer to the poles, temperatures tend to be cooler in general.
This is why places located on higher latitudes like Paris tend to experience more temperate climates with four distinct seasons.
Places at lower latitudes (closer to the equator), will tend to experience more tropical climates with very little temperature variation. So, latitude definitely plays a role in determining the climate of an area.
Do keep in mind that latitude is not the only factor impacting climate. Climates will also differ due to factors such as elevation or proximity to large bodies of water.
What is the climate in Paris?
The climate in Paris is classified as a temperate oceanic climate.
The summers are warm and humid, while the winters tend to be rainy with cool temperatures. Spring and autumn are generally mild but can vary greatly in temperature.
“It’s Paris. You don’t come here for the weather.”
Adrian Leeds (This is one of the best Paris quotes — funny but so true!)
What is the daily temperature range in Paris?
The daily temperature range in Paris varies greatly depending on the season.
In the summer, Paris temperatures typically range from 19-26°C (66-79°F). Sometimes Paris may get a heat wave, so if you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll want to ensure that your hotel has air conditioning (not all Paris hotels do).
Take a midday break in the shade in one of the lovely gardens of Paris, such as the Luxembourg Gardens. And be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated! Take advantage of the fountains and refill with free drinking water in Paris.
In the winter, Paris temperatures range from 3-12°C (37-54°F) on average. The temperature can also drop down to below 0°C (32°F) in the coldest months of January and February.
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It’s important to plan accordingly and bring appropriate clothing for each season when visiting Paris! Temperatures can vary quite a bit beyond yearly averages, so be prepared with layering options.
Our first trip to France was in the month of September. We expected it to be cooler and didn’t pack any shorts. The weather turned out to be unseasonably warm, and we really wished that we had brought more options! It can be hard to predict what to pack for fall in Europe.
Yes, it does snow in Paris. On average, Paris gets around 20-30 days of snow each winter, with December being the month when snowfall is most likely. Snow usually falls in small amounts and melts quickly.
What city is on the same latitude as Paris?
Some popular cities in southern Canada are close to the same latitude as Paris. The latitude of Victoria BC is 48.43°N, which is very similar to Paris’ 48.86°N. And the latitude of Vancouver BC is 49.28°N, which is just slightly higher (a smidge further north) than Paris’ 48.86°N.
In Europe, the latitude of Stuttgart Germany is 48.77°N, and Brno Czech Republic is 49.2°N, both of which are fairly close to Paris’ latitude.
This Paris latitude map shows that Paris is further north than the major cities in the continental United States
What US city is on the same latitude as Paris?
Most of the continental United States is further south than Paris. The state of Alaska is of course much further north than Paris!
The closest US ‘big city’ to the latitude of Paris is Seattle, Washington, which has a latitude of 47.62 degrees north. Rolla, North Dakota has a latitude of 48.09 degrees north, which is very close to the latitude of Paris.
Is Paris the same latitude as NY?
No, Paris is not located at the same latitude as New York City. The latitude of New York City is 40.71° N, which is around 8 degrees south of the 48th parallel north where Paris is located.
People are always surprised to learn the New York is much further south than Paris is!
Paris Longitude and Latitude Fun Facts
What is the Eiffel Tower latitude and longitude?
The latitude of the Eiffel Tower is 48.86° N, and its longitude is 2.29° E. The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic symbol of Paris and a must-see for any visitor to the City of Light!
What is the latitude of Versailles?
The latitude of Versailles is 48.8024° N. The Palace of Versailles is one of my favorite day trips from Paris and can easily be reached by train. The gardens of Versailles are spectacular!
What is the latitude of Disneyland Paris?
The latitude of Disneyland Paris is 48.87 degrees north. Disneyland Paris is a fun day trip from Paris by train.
Latitude and Longitude FAQ
What is latitude?
Latitude is one of the two coordinates of a point on the Earth’s surface, together with longitude. Latitude is measured in degrees north or south of the equator and ranges from 0° at the Equator to 90°N/S at the poles.
What is the equator?
