Where is the city of paris. Paris is the capital of France What is the capital of Paris

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. 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 city in 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. State institutions are 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" (the official name is the 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, 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 to the Outer Boulevards adjoins the largest and most famous cemetery in Paris, Pere Lachaise, where many outstanding figures of culture and art 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-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 training ground for military parades and now a regular park, extends northwest of the 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 curious. Of course, the Picasso Museum and the Carnavalet Museum, located in the architectural ensemble "Grand Carnavale", and, of course, the museum of the great Edith Piaf, the "sparrow", a native of Paris, are worthy of attention. 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 Scribe Street 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 a new city on the left bank of the Seine. 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, street lighting was installed, the water supply system was updated and the hospitals Les Invalides and Salpétri 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:

Oh Paris! Unforgettable, magical, romantic, the dream of millions of tourists from all over the world, a city that delights with its unique flavor. Paris is the epitome of elegance, sophistication, beauty, love, sophistication, the capital of world fashion and style. A huge number of interesting sights are concentrated on the territory of the city. Numerous Parisian museums and art galleries open their doors to connoisseurs of art and history. Shoppers will be delighted with the variety of shops. Disneyland Paris welcomes its little guests. Fans of a quiet relaxing holiday are recommended to visit several picturesque city parks and squares. Paris is located in northern France and occupies both banks of the Seine. The shape of the city resembles a large rounded sphere. Many come to Paris to spend their honeymoon or ask for the hand and heart of their beloved.

History of occurrence

The history of Paris dates back to the 3rd century BC. It was during this period of time that the tribes of the Parisians founded the small settlement of Lutetia. Gradually it turned into a small town. Two centuries later, the Romans, led by the great Caesar, came to the lands of Lutetia. The city was named Parisia and joined the Roman state. In the 5th century, it was captured by the Franks, a royal residence appeared on the territory of the city, and Parisia was proclaimed the capital of the Frankish state. The heyday of the city fell on the 7th century. A huge number of cultural, educational, political institutions were built on its territory. During its difficult long history, Paris has experienced many trials - foreign invasions, several bloody wars, an epidemic of plague. The city became the official capital of France in the 16th century. Today Paris is a major financial, industrial, educational, cultural and commercial center. One of the most multicultural cities in the world.

Sights of Paris

The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris, its visiting card, the brightest sight of the city. A huge metal structure of a pyramidal shape, supported by four powerful pillars. Its height is 324 meters. The tour starts from the first tier of the tower. It houses a wonderful restaurant where you can enjoy national French cuisine. There is a small gift shop next door. Near the Cineiffel center with a cozy cinema. From documentaries you can learn a lot of interesting things about the history of the creation of the Eiffel Tower. The youngest guests are greeted by the cheerful mascot of the tower - Gus. Having overcome several flights of the old spiral staircase, visitors find themselves on the second floor of the tower. It is a spacious observation deck. Here is the charming restaurant "Jules Verne". There is a souvenir shop nearby. In winter, an ice skating rink operates on this floor. The next point of the excursion is the third level of the tower. You can climb here on a modern elevator, because not everyone will dare to overcome the path of 1792 steps. From the third floor there is a breathtaking view of the whole city. Over its long history, the tower has been painted yellow and brown. Currently, a bronze structure of "brown-eiffel" color flaunts in front of visitors. Tourists can buy sightseeing tickets at the entrance to the tower. There are several checkouts here.

One of the most visited attractions in Paris is the Champs Elysees. Luxurious, fashionable street, which "smells" of wealth and celebration. In its central part rises the beautiful Champs Elysees - since 1873 the presidential residence. Once this magnificent building belonged to the notorious Madame Pompadour. Another owner of the palace was the beautiful Josephine, the wife of Bonaparte. Place de la Concorde is a wonderful place for walking. It is decorated with two sparkling fountains. In the center of the composition are bizarre mythical animals. Nearby are 8 original sculptures, each of which is the personification of some major city. The center of the square is crowned with a stele - a gift to Napoleon from the Egyptian king.

