Where is Paris? Population of Paris: size and ethnic composition Report on the country of Paris

Paris is the most wonderful city in Europe, which at all times has been considered an example of impeccable style and fashion.

It is qualitatively distinguished by its extremely traditional way of life, a metropolis whose inhabitants are reputed to be arrogant, but at the same time the city is also famous for its cosmopolitanism.

These contradictions and contrasts are found in any big city, but in Paris they have actually become the style of the city and part of its culture.

Compare the tiny paths and alleys of the Latin Quarter and Montmartre with the monumental vista from Louvre to the side Defense quarter, or small street markets and old-fashioned pedestrian arcades with huge underground business centers in Montparnasse and the Central Market quarter.

The same contrast can be seen between the prosperous aristocratic neighborhoods and the bustle of the poorer areas of Paris. There are quite a few attractions in Paris that make a stunning impression on tourists: majestic monuments emphasizing the cold pomp Pantheon, industrial sophistication Eiffel Tower, airy glass lace Pyramids of the Louvre etc.

However, in addition to world-famous places in this beautiful city, you can also find what an ordinary person needs: nice quiet corners far from the Grand Boulevards, areas where people come to play bowls, numerous bakeries and Paris cafe .

Recently, the cultural life of Paris has changed greatly under the onslaught of large crowds of immigrants, new extravagant buildings are constantly being designed and erected in the capital, but many of the city's old streets, cafes and restaurants still defy fashion and remain emphatically traditional.

Paris keeps traditions and is an ideal holiday destination. In some areas of the city, such as the busy Mare, elegant Saint Germain or romantic Montmartre, you can calmly wander the streets, go to shops, sit in a cafe. And beautiful gardens, paths and sidewalks along Seine River and numerous, often hidden from prying eyes, quiet corners more than compensate for the lack of free space.

But wherever you go, you will find famous Paris sights, be it historical buildings or wonders of modern architecture. These symbols of the glory and grandeur of Paris will not let you get lost in this big city. Paris has more than 150 art galleries and museums, as well as a myriad of cafes, eateries and restaurants lining the streets and boulevards.

Their interior decoration is extremely varied in style, from ultra-modern fashionable buildings to traditional palaces with mirrors, from tiny bistros, where the main thing is good cuisine, to cheap Vietnamese restaurants.

With the onset of dusk, the city's famous theaters and cabarets open their doors, offering visitors interesting performances that have won worldwide fame; classical music concerts often take place in historic buildings, sometimes in chapels or churches. Finally, Paris is the true capital of world cinema, and its extraordinary ethnic diversity has made this city one of the most famous centers of world music.

Many people dream of the city of lights, Paris. Thanks to its unsurpassed beauty, Europe's most fashionable center continues to attract tens of millions of tourists from all over the world every year.

Most travelers believe that Paris became so famous only thanks to Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame de Paris, which are luxurious must-see places.

The cultural center of France is undoubtedly the noisy and chaotic Paris - the capital of France since the 10th century AD. e., literally flooded with millions of tourists from all over the world. The city is located in the middle reaches of the Seine River, in the very center of Ile-de-France, and the date of its foundation is usually considered to be the end of the 1st century AD. e., when the first Roman settlement of Lutetia appeared at the foot of the Saint-Genevieve hill on the Isle of Cité. Currently, about 2.1 million people live within the administrative boundaries of Paris (largely unchanged, by the way, since 1860). However, the "unit urbane" (urban area) extends far beyond the official borders, and is already home to some 10 million inhabitants, forming one of the most densely populated metropolitan areas in Europe. An important political center for almost two thousand years, today Paris is one of the leading business and cultural centers of the planet, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, fashion, science and art is truly colossal. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers estimates, the Paris metropolitan area is the most powerful industrial center in Europe and the fifth largest in terms of gross domestic product in the world.

Paris Hotels

Paris is so loved and visited by tourists that there are really a lot of hotels in the city. Suffice it to say that there is something for every taste.