The equator is an imaginary line that circles the Earth and divides it into two hemispheres: the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. It is located at 0 degrees latitude, halfway between the North Pole and South Pole.
What is longitude?
Longitude is also one of two coordinates used to pinpoint a location on the Earth’s surface, along with latitude. It is measured in degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian and ranges from 0° at the Prime Meridian to 180° east/west. The longitude of Paris is 2.35 degrees East, meaning that it lies 2.35° east of the Prime Meridian.
Knowing both latitude and longitude coordinates lets you accurately pinpoint the location of any place on Earth, including Paris!
What is the Prime Meridian?
The Prime Meridian is an imaginary line that runs through Greenwich, England and marks the reference line for longitude. It was created by the British Royal Observatory in 1851.
The Prime Meridian is located at 0 degrees longitude and divides the Earth into two halves: the Eastern Hemisphere and Western Hemisphere. All other locations on Earth have a specific angle of longitude depending on how far east or west they lie from the Prime Meridian.
What is the difference between latitude and longitude?
Latitude and longitude are two coordinates used to pinpoint a location on the Earth’s surface. Latitude is measured in degrees north or south of the equator, and ranges from 0° at the Equator to 90°N/S at the poles. Longitude measures how far east or west something is of the Prime Meridian, and ranges from 0° at the Prime Meridian to 180° east/west.
What is a parallel?
A parallel is an imaginary line on the Earth’s surface that circles around the globe. It is measured in degrees north or south of the equator and ranges from 0° at the Equator to 90°N/S at the poles. The 48th parallel north, where Paris is located, circles around halfway between the North Pole and Equator.
Is a parallel the same as latitude?
No, a parallel is not the same as latitude. A parallel is an imaginary line on the Earth’s surface that circles around the globe, whereas latitude is one of two coordinates of a point on the Earth’s surface together with longitude.
Latitude ranges from 0° at the Equator to 90°N/S at the poles, and longitude ranges from 0° at the Prime Meridian to 180° east/west. Knowing both latitude and longitude coordinates lets you accurately pinpoint the location of any place on Earth, including Paris!
Final Thoughts:
There you have it! Now you know everything about the latitude and longitude of Paris.
And you’ll be well informed for what to expect when visiting Paris in different seasons, from seasonal temperatures to hours of daylight (all of which are impacted by the latitude of Paris!)
So, who’s ready to start planning their next trip to Paris? We know we are!
With this helpful information, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Paris. Bon voyage!
Do you love Paris? Me too! You might enjoy these posts about the City of Light:
I think every visitor to Berlin is drawn to the Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz. The gate is the most famous landmark, a good reason for Berliners to drive by and stroll along the tourist paths.
We park our car on the Straße des 17.Juni right next to the statue, which is located on the central reservation of the roadway. The bronze figure with the distinctive name “The Caller” stands on a pedestal with the inscription “I walk through the world and call peace peace peace”. In 1989 it got its place and “calls” in the direction of the Brandenburg Gate and the former eastern part of Berlin. For me, it is a very expressive figure that would be even better today as a rotating figure “calling” in all directions.
We approach the gate via Platz des 18.März and I take a big step, as I often do, over the paving stones that show the former course of the Berlin Wall in front of the Brandenburg Gate. It occurs to me that I walked through the Brandenburg Gate for the first time in early 1990. This is the only picture in our thousands of family photos that I have found at all that shows the Brandenburg Gate.
1990 – Susanne vor dem Brandenburger Tor
About the Brandenburg Gate
Around 1670, Dorotheenstadt was built, which was integrated into the city fortifications of Berlin. At the site where the Brandenburg Gate now stands, there was a breach through the rampart and a drawbridge over the moat. The first Brandenburg Gate, so to speak. In 1734, a customs wall was built around Berlin. The old passage of the rampart became a city gate on the road leading to Brandenburg an der Havel. This gate was dismantled in 1788.
Frederick William II planned to build a new Brandenburg Gate as a representation of his rulers’ domestic and foreign policy. He wanted to have a gate built that resembled a Greek temple and thus present himself as the ruler who would bring Prussia a golden age. The gate was to be called the Gate of Peace and its beauty was to be shown inwardly to the inhabitants of the city.
