The most important information about Paris. Paris is the capital of France. Paris on the map of France

The history of Paris, like the history of all of France, is extremely interesting and full of dramatic plots and great victories. During its more than four centuries of 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. BC, when in Gaul, on the site of the modern Celtic tribe of the Parisians, they founded a city called Lutetia (from Latin “marshland”). Situated at the crossroads of important trade routes from the British Isles to the Mediterranean, Lutetia quickly developed, representing a desirable prey for the growing Roman Empire. In 52 BC. after exhausting battles, the attacking army of Julius Caesar captured the city, destroyed and burned by the inhabitants. By this time, the city was first mentioned in Julius Caesar's Notes on the Gallic War. The official date of the founding of Paris is July 8, 52 BC. and in 1952 he celebrated 2000 years.

The Romans quickly restored the conquered but destroyed Lutetia, populating the Cité and the left bank of the Seine. The construction of temples, villas, thermae, bridges and an aqueduct began, roads were laid from paving stones. The ruins of public baths and the arena of gladiators can still be seen today in. Beginning of the 4th century was marked for the city by the wide spread of Christianity. Lutetia, which was called Parisium (the city of the Parisians), finally changed its name and became known as Paris.

https://youtu.be/G0pWemkl8yE

Invasions of the Franks and Normans

In 508, King Clovis of the Franks conquered Gaul, making Paris the capital of the Merovingian kingdom. In the middle of the VI century. the first Christian church in Paris is being built, on the site of which, 100 years later, the Cathedral of Notre Dame was erected.

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, the Vikings repeatedly attacked Paris, and each time the inhabitants had to seek protection on the island, where the fortress walls were built. The Vikings (Normans) sowed fear and destruction everywhere, ruining cities and monasteries. And in 845 fortifications the cities do not withstand the siege of the Vikings, and on the day of Easter the Normans capture Paris.

Paris (France) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main attractions of Paris with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Paris (France)

Paris is the capital and The largest city France, located in the northern part of the country on the banks of the Seine River in the center of the Île-de-France region. It is one of the most romantic and fashionable cities in the world, which attracts millions of tourists with its famous sights, magnificent architecture, fashionable boutiques and a special atmosphere of love and freedom.

"See Paris and die"

Paris is a dream city. Who has not heard this catchphrase, who did not want to visit Paris, and after visiting again come back here.

This city attracts absolutely everyone: lovers of fashion and romance, art and history, architecture and food. Here you will find absolutely everything: world-famous museums, the most fashionable shops, interesting sights, cozy restaurants and the most romantic places.

Paris is a city of love and light, the capital of fashion and a literary paradise, a city of a thousand faces that makes you fall in love at first sight.

Story

The founding of Paris dates back to the 3rd century BC. It was at this time that a settlement was founded on the island of Cité by the Celtic tribe of the Parisians, which first gave the name to the Gallo-Roman city of Parisia, and later transformed into Paris. The city became the capital of France in the 10th century and remained so, with few interruptions, for many centuries.

Antiquity. Paris grew up on the site of the ancient settlement of the Parisian tribe - Lutetia. This is a Celtic tribe in the 3rd century BC. built a fortified settlement on the island of Cité. Trade was the basis of their economy. In 52 BC. they joined the revolt of the Gauls. In the same year they were defeated by the Romans at the Battle of Lutetia. The Romans rebuilt the city. An aqueduct, baths, an amphitheater, and a forum were erected here. In the 4th century the city was besieged by the Franks. After a ten-year siege - taken. It became the capital of the Frankish state in the 5th century.

Middle Ages. At the beginning of the 5th century, Paris became the capital of the Merovingian state. In the 6th century, the city grew rapidly and was built. This was greatly facilitated not only by its political function, but also by trade. In the 7th century, the city ceased to be the capital of the Frankish state. In the 10th century, Paris again became the capital after the coronation of the first king of France from the Capet dynasty. Until the 12th century, the population of the city was mainly concentrated on the island-fortress of Cite. The royal residence was located here until the 14th century. In the 12th-13th century, there was an active settlement of the right bank of the Seine. In the first half of the 15th century, during the Hundred Years War, the city was occupied by the British. From the middle of the 15th century to the middle of the 16th century the capital was moved to Tours.

new time. In the 16th century, Paris again became the capital of France. At the same time, the city was shaken by terrible religious wars(for example, the infamous St. Bartholomew's Night). By the end of the 16th century, more than 300 thousand people lived in Paris.

In the 17th century, King Louis XIV moved royal residence to Versailles. At the beginning of the 18th century, the city was divided into 20 districts, and a wall was erected around it, which became its administrative border.

In 1814, Russian troops entered Paris.

In the 19th century the city became one of the main cultural and economic centers of Europe.