A distinctive feature of hotels, and any other residential premises in Paris, is their compactness. The rooms, bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, corridors, elevators and landings are literally tiny, and tourists often have the feeling that Parisian hotels and apartments are very cramped. Moreover, the closer to the city center, the smaller and... more expensive.

Of course, a special chic is spending the night in. But it is worth noting that they can be no worse. After all, until recently in France, the highest category of hotels was 4 stars, and many still have not switched to the new system, attracting tourists with high service and more affordable prices. , and in Paris there is enough for everyone.

Many tourists prefer.

Tourist pass

When exploring the sights and museums of Paris, you should keep in mind that for the convenience of tourists in the city there is a special Paris Museum Pass. Using this card you can visit more than 60 of the best museums in the French capital (the full list can be found at en.parisinfo.com/guide-paris/money/free-admission-and-good-deals/guide/free-admission-and-good -deals_the-paris-museum-pass), as well as the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Georges Pompidou National Center for Art and Culture and Sainte-Chapelle without queuing. The cost of a card for 2 days is 30 euros, for 4 days - 45 euros and for 6 days - 60 euros (entrance to temporary exhibitions and lecture tours is not included in the price of the card). Also, many museums provide free admission for minors and preferential conditions for people of retirement age.

City of Paris - capital of France

Paris, this city evokes a lot of associations for every person, whether he has been there or only dreams of visiting. The Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, croissants, Haute Couture, tennis and football tournaments, beauty and avant-garde, tradition and innovation - all this unites one of the largest and most visited cities in the world. You don't need special occasions or anniversaries to visit Paris - the capital of France is ready to reveal its most attractive features to everyone - lovers and businessmen, families with children and single travelers living in luxury hotels and visitors to numerous hostels. At any time of the year you need to go to Paris to recharge yourself with energy and inspiration for new achievements and creativity.


Geography

Paris was historically formed on numerous islands on the Seine River, and gradually occupied both banks of the river, located on flat terrain with small hills in the Montmartre and Belleville areas. The difference in elevation within the city limits is small, which led to the formation of smooth and straight avenues, boulevards and streets. The length of the Seine within the city limits is almost 13 kilometers, and there are also several canals that protect Paris from spring floods. The right bank is traditionally considered a business and commercial bank, where various offices have always been located, and now offices and business centers; the left bank is a zone of culture, creativity and the arts. In its shape, Paris resembles an almost perfect circle of rather small sizes, which led to high building density and reduced travel time from one end of the city to the other. The French capital covers an area of ​​just over 105 square kilometers with a population of over 2 million people. The Paris metropolitan area, which includes its suburbs, is home to more than 10.5 million people. Administratively, the city is divided into 20 districts, which are numbered from the center (Ile de la Cité) in a clockwise spiral. The districts are divided into four districts with their own self-government.


Climate

The weather in Paris is moderate. The city is located at a sufficient distance from the sea, but its influence is felt in the climate - the influence of the Gulf Stream meets the continental masses from inside Europe - therefore the weather in Paris is very pleasant and comfortable for travel. The average temperature in winter is from +2°C to +4°C with rare drops and frosts. Snow falls quite rarely and it does not last very long. Summer temperature is from +18°C to +26°C. There is not much rain and the rainiest month is July. Spring and autumn are characterized by above-zero temperatures and small jumps - the seasons are practically not expressed and are observed only by flowering and yellowing of leaves. There is no specific time when you can go to Paris, as every season has its own charms and distinctive features. In spring, numerous gardens and parks in Paris bloom, which are located everywhere. Autumn is the time for romance and love - it’s nice to walk among colorful trees with your loved ones. In winter, during the holidays, you can walk around all the sights, without crowds and long lines. You can also ride along the Seine in winter - the river practically never freezes. Summer is traditionally the most common time to travel to Paris. Constant weather without changes allows you to spend time on picnics in city parks, visit greenhouses and gardens, and walk around the city at night.


