Population of Paris. Paris Square

Almost every person on the planet dreams of visiting Paris. This is not surprising, since there is a unique charm and unique atmosphere here. As practice shows, even a week is not enough time to visit all the local attractions. Later in this article we will talk about this in more detail. amazing city, including its history and population.

General description

In general, the French capital is very compact. The total area of ​​Paris is about 105 square kilometers. The city's borders are enclosed by a ring road called the Peripheral Boulevard, and it itself is divided into the left and right banks of the Seine. Administratively, the metropolis is divided into twenty districts, which are numbered from the center towards the suburbs. Paris is the administrative, cultural, industrial and political center of the state. Over the past few decades, it has strongly merged with its suburbs, thereby forming the largest agglomeration in the country.

Geography

The capital of France is located in the north of the country, 145 kilometers from the English Channel. The Seine River crosses Paris in the direction from southeast to northwest. The map of Paris clearly demonstrates how original the water artery branches out in the very heart of the city, thereby forming the very center where the first local settlers once built their homes. Many interesting historical sites are located along the river. On the outskirts of the city there are quite large areas that remain undeveloped in our time. In this case we are talking about the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes. Once upon a time, French aristocrats hunted here, and now these places have become one of the most favorite places among Parisians. Like almost all of France, Paris is influenced by a damp, mild climate. During the winter months, the air temperature rarely drops below 0 degrees. As for snow, it also does not fall often.

Brief History

Before the invasion of Roman troops in 52, Gaul tribes lived on the territory of the modern French capital. The conquerors then nicknamed the local population Parisians. The name of the city comes from this word. As noted earlier, initially only the Ile de la Cité, now the historical center of Paris, was inhabited. Over the next 50 years, the city expanded slightly on the left bank. Now the so-called one is here Latin Quarter. Roman rule ended in 508.

During the eleventh century, part of the city spread to the right bank, and the reign of King Philip II Augustus (1180-1223) saw a period of rapid development. At this time, not only did the area of ​​Paris increase significantly, but numerous churches were erected, key roads were paved, and the Louvre fortress was erected. In the Middle Ages the city became one of the leading European intellectual and shopping centers, and its rapid development was temporarily suspended only because of the plague epidemic that began in the fourteenth century. In 1852, inspired by the modernization of London, Emperor Napoleon III partially rebuilt Paris.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, all of France experienced economic growth. Paris was no exception. A clear confirmation of this was the successful World Exhibition held here, which was visited by millions of tourists from all over the world. At the same time, the first metro line was opened.

World War II

In June 1940, the city was occupied by German troops. They stayed here until the end of August 1944. The government of the country expected such a development of events, and therefore, some time before the capture of the French capital by the Nazis, the population of Paris was partially evacuated, and monuments and public buildings were covered with sandbags. Be that as it may, one cannot help but note the fact that, compared to other large European cities, it was practically undamaged.

Post-war period and today

The development of the French capital continued in the post-war years. At this time, the suburbs grew significantly and the construction of the business and industrial district of Defense began, now known throughout the world thanks to its line of skyscrapers. In the eighties of the last century, the city was engulfed in mass protests. They mainly took place in its suburbs and were associated with the discontent of local residents, mostly immigrants. More serious riots occurred in late 2005. Then the rioters, representing the visiting population of Paris, burned several thousand cars in protest against their status and often attacked the city. In our time, in some amazing way, progress is harmoniously combined with a hundred years of history in the city. In particular, ultra-modern buildings are being erected next to architectural masterpieces created by world-famous masters. And this fact does not in any way disturb the local atmosphere, which has been formed over centuries.

Population

As of today, the population of Paris is about 2.3 million people. In this indicator, the city is among the five largest metropolitan areas in the European Union. About 300 thousand of its inhabitants are foreigners who arrived here from European and African countries. Including the suburbs, the metropolitan area known as Greater Paris is home to about 10 million people. Throughout the country, this area is the most densely populated. Eloquent is the fact that the city accounts for 17% of the state’s population, although it itself occupies only 2% of its territory.

The population of Paris grew greatly between 1945 and 1970. This time was characterized by large migration from other regions of the country, as well as high birth rates in the families of people who arrived here. In the eighties, the influx of young people did not stop much, but at this time many middle-aged citizens left the city. As a result, within ten years the residents of the French capital were predominantly foreigners and elderly people.

