Walking tour of the historical center of Paris. Paris historical districts and attractions. Walking tour of Montmartre

1 day. Arrival at Paris airport. Transfer to the hotel. Hotel accommodation. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. Breakfast in the hotel. Sightseeing tour of Paris.

Paris “is not a city, it is a whole world,” said Charles V. True, he called Paris by its former name - Lutetia, which means “white” in Greek. The excursion will introduce you to the history of this eternally young two-thousand-year-old city and allow you to appreciate its diversity and harmony.
During the tour you will see the main historical and architectural monuments, such as: the Palace of Justice, the Conciergerie, the Sorbonne, the Luxembourg Gardens, the Pantheon, Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Trocadero, the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars, the Ensemble of Invalides, the Pont Alexandre III, Petit and Grand Palaces, Place Vendôme, St. Magdalene Church, Old Paris Opera and Place de la Bastille.

Visit to the Fragonard perfumery museum. The Fragonard Perfume Museum will tell you the secret of French perfumes, tell you about the history of their creation, the famous “noses”, the composition and birth of fragrances, and also tell you the latest news in the world of perfumery and cosmetics.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3. Breakfast in the hotel.

4 day. Breakfast in the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

5 day. Breakfast in the hotel. Walking tour of the historical center of Paris.

Many of the old quarters of Paris are inaccessible to cars, so walking tours allow you to get to know the city better.
The Ile de la Cité, formerly Lutetia, is the historical center of Paris.
In the Middle Ages, the island became a center of state and church power. The island is home to the Palais de Justice, home to France's highest court of cassation, the Conciergerie, a former state prison, the Sainte Chapelle chapel and Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame - Cathedral of the Bishop of Paris. During the excursion, you can find out what has been preserved since the Middle Ages on the island and what has changed over the centuries, get acquainted in detail with the history and architecture of the famous cathedral, in which the Bishop of Paris himself, Cardinal Lustige, often conducts services.
The left bank of the Seine has long been called the Latin Quarter. It is a district of students and intellectuals, educational institutions and bookstores. Here is the Sorbonne - one of the oldest universities in Europe and the Roman Baths, the Pantheon - the tomb of great people and the Luxembourg Gardens and the palace where the French Senate meets. Currently, the Latin Quarter is known for its pedestrian streets, where there are many restaurants serving traditional French cuisine.

Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6. Breakfast in the hotel. Free time. Boat cruise on the Seine.**

The BATEAUX PARISIENS marina is located in close proximity to the Eiffel Tower. Ships depart from the pier from 10.00 to 23.30 every 30 minutes. The route runs first along the left bank of the Seine in the direction of the Ile de la Cité and the Ile Saint Louis and in the opposite direction along the right bank in the direction of the Grenelle Bridge, ending near the Eiffel Tower. During an hour-long walk along the Seine, tourists have the opportunity to explore the sights of both the left and right banks, such as: Les Invalides, the Bourbon Palace, the Musee d'Orsay, the building of the Ministry of Finance, the Bercy sports complex, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Garden Tuileries, Place de la Concorde and many others located along the banks of the Seine. The walk is good in any weather.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7. Breakfast in the hotel. Walking tour of Montmartre.

One of the most picturesque and interesting areas of Paris. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a kind of Mecca of the bohemian world. From the boulevards that run right at the foot of the Montmarte hill and are known as the “red light district”, you can walk through the places where artists’ studios and their favorite restaurants were located, see the Sacré-Coeur basilica, built with public donations, dedicated to the Sacred Heart - a unique place , where since August 1, 1885, prayer has not stopped day or night before the symbolic image of the heart of Jesus; the Church of St. Peter on the Hill, the Square of the Hill with its artists and cartoonists, the adjacent streets, where the unique history of Montmartre comes to life in every sign, in every reproduction. However, the beauty of Montmartre is not only in its history, but in the fact that this quarter has managed to preserve its soul: the residents of the quarter know each other, meet in small bistros, organize quarterly parties and holidays, such as the grape harvest in Montmartre on the first day off October. Some restaurants and cinemas here are owned by film and theater people, so you shouldn’t be particularly surprised if Claude Lelouch and his adult children or Géraldine Donon sit at the next table.

Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8. Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to Paris airport.