Story

Paris originates from the ancient Celtic settlement of Lutetia, which arose on the Ile de la Cité as a trading port connecting the Mediterranean and the British Isles. Thanks to trade connections, the settlement quickly developed until it was destroyed by the inhabitants themselves during the Gallic wars with Rome. Having conquered all the surrounding lands, the Romans restored the village and built stone roads, buildings, baths, a basilica and administrative buildings in it. Over time, the city acquired the name Parisium, with which it has remained to this day. The city was repeatedly attacked by various tribes, but was able to survive due to its favorable island location. In the 4th century, the first Christian church appeared in the settlement, and at the end of the 5th century, Paris temporarily became the capital of the Frankish kingdom. Under the Merovingians and Capetians, the city was the capital of their state and was often attacked by the Normans. In the 5th-7th centuries, many churches and monasteries arose, at which seminaries and hospitals operated. Trade with various countries, including Syria and African countries, did not stand aside either. Until the 12th and 13th centuries, the entire population was located on the Isle of Cité, which was an impregnable fortress with royal and episcopal palaces and the famous Notre-Dame de Paris. Starting from the 13th century, intensive settlement of the right bank began, which included a trading port and various trading posts. In the 13th century, the Sorbonne University of Paris was also founded, and education developed everywhere in various directions. During the Hundred Years' War with England, the city alternately found itself in the hands of the warring parties and lost its status as the capital of the French kingdom.

From the beginning of the 16th century, Paris finally and forever became the capital of France, where crafts, trade, construction and education developed. Numerous nobles and officials settled here, building their residences. During the religious wars, one of the most famous events took place in Paris - on the night of August 23-24, 1572, St. Bartholomew's Night took place - the massacre of the Huguenots. In 1622, Paris was given the status of an archbishopric. During the reign of Napoleon, the city underwent significant expansion and development, the population increased to 700 thousand people. The capture of Paris in 1814 did not cause significant destruction, and the administrative divisions did not change after the overthrow of Napoleon. Gas lighting became widespread in the city in the 1820s; in 1845 - the last fortress wall around the city was built; in 1852 they carried out an urban planning reform, which laid down the rules for the development of Paris for many years - the famous Champs Elysees and other avenues with boulevards were created. Until the end of the 19th century, 5 world exhibitions took place in Paris - at the same time the Eiffel Tower, the Grand and the Small Palaces were erected. Intensive colonial policy led to the emergence of various national communities and religious movements in the city, which took root in the appearance of the city and became an integral part of it. Paris became the center of a huge empire, where the best inventions and cultural trends were concentrated.

World War II saw the city occupied by the Nazis until 1944, when it was liberated by combined American and British forces in August. In 1968, mass riots took place in Paris, which affected the mentality of the French and their self-determination. Today the city is one of the largest business and cultural centers without losing its historical appearance. Paris is a major economic, cultural and tourist center of Western Europe. The main offices of such international organizations as UNESCO, Interpol, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the International Bureau of Weights and Measures are located here.

Sights of Paris

  • The main attraction of Paris is the Eiffel Tower, which is approximately 320 meters high and was built in 1889 according to the design of engineer Gustav Eiffel. It is a symbol not only of Paris, but of all of France. More than 10 thousand people can be in the tower at the same time. You can read more about it in the article “Eiffel Tower”.
  • Notre Dame Cathedral is a truly breathtaking architectural masterpiece, initiated by the Parisian Bishop Maurice de Sully. Construction of the cathedral took place from 1163 to 1345. The height of the building is 35 meters, length - 130 meters, and width - 48 meters. In the eastern part of the cathedral there is a tower with the Emmanuel bell, which weighs 13 tons. The location of Notre Dame Cathedral is the zero kilometer of all motorways in France. The cathedral, like the Eiffel Tower, is a symbol of Paris.
  • In the very center of Star Square is the Arc de Triomphe. This is the largest arch in world history. According to Napoleon's idea, the arch was supposed to become a symbol of imperial power and the power of the army. Its construction lasted more than 30 years, and the names of the places of the greatest battles and the names of generals are engraved on it.
  • The Louvre is one of the largest museums in the world. The area of ​​the Louvre is about 160 thousand square meters, according to this indicator it is the third in the world. The museum is based on the site of the ceremonial palace of the French kings. The Louvre was first opened in November 1793. Masterpieces of fine and graphic art, statues and much more are stored here as exhibits. In total, there are more than 300 thousand exhibits and only 35 thousand of them are presented to visitors, the rest are kept in storage to avoid damage. Read more about the attraction in the article “Louvre Museum”.