Building the gate
Carl Gotthard Langhans was commissioned by Frederick William II to implement the building plans. The result was a gateway consisting of two rows of columns. Between each row was a brick and plaster wall, which was necessary to distribute the load of the upper section and the quadriga. This created 5 gateways of different widths. The two wing buildings flanking the sides were built later. They form a transition to the neighbouring buildings, thus creating a kind of courtyard of honour in front of the gate.
The dimensions of the Brandenburg Gate are already impressive. The gate is 26 metres high up to the top of the quadriga.
Quadriga
The quadriga is the most striking decorative element of the gate. Victoria, the goddess of victory, enters in her chariot and symbolically represents the arrival of peace in Berlin. It was erected in 1793, at which time it was not yet finally decided whether the quadriga should remain copper or whether it would be gilded. It was later decided not to gild it. The sculpture was subsequently altered when it was realised that the victor’s emblem (spear, helmet, armour, 2 shields) was more recognisable as a lantern from a distance. Victoria was thus given a pole with a victor’s wreath and eagle.
In 1814, the victory symbol was changed once again. Schinkel created a pole crowned by an oak wreath. On the oak wreath sat an eagle with outstretched wings and it enclosed an Iron Cross. Today there is a replica on the gate. All that remains of the original is a horse’s head, which is in the Märkisches Museum.
Function of the Brandenburg Gate
In the past, the Brandenburg Gate not only had a representative function, but also had to fulfil a function. Anyone who wanted to pass through the gate had to pay an excise duty. Attention was paid to who entered or left the city and, in addition, the soldiers on guard had to make sure that none of their colleagues deserted.
The side wings were used by the tax authorities and the guards as accommodation. The middle largest passage served as a thoroughfare and could be closed with gate wings. Only the equipages of the yard were allowed to pass through this gate. At night, the gate was closed with wooden doors. With the expansion of the town in 1861, the gate was no longer locked.
Stories around the Brandenburg Gate
There are many stories in which the Brandenburg Gate plays a role. I have written down three of them.
How the Quadriga left Berlin and returned
On 27 October 1806, Napoleon marched through the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin as the winner of the Fourth Coalition War against Prussia. He issued instructions to dismantle the quadriga and send it to Paris. At the beginning of December, the statue was dismantled and packed into 12 crates and sent to France. It finally arrived in Paris on 17 May 1807. Napoleon actually wanted to place the quadriga on a newly built triumphal arch. However, due to the dismantling, disassembly and transport, the figure showed great damage and had to be restored. The work was completed in 1808 and it was placed in the Louvre.
Prussia was naturally anything but happy about this action. On top of the Brandenburg Gate, only a fortification iron stuck up like a thorn in this wound.
At the end of March 1814, the Prussian army won the wars of liberation and marched into Paris. After the quadriga had been tracked down, it was immediately taken apart again, packed into 15 crates and transported to Berlin. As soon as the crates reached Prussian territory, the repatriation resembled a triumphal procession. After the carriages reached Berlin, the individual parts were restored in the Grunewald hunting lodge. It was also at this time that the new victory emblem for Victoria was created. In the summer of 1814, the Quadriga was put back on the Brandenburg Gate. Yes, and how could it be otherwise in Berlin, the Quadriga promptly received the nickname “Retourkutsche”.
Brandenburg Gate station
In 1815, about 30 horse owners were granted permission to hire out their horse-drawn carriages around the Brandenburg Gate. Anyone was allowed to hire the carriage and not only, as had been permitted previously, people from the court, nobility or respected artists. Many could not afford it at the time and so the carriages usually stood empty on the street.
In 1825, Hofrat Kremser had an idea that the king initially approved on a trial basis. Kremser placed larger spring-loaded carriages for 10-20 people at the Brandenburg Gate. He laid down precise routes that these carriages were to follow and posted them on the carriages. In addition, Kremser designated stops and fixed departure times for the carriages. The so-called Kremsers were enthusiastically accepted by the Berliners and soon the horse-drawn buses departed from the Brandenburg Gate in a star formation.
