5. travnja 2019. cijeli je svijet bespomoćno gledao kako razorni požar prijeti uništiti jedan od najdragocjenijih simbola Francuske: katedralu Notre-Dame u Parizu. Danas pet godina nakon tragedije, zgrada je podignuta iz pepela, spremna ponovno dočekati vjernike i posjetitelje.

Ovo uskrsnuće je prilika da se osvrnemo na drugo vrijeme kada je Notre-Dame gotovo nestao: 19. stoljeće. Prijetilo joj je napuštanje i rušenje, ali je spašena zahvaljujući genijalnosti Victora Hugoa i njegovom romanu  “Notre-Dame de Paris” , djelu koje je katedrali vratilo mjesto koje joj pripada u srcima Parižana i Francuza.

Katedrala u opasnosti u 19. stoljeću

Notre-Dame de Paris  jedan je od  najpoznatijih romana Victora Hugoa . Iako se radnja događa u 15. stoljeću, Hugo ju je objavio 1836. godine, u vrijeme kada je katedrala bila u vrlo derutnom stanju. Tijekom revolucije Notre-Dame je postao žrtva nekoliko vandalskih djela: uništeni su kipovi u portalima, kao i poznata Galerija judejskih kraljeva - na žalost uslijed neznanje revolucionari su mislili da su kraljevi Francuske. U toj strci  srušen je i toranj.

Do kraja 1793. situacija se nije popravila. Kao dio politike dekristijanizacije, tada nova revolucionarna vlast je naredila da se zatvore sve crkve u Parizu. Notre-Dame nije bila iznimka, a jedno je vrijeme čak pretvorena i u... skladište!

Tek 1802. godine katedrala je vraćena za bogoslužje i obavljeni su neki hitni radovi, ali Notre-Dame je bio u tako lošem stanju da je čak bilo razmatrano i njeno rušenje. Svojim romanom Victor Hugo želi prenijeti svoja politička razmišljanja, a posebno svoju borbu za očuvanje baštine. Notre-Dame de Paris  doživio je veliki uspjeh kod publike i pomogao svojim čitateljima da postanu svjesni vrijednosti katedrale, koja će na kraju biti pošteđena. Arhitekt Viollet-le-Duc je sredinom 19. stoljeća izveo veliki projekt obnove  .

Quasimodo, duša Notre-Dame de Paris?

No, vratimo se romanu. Prvo izdanje je bio tada prilično pozamašan komad od čak  733 stranice u izdanju Pochea – a opet je imao ono nešto: romantika, spletke, povijest… sve je tu da očara čitatelja, uključujući likove koji su toliko simpatični da je jedan od njih – Quasimodo – postao i danas neodvojiv od Katedrale.Čuveni grbavac koji zvoni je naravno izmišljen lik, ali Hugo ga tako dobro opisuje da vjerujemo da je stvaran, kao u ovom odlomku:

” Ponekad biste se susreli s nekom vrstom žive himere u mračnom kutu crkve, koja čuči i mršti se: Quasimodo je to mislio. Ponekad biste pod zvonikom vidjeli ogromnu glavu i snop neurednih udova kako se bijesno njišu na kraju užeta: bio je to Quasimodo kako zvoni Večernju ili Angelus. Često se noću moglo vidjeti odvratno obličje kako luta po krhkoj, čipkastoj balustradi koja kruni tornjeve i obrubljuje apsidalni perimetar: bio je to grbavac Notre-Damea. Tada je,” pričali su susjedi, “cijela crkva poprimila nešto fantastično, nadnaravno, užasno; tu i tamo otvorene oči i usta; mogli ste čuti lavež pasa, guivere, kamene taraske koji dan i noć bdiju, ispruženih vratova i raširenih čeljusti oko monstruozne katedrale. A ako je bila božićna noć, dok je veliko zvono, koje kao da ječi, pozivalo vjernike na vatrenu polnoćku, tamnim pročeljem širio se takav zrak da se činilo kao da veliki portal proždire mnoštvo i ružičasti prozor gledao ih je odozgo. A sve je to došlo od Quasimoda. Egipat bi ga uzeo za boga ovog hrama; Srednji vijek vjerovao je da je on demon: on je bio njegova duša.