  • Champs Elysees is the longest and widest street in Paris (length is about 2 kilometers and width is about 70 meters). The street stretches from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. Annual military parades are traditionally held here in honor of the storming of the Bastille and the end of the First World War. The Champs-Élysées has many world-famous car dealerships, luxury shops, cabarets and restaurants. The Champs Elysees are visited daily by 300 to 500 thousand tourists.
  • Among other things, tourists should visit such places in Paris as the Place de la Bastille, the Palace of Versailles, Disneyland, Montmartre Hill, the Pantheon and many others.

Events and festivals

Paris, the European capital and one of the largest cities in the world, constantly hosts a variety of events, festivals, exhibitions and sporting events. All year round, the city has something to visit and see for both young people and older people and families with children:

  • January - Paris Fashion Week is the largest event in the world, where new collections of the most famous brands are presented. Entry is strictly by invitation, as many celebrities come to the shows. During fashion week there are many exhibitions, parties, receptions and tastings;
  • February - marked by the International Exhibition of Vintage Cars, Carnival de Paris and Chinese New Year, when festive processions, parades and concerts take place;
  • March - the famous second-hand book exhibition, known throughout the world - new publications are shown, meetings with writers are held, an exhibition of antiquarian books is held;
  • April - Paris International Marathon;
  • May - Museum Night takes place on the 18th;
  • June - On the 21st there is a music festival, when many concerts take place in different directions - from pop music to rock;
  • July - Bastille Day - national holiday on July 14 - a military parade and many events take place; at the end of July the International Air Show takes place in Le Bourget;
  • summer - start of the international Paris-Dakar rally; the finish of the famous Tour de France; international tennis tournament;
  • October - Harvest Festival in Montmartre - with processions and parades, fairs and concerts; at the beginning of the month there is a chestnut festival;
  • November - at the beginning of the month there is a chocolate festival;
  • December is a wine festival and a whole month of Christmas markets, lasting until the New Year.

Restaurants and cafes

Gastronomic tourism to Paris is one of the most popular types of travel to the French capital. There are several hundred catering establishments in the city - from restaurants with Michelin stars to small cafes with baked goods. They are conveniently located in all areas of Paris, where you can taste delicious dishes from famous chefs, and across the street - ordinary macarons with a cup of aromatic coffee. Even global fast food chains are trying to introduce new and delicious items into their menus to compete with more competition. Advising to visit any establishment is a completely thankless task, since every person will find a favorite place to taste delicacies and more familiar dishes. In Paris you can find cuisine from all regions of France, presented in all possible variations. There are also all the cuisines of the world - from Japanese to rare folk dishes of African tribes. Parisian chefs turn even such ordinary dishes as ratatouille, quiche or frog legs into real masterpieces. What is a must-try in Paris? These are a variety of snail dishes with sauces, croissants with salty and sweet fillings; macarons and gourmet desserts; baguettes and breads from different regions of France at the hidden bakery of Gérard Mulot in the Saint-Germain district; classic ratatouille, known to many from the cartoon of the same name; Be sure to take French wine with lunch or dinner, without which it is impossible to imagine Parisian cuisine.

