- Where is the city of Paris
- History of Paris
- How to get to Paris
- What to do in Paris
- Paris museums
Paris has long attracted tourists from all over the world with its grandeur and amazing romantic atmosphere. Currently, the city is rightfully considered the cultural, business, economic and historical center of France. Over the long period of its existence, Paris has acquired a unique architectural appearance that has no analogues among other European cities. Almost every Russian tourist, who has not even visited the capital of France, knows where Paris is.
Where is the city of Paris
As the administrative center of the Ile-de-France region, Paris occupies an area on the banks of the Seine River. Not far from the city (135 km) is the English Channel, which serves as a natural border between France and England. Part of the total area of Paris is located in the Ile-de-France, and the remaining area belongs directly to France.
The city is small in size. So, from west to east, the length of Paris is about 18 kilometers, and from south to north, about 10 kilometers. At the same time, the perimeter of the French capital is only 54 kilometers.
Administratively, Paris is subdivided into 20 autonomous regions, called arrondissements, which, in turn, are divided into 4 quarters. The boundaries of the city were periodically expanded and in 1860 were finally approved by the local leadership.
Special attention should be paid to the fact that the Parisian meridian for a long time was indicated on the maps of France as zero. Today, this is evidenced by an extended line made in the form of stone medallions on the city pavements.
History of Paris
According to historical chronicles, the first settlement called Lutetia appeared on the site of modern Paris in the 3rd century BC. NS. A century later, a defensive wall was built around the small village. The local population, as a rule, was employed in the field of trade, since the Seine River served as a transport artery connecting the waters of the Mediterranean with the islands of Britain.
After the famous battle between the Gauls and the Romans in 52 BC, Paris was sacked and completely burned. However, after a few decades, the Romans made every effort to restore the city, building many new architectural objects. The IV century became a landmark for Parisians, as the first Christian church was opened in Paris, and several centuries later power in the city passed to Saint Genevieve, who is still considered the patroness of Paris.
During the Middle Ages, the city faced many trials, ranging from the attack of the Normans in the 9th century and ending with the transfer of the French capital from Paris to other cities. At the same time, the city managed to actively develop, as evidenced by the opening of the university, the construction of a new fortress wall, the construction of hospitals, churches and other important public facilities.
In the 16th century, France underwent a process of reformation, during which a series of religious revolutions took place in Paris, resulting in the St. Bartholomew's Night, when about 5,000 dissidents were exterminated. In the first half of the 17th century, Paris received the official status of an archbishopric, and at the beginning of the 18th century, the city's population increased by almost 150,000 people.
The Second World War left an imprint on the history of France, since during this period Paris was under the rule of German troops, which greatly influenced the culture of the city.
How to get to Paris
The capital of France is such a popular destination among tourists that you can arrive in this city from almost anywhere in Russia.
Flight by plane that takes you to Paris from major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg with a direct flight. At the same time, you will spend about 3 hours on the way, which is quite convenient and fast. You can also get to Paris from the regions by plane, but the travel time will increase due to transfers. Do not forget that it is better to buy tickets in advance, as in the summer the cost of tickets can increase dramatically.
The train that runs between Moscow and Paris departs from the central station of the Russian capital several times a week. The final point of arrival is the Gare de l'Est in Paris, from which it is easy to reach any part of the city. The train is comfortable, and during the journey you can enjoy the picturesque scenery. The only drawback of this way of traveling to Paris is the long passage of customs through Belarus and Poland.
International buses that run from Moscow and St. Petersburg. The journey will take you about 56 hours, after which you will arrive at the Paris metro station. Further to the city center can be reached by any public transport.
A private car, according to tourists, is a good option as a trip to Paris, since you will have an excellent opportunity not only to organize your route yourself, but also to stop in those places that caught your attention. Moreover, you will spend about 200-300 euros on gas, which is the approximate cost of a plane, bus or train ticket.
In any case, knowing where Paris is located, you can get to it by means of transport convenient for you. The choice, of course, depends on individual preferences, the season and the availability of free tickets.