The area of ​​Paris was first settled by the Celtic Senones, who settled in the area of ​​the Seine River around 250 BC. Paris was founded in the 3rd century BC. Gauls (Parisians), who lived on the island of the Seine River during the Roman conquest. The historical center of Paris is the Ile de la Cité, from which the city originates. Currently, this territory is almost completely occupied by the Palace of Justice (French: Palais de Justice) and the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris (French: Notre Dame de Paris). In ancient times, Paris was called Lutetia or Luteche, which meant "swampy place."
Lutetia was renamed Paris in 212, and in 357 AD. The nephew of Emperor Constantine became ruler, and in 365 he became emperor, but died two years later.
In 751, after the death of the kings of the Merovingian dynasty, the kings of the Carolingian dynasty took over. In 987, Hugh Capet, Count of Paris, after the death of the last Merovingian king, founded a new long-lasting Carolingian dynasty. From that moment on, Paris began to rapidly develop not only in terms of urban planning, but also as a cultural center. Notre Dame Cathedral was built in 1163. In 1180, during the reign of Philip Augustus, a number of large buildings were built in Paris, such as the city wall and the Louvre palace. And his grandson Saint Louis ordered the construction of the Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel) on the Ile de la Cité.
In the 12th and 13th centuries, with the accession of Philip II Augustus of the Capetian dynasty to the throne, who reigned from 1180 to 1223, the city grew significantly. Construction of the Louvre began, and several churches were erected, including Notre Dame Cathedral. The Sorbonne University was founded in 1215.
A new flourishing occurred during the reign of Louis IX Saint, which lasted from 1226 to 1270.
The civil war began after the assassination of Louis of the Valois dynasty, Duke of Orleans, and in 1420 the British captured Paris. Joan of Arc helped Charles VII of France recapture the city in 1429. After this, the city began to grow and beautiful cathedrals and churches were built.
The French Revolution began in Paris on July 13, 1789, and the Bastille was taken the next day. Many revolutions took place after this and Paris became a revolutionary city. The royal family was taken as prisoners and imprisoned in the Tuileries. They tried to free themselves on June 20, 1791, but were detained as prisoners. On August 10, 1792, they were rescued by a crowd that attacked the Tuileries. Rule now passed to the radical Commune of Paris under the leadership of Georges Danton, Marat and Robespierre. On September 22, 1792, "The first day of the first year of the French Republic," the monarchy was abolished. But the bloodiest part of the revolution was the construction of the guillotine, where the Place de la Concorde is currently located, and was first used to execute Louis XVI, and after him Marie Antoinette in October 1793.

Famous historical districts of Paris usually belong to one of the municipal ones. The sights of the capital will be grouped according to the first ones. Routes around Paris can be laid out arbitrarily, but it is convenient to explore each historical district in its entirety. The streets of the old town are a museum of architecture in themselves, and are very cozy. Descriptions of the main attractions of Paris by historical district are given below.

Louvre

Central district of Paris (1st municipal district), near the main royal palace. Main attractions:


Islands of Cité and Louis

Large and small islands on the Seine, in the city center. Main attractions:

  • Notre Dame- Notre Dame Cathedral. It was built in the XIII-XIV centuries. The most famous and largest cathedral in Paris.
  • Palace of Justice, with the Clock Tower.
  • Chapel Sainte-Chapelle.
  • Conciergerie- former state prison, with the Silver Tower and Caesar's Tower.

Montmartre Hill

The highest point in Paris is located north of the center. The neighborhoods around the hill are a favorite place for artists, writers and other creative people. Below are the dirtier areas, there are also red light districts (near Place Pigalle) with brothels and night cabarets. There is:

  • Basilica of Sacré-Coeur - located on the top of the Montmartre hill. The church was built at the end of the 19th century, in the Roman-Byzantine style.
  • Hill Square (Tertre)- Painters' Square.
  • Moulin rouge- a famous cabaret in the red light district, near Place Pigalle.

Champs Elysees

The area west of the Louvre. Main attractions:

  • Champs Elysees- an avenue and a walking park where there are many famous boutiques, shops, and restaurants.
  • Place de la Concorde- in the center of which is the Luxor Obelisk.
  • Triumphal Arch- located at the western end of the Champs Elysees, in the middle of Place Charles de Gaulle.
  • Elysee Palace- the official residence of the presidents of the French Republic.