Shopping

Shopping in Paris is an incomparable pleasure. The city has everything to offer from all corners of France, as well as truly local souvenirs that will constantly remind you of your trip to the city of the Parisians. Everything that is bought in Paris will become a souvenir dear to the heart, but there are original things that will forever leave a mark on the memory:

  • alcohol - French wines, cognacs, anisette vodka "Pastis" - all this will help you bring with you a piece of sunny France;
  • delicacies - cheeses and foie gras pate - in addition to specialized stores, they can be bought in a regular supermarket, which does not at all affect the quality of the products;
  • Macaron cakes are a symbol of France and Paris itself;
  • perfume is the most common souvenir from Paris. More than 100 perfume companies have stores in the French capital, where you can find the latest lines of perfumes, limited editions and authentic vintage brands. Don't forget the Fragonard perfume factory with its centuries-old history and original scents;
  • clothes, shoes - in the generally recognized capital of Haute Couture, all things invisibly carry the spirit of Paris, its incongruous style, new trends and classics. In the city center there are a large number of boutiques of the famous brands Dior, YSL, Chanel, Paco Rabanne and many others;
  • order a cartoon or portrait from the artists in Montmartre - an artistic souvenir that you can hang on your wall or give to friends. Real masters can create a picture even from a photograph - to capture the most significant moments of the trip;
  • souvenir items - scarves, hats, ties, umbrellas, and of course a beret. Don't shy away from leather bags and purses;
  • souvenirs - figurines of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and other attractions; cups and plates with city symbols; clothes with prints. All this is sold in numerous souvenir shops scattered throughout Paris - traditionally the price decreases the further the store is from the attraction itself.

In order not to overpay for souvenirs, you should look for the goods you like in areas remote from the center. Tourists recommend the areas of the Seine embankment, Blanche, Pigalle, Rochechouart, Montmartre. Also, do not ignore the numerous flea markets where you can buy real antiques. The city has many shopping centers, including the most popular Galeries Lafayette, Printham, Samaritin, Bon Marché, and the La Velle Village outlet.


How to get to Paris?

As a major transport and transit hub, Paris has many ways to arrive. There are seven train stations in the city, from where trains run to almost all capitals of European countries, including Moscow. The only difficulty is the need to spend a long time, namely 29-30 hours, in the carriage, which can be tiring. You can also travel by high-speed trains from Germany, Italy, and Belgium. Transit travel may take less time, but will require several transfers. There are regular direct and charter flights from many major Russian cities to Paris. The city has four international airports - Charles de Gaulle (25 kilometers from the city), Orly (13 kilometers), Beauvais and Le Bourget, which serve private and commercial aviation. The national airline Air France provides fast and comfortable flights to Paris. You can also get to the French capital by your own vehicle, passing through only a few countries in transit. The condition of the roads is very good, and the number of paid parking lots (there are practically no free ones) is sufficient for a stay at any of the hotels. Another option for traveling to Paris is by bus - connections are established with many cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. Traveling by bus will cost much less than other types of transport, but will take a long time.


Transport

Paris is rightfully considered the birthplace of public transport, which has been operating here since 1662, and today is represented by a large number of varieties:

  • buses - the whole city is surrounded by routes, of which there are more than 60, and they run at clearly established times with specified intervals;
  • tram - for the most part it operates to connect Paris with the suburbs, except for the famous T3 route, which runs inside the city limits;
  • The metro is one of the densest in the world, as the stations are located very close to each other. There are 14 lines in Paris, one of which is fully automated, as well as 300 stations, which allows you to quickly reach anywhere in the city. According to experts, not a single point in Paris is more than 500 meters away from the metro;
  • Regional Express Metro (RER) is a high-speed rail service that connects the center of Paris with the districts and suburbs. The network has convenient interchange stations with the metro and other types of public transport;
  • the Montmartre funicular is the only one in the city, since Paris itself is mostly located on flat terrain;
  • taxi - there are more than 16 thousand cars in the city, which can be ordered at a hotel or restaurant, or caught on the street;
  • cycling - in Paris there are almost 1,500 rental points where you can rent a bike and ride it around the city. The streets and sidewalks are equipped with bicycle paths and there are places for parking everywhere. One of the most economical and fastest ways to get around the city;
  • river bus - runs along the Seine and is mainly aimed at tourists, connecting both banks of the river and the islands;
  • Renting a car is quite an expensive proposition, since the car must be insured in order to avoid problems with returning the car at the end of the trip. It is worth considering that almost all parking in the city is paid, except for a short period in July-August, and there are also restrictions on entry into some areas.

