National Park Trust Institute

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The National Park Trust Institute arrived in Paris, France on Saturday, April 29, 2000 to chilly overcast skies. The Institute is group of supporters and friends of National Park Trust who are interested in exchanging ideas and concerns with other nations on how to preserve and protect natural, historical and cultural sites of the world. This is the fourth exchange of this group. The first three trips were to China and resulted in Memorandum of Understanding being signed between the Trust and Parks China. It is our hope that these educational excursions will lead to Memorandums of Understanding with other nations.

In Paris we are staying at the Libertel Elysees-Ponthieu Hotel which is between the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde, a few steps away from the fabled Champs-Elysees. The 2-km (1 mile) Champs-Elysees was originally laid out in the 1660's by the landscape garden Le Notre as a garden sweeping from the Tuileries. 

Our first day began with an afternoon tour and orientation of Paris lead by local experts. Our drive down the Champs-Elysees took us first to the Arc d Triomphe. This is a magnificent example of Napoleonic self-celebration. At 162 feet (49 meters) high it is the world's second tallest triumphal arch. (North Korea built one just a smidgen bigger so it could claim the distinction as the world's tallest). Twelve Avenues radiate from the Arc and underneath it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Eiffel Tower provided the backdrop for our first group photo. Built at the end of the last century, this 7,000-ton marvel of latticework was almost destroyed in 1909. It disgusted many prominent Parisian's, who wanted to preserve the city's aesthetics, and was on its way to being disassembled when its radio-tower capabilities were discovered.

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