What to do in Paris
The French capital is so versatile that visitors always find leisure time in accordance with their hobbies. Paris is famous for its historical sights, various museums, gourmet cuisine, unique urban landscapes, democratic shopping and magnificent park complexes.
Firstly, be sure to go to the famous galleries and passages of the city, where a huge number of antique shops, cozy restaurants, boutiques, recreation areas, etc. are concentrated. Of the most popular, it is recommended to visit the Vivienne and Vero-Doda galleries, as well as the Panoramas or Colbert passages.
Secondly, do not forget to go on an excursion to the Holy Chapel, Tokyo Palace, Promenade Planté, Tuileries Gardens, Gustave Eiffel's apartment, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre Coeur Basilica and other iconic places that are the cultural heritage of France. Each of the sights of Paris has a long history and is distinguished by its original architectural style.
Third, enjoy a haute couture evening on Saturdays at the fashionable Le Bristol Hotel. You will be able to see the latest novelties of the fashion industry from famous French designers, as well as take part in a buffet table after the show. In this case, for the entrance you will need to pay a fee of 60 to 70 euros.
Fourth, stroll through authentic Parisian districts such as Marais, Belleville, Montmartre and Buttes-au-Cai. Old buildings combined with street art, futuristic buildings, famous bars, the Seine river, street musicians and artists - all this you will find during your mini-journey through the city's quarters.
Fifth, buy a ticket to a burlesque show that has become popular in Paris since the era of classicism. Burlex is a truly French genre of stage expression that is a mixture of dance, comedy, circus tricks and eroticism. After watching the performance, you will be impressed, since this kind of show can only be seen in local cabarets.
Paris museums
The numerous museums of the city deserve special attention, representing a separate world and an integral part of French culture. Thematic, art and history museums are considered the hallmark of Paris, so it is better to take more than one day to explore them. Here is a list of the most visited:
- Louvre, without an excursion to which it is impossible to imagine a trip to the capital of France. One of the largest museums in the world unites on a vast area the richest collection of exhibits from different eras and countries. The Louvre is called a universal museum due to the fact that it also displays exhibitions dedicated to the history and art of Greece, Iran, the Middle East and Rome.
- D'Orsay Museum, considered the leading museum in France in the field of applied and visual arts. The five-level building contains several halls, where objects of architecture, decorative arts, photography, music, antique furniture and paintings are exhibited. The most complete collection of the museum presents works in the style of impressionism, art nouveau and post-impressionism.
- State Museum of the Middle Ages, located on the territory of a perfectly preserved mansion, erected in the 15th century. The building itself is already the most important exhibit of the museum and an example of medieval architecture. From the wide collection of exhibits, graceful sculptures made of stone and wood, ancient tapestries made in the traditional technique, colorful stained glass windows, ivory household items and musical instruments are especially noteworthy.
- Rodin Museum, famous for the richest collection of works by Auguste Rodin, Camille Claudel and Vincent van Gogh. The compositions are based on the sculptures of the great master, collected both during his life and after his death. In the museum you can get acquainted in detail with the life and work of Rodin and see with your own eyes how each sculpture was created.
- The Fragonard Perfume Museum is undoubtedly the center of the world's perfumery and, at the same time, a luxurious salon. The concept of the museum is based on the demonstration of exhibits reflecting the history of the development of the French perfume industry. In the halls of the museum, a collection of perfumes from different eras is collected, as well as the apparatus with the help of which the perfume was made many years ago.
- The National Museum of Natural History belongs to the category of thematic museums and unites under its leadership the botanical garden, the gallery of evolution, the museum of man, the mineralogical gallery, the arboretum and the paleontological museum. Fascinating excursions amaze with the variety of exhibits and allow you to examine in detail the various achievements in the field of natural sciences.
- The Museum of Anatomy of Delma-Orfila-Rouviere attracts the attention of visitors with a rather unusual collection, consisting primarily of models of the human body, embalmed mammals and installations imitating human organs.
Having visited Paris once, you will not remain indifferent to this amazing city and will strive to return here again and again. It is in Paris that you can feel the real spirit of France, which visitors associate with high artistic style, monumental architecture, delicious cuisine and fragrant croissants.
