Also known as the City of Light (La Ville Lumiére), Paris is an enchanting city with a rich history, beautiful art, and flourishing romance. For centuries, Paris has been the source of inspiration for poets, artists, and dreamers. The city is known for its iconic skyline, with the Eiffel Tower dominating the picture, but the city has so much more to offer. It is the perfect blend of deep historical roots and modern-day allure, which is why the city continues to be a main hub to visit for travelers.
The early days of Paris
The history of Paris goes back more than 2,000 years when the city was known as Lutetia, just a small settlement established by a Gallic tribe called the Parisii. The area around this settlement started to be developed into a Roman city after the Romans conquered Gaul (the modern-day France). By the 4th century, the settlement had been renamed Paris, and the city became the seat of the Merovingian kings, which is what fueled the city’s rise as a political and religious center in medieval Europe.
In the Middle Ages, Paris grew into a bustling city. Under King Philip II in the 12th Century, the city was fortified with walls, which was the start of the city’s transformation into a cultural hub. It was also during this time the construction of Notre-Dame Cathedral took place, making Paris a center of Gothic art and architecture.
How Paris became the hub it is today
During the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, the importance of the city continued to increase, as it became the intellectual capital of Europe. Scholars, philosophers, and revolutionaries were living in the city, fostering an intellectual movement. In 1789, the French Revolution began and changed the city forever, with many iconic events taking place in Paris, including the storming of the Bastille.
Another transformation happened to the city in the 19th century when Paris, under the leadership of Baron Haussmann, redesigned many parts of the city. It is during this time period that Paris got the wide boulevards, parks, and uniform architecture which the city is known for today. Today, Paris still stands as a symbol of beauty, innovation, and culture.
The most remarkable landmarks and attractions
In Paris you can find some of the world’s most famous landmarks and attractions. The most remarkable and known one is the Eiffel Tower, which was completed in 1889 for the World’s Fair. In its early days, the Eiffel Tower was criticized for its unusual design, but since then the Eiffel Tower has become the most visited paid monument in the world. If you want to visit the tower, you can compare the tickets price here and book in advance to avoid the long waiting queue to ascend to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of the city. Another famous landmark is the Louvre, which is the largest and most visited museum in the world with its over 38,000 pieces. Some of the world’s most famous artwork is on display, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Louvre was initially built as a royal palace, providing a glimpse into France’s historical grandeur.
Another visit-worthy landmark is the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a landmark for Gothic architecture. Even though the tragic fire in 2019 has caused damage to the cathedral, the exterior can still be appreciated while restoration is ongoing. Montmartre is another visit-worthy place. This bohemia district has been the home of famous artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec. In this area, at the summit of the hill, you will find the Basilia of the Sacré-Cæur, which you can visit for a panoramic view of Paris.
Experiences and activities you can’t miss in Paris
When visiting Paris, sightseeing is not the only activity to immerse yourself in. You can for example stay at a luxury hotel and experience the high-life of Parisians. From here you can go shopping in the city and treat yourself with anything French, from high-end knifes to fashionable designer clothes. If you love art, you should visit the Musée d’Orsay, which is located in a former railway station. The specialization of the museum is French art from 1848 to 1914, including works of Impressionists and Post-Impressionists like Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh.
If you need a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can go for a stroll in the Luxembourg Gardens or Bois de Boulogne. The Luxembourg Gardens is an oasis where you can rent a sailboat for the pond or relax by the flowerbeds. The Bois de Boulogne is a large green space in Paris with lakes and botanical gardens. When visiting Paris, you should also take your time to indulge in French cuisine. You should visit local patisseries to take traditional French pastries like croissants, pain au chocolate, and macarons.
Hidden gems to discover
Although the city has many popular and well-known sites, there are also many hidden gems to be discovered. One is the Promenade Plantée, which is a linear park built atop an old railway line. There is also a vineyard in Paris, the Clos Montmartre, which is a small vineyard producing limited amounts of wine each year.
You can also walk around the city and see if you can spot statues of animals. The city is said to have more than 450 statues of animals scattered throughout the streets, parks, and public spaces of the city. Lastly, you can also visit the Catacombs of Paris, which is an underground ossuary holding the remains of more than 6 million people. The tunnels are eerie, full of bones, and offer a glimpse into the darker side of the history of Paris.
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