Toliko da je, za one koji znaju da je Quasimodo postojao, Notre-Dame danas napušten, beživotan, mrtav. Osjećate da je nešto nestalo. Ovo golemo, prazno tijelo; to je kostur; duh ga je napustio, vidi se njegovo mjesto i to je to. To je poput lubanje u kojoj još uvijek postoje rupe za oči, ali nema više pogleda. ” 

I istina je da kada pročitate roman Notre-Dame de Paris, bacite novi pogled na katedralu, tražeći tračak Quasimoda kako se vrti u njezinim tornjevima. Dakle, Quasimodo, je zapravo duša Notre-Damea?  Možda, jer iako je lik izmišljen, on je uvelike pridonio spašavanju spomenika – i zahvaljujemo mu na tome!

A danas gledamo Notre-Dame de Paris u njenom najsjajnijoj Gotičkom sjaju i neka to potraje još do vječnosti!

Jer Gotička se umjetnost pojavila iznenada, poput bljeska svje­tlosti nakon višestoljetnog mraka srednjeg vijeka i u samo nekoliko godina dosegla vrhunac u mnoštvu novih elemenata bez prethodnih razvojnih etapa. Intrigantno je kako su graditelji, za koje se još uvijek ne zna odakle su sakupili svoja znanja, tijekom samo jednog stoljeća podigli stotinjak savršeno zamišljenih i zadivljujuće izvedenih ka­tedrala a jedna je i Notre Dame de Paris.

Gotičke su katedrale jedinstvena sinteza matematičkih i astronomskih spoznaja, graditeljskih, umjetničkih i obrtničkih umijeća nadahnutih najdubljim religijskim osjećajima. Od samih početaka one izmiču pokušajima da ih se u potpunosti rastumači. Svojim podzemnim kriptama, zagonetnim labirintima, veličanstvenim portalima, stupovima i svodovima obasjanim magičnom svjetlošću vitraja, omogućavaju susret čovjeka sa samim sobom, usmjeravajući ga prema vječnosti.

Magical lighting, orchestral music and video mapping showcase the site's incredible architecture from the most spectacular sections to the smallest details, with the inside of this iconic Parisian landmark coming to life and taking on its true power.

Aura Invalides will open on 22 September for several seasons.

An original creation creating an interplay between historic heritage and digital culture Aura Invalides is a gargantuan creation where lighting, orchestral music and video mapping meet the majestic architecture of the Dôme des Invalides, whose golden curves have brightened the Parisian skyline for over three hundred years. 

It is an unforgettable journey that takes in historic and architectural heritage.

For 50 minutes in the evening after the sun sets, visitors can enjoy a timeless shared experience under the painted 60-metre dome, where classical architecture and digital creations come together in a series of spellbinding and sonorous scenes.

Produced by the Cultival agency and designed by the Moment 

Factory international multimedia creation studio, in collaboration with the Musée de l'Armée, Aura Invalides encourages you to see the outstanding Les Invalides heritage from a new perspective and (re)discover all it has to offer.

A timeless experience

Inaugurated by Louis XIV in 1706, the Dôme des Invalides — which has housed Napoleon Bonaparte's tomb since 1861 — is both the majestic setting and the protagonist of the immersive Aura Invalides experience.

The artistic teams have designed a work of images and sound inspired by the site's symbolism and genius to reveal the full extent of the creativity employed by its architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart.

As visitors walk around the experience, which is divided into three sections: construction, memories and elevation, they feel at one with the landmark and revel in a timeless escape from their normal lives.

An artistic, technical and architectural challenge

The landmark's enormous size posed an unprecedented challenge for the creators at Cultival's partner, the Moment Factory multimedia studio. For over a year, multidisciplinary teams specialising in video, projection,lighting, sound design and special effects worked on the project's artistic, technical and architectural design with the aim of glorifying the Dôme's imposing architecture from all angles, down to the smallest details.