Was the quadriga always looking in the same direction?
Unfortunately, apart from a horse’s head, the quadriga was destroyed during the Second World War. Since a plaster cast existed, the reconstruction succeeded and at the end of 1957 it stood again on the Brandenburg Gate. There is a rumour that it once stood the other way round, facing the western part of Berlin. It is said to have been turned around in a night and fog operation. However, this claim is false. It is true that one night in August 1958 the Quadriga was secretly moved to the Neue Marstall. There the Iron Cross was removed. The East Berlin city council did not want to display the emblems of Prussian-German militarism. They were then put back on the Brandenburg Gate.
The Brandenburg Gate – a gate as a symbol of German history
On 13 August 1961, the Wall was erected in Berlin, dividing the city into West and East. The Brandenburg Gate stood in the middle of the restricted area and was no longer accessible to Berliners. Now only GDR border guards or invited guests (on the GDR side) could access a visitor platform. Those of us in the western part of the city could only see the Brandenburg Gate from viewing platforms at an appropriate distance.
There are numerous quotes and statements by people about the Brandenburg Gate and the political situation at that time. One visit is commemorated today by a memorial plaque on the walkway to the gate. In the summer of 1987, the then US President Ronald Reagan spoke the following sentence in front of the gate: “Mr.Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr.Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”
Only 2 years later, 28 years after the Wall was built, the Brandenburg Gate was reopened on 22 December 1989. Later, the barriers were also removed. I walked through the gate for the first time in spring 1990. It was a moment that Berliners will not soon forget.
The square in front of the Brandenburg Gate – Pariser Platz
The original square was built in 1732-1734 as an extension of Friedrichstadt. Aristocratic palaces stood around the square. In 1814, after the Prussian troops had conquered Paris, the square was named Pariser Platz. During the Second World War, the square was heavily destroyed. The remaining buildings were gradually demolished. After reunification, the square was redesigned and an attempt was made to combine modern and historical elements.
Pariser Platz 1990Pariser Platz 2020
For me, next to the Brandenburg Gate, the Hotel Adlon is probably the most famous building on Pariser Platz. The hotel stood on Pariser Platz as early as 1905. From the outside, it looked rather classically conservative for its time. The interior was state-of-the-art: electricity and running hot water were standard in the guest rooms. This attracted guests from all over the world; even Wilhelm II preferred to stay in the heated rooms of the hotel in winter rather than in the draughty palace. In 1945, the hotel burned down and was demolished except for the side wing. This was then demolished in 1984.
After the fall of the Wall, a new hotel complex was built on the same site (1995-97). It is not a reconstruction of the old hotel, but a new design that is stylistically based on the historical model. And as in those days, the Adlon is now a popular and exquisite hotel in the heart of Berlin. Leaving Pariser Platz, you can then stroll along the street Unter den Linden until you reach Museum Island, the Berlin Cathedral and Alexanderplatz.
New International Version Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.
New Living Translation Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt.
English Standard Version Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.
Berean Standard Bible Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the Scriptures.
Berean Literal Bible Now a certain Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus, being an eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures.
King James Bible And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
New King James Version Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.
New American Standard Bible Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was proficient in the Scriptures.
NASB 1995 Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures.
NASB 1977 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures.
Legacy Standard Bible Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, arrived at Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures.
Amplified Bible Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent and cultured man, and well versed in the [Hebrew] Scriptures.
Christian Standard Bible Now a Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was competent in the use of the Scriptures, arrived in Ephesus.
Holman Christian Standard Bible A Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was powerful in the use of the Scriptures, arrived in Ephesus.
American Standard Version Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the scriptures.
Contemporary English Version A Jewish man named Apollos came to Ephesus. Apollos had been born in the city of Alexandria. He was a very good speaker and knew a lot about the Scriptures.
English Revised Version Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, a learned man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the scriptures.
GOD'S WORD® Translation A Jew named Apollos, who had been born in Alexandria, arrived in the city of Ephesus. He was an eloquent speaker and knew how to use the Scriptures in a powerful way.