As statistical studies show, throughout history the population of Paris has been significantly replenished by immigrants from other countries. In the early nineties of the last century, this trend intensified. At this time, settlers accounted for about 25% of the local population. They were predominantly Algerians, Spaniards, Portuguese and representatives of other former French colonies. They mostly performed low-paid jobs in construction and industry. The result of all this was acute housing problems that arose within Greater Paris, as a result of which slums appeared here, inhabited by very poor people.

Economy

The capital of France, together with its suburbs, boasts the highest number of employed residents in the country. The population of the city of Paris mainly works in such areas as the production of watches, jewelry, perfumes, fashionable clothing, as well as high-quality expensive furniture. These goods are usually produced in small workshops concentrated in the central part of the city. Industrial workers account for about one quarter of all employed residents of Paris. The service sector is quite developed here. Large enterprises that specialize in the production of cars, aircraft, electrical equipment and chemicals are located mainly in the northern suburbs.

Suburbs

As a rule, residents of the agglomeration live in small single-family houses built during the interwar period, as well as in multi-story buildings that appeared after the Second World War. Although housing construction flourished during this period, the problem of housing shortages in the suburbs of the French capital remains. Moreover, many of the houses located here cannot boast of having modern amenities. The vast majority of local people are immigrants. The most famous, elite suburbs of the French capital are La Défense, Versailles and Saint-Denis. Their residents are adequately provided with work and a developed service sector.

Tourism, shopping and nightlife

The capital of France, according to statistics, is the most visited city on the planet. An average of 30 million tourists come here every year. This is not surprising, since numerous historical masterpieces from different eras have been preserved here. In addition, the city attracts visitors with its secrets, unique ancient streets and atmosphere. At the same time, a person who comes here for the first time does not even need a map of Paris with landmarks marked. In any case, he will be delighted, since absolutely every corner here is unique.

Another reason why travelers come to the French capital is shopping. Local residents also like to spend their free time doing this activity. To make purchases, you don’t need to go anywhere, because the streets of the city are crowded not only with elite, but also with cheaper shops. At the same time, the purpose of shopping for Parisians comes down to the process itself, and not to the obligatory purchase of something.

After dark, the city transforms: the bridges begin to light up, and the boulevards and streets are filled with the reflections of both ancient and modern lamps. The population of Paris prefers to spend this time meeting with their friends. They visit theaters or restaurants, and after them sometimes go to nightclubs and bars.

Useful information for tourists about Paris in France - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Paris is the capital of France, the most important economic and cultural center country, located in north-central France, in the Ile-de-France region on the banks of the Seine River. About 2.2 million inhabitants live in Paris. More than 10 million inhabitants live in greater Paris (together with its suburbs). This is one of the most romantic and most culturally rich cities in the world.

The Seine divides Paris into the Left and Right Banks. The atmosphere of the Left Bank was determined by the Sorbonne and the Latin Quarter. This area has traditionally been considered bohemian - students and professors, artists, poets and musicians lived here. The right bank is administrative and more businesslike. Here is located royal palace The Louvre and City Hall, and more recently the La Défense business center with skyscrapers. And on the small island of Cité, located in the middle of the Seine, there are two pearls of Paris - Notre Dame Cathedral and the royal chapel of Sainte-Chapelle.

Getting to know Paris is a great opportunity to get in touch with French history and culture. For thousands of years, Paris has been the capital of France. And the treasury of his wealth only increases over time. And now the city is decorated not only with the Notre Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité and the Sacre Coeur on Montmartre, the Louvre and the Orsay Museum, but also the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, the center contemporary art Georges Pompidou and the ultra-modern trade and banking center La Défense.

Paris was founded by the Romans in 59 BC. In the Middle Ages it increased, such architectural monuments as Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle Chapel, Sorbonne University were built, block by block. Louis XIV and Napoleon Bonaparte continue to build the city. The appearance of Paris was finally completed in 1848 under the leadership of the city's prefect, Haussmann. The Grand Boulevards were laid out, the Arc de Triomphe Square and street perspectives were created. To this day, the city has completely preserved its ancient medieval center and is one of the most beautiful and rich cities in the world.

Paris has a huge number of attractions, which include not only architectural buildings, but also streets, bridges and squares. The French capital has about: 160 museums, 200 art galleries, 100 theaters, more than 650 cinemas, more than 10,000 restaurants.