To save even more on using public transport, you can purchase a special card that gives various discounts on travel by various surface and underground modes. Another important point is that travel tickets must be kept until the end of the trip, since control can be carried out at any point on the route, and at some stations it is needed to leave the station. It is also worth considering the zoning of public transport, since the cost may vary depending on the travel distance.


Accommodation

It is endless to describe the numerous hotels in Paris - there are a very large number of them - from those located in ancient mansions in the center, to ultra-modern ones in the Défense district. The city has popular hotel chains - Hilton, Radisson, Marriott and others. There are a lot of hotels with an impressive history, where kings, presidents, and artists have stayed. The star rating also varies - from 2 to 5. The difference in Paris is that many private hotels deliberately reduce the status of the establishment in order to pay less taxes, and in them you can rent a quite decent 3-star room for only 100 Euros. In Paris, the center of culture and art, there are a huge number of hostels designed for all kinds of travelers. Many are distinguished by their avant-garde design or specific theme - sometimes the stay in them is much better than in the most modern hotel. Hostels are located throughout the French capital, and in the center they are found on almost every corner. Renting an apartment or apartment is quite difficult, especially during peak tourist seasons - you need to book them in advance. The level of arrangement varies depending on the class - economy, business, luxury, elite. Accommodation will also require self-catering and transportation costs, given traffic jams on weekdays.


Connection

All of Paris is covered with Wi-Fi access points - in restaurants, parks, hotels, near administrative buildings, in transport and just on the streets. Most connection sites are free and require registration, and the time of one session is limited to 2 hours. Hotels and cafes may provide paid Internet access services, but even this will not put a big dent in your wallet, because the tariffs are quite affordable, and the level of services provided is one of the best in Europe. There are practically no automatic telephone machines in the city, and everyone has switched to cellular communications. Roaming is quite expensive if you use a Russian operator, but with French Orange and SFR, calls to your home country will be much cheaper. The main thing is that when purchasing a SIM card there is a clause stating that there is no monthly fee, so that after termination of use the card will be automatically canceled.

1. Contrary to the prevailing stereotype, Paris is not the most expensive European capital in terms of price level. There are quite a lot of inexpensive supermarkets where the French buy essential goods and food. To save money, it is also rational for tourists to make purchases in such stores.
2. Compared to Eastern European capitals, Paris is a fairly clean city. If you walk along the central streets and cultural centers of the city, you will not see any garbage or dirt there.
3. You should not visit “colored neighborhoods” where disorder and chaos reign.
4. For couples in love, walking in the area of ​​the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and the Luxembourg Gardens will be unforgettable. You can also use the services of excursion buses and pleasure boats.
5. You need to pay special attention to choosing a hotel. It is best to book rooms in advance in hotels located in the central areas of the city. If you are traveling in the summer, it is worth inquiring about the availability of air conditioning in hotel rooms.
6. If while traveling in Paris you need to find a toilet, then feel free to go to the nearest cafe, which will provide you with this service free of charge (this is provided for by French laws). You can also find toilets directly in museums or close to them. There are also toilet cabins installed on the city streets, but, unfortunately, due to the decrease in the flow of tourists, they are most often closed.
7. In Paris, it is advisable to immediately decide on excursion routes, make a list of museums and attractions that you plan to visit, since there is no shortage of them here, and you simply do not have enough time to visit all the memorable places. The best option would be to buy a map or city guide, which can be purchased at newspaper sales outlets.
8. The metro is considered a very convenient public transport in the city, the network of which is very well developed here.
9. It is better to always keep all documents with you and preferably in the inner pockets of your clothes. Be extremely careful when walking around the city, because bag theft by passing motorcyclists is quite common here. Also, do not leave your belongings unattended at airports and train stations.
10. In Paris, tips are usually included in the bill for a hotel or dinner in a restaurant. The tip amount ranges from 10 to 15% of the total cost of the service. It is considered good manners to leave change or just change to a waiter in a restaurant or a concierge in a hotel, but this depends only on your desire and is not officially regulated by any regulations.