They also worked in close collaboration with scientific teams from the Musée de l'Armée. Aura Invalides is the fruit of this extensive creative work by passionate teams who specialise in showcasing heritage and the digital arts.

The public can enjoy this monumental experience from 22 September.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Experience accessible to all ages; recommended from age 5.

Prices:

• Adult: €24

• Ages 16 to 26: €15

• Ages 5 to 15: €10

Address: 2 place Vauban: Dôme des Invalides side

Open: all year round from 22 September 2023;

booking required

Public transport: Invalides, La Tour-Maubourg and

Varenne metro stations

Bookings: www.aura-invalides.com 

aura@cultival.fr

ABOUT CULTIVAL

Cultival is an expert in unique cultural excursions and a leading creator of immersive experiences in prestigious locations.

As Île-de-France's foremost provider of unparalleled cultural visits, Cultival has used its expertise to create unique guided tours at over 15 iconic Parisian sites during its 22 years in operation.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors have used it to explore Palais Garnier, Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris, UNESCO, the Manufacture des Gobelins, Stade Roland-Garros and Stade de France.

Since 2018, the Cultival agency has added a new strategic string to its bow, producing exclusive and unforgettable immersive experiences at heritage sites: Assassin’s Creed at Les Invalides and Arsène Lupin and the secret of the Opera at Palais Garnier.

Cultival has been the Musée de l'Armée's exclusive partner for guided tours since 2013. The adventure now continues with an amazing immersive experience at the Dôme des Invalides.

More information: www.cultival.fr

ABOUT THE MUSÉE DE L’ARMÉE - INVALIDES

Located at the Hôtel National des Invalides, the Musée de l'Armée takes visitors back in France's history through the prism of military events and battles. This museum of history, fine arts, science and technology has one of the world's most extensive military history collections. 

It is also home to the famous Dôme des Invalides, which houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. With 1.2 million annual visitors, the Musée de l'Armée is one of Paris's most popular museums.

The Musée de l'Armée is currently undertaking a significant extension and transformation project to be completed by 2030, known as MINERVE. It will eventually become the museum of France's international history through the lens of military events, with a comprehensive and resilient curatorial approach taking account of the country's interactions with the world and giving the floor to otherness.

ABOUT MOMENT FACTORY

Moment Factor is a multimedia studio that brings together a wide range of expertise: the team includes specialists in video, lighting, architecture, sound and special effects to create memorable experiences. Based in Montreal, the studio also has offices in Tokyo, Paris, New York and Singapore. Since it was founded in 2001, Moment Factory has undertaken over 525 uniqueprojects around the world, including the Lumina night walks. Its clients include Reims Cathedral, Singapore Changi Airport, Jain, Microsoft, Disney, Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica, Universal Studios, Singapore Zoo and Muse.

Imagine a woman leading a charge through the chaos of revolution. Delacroix’s "Liberty Leading the People" immortalizes this electrifying moment.

What's the Deal with "Liberty Leading the People"?

At the heart of the painting is Liberty herself, depicted as a robust woman in a Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom. She strides forward, barefoot, holding the tricolour flag in one hand and a bayoneted musket in the other. This powerful figure is surrounded by a diverse group of revolutionaries, including workers, intellectuals, and even a young boy wielding pistols, symbolizing the unity of different social classes in the fight for liberty. The chaotic yet dynamic scene is set against the smoky backdrop of Paris, with the Notre Dame Cathedral visible in the distance​.

 The Palace of Versailles, one of France's main tourist sites, re-opened on Tuesday after closing temporarily in its second security scare in four days.

France was already on its highest state of alert after the Oct. 13 murder of a teacher in a suspected Islamist attack.

The Palace said earlier in the day on social media that it had evacuated visitors for "security reasons" without providing further details.

BFM TV, citing police sources, said that a bomb squad had been dispatched to the Palace.