Palais Bourbon. Eiffel Tower

The area begins on the opposite bank of the Seine from the Louvre and goes southwest from the center. Main attractions:

  • Eiffel Tower - a symbol of Paris, an openwork metal structure 320 m high. Divided into three levels. The lower levels can be reached by stairs or elevator, and the upper observation deck can only be reached by elevator. A magnificent panorama of the surrounding area opens from above. Adjacent to the Eiffel Tower Champ de Mars- festive square.
  • Bourbon Palace (Palais Bourbon)- Prince Condé's palace, now the seat of the National Assembly.
  • Ensemble of Disabled People- an architectural complex including the Invalides, the Cathedral and the Church of St. Louis. Now there are museums of the army and modern history, tombs of famous French military leaders (the most famous is Napoleon Bonaparte).
  • Museum d'Orsay- Museum of Fine and Applied Arts, the main collections of which belong to the pen of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.

Latin Quarter

The old district of Paris, located around the Sorbonne, is the center of student life in the city. Tight streets, many inexpensive cafes, bistros and restaurants. Located on the slopes of St. Genevieve Hill, southeast of the Louvre and the Ile de la Cité. Main attractions:

  • Sorbonne- a complex of buildings and the church of the University of Paris.
  • Pantheon- the tomb of the great people of France: Rousseau, Hugo, Zola, Voltaire, Carnot, Mirabeau, Soufflot. In the domed part of the building there is a circular viewing platform, which can be reached by stairs.
  • Saint-Etienne-du-Mont- a church built in a combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
  • Val-de-Grâce- Baroque church.
  • Botanical Garden.

Luxembourg

The area around the Luxembourg Gardens. Located south of the Louvre and the Ile de la Cité. Main attractions:

  • Luxembourg Palace and Park - one of the favorite walking spots of Parisians, covering an area of ​​23 hectares. The palace is decorated in the Florentine style, and there are many statues and fountains in the park. Greenery, people walking and relaxing, portable chairs, athletes, bowlers - all this creates a cozy atmosphere.
  • Place and Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés- the oldest church in Paris, built in the Romanesque style.
  • Saint-Sulpice- the second largest church in Paris after Notre Dame.
  • Boulevard Montparnasse.

Other attractions

  • Central Market- shopping districts in the northeast of the Louvre, covering the Central Market Forum, the Commerce Exchange and the Georges Pompidou Center - glass and metal pavilions.
  • Opera- also the Grand Opera or Opera Garnier, one of the most famous opera houses in the world, and the surrounding area.
  • Père Lachaise Cemetery- the largest Parisian cemetery, where many famous people are buried: composers Bizet and Chopin, writers Musset, Moliere, La Fontaine, Daudet, Proust, Balzac, and many others, actors, philosophers, scientists, military men and politicians.
  • Bois de Vincennes and castle.
  • Bois de Boulogne.
  • Defense- a modern business district with distinctive architecture. High-rise glass buildings of various geometric shapes, avant-garde monuments and the Great Arch (height 105 m, with a panoramic tower).
  • Versailles- a luxurious palace and park complex located 20 km southwest of Paris.

Historical center of Paris

You can start your walk from Concorde Square, which was once a place of executions. Further along the Tuileries Park, through the Louvre, to the Pont des Arts, we will see the arrow of the Ile de la Cité and the place of execution of the last Master of the Templar Order.

We will see the oldest Parisian bridge and a monument to the founder of the Bourbon dynasty. Let's admire the magnificent Paris City Hall and the latest inventions of the city mayor - here is an ice skating rink, a tennis court, an exhibition. Next - to the Ile de la Cité, to the most important monument of Paris - Notre Dame Cathedral.

Let's make a wish at Kilometer Zero. Then we will stroll through the narrow streets of the Latin Quarter. Boulevard San Michele will lead us to the Roman Baths and the Museum of the Middle Ages. Next is the Sorbonne, the Pantheon. If you wish, we will take a walk through the Muftard quarter, where Hemenguey lived, and take a look at the ancient Roman arenas of Lutetia.

We will definitely go through the Luxembourg Gardens, where we will see the Medici palace and fountain. It’s difficult to finish a tour of the center - then you can walk along the streets of the heroes of “The Three Musketeers”, go to the Church of San Sulpice, and look at the Line of the Roses.

Starting point of the tour - Concorde Square