The Arc de Triomphe is another amazing attraction of the Champs Elysees. An ancient architectural structure, reaching 50 meters in height. It is decorated with six stone bas-reliefs depicting the most significant military battles and victories. The bas-reliefs are complemented by an original ornament and several antique sculptures.

The Champs Elysees is a place where a lot of events are held every year. In winter there is a Christmas market, in summer there is the famous Tour de France bicycle race and the Paris Marathon.

Art connoisseurs simply must visit the world-famous Louvre - a huge art museum, a delightful masterpiece of architectural craftsmanship. About 400 thousand unique exhibits are kept within the walls of the Louvre. The exposition is divided into several thematic parts - Ancient Egypt, Oriental antiquities, Ancient Greece, invincible Rome, Islamic and Etruscan art, sculptural compositions, painting, graphics and art objects. Around the museum there is a picturesque park with charming greenhouses, colorful flower beds, fountains, manicured lawns and original pyramid-shaped structures. The building of the Louvre resembles a magical "golden" palace, luxurious, maybe a little pretentious.

The pride of the museum is the incomparable Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Many people come to the Louvre and stand in long lines to get a glimpse of this miracle of artistic skill. On the third floor there is a gallery where works by later artists such as Dürer, Holbein, Hans and Vermeer are exhibited. Another "miracle" of the Louvre is the sculpture of Venus de Milo. The works of Michelangelo attract great attention - for example, his statue "the dying prisoner". In the Egyptian hall you can see real sarcophagi, a collection of jewelry, coins, dishes. The last point of the tour is the chambers of Napoleon. A huge room, made in the Empire style, the embodiment of power, wealth, strength.

Disneyland Paris is a fairy tale, it's magic, the dream of millions of children. A huge entertainment "town", equipped with an endless number of all kinds of attractions. On the territory of Disneyland there are several cozy cafes, shops, souvenir shops, restaurants and hotels. There is also a great golf course here. At the entrance, the little guests are waiting for the heroes of the famous Walt Disney - Mickey Mouse, the little mermaid Ariel, the eccentric Goofy, Winnie the Pooh and many others.

In the heart of Disneyland rises a beautiful fairy-tale castle. Nearby is the Sleeping Beauty Palace.

Disneyland Paris is the best Christmas present, and not just for kids.

Notre Dame Cathedral is a wonderful Catholic church located in the city center on the Ile de la Cité.

The famous Notre Dame de Paris, a real masterpiece of architectural art. Millions of tourists from all over the world come to see it every year. A majestic building, decorated with Gothic sculptures and magnificent stained glass windows.

Stone gargoyles look down on visitors from the roof. Entering the inside of the cathedral, visitors find themselves in a spacious bright hall with high vaulted ceilings, gilded columns, colored stained-glass windows, and unique frescoes. Such magnificence is breathtaking and dizzy. The impression of airiness and weightlessness is created. It is known that in the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris there is a priceless sacred relic - the Crown of Thorns of the Savior.

The Sorbonne University is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in France. It is a large architectural complex consisting of 13 independent buildings. Near the main building of the university, the chapel of St. Ursula flaunts, which currently houses the theological faculty. The chapel combines two styles - simple baroque and pompous ancient Roman. It is known that within its walls is the tomb of Cardinal Richelieu. In the 19th century, the complex was supplemented with new Renaissance buildings.

Around the Sorbonne lies the Latin Quarter of the capital. There is an atmosphere of celebration and fun. Walking along the narrow winding streets of this area, tourists can admire the original architecture of the local buildings. Plunge into the coolness of picturesque parks, admire the grandeur of the local palaces, go shopping or enjoy aromatic coffee in one of the cozy cafes. The Baths of Cluny are located in the Latin Quarter - ancient Roman ruins with thermal springs flowing through them. The decoration of the quarter is the Luxembourg Gardens and the legendary Pantheon. Part of the area is occupied by residential buildings, where Parisian bohemia lives - writers, musicians, artists, scientists.