The local police body for Versailles said later that the police operation had ended and an earlier security cordon that had been put in place was lifted.

The Palace, built in the 17th century for King Louis XIV, was the main royal residence until the French Revolution and the overthrow of the monarchy in 1789.

Tourists queuing outside the Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, had mixed feelings.

"It's a very worrying and tense situation, but we can't stop living either," said Jean-Pierre Brehon, 72, from nearby Saint-Germain-en-Laye outside Paris.

"As foreigners, we're not really used to all of this," said 19-year old Swiss tourist Margarita Costa. "We find it a bit shocking."

On Saturday, one day after a teacher in France was killed, bomb alerts that proved false forced the evacuation of the Louvre museum, the Palace of Versailles and Paris' Gare de Lyon train station.(Reuters)

 Dvorac Versailles, od Pariza udaljena četrdesetak kilometara, i veliki park koji je okružuje evakuirani su poslijepodne iz sigurnosnih razloga.

"Dragi posjetitelji, iz sigurnosnih razloga palača Versailles danas, u subotu 14. listopada, evakuira posjetitelje i zatvara svoja vrata. Hvala vam na razumijevanju", stoji u poruci objavljenoj na društvenim mrežama.

Prijetnje bombom

Francuska televizijska kuća BFMTV je, pozivajući se na policijske izvore, objavila da je uprava jedne od glavnih francuskih turističkih atrakcija primila prijetnju bombom. I pariški muzej Louvre je nekoliko sati ranije zatvoren iz sigurnosnih razloga. BFMTV je objavio da je i muzej dobio prijetnju bombom.

Ti su incidenti uslijedili dan nakon što je učitelj u sjevernom francuskom gradu Arrasu nasmrt izboden nožem. To je potaknulo vlasti da uvedu najvišu razinu opasnosti od terorističkih napada. Dvadesetogodišnji osumnjičenik navodno je otprije poznat vlastima kao radikalizirani islamist. BFMTV je izvijestio da je prije napada uzviknuo "Allahu Akbar". U napadu su teško ozlijeđene tri osobe.(Hina)

Muzej Louvre u Parizu zatvoren je danas iz sigurnosnih razloga, dok je Francuska u stanju pripravnosti nakon napada u sjeveroistočnom gradu Arrasu.

"Louvre je primio pisanu poruku u kojoj se navodi da postoji rizik za muzej i njegove posjetitelje", rekla je glasnogovornica za agenciju France Presse nakon što je na društvenim mrežama objavila zatvaranje.

"Odlučili smo evakuirati ga i zatvoriti ga na dan, dok ne izvršimo potrebne provjere."(Hina)

 The official reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is scheduled for December 8, 2024, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On April 15, 2019, the cathedral, then undergoing restoration work, caught fire. The spire, the entire roof covering the nave, the choir, and the transept collapsed, arousing emotion and amazement throughout the world.

After two years devoted to securing the building, to project studies, then to the preparation and awarding of calls for proposals, cleaning and restoration work on the interior of the building are in progress. The work to restore the spire and the missing frameworks represents the most impressive stage.

It's a little over a year until the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the city is buzzing with extensive construction projects. However, the city council is looking beyond the Games as it seeks to make the city more climate-friendly.

 Louis Renault, the founder of the French automobile company that bears his name, died in prison on this day in 1944 at age 67. 

The Frenchman found himself behind bars after being named as a suspected Nazi collaborator, a charge he denied. The circumstances leading up to his arrest and death remain mysterious, but he cemented his legacy in the auto industry long before the rise of the Nazi party.

The first Renault car

Louis Renault, born in 1877, build his first car in 1898 with the help of two hired workers. Dubbed the Voiturette, the car featured a De Dion-Bouton 1 cylinder engine, giving the car a top speed of about 20 miles per hour. After demonstrating the vehicle could maneuver hilly roads without issue on Christmas Eve of 1898, he received 13 orders. A friend of Louis father purchased that first car, paving the way for production for the rest. After officially founding the company that would become the Renault known today in 1899, he continued to build Voiturette cars until 1903. As each year passed, he added new features to the car, such as a roof and doors. This was the early days of the automobile after all.

