The one random skyscraper in Paris...

Yes. The view from my apartment is beautiful, and the second thing you notice, after the Eiffel Tower, is a tall, dark skyscraper that is MANY stories taller than ANYTHING else in Paris. The Tour Montparnasse has become a tourist attraction and offers an amazing panoramic view of Paris (much like the Eiffel Tower) and has also been a source of criticism. At 210 meters (59 stories) it is the tallest skyscraper in France and at the time of its construction was the tallest in Europe.

Two years after its construction, the building of skyscrapers within the city limits of Paris was baned because it was deemed an eyesore and interrupted the view of the city. Skyscrapers did not fit the "theme" or "image" Paris wanted to keep for itself. As a result, most of the city's skyscrapers are outside city limits, notably around La Defense. So much the better I say! Skyscrapers would prevent me from seeing the tops of many of Paris' other famous monuments.

France's Long-Secret Library of Libido

So, I know this isn't something I've seen while here, but just thought that it was interesting that a country we (Americans) typically view as a very sexually open country had a "secret library" called L'Enfer.

I've included the link if you would like to read the article. Be aware, the title of the blog gives you faire warning for the contents of the article.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,315367,00.html

This is still a far cry from the censorship activities practiced in the states. However, given what I have learned about the history of France this year, particularly the history of criminal law and how the severity of punishment fluctuated over time, it is not surprising that some form of censorship or another was practiced throughout the ages, particularly with a subject that has historically been "suspect" as far as a person's morality was concerned.

All the same, it was an interesting article, and could prove to be an interesting exhibit.