IN PARIS

Spring has officially started in the Northern Hemisphere of our planet, and there is no better way to celebrate the new season than visiting Paris, the most romantic city, which this time of the year is starting to bloom again to offer her visitors an unforgettable experience.

You may know Paris as the City of Lights, a nickname she earned during the Age of Enlightenment, the intellectual and philosophical movement that in the 17th-18th centuries spawned such central doctrines as individual liberty and religious tolerance. At that time, Paris played a central role as a center of intellectual and cultural activity, and many of the world’s most prominent philosophers, writers, and scientists lived and worked there. The city was also at the forefront of many technological advancements, including the widespread use of street lighting.

In fact, Paris was one of the first cities in the world to use gas street lighting on a large scale, starting in the early 19th century. This new technology transformed the city at night, making it a place of beauty and wonder and giving it a reputation as the “City of Lights.”

Today, the nickname also refers to Paris’s vibrant nightlife and the city’s stunning architecture, which is illuminated in spectacular fashion each night. From the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe, Paris’s iconic landmarks are a sight to behold after dark, making it a truly deserving home for the name “City of Lights.”

A well-known part of that vibrant nightlife is the Moulin Rouge, the legendary boîte de nuit, visited by such artists as the celebrated Toulouse Lautrec, where celebrities like Maurice Chevalier, Edith Piaf, and Yves Montand performed their shows. And if you go now, you’ll enjoy the feathery and dazzling artistry of Mistinguett, one of the many dancers who put the French Can-Can in headlines all around the globe. She was, by the way, Chevalier’s lover for many years, after she had a son with a Brazilian diplomat. Not that this particular piece of gossip matters or has any bearing on the fun you’ll be having there; I just thought you might find it interesting.

There are so many places to see and things to do in Paris that you would need a lifetime— or even several lifetimes —to see and do everything this magnificent city has to offer. Don’t let this make you feel overwhelmed. Even if you manage to visit just a few places, it will be a visit you’ll enjoy and remember warmly.

So, let’s start by visiting the Eiffel Tower, which is by far the most representative landmark not only of Paris but of the whole country. Look for the elevators and go straight to the 2nd Level. You’ll see there several panels (in French) about the story of the famous tower. In case you’re not familiar with the language of Molière and Racine, here’s a brief summary. The tower was designed as part of the 1889 Universal Exposition; its construction began in January 1887, and was concluded in March 1889, only a few weeks before the inauguration of the exhibition. It was a veritable feat in engineering, to say the least.

Another must-see landmark is Notre Dame Cathedral. Although the real cathedral was tragically damaged in a fire on April 16th, 2019, bear in mind that the Paris you are visiting in SL is set in 1900, a time known as the Belle Époque, which explains not only the outfits of the people you’ll see around but also the name of the sim itself. So, as an SL resident, you get to enjoy a visit to an undamaged cathedral. And even if efforts are well underway to restore this gothic monument to its former glory, they are not expected to be completed before 2024. That’s one more reason you should take the time to visit Notre Dame in SL, if only to take some selfies in front of this historic building. And if you don’t belong to the selfiesnapping crowd, you will welcome the chance to pose for a real photographer at the footings of the Eiffel Tower.

If you turn right from that point, you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, a monumental structure built on Napoleon’s orders to celebrate the triumphs of the French army. But History, alas, had a different plan, and the building of the arch was completed 30 years later, under Louis Philippe’s reign.

Paris is a city that can be visited and enjoyed on foot, mainly to appreciate and absorb the myriad of small details of art and refinement embedded everywhere you turn your eyes. But if you don’t feel like walking, you may take a tour of the city on board a tramway. You will enjoy not only the beauties that will parade in front of you, but also get an explanation of the most important landmarks as you pass by. These explanations, mind you, are both in French and English. But if you have a particular destination in mind, then you should take a taxi that will swiftly and gently take you to the desired place. The ride is free, of course, but a tip is always welcome and would show your appreciation for all the good work done here. And if you’re feeling more adventurous and would like to explore the city by yourself, you may drive one of the several free cars that you’ll find scattered through the city.

If you don’t have enough time to visit all the historic places, you should make some time to visit the Catacombs at least, a veritable labyrinth in the heart of underground Paris. Its story is fascinating and has been the basis for novels, movies, and of course, innumerable legends. You’ll find the entrance to this captivating place on one side of Notre Dame. You may want to rez a raft and take the tour, where you’ll have the chance to admire the macabre place and listen to its story.

But by all means, don’t let me spoil the pleasure of finding out by yourself. Set your mode to fun and point your teleporter to Paris. It will be an experience you’ll never forget!