It is interesting that the city acquired its modern appearance in the middle of the 19th century as a result of a grandiose reconstruction initiated by Baron Osman. According to his project, old dilapidated buildings were demolished, and narrow streets were replaced by wide avenues with neoclassical stone buildings.

20th century. During World War II, Paris was occupied German troops. Released in August 1944. In 1968, there were riots in the city, which led to a change of government.

Best time to visit

Paris is beautiful in any season and any weather. But still, the ideal time to visit Paris is April-May and September-October. At this time, the city usually pleases with good weather and not so big amount tourists (although in Paris there are always enough of them). The highest season is June-July and the Christmas holidays. In August, there are much fewer tourists, but keep in mind that many establishments close at this time. There are also very few tourists in November, February and March. In the lowest seasons, a trip to Paris will be cheaper.

Practical information for tourists

The official language is French.
Monetary unit - euro.
To visit the capital of France, you need a Schengen visa.
Tipping at restaurants is included in the price. If you liked the service and food, you can leave a couple of euros on top or round the amount up. It is customary for taxi drivers to tip 5-10% of the amount, service personnel hotels - 1-2 euros.
There are no problems with cashless payments in Paris. Bank cards Visa/MasterCard is accepted almost everywhere. Fees may apply for cash withdrawals.
Toilets. In the center of Paris there are free public toilets, marked with the signs "toiletes" or "WC". You can also go to the toilet in cafes and bars, buying something like tea or coffee there. For children, an exception may be made, but it is better to ask the staff first.
You can drink tap water in Paris, although many Parisians and tourists buy bottled water.
Paris is a generally safe city. Basically, you should be wary of pickpocketing. Be vigilant, do not leave your belongings unattended, do not fall for any distracting tricks of strangers (sign something, help find something, etc.). It is not recommended to visit areas where immigrants from African countries and migrants.
Hotel reservations must be made in advance. It is also better to buy tickets online for popular attractions or excursions in advance.
You should always have identification documents with you (passport with a visa). It is forbidden to leave your luggage and belongings unattended.

How to get there

Paris is a major air transport hub. Charles de Gaulle International Airport is located 28 kilometers away, flights to which are available from almost all European airports and most international airports in Russia and of Eastern Europe. While a high-speed railway line is being built, which will reduce the time to Paris to 20 minutes, the main means of transportation is the bus and metro.

Bus routes from the airport

Route 2 - to the Arc de Triomphe through the Eiffel Tower. The cost is 17 euros. Departure every 30 minutes from 5.45 to 23.00
Route 4 - Montparnasse train station and Montparnasse airport. The cost is 17 euros. Departure every 30 minutes from 5.45 to 22.30.
Route 351 - to Nation Square. The cost is 6 euros. Departure every 30 minutes from 5.45 to 23.00

Metro - line B. Cost 10 euros. Opening hours from 5.00 to 23.00 Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles and St-Michel–Notre Dame stations will take you to the center.

The cost of a taxi from the airport to the left bank of the Seine is 55 euros, to the right - 50 euros. The rate is fixed.

Not far from Paris there is another airport - Orly. But he is less popular.

It is also easy to get to Paris by bus and train.

Timetable and ticket prices for trains - https://en.voyages-sncf.com/?redirect=yes

Train stations in Paris

Saint-Lazare - trains from Normandy arrive here.
Montparnasse - trains coming from the southwest: Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Portugal and Spain.
Gare de Lyon - Riviera, Provence, Italy, Switzerland, Alps
East Station - Southern Germany, Alsace, Champagne, Basel, Zurich, etc.

Public transport

Public transport in Paris is represented by metro lines, RER, buses, trams. The most convenient way to get around Paris is the metro and RER.

The metro has 14 numbered lines, RER - 5. But most likely you will only need A, B, C. When buying tickets, consider how many zones (lines) you cross. For example, from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the center of Paris, you need to buy a ticket for lines 1-5.

Trains start running at 5.45. The last train leaves around midnight. IN public transport Paris uses a single ticket. They can be bought at the box office at the stations and in special machines. There are one-time tickets, weekly, monthly and annual. A single ticket allows you to ride the metro for 1.5 hours.

Food and drink

There will be no problems with food in Paris. There is just a huge selection of food establishments from expensive restaurants to cozy street cafes and noisy bars with French, European, Oriental and Asian cuisine. All known fast food chains are represented. On the streets you can buy a variety of snacks from local to banal hot dogs.

You should definitely try French cuisine - oysters, foie gras, cheeses, poultry and beef dishes, sausages and ham, onion soup, famous French baguettes and pastries, salads.

From drinks, of course, French wine. By the way, lovers of beer can try good varieties of local beer.

To save on food, you need to eat away from tourist routes. You can also buy food in supermarkets. If your room is equipped with a kitchen, you have a direct road to local markets.

