Home to over 3800 historic
monuments and about four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it comes as no
surprise that Paris, the capital city of France is the most visited city
in the world.
Undoubtedly one of the most sophisticated and beautiful cities, Paris is
also known as a chic fashion hub. The romance capital of the world is
also a lively city and a center for art, culture, and haute couture.
Despite being one of Europe’s most populous metropolises, Paris is
perhaps one of the cleanest and greenest cities on the continent. It’s
also a leading center for international politics and higher education in
Europe, with more than 17 universities and about 55 grandes ecoles.
Aside from the students and artists, the city is a favorite destination
for honeymooners, families, and tourists with an active interest in
history and culture.
A City by the Seine
The origins of Paris date back to around 250 BC. The Gauls, tribesmen
of the Parisii tribe, founded the city as a small fishing hamlet on an
island in the Seine River, known as Ille de la Cité.
The city came to be known as Paris after the Parisii tribesmen who
settled there. Paris grew in population and size over the following two
centuries. By about 52 BC, Roman Emperor Julius Caesar had conquered
Paris and renamed the city Lutetia (or Lutee). Through the early Middle
Ages, Paris was known by the name given by Caesar.
Paris was dominated by the Franks and the Vikings until around 987
AD, When Hugh Capet, the Count of Paris, declared himself King of
France. Hugh Capet’s descendants, the monarchs of France, made Paris the
administrative center of the nation, and ruled from the city as the
capital. Through the 15th and early 16th centuries, Paris fell into
decline under the impact of the plagues, the Hundred Years’ War, and
political neglect. By 1635, the Fronde, a civil unrest, broke out in
France and the court was moved to Versailles. Parisians took the lead in
storming the Bastille in 1789, during the French Revolution. By 1792,
the monarchy had been overthrown. Between 1814 and 1830, Paris was
occupied by the Russian and Allied armies following Napoleon’s defeat.
The city played a prominent role in an 1830 uprising and again in 1848,
when the Second Republic was formed.
Throughout the later part of the 19th century, Paris was rebuilt,
giving it the elegance for which the city is now known. The Industrial
Revolution ushered in a period of progress and prosperity. Though the
Germans were unsuccessful in occupying Paris during World War I, they
succeeded in World War II, occupying the city from 1940 through 1944.
Over the years, Paris has become a chic fashion capital, and a center
for culture and the arts, media, and modern thought.
Seasons in Paris
Spring (April through June) and fall (September through November) are
the best seasons to visit Paris. Though most tourists prefer summer
months, July and August can be crowded in Paris. Winter months are great
for business travelers and exhibitors, as Paris hosts many trade fairs
and exhibitions. Christmas in Paris is nothing short of magical. Tennis
fans should plan to visit in May, when the French Open is hosted a
Paris’s Ronald Garros. The salon du Chocolat and other food festivals
gear up for September and October.
Transportation There and Around
Getting to Paris is easy. With three international airports – Charles
de Gaulle (CDG), Le Bourget (LBG) and Orly (ORY), almost every major
international airline offers service to Paris.
Within the city, the Metro is the easiest mode of transportation, as
well as the preferred. With over 300 stations and 16 lines, the Paris
Metro network extends over 133 miles. Aside from the Metro, the Tramway
network of four rail lines is a boost to suburban commuters. The Vougeo,
a ferry on the Seine, is popular amongst tourists, and the Compagnie de
Batobus ferries offer hop-on-hop-off service. Taxicabs and bikes are
also readily available – find the latter for rent at any of the 1,450
parking stations around the city.
Parisian Beauty
Dominating the landscape, the city’s tallest structure, the Eiffel
Tower, will surely top any visitor’s list of places to see. Ride up the
300 meter (feet) lattice structure in an elevator – or try the stairs.
Head over to Avvene des Champs Elysees for some upscale shopping. Home
to some of the best Parisian mansions, Champs Elysees is also the most
expensive real estate market in the country.
Consecrated in 1248, La Sainte-Chapelle is a magnificent work of
Gothic architecture, and a highly recommended stop on your itinerary.
The Holy Chapel, commissioned by Louis IX, is ethereal as the sun’s rays
filter through the stained glass windows. Look out for the arched
ceilings and the breathtaking sculptures.
When in Paris, remember to pay Mona Lisa a visit. Musée du Louvre,
one of the world’s largest art museums, is located in the Palais du
Louvre. With a collection of over 3,500 objects d’art, this museum alone
can take several days to explore. Don’t miss the display of Louis XV’s
crown jewels. Speaking of museums, the Musée d’Orsay, located on the
left bank of the Seine, is another astounding museum, housing a
collection of Post-Impressionist artwork. The Musée Jacquemart-André was
designed by architect Henri Parent, and displays collections from
artists such as Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart. The Musée
Jacquemart-André is a public museum and one of the noted attractions of
Paris. Musée Rodin not only displays the personal effects of Auguste
Rodin, but also displays the master’s own collection of sculptures,
including The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and The Kiss. Opened to the
public in 1919, the exhibit includes paintings from Renoir, Monet, and
Van Gogh, collected by Rodin.
If you were to ask a Parisian his favorite attraction and expect to
hear the Eiffel Tower, you may be in for a surprise. The French are more
likely to name Notre Dame Cathedral, which records over 10 million
annual visitors. Aside from a beautiful French Gothic work of
architecture, the cathedral is known for its serene aura.
Most who have visited Paris would say it requires a lifetime to fully
explore, but even a quick trip to the city is incomplete without having
admired Jardin du Luxembourg, the gardens of the French Senate on Rue
de Vangurard. Aside from being the second largest public park in Paris,
the garden is also a great spot for a picnic. The largest park in Paris
is Tuileries Gardens. The Puces de St-Ouen is the world’s largest flea
market, and well worth a visit. Open from 9 AM to 3 PM, Saturda through
Monday, this is the best place to find inexpensive bric-a-brac and
unique antique showpieces.
Activities in Paris
Not for nothing is Paris called the city of romance. Romance or not –
you will never spend a dull moment, given the number of entertainment
options around town. A trip to the original Moulin Rouge usually makes
it into the itinerary. The 105 minute long “Feerie” is the most popular
show, but if you plan to check it out, be sure to book in advance as
shows do sell out.
What is a trip to the city of romance without a river cruise down the
Seine? Make the journey on a sailing restaurant boat and enjoy a
delectable three course French dinner and champagne while observing the
attractions of Paris along the Seine. Speaking of dinner, don’t forget
to reserve your table at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant well in advance.
Located on the first floor of the monument, the views while you dine are
incredible.
A visit to the Arc de Triomphe in the Palace Charles de Gaulle is an
important stop on the itinerary, as is a day trip to Versailles.
Another must-do activity in Paris is experiencing some of the best
Parisian bakeries, or boulangeire, as the French would say. Sample the
baguettes on your own or take a half-day tour of the best bakeries in
the city, so you can interact with the bakers and learn some tips on
baking the perfect gateaux, croissants, or patisseries.
Other activity ideas to consider are the all-night jazz fests or a day at Disneyland Paris.
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