With its beauty, sophisticated style and luxury, Paris has inspired and continues to inspire artists and thinkers. The three most famous Parisian landmarks are the ancient Notre Dame Cathedral, built on the Ile de la Cité back in the 12th century, and the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, both constructions from the 19th century.

The openwork metal tower, designed by engineer Eiffel, was, oddly enough, intended as a temporary structure to serve as the entrance to the World Exhibition of 1889, but not only survived the event itself, but has since become a true symbol of the city.

In opposite directions from it, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, built on the top of the Montmartre hill, and the lonely Montparnasse Tower, especially standing out against the backdrop of its “flat” area, rise above the horizon.

The historical axis of architectural monuments crosses the city from the center to the west. Starting from the world-famous Louvre Museum, it continues through the Tuileries Garden, Avenue des Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe in the center of Place des Stars. In the 1960s the line was extended even further, through the entire La Défense quarter, the center of which was the Grand Arch of Défense, as if parodying its older sister. The ultra-modern La Défense, built up with tall business buildings made of glass and concrete, stands in stark contrast to the ancient Paris located nearby.

In the very center of the historical part is the Invalides House, which houses a military museum; the remains of famous French commanders, one of whom is Napoleon Bonaparte, are buried here. There is also the Pantheon Church, guarding the eternal peace of once famous Parisian figures. During the Great French Revolution, the former royal palace of the Conciergerie became a prison for the defeated monarch, from where he was subsequently escorted for public execution.

The Palais Garnier, better known as the Opéra Garnier, built during the Second Empire, is the home of Parisian opera and ballet. And the royal palace of the Louvre has the honor of becoming the most famous art museum peace. The famous Sorbonne is only part of the large University of Paris, located in the ancient Latin Quarter.

Another symbol of Paris was the Arc de Triomphe, connected to the Place de la Concorde by the famous Champs Elysees street. Adjacent to the Place de la Concorde on the eastern side along the axis of the Champs Elysees is the Tuileries Garden, laid out in the French style, and further in the same direction, the famous Louvre - the centuries-old residence of the French royal family, and now one of the world's richest museums of painting and sculpture.

The architectural trends of the 20th century left the city such monuments as the Georges Pompidou Cultural Center, which now houses the Museum of Modern Art, the new opera building on the Place de la Bastille, the Les Halles shopping center, built on the site of the “Womb of Paris”, as well as the Défense district, which represents is an architectural complex of skyscrapers and buildings and structures with avant-garde forms. It is also of undoubted interest park ensemble Scientific and industrial town (north-east of Paris) inspired by the ideas of futurism, which houses a large museum of science and technology, as well as a series of multimedia attractions of three-dimensional and spatial cinema.

At the beginning of the 19th century, new cemeteries were founded on the site of old cemeteries - one in the center of Paris (Passy cemetery) and three outside its former borders (Montmartre cemetery in the north, Montparnasse cemetery in the south and Père Lachaise in the east). Many celebrities are buried in the cemeteries, making them a favorite destination for tourists and city residents who appreciate the silence of the cemetery alleys. In the far suburbs of Paris is the Russian cemetery of Sainte-Genevieve-des-Bois.

The cultural life of Paris is rich and varied, here you can find an event for every taste, be it concerts, exhibitions, film festivals, fashion shows or sports spectacles; Film and Music Festivals, an innumerable number of art exhibitions, various festivals that enjoy great success and much more are held here. The Seine embankment was included in the list in 1991 World Heritage UNESCO, as well as the suburban Palace of Fontainebleau in 1979 and the Palace of Versailles in 1981. The near and distant suburbs of Paris also actively enrich the cultural part of Parisian life, which is so attractive to tourists.

The menu of Parisian restaurants presents the full range of masterpieces of French culinary art: traditional cuisine and fine wines in famous restaurants, regional dishes and “nouvelle cuisine” (“new cuisine”), fusion dishes (mixing different traditions) and all kinds of exotic combinations, and also legendary eateries open 24 hours a day.

Every guest of the French capital will find a corner in Paris to suit their taste. During the day, the shady alleys of its impressive parks Monceau and Buttes Chaumont, and the Tuileries and Luxembourg gardens are suitable for a short rest, and in the evening, after countless walks, you can go on a boat trip along the Seine.

Every year, Paris welcomes some 25 million visitors from all over the world, who come to re-experience the magic of its elegant streets, experience the delights of the Parisian way of life, appreciate the works of local designers and the treasures of the city's museums. “The Paris of Parisians” is an open and harmonious city, a cultural and historical capital that remains a constant center of attraction for tourists and business people, a real window to Europe.