Markets (grocery):

Marche International de Rungis - 94152 Rungis
bd Richard Lenoir, 11e - market near Place de la Bastille
bd de Belleville, 11e & 20e
85bis bd de Magenta, 10e
rue d'Aligre, 12e

Shopping and shopping

Paris is a true paradise for shopaholics and fashion lovers. There are a lot of shops here from the world's elite brands to fairly inexpensive ones (especially during sales).

First of all, you should look at the famous Champs Elysees or Montmartre. There are also many shops scattered along the streets of the historic center.

All sorts of things and antiques can be found at the largest flea market in Europe - rue des Rosiers, St-Ouen

Shopping centers and outlets in Paris:

Beaugrenelle Paris, 12 rue Linois - 75015 Paris
Bercy Village, Cour Saint-Émilion - 75012 Paris
Forum des Halles,101 rue Porte Berger - 75001 Paris
Outlet La Vallée Village Chic Outlet Shopping, 3 cours de la Garonne - 77700 Serris - Marne-la-Vallée
One Nation Paris Outlet, 1 avenue du President Kennedy - 78340 Les Clayes sous Bois
Val d "Europe, 14 cours du Danube - 77711 Marne-la-Vallée

The best panoramas of Paris on the map

Do you want to enjoy the coolest panoramas of Paris? Especially for you, we marked them on the map. Enjoy the best views of the most romantic city on Earth!

Lookout at the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur - overcoming 300 steps of a spiral staircase you will find yourself in the dome of the basilica, which will open for you one of the most breathtaking panoramas of Paris. Opening hours: May-September from 8.00 to 20.30, October-April from 8.00 to 17.30. The cost is 6 euros, only cash is accepted.
The observation deck on the Arc de Triomphe is a great view of the famous Champs Elysees. Tickets are sold in the tunnel under the arch. The cost is 12 euros. Opening hours from 8.00 to 23.00 (March-October until 22.30).
The famous Notre Dame will give one of the best views historical part of Paris. Ticket price - 10 euros. The observation tower is open from 10.00 to 18.30.
Probably the coolest panorama of Paris opens from eiffel tower. Ticket prices and online purchase (it is better to buy them in advance) - http://ticket.toureiffel.fr/index-css5-setegroupe-pg1.html. Opening hours from 9.30 to 23.00.

Sights of Paris

Let's start our review with the main attraction of Paris and its symbol - the Eiffel Tower.

Business card of Paris. This is a huge steel structure 325 meters high, built in 1889. Named after the architect Gustave Eiffel.

This massive structure weighing 10,000 tons was built in 2 years and 2 months for the World's Fair. Interestingly, at first the Eiffel Tower was conceived as a temporary structure. But she stayed forever. Although many Parisians treated her very negatively and believed that she did not paint the "face" of Paris. But you need to face the truth - now it is strongly associated with the city.

It is the most visited paid attraction in the world and the most photographed. Therefore, it is better to buy tickets in advance online. Also, be sure to admire the tower at nightfall, when the light illumination turns on.

Between the Eiffel Tower and the military school is the Champ de Mars - a public park with beautiful landscape design and excellent views of the main attraction of Paris.

The next attraction that every tourist simply must see is the legendary Notre Dame Cathedral or Notre Dame de Paris. This is the oldest temple in Paris, located in its oldest part - the island of Cité.

Montmartre is a hill and the district of Paris with the same name. This is the highest point in the capital of France. Montmartre is an area of artists and bohemia. Here you can feel the atmosphere of bohemian and relaxed Paris, go to cozy and colorful cafes, climb the hill along the famous stairs.

The area was inhabited already in the Gallo-Roman period. In the Middle Ages, a monastery was built and many windmills. In the 19th century, living in Paris became more expensive, so Montmartre became a creative workshop and a home for artists and writers. Van Gogh, Picasso and others lived and worked here.

The main attraction of Montmartre is the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.

Sacré Coeur is a white marble basilica built in the 19th century in the Roman-Byzantine style, which is not typical for Europe. Located at the top of the hill in the high point cities.

Well, what is Paris without the famous Champs Elysees.

The Champs Elysees is the main avenue of Paris, almost 2 kilometers long. There are many brand shops and expensive restaurants here. Start from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.

The Arc de Triomphe is an impressive monument built by order of Napoleon in the first half of the 19th century in the antique style. Decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptures.

Another famous landmark is Versailles.

Versailles is the former residence of kings, located in the suburbs of Paris. This is the largest palace and park complex in Europe, built in the 17th century in the style of classicism. After the French Revolution, it was turned into a museum. The main asset of Versailles is the park - an outstanding masterpiece of landscape design: flower beds, lawns, sculptures and amazing fountains.

