Sorbonne, University of Paris

Can you see my sparkly river? It wiggles and giggles all through my streets. I have a very tall tower that tickles the clouds, and it twinkles with lights when the sun goes to sleep. If you listen closely, you can hear happy music, and if you sniff the air, you can smell warm, yummy bread. People laugh and play in my green gardens. I am a place full of surprises and fun. I am the city of Paris.

A long, long time ago, I was just a little village on an island in my river, the Seine. I was very small. But year after year, more friends came to live with me. They built beautiful houses and strong bridges, stacking them stone by stone, like giant building blocks. One day, a very clever man named Gustave Eiffel had a big idea. He wanted to build something amazing for a super big party. He built my famous tower, reaching high into the sky. He finished my tower on a special day, March 31st, 1889. At first, some people thought my tower looked a little funny. But soon, everyone saw how it sparkled, and they loved it very much.

Today, I am a happy place to play. Artists with colorful paints make beautiful pictures of me. Families bring yummy snacks and have picnics in my green grass. Little boats float on my river, sailing by like happy ducks. I love hearing all the happy sounds of children laughing and friends talking. I am a place for making new friends and sharing big smiles. Come visit me soon. Bonjour!