Paris on the map, panorama

France is a country of romantic and airy moods. Its heart and center of culture throughout the world is Paris, a city that has truly absorbed all the best: architecture, historical and cultural monuments, modern fashion houses and children's entertainment complexes.

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Romantic France, Paris and its attractions

Since the 10th century, the capital of France has been Paris. This city represents a romantic Paradise, an ideal place for lovers and artists: poets, artists, fashion designers. Here, every brick inspires, every day brings many discoveries and prepares a real holiday for the residents of the capital.

The metropolis lives both day and night. It feels like people here don’t sleep at all, but fall in love, have fun and just enjoy life. Tourists are attracted to this place, first of all, by its attractions: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Champs Elysees. The list of remarkable places in the French capital does not end here, but only begins. In this city, any quarter is fraught with many romantic corners and architectural monuments.

Holidays in Paris - you should definitely visit the Latin Quarter, stroll along the streets of Montmartre and the embankments with second-hand bookstores. Here you can enjoy aromatic coffee in one of the cozy cafes and join the measured rhythm of the French capital. Nature lovers and romantics should visit the alleys of the Luxembourg Gardens and admire the luxury of palaces and local parks.

France, Paris - holidays for the whole family

Each street of the city contains a lot of architectural and historical monuments; the centuries-old traditions of Paris live to this day. However, the capital of France is quite modern and is not afraid of change. Evidence of this is the center of contemporary art, founded by Georges Pompidou. Here, on Stravinsky Square, there is a magnificent fountain, the tops of the Defense skyscrapers can be seen in the distance, and in front of the Louvre there are real glass pyramids. All this perfectly reflects the modern face of Paris - bright, full of modern technologies and catchy colors.

Even having visited Paris many times, you will not explore all its sights and interesting corners. This city will remain an unsolved mystery for you, with old cultural monuments, new fashion houses and a variety of restaurants and eateries. Everyone dreams of visiting here and seeing all this beauty with their own eyes.

France, Paris - culturally rich holidays

Great restaurants and hotels

You should pay attention to the restaurant “LA FONTAINE GAILLON”, located in the second arrondissement. Its owner is Gerard Depardieu, who turned out to be not only a talented actor, but also a good businessman. The establishment itself is famous for its cuisine, which is dominated by seafood and fish dishes. Romantic evenings are best spent on the open terrace.

Since the city of Paris, the capital of France, is visited by many tourists, many restaurants here are classified as hotels. Thus, "ALAIN DUCASSE", located in the 8th arrondissement, belongs to the Plaza Athenee hotel, "LES AMBASSADEURS" belongs to the Crillon hotel, and "LE CINQ" - to the George V. Each of these restaurants has its own specialties, many of them provide to its visitors food prepared not only according to European, but also Eastern and Mediterranean recipes.

There are also many excellent hotels in Paris offering high service and excellent cuisine. So Alexandrine Balladins 2* has a very good location, next to Moulin Rouge, the Grand Opera, not far from the Champs Elysees. Amarante Champs Elysees 4* is a luxurious hotel with wooden interior decoration. Alexander Boutique 4* is located near the Eiffel Tower, next to the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe. All hotels in Paris are worthy of being chosen by tourists for their stay.

Paris vacation in France itself!

Holidays for children

For young tourists, Paris has prepared its own entertainment program, which is based on visiting numerous attractions and amusement parks. The capital of France is a Mecca of romance and adventure not only for adults, but also for children. This city will be remembered by everyone - from young to old.

Parc Disneyland is located on the outskirts of the French capital. There are world-famous attractions here that kids from all over the world want to visit. The park, in turn, is divided into five parts, each of which has only themed attractions: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Fantasyland, Discoveryland and Frontierland. Parades and show programs are held here every day for children, and puppet theater performances are held for preschool audiences.