Versailles opening hours:

Castle from 9.00 to 18.30
Gardens from 8.00 to 20.30
Park from 7.00 to 20.30

Other sights and places of interest in Paris

Saint-Sulpice is a 17th-century church with an unfinished Classicist façade. She became famous thanks to Dan Brown's book "The Da Vinci Code" and its subsequent film adaptation.

The Luxembourg Gardens is a famous palace and park complex with beautiful landscape design and a fountain. It occupies 26 hectares and is divided into two parts. One part is classical French, the other is an English-style park.

The House or Palace of the Invalids is an architectural monument of the 17th century. It was built as a home for the honored military. Interestingly, he still accepts disabled people. There are also museums (mainly related to the army, history) and military burials. Napoleon Bonaparte and other famous people and military leaders found their last rest here.

The Tuileries is a palace and park complex in the center of Paris, which forms a single system with the Louvre. It used to belong to the kings of France. Great place for walking and relaxing. In front of the Tuileries Palace on Place Carruzel, a triumphal arch was built, glorifying the victories of Napoleon. The bas-reliefs that adorn the arch are also dedicated to Bonaparte.

Place de la Concorde or Concordia is one of the central squares of Paris. It is considered a masterpiece of urban construction in the style of classicism. Concordia is one of the largest squares in France. It was built by order of Louis XV in the 18th century. In addition to architecture, the Egyptian obelisk, which was installed on the square in the 19th century, attracts attention.

Place de la Bastille is one of the most important historical places in Paris, where the famous Bastille fortress was located until the end of the 18th century. The fortress was dismantled after the Revolution. It took three years. After that, they put up a sign with the inscription - "from now on they dance here." The tradition of organizing festivities here is still preserved. In the center of the square is the July Column, built in the first half of the 19th century.

Parisian Pantheon - architectural monument, burial place famous people France and Paris: politicians, military, artists, writers, poets, scientists. Here they found peace: Hugo, Voltaire, Rousseau, Papin, Curie.

Catacombs - a network of underground tunnels and caves that are of artificial origin. No one knows for sure their length (according to various sources, from 190 to 300 km). They keep many secrets of Paris, and ancient burials give them a gloomy atmosphere. It is believed that about 6 million people are buried here.

In fact, the catacombs are old quarries. Their history began in the 10th century. Approximately 2 km are equipped for tourists. At the same time, the number of people who are allowed underground at the same time should not exceed 200. Therefore, the queue here can be quite large. The place of burial is called the ossuary. After the overflow of city cemeteries in the 18th century, it was decided to store the remains of the dead in the catacombs.

The entrance to the catacombs is located near the Denfert-Rochereau station, near the lion sculpture. Opening hours from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 20.30. To go down to the dungeon you need to overcome 140 steps, to go up - 83. The temperature in the catacombs is a constant temperature of 14 degrees, so dress accordingly. The cost of a ticket with an audio guide is 27 euros, without - 12 (16) euros.

Saint-Martin is a 4.5 km long Parisian canal dug to supply the Parisian fountains in the first half of the 19th century. Quite a popular place in the French capital.

Bridge Alexander III- one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, 160 meters long, built at the end of the 19th century as a symbol of the union between Russia and France. Nicholas II decided to name this bridge in honor of his father, Emperor Alexander III. The bridge is a masterpiece of the Beaux Arts style and is located close to the Champs Elysées.

Guide to the main attractions of Paris (map)

Top free places in Paris

Paris is not a cheap city. It's hard enough to be a budget tourist here. Especially when there are so many temptations lurking around, where it is easy to spend all the money. But in Paris there are many free places. Here is our TOP:

Entrance to the legendary Notre Dame is free. You just need to stand in line.
St. Ouen Flea Market - Check out some of the weirdest things you'll never buy. Getting there - Porte de Clignancourt (line 4)
Champ de Mars - lawns and flower beds arranged with amazing precision. An amazing piece of landscape design. Grab a blanket, buy a bottle of wine at the store, and enjoy the Eiffel Tower in peace.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery is an ancient cemetery that will give you one of the most atmospheric Parisian walks. Balzac, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf found their last rest here. How to get there - Père Lachaise (line 2) or Gambetta (line 3).
If you want to visit the museum for free - the Museum of Modern Art is waiting for you. How to get there - line 9, Ledru-Rollin.
Sacre Coeur. The main religious building of Montmartre will delight you with free admission. You will have to pay only if you want to climb the dome or view the crypt.
Parc Butte Chaumont is a cool park for those who like to exercise. There are many birds, rocky landforms and even a waterfall. Getting there - line 7, Buttes Chaumont
Canal Saint-Martin is an amazingly picturesque place located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris between Place de la République and Gare du Nord.
Belleville is a very atmospheric multicultural place. Chinatown and many artists will open a completely different Paris for you.
The Tuileries Garden is a beautiful garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. He will lead you in the footsteps of Marie Antoinette to the Arc de Triomphe of Napoleon.