The last iteration of the Voiturette was the Type G. It featured semi-elliptical springs that gave the car a rather comfortable ride for the era. It also had a highly engineered water cooling system that reduced the operating temperature of the 8 horsepower De Dion-Bouton engine. That same year, Renault would begin to manufacture its own engines. Orders for cars soon began to flow in, including a large purchase of taxis that would roam French streets. In 1908 Renault had its biggest year yet, producing 3,575 cars.

Renault in WWI

Following a trip to the US to visit Henry Ford in Detroit in 1911, Renault instituted a variety of manufacturing techniques that would bolster production. By 1913 he had mastered mass production at his plant, just in time for World War I. Like most industrial companies of the era and area, civilian production ceased so munitions and other military equipment could be manufactured. During the war Renault built airplane engines, trucks and tanks.

In peacetime, Renault began producing more commercial vehicles and agricultural agreement. It struggled to produce a successful affordable vehicle for the French people. This led to Citroen, Renault’s fiercest rival, overtaking it as the largest French automobile company by the late 1920s. All the while, Renault churned out Grand Renault automobiles. As the name suggests, they were quite grand. However, in the midst of the Great Depression, Citroen faced major financial hardship and went bankrupt, relieving the production title back to Renault as it became a part of Michelin.

As the global financial crisis grasped the French auto industry, so did labor disputes just prior to World War II. Renault eventually fired more than 2,000 workers. During this era, Renault remained in complete control of his company and continued to invent new automobile systems. Some, such as hydraulic shocks and certain drum brakes, remain in use to this day by modern automakers. Then war found its way to France once again.

Louis Renault in WWII

in 1940, while Renault was in the USA to ask for tanks the Germans invaded. He returned to find the Franco-German armistice in place. Renault ultimately had to decide if he would have his factories dismantled and moved to Germany or if he would continue production for the Nazis in France. He chose the latter going to work for the French Vichy, the new independent government of France with strong ties to the Nazis. In Renault’s words, he kept his factories active he would prevent thousands of French from being transported to Nazi Germany. His company went on to produce more than 30,000 vehicles for the Nazis.

Just three weeks after the liberation of France in 1944 Renault was arrested on charges of industrial collaboration with the Nazis. By that time, Renault’s health had been greatly diminished. Despite his frail state he found himself in Paris’ Fresnes Prison. As his mental and physical state continued to decline he was moved to a hospital and then a nursing home. He died there after claiming to have been mistreated at Fresnes. No autopsy was completed at the time and uremia was listed as the cause of death. More than ten years later his wife would claim he died after being beaten by guards.

His body would later be exhumed and he’d be found to have a broken vertebrae. However, his family’s claims went unheard. For decades his heirs would fight to restore his name and claim that his company was illegally confiscated. Court battles continued as late as 2011 in which his family sought damages for the death of Louis Renault and the nationalization of Renault.(automotivehistory,motorssportplus)

 Like a number of cities around the world, Paris has recently adopted the system of a City Pass for tourists.  The City Pass gives you direct access to the local museums without having to queue to get in, as well as obtaining unlimited access to public transport. Two different passes are available – the Paris PassLib’ and the Paris Museum Pass. To help you decide which one to chose, France Hotel Guide gives you its advice in this article on the pros and cons of each pass.

The Paris Museum Pass

The Paris Museum Pass is essentially a queue ticket to visit Paris’ monuments and museums.

Available over 2, 4 or 6 days, it guarantees you quick access to 60 essential monuments in Paris and the Paris region.

You can visit the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre or Versailles or the Château de Chantilly.

The Museum Pass can be ordered online and can be picked up at the Paris Tourist Office. You can buy it in advance and activate it whenever you want.

Please note, however, that the days of use must be consecutive and cannot be spread over several visits.