Good News Translation At that time a Jew named Apollos, who had been born in Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent speaker and had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.
International Standard Version Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos arrived in Ephesus. He was a native of Alexandria, an eloquent man, and well versed in the Scriptures.
Majority Standard Bible Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the Scriptures.
NET Bible Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, arrived in Ephesus. He was an eloquent speaker, well-versed in the scriptures.
New Heart English Bible Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures.
Webster's Bible Translation And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Weymouth New Testament Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was a native of Alexandria, a man of great learning and well versed in the Scriptures.
World English Bible Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version And a certain Jew, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by birth, a man of eloquence, being mighty in the Writings, came to Ephesus;
Berean Literal Bible Now a certain Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus, being an eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures.
Young's Literal Translation And a certain Jew, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by birth, a man of eloquence, being mighty in the Writings, came to Ephesus,
Smith's Literal Translation And a certain Jew, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, arrived at Ephesus, being able in the writings.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible Now a certain Jew, named Apollo, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus, one mighty in the scriptures.
Catholic Public Domain Version Now a certain Jew named Apollo, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man who was powerful with the Scriptures, arrived at Ephesus.
New American Bible A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent speaker, arrived in Ephesus. He was an authority on the scriptures.
New Revised Standard Version Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible And a certain Jew named A-pol’los, a native of Al-ex-an’dri-a, an eloquent man and well versed in the scriptures, came to Eph'esus.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English One man, a Jew whose name was Apollo, a native of Alexandria and instructed in the word, was familiar with the Scriptures and he came to Ephesaus.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament And a certain Jew, named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Godbey New Testament And a certain Jew, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came into Ephesus, being mighty in the scriptures.
Haweis New Testament Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, a man of eloquence, who was powerful in the Scriptures, had come to Ephesus.
Mace New Testament In the mean time a Jew, nam'd Apollos, born at Alexandria, a man of letters, and vers'd in the scriptures, arriv'd at Ephesus.
Weymouth New Testament Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was a native of Alexandria, a man of great learning and well versed in the Scriptures.
Worrell New Testament Now a certain Jew, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by birth, a learned man, came down to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures.
Worsley New Testament Now there came to Ephesus a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures.
Para ser una iglesia, la Madeleine tiene sin duda una forma extraña, pues parece más bien un templo de la antigua Roma. La explicación hay que buscarla en la turbulenta historia de París en los años que rodean a la Revolución Francesa.
Historia del monumento
La antigua Madeleine
Antes de que esta zona de la ciudad quedara completamente alterada con la construcción de la enorme Plaza de la Concordia, existía en este lugar una pequeña iglesia de la Madeleine. Pero el diseño de la nueva plaza exigía una iglesia más grande, cerrando la perspectiva de la "Calle Real", que conducía hasta ella.
Cuando estalló la Revolución Francesa, la iglesia se encontraba todavía a medio construir, e inmediatamente se detuvieron las obras.
Pasado el periodo revolucionario, Napoleón quiso convertir la iglesia inacabada en un templo pagano, dedicado a la gloria del Gran Ejército, la Grande Armée. Para ello, derribó todo lo construido hasta entonces, y comenzó a levantarse el edificio que hoy contemplamos.
Pero finalmente, viendo que su efímero Imperio se derrumbaba, decidió que el edificio, ya muy avanzado, volviera a su uso original como iglesia.
Exterior del monumento
La Madeleine tiene la forma de un templo "periptero", es decir, rodeado de columnas por sus cuatro costados, como los templos griegos. Y posee las mismas dimensiones que el mayor templo de la antigua Grecia: el de Zeus Olímpico de Atenas.
Los elementos más destacados en el exterior de La Madeleine son:
1. El frontón
Fue construido después de la Restauración borbónica, en tiempos de Luis Felipe de Orleans, el "rey ciudadano". Aunque Luis Felipe había sido partidario de la Revolución, quiso que la imagen de este gran frontón tuviera un espíritu de conciliación. Por eso permitió que apareciera en él María Magdalena arrodillada ante Jesucristo Juez, como una alegoría de la Francia arrepentida, que suplica perdón por la ejecución de Luis XVI.