Paris also includes two islands (Saint-Louis and Cité), which are the oldest part of it. The landscape of Paris is hilly. The largest hill is called Montmartre, having a height of 130 meters above sea level. The territory of Paris is 87 square kilometers. Paris is divided into 14 quarters.

The Ile de la Cité is the oldest part of Paris. Now Notre Dame stands here, but a few dozen centuries earlier, a Celtic tribe lived here, who called themselves the Parisians. After the Romans left the territory of modern France, the Frankish king Clovis the First created a city that stretched along both banks of the river and gave it the name Paris. Soon the city was destroyed by the Normans.

1210 - a wall was erected around Paris, including about 500 towers, and about 100 thousand people lived behind the wall. With the coming to power of Napoleon, Paris was recognized as the capital of Europe.

After the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, Paris became a city of artists. Major exhibitions are held here almost every year.

Since 1937, the number of high-rise skyscrapers has been growing. The business part of the city became known as La Defense, and the residential area of Tours de Montparnasse is inhabited by more than 30 thousand inhabitants of Paris.

Probably, it is not necessary to say once again that Paris is full of all sorts of attractions. In addition to the world-famous Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Champs Elysees and Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris has many unfamiliar yet attractive corners. One of them: the newest architectural building of the National Center for Science and Industry, which hosts fairs and exhibitions.

Paris is the center of political, administrative and cultural activities France. Paris was practically not damaged during the two World Wars, so it retained all the elegance of architectural buildings from the time of Napoleon.

The carefully preserved history of Paris, which is saturated with every street and every boulevard, is not afraid to dissolve in the latest architectural projects and solutions. Paris is the city of love and art. Numerous unforgettable experiences await those who decide to stroll through the streets of Paris, getting to know its inhabitants and their customs and traditions. The main attractions of Paris are located at a considerable distance from each other. To see the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Bastille in one day, you need to cover a distance of 7 km. And from the Sacré Coeur in Montmartre to the Montparnasse tower - 5 km.

Despite the fact that Paris has a high population density, it is not difficult to get lost in it, you just need to stay close to the banks of the Seine. Historically, the city is divided into left- and right-bank Paris. The expanded metro network will allow you to quickly get anywhere in the city.

Eiffel Tower - business card Paris and France. The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel as part of the World's Fair. The Eiffel Tower consists of three levels: the height of the lower level is 57m, the middle one is 115m and the upper one is 274m. If you climb to the highest level, you can take in the beautiful Parisian panorama within a radius of 70 km. Directly below the Eiffel Tower is the green Champ de Mars. It used to be a military parade ground, which was later transformed into a beautiful park.

The Louvre is a royal palace that has been so for eight centuries. There is also a famous collection of masterpieces of world art, in which there are about 400 copies, including works by Leonardo da Vinci.

Notre Dame Cathedral is located in Notre Dame de Paris in one of the oldest quarters of Paris. Its construction began in 1160 under the direction of Maurice de Sully, bishop. The construction of the cathedral was completed only two centuries later, in 1345. The height of the towers of the cathedral reaches almost seventy meters in height. And the height of the spire is 90 meters. The bell weighing 15 tons rings only on major holidays. The walls of the cathedral are almost completely soundproof. The silence inside the cathedral is in stark contrast to the traffic noise outside. In front of the cathedral is the Place de la Papère, where there is a reference point for the distance of all roads in France - kilometer zero.

The Champs-Elysées is a large street with the Arc de Triomphe, which enjoys worldwide fame. Whether there are military parades or luminous Christmas lights, the street is always filled with a cosmopolitan crowd eager for entertainment. The idea of creating such a lively street belongs to Marie Medici, who at one time ordered to lengthen the avenue lined with elms along the Seine and leading to Alma Square. The Avenue Champs-Elysées was originally called the Cours de la Reine.

The Champs Elysees is crowned by the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the hill of Cheio. On this hill is the Place des Stars Charles de Gaulle. From here, the largest highways of the city diverge in different directions.

The Arc de Triomphe was built by order of Napoleon Bonaparte in honor of his Grand Army. And since 1920, there has been a grave under the Arch unknown soldier with an eternal flame and an observation deck.

The Défense quarter is famous for the fact that in the 19th century, Parisians resisted the Prussian soldiers in this very place. Hence the "defense-resistance".

The Île Saint-Louis was formed from two islands in 1614: Yours and Notre Dame. Already in the 17th century, the island was completely built up, so today it is a concentration of quite numerous architectural monuments. The Hotel Lozen and the Hotel Lambert have been preserved here since the 17th century.

The Island of the City is famous for its ancient historical past: here is the world-famous Sorbonne University, as well as the tomb of French writers, famous throughout the world: Voltaire, Emile Zoli, Victor Hugo.