Also pay attention to the opening days of the museums when preparing your visits (many museums are closed on Tuesdays, for example).

Moreover, do not forget that transport is not included and that you must add the price of subway tickets.

Gratuity: For young people under 26 years of age from the European Union, and all young people under 18 years of age, most museums within the Ile de France are free. If you fall into this category, it is not necessary for you to purchase a Museum Pass. Please also note that no refund is given in case of the loss or theft of your pass.

What we like: Visits to more than 60 museums in Paris and the Paris region, free for those under 26 and 18 years of age

What we like a little less: Non-refundable tickets, transport not included

Information:
Office de Tourisme de Paris :
25 Rue des Pyramides – 75001 Paris
Plus d’informations sur le Paris Museum Pass

Prices:
Without the Paris Museum Pass:
Arc de Triomphe – €12 (full rate)
Musée du Louvre – €18 (full rate)
Tour de Notre Dame – €10 (full rate)
Panthéon – €9 (full rate)
Château de Versailles – from €18 (full rate)

With the Paris Museum Pass:
2 days Pass: €48
4 days Pass: €62
6 days Pass: €74

Access via public transport:

SUBWAYS
Line 1, Saint-Paul le Marais and Hôtel de ville
Line 11, Hôtel de ville

RER
RER A, B and D, Châtelet les Halles

BUS
Bus 76 and 67, Hotel De Ville De Paris 4Ème Arrondissement
Bus 38, Châtelet

The Paris PassLib’

The Paris PassLib’ is, in a way, the top-of-the-range version of the Museum Pass.

Available in 2, 3 or 5-day options, it includes a Museum Pass that gives you access to most museums in Paris and the Paris region, but it also includes unlimited transport (bus, metro and RER), a cruise on the Seine, an Open-Tour day on Hop-On Hop-Off buses, discounts at Galeries Lafayette and a Paris guide.

Depending on the option selected, it is the combination of the Museum Pass and the Paris Visite, or simply the Paris PassLib’ Mini.

The Paris Pass Lib’ Mini only has the Pass Lib’ card (1 hour of boat cruise and 1 day by panoramic bus) and the visit of the Eiffel Tower with access to the 2nd floor for an additional 2€20 and is only valid for one day.

With the Paris Passlib’ card, you will have:

• A 70-minute cruise on the Seine with comments in 25 languages
• 3 Open Tour itineraries for one day
• Access to temporary exhibitions at the city’s 11 museums, except the Catacombs and the city’s archaeological crypt.

With the Paris Visite card, you will have unlimited access to transport (bus, metro, tramway and RER) from Paris for the duration of your stay.

With the Paris Museum Pass, you will have access to permanent exhibitions in 60 museums and monuments in Paris and the Paris region.

When you have placed your order, you will be entitled to a map of Paris and a free user guide.

Gratuity: Most museums in Ile de France are free for young people under 26 years of age from the European Union. If you are in this category, it may not be necessary for you to purchase a PassLib’. Also, don’t forget that some museums and monuments are free on the first Sunday of each month. For more information, visit the site here.  The Paris PassLib’ can be ordered on the website but must be picked up at the Paris Tourist Office.

More information about the Paris PassLib’

What we like: Visits to more than 60 museums in Paris and the Paris region, free for those under 26 and 18 years old, transport included.

What we like a little less: Non-refundable tickets.

Information :
Office de Tourisme de Paris:
25 Rue des Pyramides – 75001 Paris

Prices:
Mini Pass: €40 per adult, €26 per child
2 days Pass: €109 per adult, €35 per child
3 days Pass: €129 per adult, €39 per child
5 days Pass: €155 per adulte, €47 per child

Access via public transport:
 
Metro
Line 1, Saint-Paul le Marais and Hôtel de ville
Line 11, Hôtel de ville

RER
RER A, B and D, Station Châtelet les Halles

BUS
Bus 76 and 67, Hotel De Ville De Paris 4ème Arrondissement
Bus 38 Châtelet

Comparison of Paris PassLib’ and Paris Museum Pass