The first thing we noticed about Parisian monuments is that they were definitely monumental in size. So much so that I could not back up far enough to fit them within the scope of my zoom lens in many cases. It is hard to appreciate the sheer dimensions until you are right before them with your neck craned to see the tops. The attention to detail is remarkable. 

Les Invalides, where Napoleon is entombed – rather literally – inside an Egyptian style sarcophagus.  The dome is topped in gold. Aidan said, "I want to go there Mom.  I know alot about the guy." ; ) 

the Opera House founded in 1669

L'Arc de Triomphe, where the eternal flame burns before the tomb of the unknown soldier from WWI. The arch itself honors those who fought and died in the Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, and has the names of all the French generals and victories inscribed on its sides. 

The Hotel de Coislin, where Benjamin Franklin and a small group of French and Americans signed the Treaties of Friendship, Commerce and Alliance on Feb. 6, 1778, much to the chagrin of the British ambassador who had planted spies to monitor Franklin's activities in the City of Light.  This made France the first of all nations to recognize the United States as an independent country. 

La Sorbonne, the University of Paris, in the latin quarter, so named because latin was equated with higher education for centuries. And of course there are still a number of people today who feel the same. : ) 

It goes without saying that this trip netted a ton of raw materials for future projects. : )