Parisians love to spend their weekends in the Luxembourg Gardens. There is everything for a good rest: gardens, fountains, tennis courts and the Luxembourg Palace, where the Senate sits today.

Les Invalides is a complex of buildings, the cathedral and the church of San Louis for disabled soldiers, built in 1671 by order of King Louis the Sixteenth. Under the majestic vaults of the cathedral is a crypt with the tomb of Napoleon.

The Tuileries Garden in 1563 was conceived by Catherine Midici as a landscape work in a purely English style. However, she failed to complete her plan. Already in 1663, the gardener of Louis XVI was able to decorate this area geometric shapes, but in the traditional French style.

Saint Chapelle is an architectural work in the Gothic style. King Louis the 9th ordered the construction of the famous chapel to store the Passion of Christ.

In the ancient church of Saint-Germain des Pres there are tombs of such historically famous people like Descartes and the Polish king Jan Casimir. Many centuries ago, this church was repeatedly destroyed by the Normans, yet it has always been restored in the clear lines of early Romanesque architecture.

Moulin Rouge - translated from French means "red mill", which is a historical symbol of Paris at night. Moulin Rouge is an incendiary cancan, fireworks and shows and a taste of classic French champagne.

The cultural center of France is certainly 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 Ile de la Cité. Now, within the administrative boundaries of Paris (largely unchanged, by the way, since 1860), about 2.1 million people live. However, "unit-urban" ( urban area) stretches far beyond the official borders, and already has about 10 million inhabitants, which forms 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, the Paris agglomeration 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 for every taste.

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

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

Many tourists prefer.

Travel pass

When visiting 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. With this card, you can visit more than 60 of the best museums in the French capital ( 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, Louvre, Georges Pompidou National Center for Arts and Culture and Saint-Chapelle Skip the line. The cost of the card for 2 days is 30 euros, for 4 days - 45 euros and for 6 days - 60 euros (admission 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 terms for persons of retirement age.

Paris (fr. Paris) is the capital of France, the most important economic and cultural center of the country. The French capital is one of the largest and most populous cities in the world. According to statistics, about a little more than 2 million people live in the actual urban part of Paris, and more than 10 million live on the outskirts in the so-called Greater Paris. After London, this is the second most densely populated city Western Europe.

Paris is located in the north-central part of France, in the Île-de-France region, on the banks of the Seine River, in a temperate zone. Virtually unscathed during the two world wars, the city center with magnificent boulevards and elegant mansions dates back to the time of Napoleon. And the monuments and museums of Paris are known all over the world. In the city you can look at such world-famous historical and architectural monuments as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum and the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. The city is also the capital of world fashion and art.

Sights of Paris
The ancient center of Paris occupies only 106 square meters. km. The growth of the city took place radially. From the island of Cité, a system of streets and highways in the form of conical rings can be traced, which have been successive since the 189th centuries. surrounded by fortified ramparts. The central part of Paris is surrounded by Grand Boulevards, laid along the line of ramparts, mainly in the 14th century. External boulevards were created along the ramparts of the 18th century. The fortifications of 1840–1845, furthest from the city center and demolished in 1919, were located on the site of Peripheric Boulevard, a ring road built after the Second World War and forming the border of the modern city.

Seine river
Conventionally, the city can be divided into two parts: left-bank and right-bank. Government agencies concentrated in the central and western regions of the left bank of the Seine. The Latin Quarter, south of the Cité, houses university buildings and publishing houses. Business offices, luxury shops and places of entertainment are located mainly on the right bank of the Seine, in the central and western parts of Paris. Many monuments are concentrated on the right bank of the Seine in the western part of Paris. The Arc de Triomphe, the second most important symbol of Paris after the Eiffel Tower, is located on the Place des Stars. 12 wide avenues diverge from the square in all directions. The most famous of them is the Champs-Elysées, which connects the Place des Stars and the Place de la Concorde. Here are the theater on the Champs Elysees, the famous "Lido" and "Krezi Horse". To the north of the Champs Elysees rises the Champs Elysees - the current residence of the presidents of France, and the Grand Palace is located symmetrically to it with respect to the Champs Elysees. To the north of Zvezda Square, on the small Rue Daru, is the most famous Russian church in Paris - the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

The wide rue Royal leads from the Place de la Concorde to the church of St. Magdalene (Madeleine). From west to east, from Place de la Madeleine to Place de la République, a chain of Grands Boulevards stretches, which then descend south to Place de la Bastille. Not far from the Boulevard des Capucines is the pompous building of the State Opera and Ballet Theater "Grand Opera" ( official name- National Academy of Music and Dance), designed by architect Charles Garnier.