Montmartre is one of the most beautiful places in Paris, a small historical district that carefully preserves the culture and traditions of the ancestors. At the top of a mountain in the Montmatre area rises a Catholic church - the Sacré-Coeur.

This place enchants tourists with its original boulevards and colorful cabarets. The spirit of indescribable freedom and fun is in the air.

Recreation and entertainment

Arriving in Paris, every tourist will be able to find entertainment to their liking. Connoisseurs of history and culture are advised to visit one of the many Parisian museums - the Museum of Modern Art, the Wine Museum, the Orsay and Orangerie Museums, the Picasso Museum and others. Magnificent metropolitan parks are always at the service of visitors. Among the most famous parks are Arterix, Bois de Boulogne, Futuroscope, La Villette Science Center, Floral Park and many others. Families with children can go to the Tauri zoo or the CineAqua water park. Theaters open their doors for theatergoers - Grand Opera, Comédie-Française, Montparnasse.

Paris is a city of festivals, every year a lot of various events are held here. Among the most popular are Museum Night, Music Festival, Theater Festival, Chinese New Year.

Paris transport

Paris is a city of modern opportunities, a developed industry. Transport links here are top notch. The most popular form of public transport is the metropolitan metro. Stations are located almost throughout Paris. Also, electric trains, buses, internal trains run around the city. The tram network includes four lines. Many use car rentals or taxis. The favorite means of transport for Parisians is the bicycle. Water transport offers walks on river trams. Within the city there are three major airports - Le Bourget, Charles de Gaulle, Beauvais and Orly. Every day they carry out several dozen domestic and international flights. You can get from the airport by taxi, bus or tram.

• The history of Paris dates back about 2 thousand years ago.
• In terms of population density, it surpasses all the cities of France.
• Paris is a city of light, with the onset of twilight, it lights up with millions of multi-colored lamps and lanterns.
• The territory of Paris includes - 20 districts and two islands - Ile de la City and Saint Louis.
• It is known that more than 470 thousand trees grow in Paris.
• Interestingly, in the city there is only one road sign with the designation "Stop". Mostly right-hand traffic here.
• There are about 70 museums in the capital of France.
• Disneyland Paris is the only one in Europe.
• Interestingly, it is forbidden to use a video camera on the Eiffel Tower at night. Persecuted by law.
• The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world.
• During the construction of the Eiffel Tower, only one worker died.
• Interestingly, the shortest street in Paris is only 5.5 meters.

Paris city on the map of France

Video: Unique Paris

natural conditions

The capital of France geographically occupies a central position in the Paris Basin, crossed from the southeast to the northwest by the Seine River - its main tributaries the Marne and the Oise and numerous large meanders. In the center of Paris is the Île de la Cité, formed by a bifurcated river bed. Low remnant hills (up to 100-150 m) with steep slopes surround the city center. The most famous is the Montmartre hill located on the right bank of Paris, rising up to 1000 m above sea level. The diversity of the relief enlivens the landscape, gives picturesqueness to the city. Surrounding Paris are the Bois de Boulogne to the west and the Bois de Vincennes to the southeast. The Parisian region is also surrounded by the forests of Saint-Germain, Rambouillet, Meudon, Sépart, Notre-Dame and Montmorency, which are historically favorite holiday destinations for Parisians. The fauna of the Parisian forests is typical both for the whole of France and for Western Europe as a whole. The climate of the capital is mild, temperate and humid. In winter, the temperature drops below 0 ° C, its average value in January is -3.4 ° C, and in July - about + 20 ° C. There are no more than 50 cold days a year. The average annual rainfall is 645 mm, which falls mainly in the form of rain. Snow in Paris is extremely rare.