Parc Walt Disney Studios was founded at Disneyland in 2002. This amusement park is bursting with new attractions, such as a magic carpet and breathtaking roller coasters. After an active program, here you can watch cartoons, eat in one of the restaurants and meet your favorite Disney characters. The entertainment center will be interesting to visit for both children and their parents.

Disneyland - Paris holiday in beautiful France.

Parc Asterix - this place introduces young visitors to the adventures of the Gallic heroes Obelix and Asterix. There is even the famous Gallov village, which is open from April to October, as is the entire park. Among the most interesting attractions that Parc Asterix has prepared for its visitors are the fear room, a wooden roller coaster and flying chairs. Almost every day, kids can watch the performances of acrobats, enjoying the complex pirouettes and refined combinations of gymnasts.

Animal lovers can visit the Vincennes Zoo in Paris. Here, on 15 hectares of land, 1,200 different species of animals live. Picnics are allowed on the territory of the zoo, and its inspection is carried out like a safari.

Parc Asterix - holiday in Paris, France

For future little scientists and naturalists, a museum of science and technology, Le Parc de la Villette, has been opened in Paris. Each exhibit here is presented in the form of a game module. In addition, it has a unique cinema hall, which is located in a ball. For children aged 3 to 5 and from 5 to 12, the museum has created a “Children’s Town” - a space for outdoor games and entertainment. All visitors to this fabulous place can visit the Argonaut - a submarine with torpedo compartments and a command room, here every child can feel like, if not a captain, then at least an experienced sailor.

The history of France can be explored in Europe's largest miniature park, located near Paris. Here are 140 monuments dedicated to the most famous characters of the country, 150 of the most colorful landscapes, 15 rivers and as much as 2 hectares of sea. Visitors to this center can study the history of France, get acquainted with the legends of this country, and get to know all its celebrities.

Le Parc de la Vilette - holidays in Paris, France

The history of Paris, like the history of all of France, is extremely interesting and full of dramatic stories and great victories. Over its more than four-century history, the city was repeatedly invaded by various conquerors, but only became stronger and more majestic, turning into one of the most significant centers of European civilization.

The beginning of the story

Ancient Paris dates back to the 3rd century. BC, when in Gaul, on the site of the modern one, the Celtic tribe of the Parisians founded a city called Lutetia (from the Latin “swampy area”). Situated at the crossroads of important trade routes from the British Isles to the Mediterranean, Lutetia developed rapidly, becoming a desirable prize for the growing Roman Empire. In 52 BC. After grueling battles, the attacking army of Julius Caesar captured the city, destroyed and burned by the inhabitants. The first mention of the city dates back to this time in the work of Julius Caesar “Notes on the Gallic War”. The official date of the founding of Paris is July 8, 52 BC. and in 1952 it celebrated its 2000th anniversary.

The Romans quickly restored the conquered but destroyed Lutetia, settling the Cité and the left bank of the Seine. The construction of temples, villas, baths, bridges and an aqueduct began, and paving stone roads were laid. The ruins of public baths and the gladiator arena can still be seen today. Beginning of the 4th century was marked for the city by the widespread spread of Christianity. Lutetia, called Parisium (the city of the Parisians), finally changed its name and began to be called Paris.

https://youtu.be/G0pWemkl8yE

Invasions of the Franks and Normans

In 508, Gaul was conquered by the Frankish king Clovis, making Paris the capital of the Merovingian kingdom. In the middle of the 6th century. The first Christian church in Paris is being built, on the site of which Notre Dame Cathedral was erected 100 years later.

The Merovingian dynasty was replaced by the Carolingians, under which the center of the empire shifted to the east, and Paris gradually became empty and destroyed. During this period, there were repeated Viking attacks on Paris, and each time the inhabitants had to seek protection on the island where fortress walls were built. The Vikings (Normans) spread fear and destruction everywhere, destroying cities and monasteries. And in 845, the city’s defensive structures did not withstand the siege by the Vikings, and on Easter Day the Normans captured Paris.