Belly of Paris
On the right bank of the Seine, west of the Ile de la Cité, is the heart of Paris: the Central Market, the Tuileries Garden, Carousel Square and the Louvre - a former royal palace that houses the world's largest museum. Opposite the Louvre is the Palais Royal, built in the 17th century. for Cardinal Richelieu. Here is the National Library. To the north of the Tuileries is the most luxurious place in Paris - Vendôme. The Bourse and the Bank of France form the core of the business district, which extends north to the Gare Saint-Lazare and south to the Champs Elysées.

To the east of the Louvre along Rivoli Street is the City Hall, built in the 19th century. in the French Renaissance style. To the north of the City Hall is the Center for Art and Culture. Georges Pompidou (Center Beaubourg). Further east, just north of Rivoli Street - Place des Vosges, even further north - Place de la Bastille, on which there was once a medieval fortress, and later a prison, destroyed at the beginning of the French Revolution. On the eastern outskirts of Paris live mainly workers and small merchants. These are the most densely populated quarters of the city.

At the eastern end of The majestic Cathedral of Notre Dame (Notre Dame) rises in the Cité. At the western tip of the island is the elegant Place Dauphine. Nearby is the Palace of Justice - a complex ensemble of buildings, mainly dating back to the 18th century. A pedestrian bridge connects the eastern end of the island with the small island of Saint-Louis, a favorite vacation spot for numerous artists and wealthy Parisians. Elegant mansions of the 17th century have been preserved here. An exciting walk through the two central islands of Paris can be made by walking from the Pont Sully, located on the eastern part of Saint-Louis, to the oldest in the city, Pont Neuf, in the west of the Ile de la Cité.

Bohemian Paris Montmartre
Beyond the Outer Boulevards in the northern part of the city lies the picturesque district of Montmartre, which occupies the highest hill in Paris. It is a haven for artists, actors, writers and poets. The world-famous Moulin Rouge is located here. At the top of Montmartre stands the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, a dazzling white church built in the Romanesque-Byzantine style.

There are few spacious squares on the left bank of the Seine, but many beautiful buildings and picturesque quarters. Here lies the Latin Quarter, which has long been the core of the University of Paris. Now it is a recognized center of Parisian bohemia. To the east of Boulevard Saint-Michel is the Cluny mansion, and nearby, in a labyrinth of narrow streets, is the church of Saint-Sevrin. Here are the churches of Saint-Medar and Saint-Étienne-du-Mont. Near the Cluny mansion is the holy of holies of students - the Sorbonne. Nearby, on the Great People's Square, stands the Pantheon - a tomb for prominent figures of France.

Montparnasse
To the west of Boulevard Saint-Michel, opposite the Sorbonne, are the beautiful Luxembourg Park and the Luxembourg Palace, seat of the Senate. To the south, beyond the ring of the Outer Boulevards, lies the Montparnasse district, where, like Montmartre, artists and artists flock. This is the center of life of today's bohemia in Paris.

Cemeteries of Paris
From the east, the Outer Boulevards adjoin the largest and most famous cemetery in Paris, Père Lachaise, where they finished their life path many prominent figures of culture and art.

In the west there is a sad place, a kind of cemetery - the Catacombs. Not far from the Seine, on the boulevard Saint-Germain, is the oldest church in Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Pres.

New life for palaces
Of particular interest are the buildings of government offices and embassies. The Palais d'Orsay, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now located, and the Palace of Bourbon, the seat of the National Assembly of France.

At the top of the esplanade, descending down to the Seine, rises one of the most remarkable architectural ensembles of Paris - Les Invalides, which houses the Military Museum with a magnificent collection of weapons, armor, uniforms and military relics. Not far from Les Invalides is the Military School, the headquarters of UNESCO, as well as the Biron mansion, where the Rodin Museum is located today. The Champ de Mars, a former military parade ground and now a regular park, extends northwest of military school and descends to the Seine. Near the river rises the famous Eiffel Tower - the symbol of Paris. Opposite the tower, on the other side of the Seine, is the Place du Trocadéro, where the Palace of Chaillot is located.

Museums
In Paris, there is an incredible number of interesting museums and exhibitions with unique collections. Magnificent exhibitions of contemporary art in the "Gallery of the ball game" in the Tuileries. Amazing collections are presented at the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museum of Holography and the Grevin Forum. The Museum of Advertising on Rivoli Street is very interesting. Of course, the Picasso Museum and the Carnavalet Museum, located in architectural ensemble"Grand Carnival", and, of course, the museum of the great Edith Piaf, the "sparrow", a native of Paris. Remarkable museums of technology, Cognac-Jay, hunting and nature, as well as the Museum of Magic and Curiosity.

Be sure to take a walk through the Botanical Garden, which is already seven hundred years old. It contains about 10,000 plant species. Visit the Museum of Romantic Life dedicated to George Sand and the Silver Tower, the most famous restaurant in Paris, which houses the Museum of the Table, which tells about antique objects and serving utensils.

