2012 Tour Flashback: City of Romance

The Arc Du Triomphe on Champs-Élysées honoring those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (WWI). (Annie Li)

As we continued down Champs-Élysées, we just had to take a photograph of the world's first Louis Vuitton. (Annie Li)

Our expedition continued as, while on hunt for lunch, we were rewarded with this inexplicably large roasted duck. By inexplicably large, I mean inexplicably large. I wish we had a comparison photo. (TK Kwok)

Just like the Beondegi that Ben Chen encountered in Korea, these escargots (snails, yum) were extremely disturbing to some, but peculiarly delectable for others. (TK Kwok)

Dancers Jeremy Su and Brian Nieh pose in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral. (TK Kwok)

Notre Dame, constructed in 1163, is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. (TK Kwok)

The Palais Garnier was built from 1861-1875 for the Paris Opera. (TK Kwok)

The interior of the Palais Garnier is adorned with magnificent ceiling frescoes depicting deities from Greek mythology. This is the Grand Foyer. (Jeff Sun)

Then came our favorite part of our Parisian adventure: The Louvre. (TK Kwok)

Principal dancer Daoyong Zheng enjoying the sights of Paris. And may I add that she looks quite the local with her sassy beret. (Annie Li)

The slight chill didn't stop us from enjoying the magnificence that is Paris. Dancers (L-R) Ming Na, Ashley Wei, Cherie Zhou, Angela Xiao, and Alison Chen pose for a photo on the River Seine. (Annie Li)

Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Paris without a photo with the Eiffel Tower. (Annie Li)

Growing up in Canada, I have long had a passion for Europe. I've toured with Shen Yun in Europe four times and still find Paris my favorite city.

On an off day between performances last spring, Shen Yun took to the streets of Paris. From the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame to the Louvre and the Paris Opera—everywhere our artists left footprints. And, at the same time, I witnessed the glory of Paris through my own lens.