En efecto, a pocos pasos de esta iglesia, en la Plaza de la Concordia, había tenido lugar, el 21 de enero de 1792, la muerte del rey en la guillotina.
2. Puertas de bronce
Las puertas de entrada al templo son uno de los elementos más impresionantes de esta iglesia, por sus colosales dimensiones y por la fuerza de sus relieves.
Fueron realizadas por el barón Henri de Triqueti y representan "Los diez mandamientos". Los dos primeros se encuentran en el panel horizontal de la parte superior, y los otros 8 en las hojas de las puertas.
Estos son los mandamientos, y las escenas que los representan. Todas ellas están tomadas del Antiguo Testamento y tienen gran fuerza expresiva.
"No tendrás otros dioses fuera de mí". Escena que lo ilustra: el pueblo judío recibe las tablas de la Ley.
"No invocarás en vano el nombre de Dios". El pueblo judío ante Moisés.
"Santificarás las fiestas". Dios descansa el séptimo día.
"Honra a tu padre y a tu madre". Noé maldice al hizo que se burló de él.
"No matarás". Caín es castigado por la muerte de su hermano.
"No cometerás adulterio". El profeta Natán recrimina al rey David.
"No robarás". Josué dictando sentencia por un robo.
"No levantarás falso testimonio". Daniel defiende a la casta Susana ante la acusación injusta.
"No codiciarás la mujer de tu prójimo". Dios rescata a Sara, la mujer de Abraham.
"No codiciarás la casa de tu prójimo". Elías recrimina al rey Acab por codiciar la viña de Nabot, y darle muerte.
Detalle del 5º mandamiento. Abel yace en tierra tras ser asesinado por Caín. Foto: joz
Visita al interior
Si el exterior de La Madeleine parece un templo pagano de la Antigüedad, el interior se organiza como unas termas, con gran profusión de mármoles de colores.
Su mayor defecto es la escasa luz natural, que deja a la iglesia habitualmente en semipenumbra.
El techo se cierra mediante bóvedas rebajadas, adornadas con casetones y con un gran óculo en el centro, inspiradas en el Panteón de Roma.
Foto: Guilhem Vellut (recorte)
La iglesia está llena de esculturas realizadas por artistas que fueron los mejores en su momento. El gobierno de Luis Felipe de Orleans puso gran cuidado la decoración de esta iglesia, que debía ser "El Remplo de la Reconciliación nacional", tras las convulsiones de la Revolución Francesa y del Imperio. Por eso destinó a La Madeleine grandes cantidades de recursos.
Las piezas más vistosas son:
El gran grupo escultórico sobre el altar principal, obra de Charles Marochetti. Se llama "El arrebato de María Magdalena", a la que muestra en éxtasis, en el momento de ser arrebatada al cielo, transportada en una canastilla por ángeles de enormes alas.
El enorme fresco de Jules-Claude Ziegler, en el casquete del ábside. En él aparecen representados personajes de la Iglesia, de todas las épocas y culturas. La escena central representa a Cristo, que acoge y perdona a María Magdalena (alegoría de Francia arrepentida, como en el relieve del frontón).
Una banda a los pies de la santa explica el motivo: dilexit multum, amó mucho.
En el fresco aparece también la figura de Napoleón Bonaparte, que en ese momento acababa de fallecer y era extraordinariamente popular en Francia. Clica en la imagen para verlo.
Tema anterior
The Arc de Triomphe shines during the Christmas season on the Champs-Elysées in Paris, France. 
This is a lantern slide of the Champs-Elysées in 1856 with the Arc de Triomphe on the horizon.
An aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe, which stands in the center of the Place de Charles de Gaulle, where 12 avenues, including the Champs-Elysées, meet.
City of Light, is located in northern France. Paris France coordinates are 
Where is Paris located? The longitude and latitude of Paris are 
The magnificent Arc de Triomphe, at the heart of the City of Light. The coordinates of Paris are 
This Paris latitude map shows that Paris is further north than the major cities in the continental United States