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, just recently in France the highest category of hotels was 4 stars, and many have not yet 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. With this map you can visit more than 60 best museums 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 complex National Center art and culture named after Georges Pompidou and Sainte-Chapelle without queues. 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.

Paris (French: 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. In the actual urban part of Paris, according to statistics, about a little more than 2 million people live, and on the outskirts in the so-called Greater Paris - more than 10 million. After London, this is the second most densely populated populated city Western Europe.

Paris is located in north-central France, in the Ile-de-France region, on the banks of the Seine River, in a temperate climate zone. Virtually untouched by two world wars, the city center, with its magnificent boulevards and graceful mansions, dates back to the times of Napoleon. And the monuments and museums of Paris are known all over the world. In the city you can see 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 the 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 city's growth occurred radially. From the Ile de la Cité, a system of streets and highways can be traced in the form of conical rings, which have been consistent since the 19th centuries. were surrounded by fortified ramparts. The central part of Paris is surrounded by the Grands Boulevards, laid along the line of ramparts, mainly from the 14th century. External boulevards were created along the ramparts of the 18th century. The fortifications of 1840–1845, the furthest from the city center and demolished in 1919, were located on the site of the Boulevard Peripherique, 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: the left bank and the right bank. Government institutions are concentrated in the central and western regions of the left bank of the Seine. The Latin Quarter, located south of the Cité, is home to university buildings and publishing houses. Business offices, luxury shops and entertainment venues 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. On Place des Stars there is the Arc de Triomphe - the second most important symbol of Paris after the Eiffel Tower. There are 12 wide avenues radiating from the square in all directions. The most famous of them is the Champs Elysees, which connects the Place des Stars and the Place de la Concorde. Here are the theater on the Champs-Elysees, the famous Lido and Crazy Horse. To the north of the Champs Elysees stands the Elysee Palace - the current residence of the presidents of France, and symmetrically to it relative to the Champs Elysees is located Grand Palace. North of Star Square, on the small Daru Street, is the most famous Russian temple in Paris - the Alexander Nevsky Temple.

The wide Rue Royal leads from the Place de la Concorde to the Church of St. Magdalene (Madeleine). From west to east, from the Place de la Madeleine to the Place de la République, there is a chain of Grands Boulevards, which then descend south to the Place de la Bastille. Not far from Capuchin Boulevard is the pompous building of the state opera and ballet theater "Grand Opera" (official name - National Academy of Music and Dance), designed by the 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, Place de la Carousel and the Louvre, a former royal palace that houses the world's largest museum. Opposite the Louvre stands the Palais Royal, built in the 17th century. for Cardinal Richelieu. Here is the National Library. North of the Tuileries is the most luxurious square in Paris - Vendôme Square. The Bourse and the Bank of France form the core of a business district that extends north to Gare Saint-Lazare and south to the Champs-Elysées.

East of the Louvre along Rivoli Street is the City Hall, built in the 19th century. in the style of the French Renaissance. To the north of the City Hall is the Center for Art and Culture. Georges Pompidou (Centre Beaubourg). Further to the east, just north of the Rue de Rivoli is the Place des Vosges, and even further north is the Place de la Bastille, where a medieval fortress was once located, and later a prison, destroyed at the beginning of the French Revolution. The eastern outskirts of Paris are inhabited mainly by workers and small traders. These are the most densely populated areas of the city.

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

Bohemian Paris Montmartre
Beyond the External Boulevards in the northern part of the city lies the picturesque Montmartre district, 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.

On the left bank of the Seine there are few spacious squares, but many beautiful buildings and picturesque neighborhoods. 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 the Boulevard Saint-Michel are the Cluny mansion, and nearby, in a labyrinth of narrow streets, the Church of Saint-Sévrain. Here are the churches of Saint-Médard and Saint-Etienne-du-Mont. Next to the Cluny mansion is the holy of holies of students - the Sorbonne. Nearby, on the Square of Great People, stands the Pantheon - a tomb for prominent figures of France.

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

Cemeteries of Paris
Adjacent to the External Boulevards to the east is the largest and most famous cemetery in Paris, Père Lachaise, where many outstanding cultural and artistic figures ended their lives.

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-Prés.

New life for palaces
Of particular interest are the buildings of government agencies and embassies. The Palais d'Orsay, which now houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Palais de Bourbon, the seat of the French National Assembly.