Numismatists will be interested in visiting the Conti embankment and admiring the collection of the Museum of Coins. At the Museum of Pharmacy, you can get acquainted with ancient tools and a full range of herbal medicines. The beautiful Perfume Museum on Rue Scrib tells the history of fragrances since ancient egypt. Of interest are the Grevin Museum with 500 wax figures and the museum-workshop of the artist Gustave Moreau. The entire history of Freemasonry is presented in the Grand Orient Museum on Kade Street.

In the thirteenth arrondissement of Paris is the famous royal tapestry manufactory, presenting masterpieces of ancient and modern work.

The Paris Observatory (the first in the world) has a rich collection of astronomical instruments. The Lenin Museum is located on Marie-Rose Street. He lived in this house for three years.

Take a look at the Pasteur Museum, which is located in the scientist's apartment, and the Postal Museum on Rue Vaugirard, which displays the uniforms of postmen from around the world, antique mailboxes and tells about the history of the postal service. Don't forget to visit the Museum of Fair Arts. The house-museum of Balzac, the Museum of handicrafts, the Museum of antique glasses and lorgnettes, which contains 3000 of the rarest exhibits, and, of course, the Wine Museum in the Echanzon tavern, are very interesting.

Of course, during a short stay in Paris it is impossible to see all its sights and beauties. In order to get to know Paris for real, two lives are not enough.

History of Paris
The city of all times and peoples, Paris has preserved both evidence of the distant past and the romanticism of modern times. The city was founded in the middle of the 3rd century BC. e. from the Celtic settlement of Lutetia of the tribe of the Parisians on the site of the modern island of Cité. The first written mention of Lutetia is found in the 6th book of Julius Caesar on the war with Gaul in 53 BC. e. When in 52 B.C. e. the Romans, after the first unsuccessful attempt, tried to approach the city for the second time, the Parisians set fire to Lutetia and destroyed the bridges. The Romans left them an island and built it on the left bank of the Seine. new town. There they erected baths, a forum and an amphitheater. In the Roman Empire, the city did not have much influence.

Roman rule ended by 508, when Paris became the capital of the Merovingian Frankish dynasty under the rule of Clovis I. During the reign of the Carolingians, the city was again attacked by the Normans. The Capetians made Paris the capital of France. Under Philip II Augustus, the defense of the city was strengthened: in 1190 a wall was built on the right bank of the Seine, and in 1210 on the left bank. By order of Philip, the Louvre was erected on the western outskirts of Paris.

In 1181 the first covered market opened, and in 1301 a royal palace was built on the island of Cité. In the southern part of the city, the Sorbonne was formed from the merger of several small schools. Charles V ordered that the wall on the left bank be renewed to protect against the British; in 1370 he ordered the construction of another wall on the right bank at the site of today's Grand Boulevards. During the Hundred Years' War, Paris was occupied from 1420 to 1436 by the British.

During the Huguenot wars from 1562 to 1598 the city was in the power of the Catholics. On St. Bartholomew's night, August 24, 1572, thousands of Huguenots were killed. By order of Louis XIV, it was established street lighting, the water supply system was updated and the hospitals Les Invalides and Salpetri were built. The city walls were demolished and "Grand Boulevards" were built in their place. The residence of the king moved to Versailles, but Paris still remained the political center of France, thanks to the growing population and the leading role of Paris in the country's economy.

During the French Revolution (1789), the monarchy was abolished, which led to the establishment of the First Republic. In 1844, for defensive purposes, on the site of today's ring road around the city ("periphery"), fortifications 39 km long were erected. With 94 bastions and 16 forts, it was the largest defensive structure in the world.

In 1855, 1867, 1878, 1889, 1900 and 1937, the World Exhibitions were held in Paris, which once again emphasized the cultural and political influence of the city. After the decline of the Second Empire and the capture of Paris by German troops, the Paris Commune, consisting of workers, artisans and petty bourgeois, opposed the provisional conservative government of the republic. In the 90s of the 19th century and the first decade of the 20th century, also known as the “Belle Epoque” (La Belle Epoque), France experienced an unprecedented rise and economic development. In 1900 and 1924, the II and VIII Olympic Games were held in Paris. In 1921, the population of Paris exceeded three million people.

During the Second World War, the city was occupied by the German Wehrmacht, the occupation lasted until the end of August 1944

The May events in France in 1968 caused a wave of riots and demonstrations and ultimately led to a change of government. In the mid-80s, unrest periodically arose in Paris; the rebels were mostly residents of the areas adjacent to Paris, inhabited by immigrants. In 2005, the most devastating riots took place, which soon spread to other cities in France.

View of the center of Paris from the Eiffel Tower: