This monument also is impressive from the outside, but it was my personal walking tour this time, with an audio guide, that helped me understand why it’s important: Remembering.
This sculpture honors all the artists whose names have been lost to history. In the Pantheon of course, but so many in so many other places. In the lower level many great men and women are buried and honored. A solemn, silent, respectful space. Remembering those who strove for others, for knowledge, or something more than themselves. We are staying not far from Riom, and we’ll visit Vichy Thursday. Who decides who gets honored here? I need to do more research.Some are more famous than others. Veil was a Holocaust survivor, magistrate, and politician. She did much to advance women’s rights.Like these two famous French writers who share the same room. Without them we wouldn’t have The Hunchback of Notre Dame or The Count of Monte Cristo.Here’s a view of one of the many small chambers that often contain three tombs. Foucault’s 2nd Pendulum was here for a time. An exact replica of it graces the center of the main level under the central dome. Art of all types help visitors to remember the history of Paris. And several modern pieces represent the memory of war. I was surprised that St. Exupéry, author of the Little Prince, had his name carved in stone on the main level. Le Pantheon – a view of it from my breakfast cafe on the corner of Rue Soufflot & Rue Saint Jacques
Recently retired from an Iowa high school, I was a French & English teacher, now seeking adventure and meaning through walking, learning, listening, and being thankful for the joy that is life. I love faith that leads to greater understanding, love and service, friends that encourage, and family. I hope my blog will inspire, inform, and delight my readers. Beauty is all around us, if we take the time to notice it. I know I don’t have to be in France to blog; it’s just that France has stolen my heart.
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Walking in France from Le Puy en Velay
Wow! a personal tour of some of the special things to remember. I sincerely feel privileged! Beautiful photos and description. Thank you, Tammy!
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