At the top of the esplanade, sloping 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 the 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 the École Militaire and descends to the Seine. The famous Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris, rises near the river. Opposite the tower, on the other bank of the Seine, is the Place du Trocadéro, where the Chaillot Palace is located.

Museums
Paris has an incredible variety of interesting museums and exhibitions with unique collections. The contemporary art exhibitions at the Ball Game Gallery in the Tuileries are excellent. Amazing collections are presented in the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museum of Holography and the Grevin Forum. The Museum of Advertising on Rue Rivoli is very interesting. Of course, the Picasso Museum and the Carnavalet Museum, located in the architectural ensemble "Grand Carnavalet", and, of course, the museum of the great Edith Piaf, the "sparrow", a native of Paris, are worthy of attention. Wonderful museums include technology, Cognac-Jey, hunting and nature, as well as the Museum of Magic and Curiosity.

Be sure to take a stroll 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, Paris's most famous restaurant, which houses the Museum of the Table, which showcases antique objects and serving utensils.

Numismatists will be interested in visiting the Conti embankment and admiring the collection of the Coin Museum. At the Pharmaceutical Museum you can see ancient instruments and a full range of herbal medicines. The wonderful Perfume Museum on Rue Scribe tells the history of fragrances since Ancient Egypt. Interesting Museum Grevin 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 Rue Cadet.

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

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

Visit the Pasteur Museum, located in the scientist's apartment, and the Postal Museum on Rue Vaugirard, which displays the uniforms of postmen around the world, antique mailboxes and tells the history of the postal service. Don't forget to check out the Fair Arts Museum. Very interesting are the Balzac House Museum, the Museum of Crafts, the Museum of Antique Glasses and Lornettes, where 3,000 rare exhibits are collected, and, of course, the Wine Museum in the Eshanzon tavern.

Of course, during a short stay in Paris it is impossible to explore all its sights and beauty. In order to truly know Paris, 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 Parisian tribe on the site of the modern island of Cité. The first written mention of Lutetia is found in the 6th book of Julius Caesar about the war with Gaul in 53 BC. e. When in 52 BC. e. the Romans after the first unsuccessful attempt the second time they tried to approach the city, the Parisians set Lutetia on fire and destroyed the bridges. The Romans left them the island and built a new city on the left bank of the Seine. There they built baths, a forum and an amphitheater. The city did not have much influence in the Roman Empire.

Roman rule ended by 508, when Paris became the capital of the Merovingian Frankish dynasty under the rule of Clovis I. During Carolingian rule, the city was again attacked by the Normans. The Capetians made Paris the capital of France. Under Philip II Augustus, the city's defense 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.

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

During the Huguenot Wars from 1562 to 1598, the city was ruled by Catholics. On St. Bartholomew's Night, August 24, 1572, thousands of Huguenots were killed. By order of Louis XIV, street lighting was installed, the water supply system was updated and the Les Invalides and Salpetrie hospitals were built. The city walls were destroyed and the "Grand Boulevards" were built in their place. The king's residence moved to Versailles, but Paris remained the political center of France, thanks to its growing population and its leading role 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 (“pereferik”), 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, Paris hosted World Exhibitions, 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. During the 1990s and the first decade of the 20th century, also known as La Belle Epoque, France experienced unprecedented growth 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 1968 events in France caused a wave of riots and demonstrations and ultimately led to a change of government. In the mid-1980s, there was periodic unrest in Paris; Most of the rioters were residents of the areas adjacent to Paris, populated by immigrants. In 2005, the most destructive riots took place, which soon spread to other cities in France.

View of the center of Paris from the Eiffel Tower:

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, staying 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 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-13th centuries, the entire population was located on the Isle of Cité, which was impregnable fortress with the 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 bring significant destruction, but administrative division 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 companies are located here international organizations, like UNESCO, Interpol, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Bureau of Weights and Measures.

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 truly breathtaking architectural masterpiece, the initiator of which was 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 is home to 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

In Paris - the European capital, and one of the most major cities world - various events, festivals, exhibitions and sporting events are constantly taking place. 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 direct flights from many major Russian cities to Paris. charter flights. 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 the observations of 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 - there are almost 1,500 rental points in Paris 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 - living in them is sometimes much better than in the actual 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 take advantage of 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 There will be a purchase of a map or city guide, which can be purchased at press 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 restaurant meal. 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