Victorian Voyages Paris Sims

New Paris’ Eiffel TowerContinuing on my “Victorian Travelogue” of era sims, I’ve returned to the Continent, to La Belle France, and its jewel, Paris. Locating three sims that represent the City of Lights, I have tried to use my previous rating system to describe my impressions of them. (I have reposted them, as not to have a reader drudge through my old posts – lol)! The system is…

RepresentationThis will roughly measure the similarity between the sim and the locale that it is purported to represent. The higher the number, the better the comparison, and the closer the sim is to its original.1 = Similar in name only2 = Some major difference between the sim and its namesake/place it is supposed to represent3 = A good translation with some differences4 = A very good compliment with minor discrepancies5 = Amazingly faithful reproduction of the sim to its original namesake/conceptAffinity to the Victorian EraThis reflects how “Victorian-esque” the sim is, or tangential it is to the era between 1800 – 1900. In other words, if one were to visit in Victorian/Steampunk attire, with proper manners, how well would one fit in
1 = No similarities at all (One would be completely out of place e.g. a space sim or a techno club).2 = Vague similarities3 = A fair approximation (Not necessarily a direct representation, but one would not be out of sorts)4 = Good simulation5 = Well done representation (a visitor would feel quite at ease in Victorian sensibilities) Depth of SimOnce you arrive, what is there to do?
1 = A couple of buildings or stores to see, nothing more2 = See a few stores in conjunction with the theme of the sim, maybe a sight or two3 = Visit a couple of merchants perhaps, maybe one or two things to do beyond that4 = A worthwhile visit, with a good number of things to see and do5 = Fantastically entertaining, a plethora of things to do and seeNow that the rating system is outlined, let us begin with the first sim.

