Five Places from A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities is my favorite of Charles Dickens’ novels that I’ve read, and I suspect it will remain that way even as I read more of Mr. Dickens’ work in the future. Since places are always enhanced by stories, here are five places that have a starring role in A Tale of Two Cities.
Dover, England
At the beginning of the novel Mr. Lorry and Lucie Manette travel to France by taking a boat from Dover. It’s the most traditional route between England and France, and if you ever have a chance to take the ferry across it’s a lot of fun to travel the way so many have before you.
The Old Bailey, London, England
I’ve never visited myself, but this famous criminal court building where Dickens describes a trial is still in use today.
La Conciergerie, Paris, France
Located on the banks of the Seine, this fortress was the last stop for those condemned to the guillotine. One of its most famous prisoners was Marie Antoinette.
Place de la Concorde, Paris, France
Home of the guillotine during the terrifying Reign of Terror, the spot is now marked by the Luxor Obelisk. King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and Robespierre all met their ends here.
Place de la Bastille, Paris, France
The July Column now stands in the middle of a roundabout where the famous French castle and prison once stood, but you can find a few remains of the Bastille around Paris.