The New Paris Champs ElyseesNew Paris

This sim is a combination of residential and commercial space, but the main draw is its user-friendly Eiffel tower. Not as imposing at the Paris 1900s tower, but it is a bit more manageable, has less issues with lag (and associated sl problems), and is actually a quite romantic place (lol)!The top of the New Paris Eiffel TowerThe tower has three levels, base, middle deck, and of course, the observation deck, complete with romantic poseballs and champagne on ice. It provides a magnificent view of the city, albeit a modern city. Apparently Pasquale “accidentally” found the champagne… There are quite a number of merchants, but aside from the Eiffel Tower, there really isnt much more to do.A residential plaza in New ParisRepresentation = 3 (New Paris is a good representation of a modern city with some French accents, although I fail to believe the RL Paris is this suburban)Affinity = 4 (Nice visiting couples, but I failed to meet a single resident, so I would say it is a moot point for a Victorian visitor)Depth = 2 (The only reason to visit is its Eiffel Tower – the rest are merchants and residential abodes)Total = 9 (Visit the Eiffel Tower – the primary reason to go to New Paris)Nice walkways, but modern to post-modern architecture———- ———- ———- ———The Paris 1900 Arc de Triomphe Paris 1900Actually a group of sims, Paris 1900 is an interesting build with a number of Paris landmarks under a turn-of-the-century veneer. I specifically use this term, because although many portions of the sim evoke a Moulin Rouge-esque atmosphere, it isnt uncommon to see modern (e.g. post 1970) items, such as autos, modern clothes, and objects. (One interesting note, this is a French sim, so English is not the primary language, and you will see much French chat, so having a Babbler is suggested if you wish to engage in conversation with the locals.) Pasquale looking for his lost his token to ride the MetroOne arrives in the Metro, and after passing the chalk artist sketching a transitory work, you will receive a note card (in French & English) explaining the rules of Paris 1900. Upon you transiting up the stairs, youll arrive in a central plaza area with updates, which is directly in front of the Moulin Rouge. The Central Plaza, with rides and a map of Paris 1900 to the leftLe Moulin Rouge – direcely as you come out of the MetroThe Moulin Rouge is an extremely large dance hall, a stage, and a seating area to relax (and dispense beverages). It is quite well done, with more than ample space to entertain groups and parties, but alas, I was unable to ascertain the schedule of events for the Moulin Rouge. (Additionally, in its entrance, there is a historical information site about Paris very enlightening).A ginormous dance floor from the stage…and a few from the entrance.Pasquale at the bar… (I told him to stay away from alcohol, it rusts his gears!)In the outdoor passage, there is a huge elephant that I originally passed by, but upon leaving the main dance floor, I noticed a stairwell on the side of the elephant. Curiosity getting the better of me, I followed it up, into the bowels of the giant pachyderm. Inside, a luxurious lounge awaited those needing a respite from the activities of the floor intriguing!Mssr. L’Elephant from the outside….and Pasquale lolly gagging inside the elephant!To the east is a replica of the Arc de Triomphe, complete with a note-card explaining the background and history of the Arc. In addition to the architectural details, there is a ride attached to the monument. A sort of hanging slide is available for those wishing to indulge in it.
Further into the sim, the largest representation of the Eiffel Tower is resides here. It is comprised of four sims, each covering a quarter of the tower. The base of the Paris 1900 Eiffel TowerThe tp to the tower cleverly disguised as an open elevator!A tp at the base allows travel to a mid-observation deck, and then on to the top of the tower. A good view of the adjoining sim is available, along with a nicely done control room (a superb wall full of dials and gages for those steampunk photos), are contrasted with a “parachute jump” off the side of the build. Entertaining, but alas, a departure from the original.A sunset on the middle floor….… and the “control room” at the topBack in the “Champs Elysee”, there are a number modern stores, but best is a small café to the left of the Moulin Rouge. A set of tables, chairs, and beverages (from inside the café), allows one to indulge in people watching, probably as in rl!The Cafe to the side of the Moulin Rouge – perfect for avatar watching!The inside of the Cafe (and Pasquale isn’t drinking – amazing!)Representation = 4 (A very intriguing representation of Paris – a bit more of the charm of the RL City of LightsAffinity = 3 (Not bad, but ensure you have a babbler if you wish to converse with the locals)Depth = 4 (A good number of things to do and see, although I was unable to obtain a schedule of events for the Moulin Rouge – pity.)Total = 11 (Worth a number of visits, perhaps a bit higher if I were to find out when the Moulin Rouge has its events)———- ———- ———- ———-Aretsia and I play a piece in VersaillesChateau de VersaillesI first learned of Chateau de Versailles from Miss Tombolas blog, and felt I needed pay it a visit. Unfortunately, I sent my assistant, Pasquale, ahead to garner a feel for this unique locale.

The Viscount correcting Pasquale on courtly manners

My neer-do-well clockwork manservant explained that upon arriving, he encountered an individual in 17th century garb, who he was able to insult twice within a minute. Apparently he couldnt decipher whether he was speaking to a gentleman or lady (said he was confused by the gentlemans flowing white wig). This gentleman then tped away, but he was greeted by a local Viscount, who generously offered to escort him to the main chambers and meet the Grand Duchess of Versailles.

Grand Duchess Debevec and one of her handmaidens

After passing through a pair glass doors, he was escorted up a set of stairs, through an ornate waiting room, and was escorted into the main chambers, where the Grand Duchess and her ladies were holding court. After some initial inquires about his construction (as they had never seen a clockwork man, they wanted to know if he had blood, a heart… and then summoned the court physician to examine him). After which, he returned to the Harbor clock tower for some re-calibration.

Artesia playing the harp

I later returned with Artesia, to indulge in the atmosphere, and see if I could investigate a few more details regarding Versailles. First, the courtyard is quite large, with “painting” stands (instead of camping chairs) very appropriate and very beautiful. I attempted to locate any wandering resident, but unfortunately none were available at the time. We went upstairs to the golden room, where we proceeded to enjoy a duet, with Artesia playing the harp, and myself on the (piano).

Representation = 4 (A very nicely done build of Versaille – but only that from what I’ve seen)

Affinity = 4 (Although it is from an earlier time than the Victorian/Steampunk genres, there are enough similiarites for any Victorian visitor to feel at home with a bit more formality).Depth = 5 (Possibly the best rp I’ve seen in SL – there isn’t much to the Versaille build-wise, but the quality and involvement of rp here more than makes up for it).Total = 13 (Superlative locale)