Population, language, religion

More than 2 million people live within the borders of Paris, which was established in the middle of the 19th century, and about 10 million people live in Greater Paris. The Île-de-France department is the most densely populated area. Despite the fact that the territory of Paris is only 2% of the entire territory of France, 17% of the country's population is concentrated in it.

Paris for all the time of its existence attracted foreigners. Until the middle of the XX century. millionaires, artists, writers and political emigrants moved to the capital of France for permanent residence. From 1945 to 1970, the population of Paris grew rapidly, mainly due to the migration of residents from other parts of the country and the high birth rate in the families of young immigrants. In the 1970s, there was a balance between the influx of young people and the outflow of middle-aged people, which is typical for almost all the capitals of Western Europe.

By the beginning of the 1980s, there was a decline in the population of the city, in which mostly elderly people and foreigners remained to live. Elsewhere in Greater Paris, there has also been an outflow of residents or a decline in population growth, and a predominance of unskilled labor has been noted among immigrants. During this period, the number of immigrants from Algeria, Spain and former French colonies in West Africa amounted to 25% of the population of Paris and 14% of the agglomeration. Due to the influx of immigrants in some areas of Greater Paris, housing problems worsened and slums populated by the poor began to appear.

At present, the native French make up only 60% of the population of Greater Paris, and its growth has led to an increased development of the so-called pendulum migrations. About 1.5 million people cross departmental borders twice a day, about 900,000 of whom go to Paris to work or study, and the rest are Parisians working in the suburbs.

In terms of religion, the population of Paris is divided into Catholics (about 90%), Muslims (6%), Protestants (2%), Jews (1%), Orthodox Christians (0.5%), etc.

The Parisians themselves speak French, which is the state language, but on the streets of the capital you can hear the most diverse speech.

The history of development

The first mention of Paris is found in Gaius Julius Caesar's Notes on the Gallic War, where he reports on a settlement on an island on the Seine River inhabited by the Gallic tribe of the Parisians. In 52 BC. e. the Romans captured the city, giving it the name Lutetia and defining the first stage of prosperity, due to a convenient geographical position on a navigable river, the ability to lay roads on flat plains, and the fertility of the soil.

In the II century. n. e. Lutetia outgrew the island, spreading to the left bank of the Seine. The Baths of Cluny and the Arena of Lutetia have survived from the time of Roman domination, becoming the oldest monuments of architecture. With the departure of the Romans, the city received a new name of Parisia, and from the 3rd to the 5th centuries. was constantly subjected to raids by the barbarian tribes of the Germans and Normans, because of which the inhabitants had to leave the ruined settlement on the left bank and confine themselves to the island territory. At the end of the 5th century Geneviève, later canonized, managed to protect the city from the Huns. In memory of her, the hill on the left bank was named Saint-Genevieve.

The Franks captured the city in 497, and their king Clovis moved his capital there in 508, giving it the final name of Paris. Childebert, who succeeded Clovis in 511, founded the first suburb of Paris, Saint-Germain, which took its name from the fact that it was formed around the abbey, which was built on the advice of the bishop of Saint-Germain, canonized after his death, in 576 The ruins of this abbey and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the oldest church in Paris, are now located in the central part of the capital.

Paris for a long time did not stand out among the rest of the cities of France, remaining the capital of a small county ruled by the Carolingians. But since 987, when Count Hugo Capet of Paris became the king of all France, Paris was declared the capital of the state and its rapid development began.

By the 11th century Paris expanded on both banks of the Seine, occupying territories that had been inhabited in the Roman era. The left bank and the Saint-Germain hill were occupied by educational institutions, and a shopping district grew up on the right bank. Capital of France in the 12th century acquired the basis of its spatial structure, which has survived to our time: the authorities were located on the island; institutions of culture and education - on the left bank; business and shopping districts - on the right.

At the end of the XI - beginning of the XII century. the life of the capital has undergone many changes associated with the strengthening and expansion of the monarchy. During the reign of Philip Augustus (1180-1223) abbeys were created, churches, hospitals, schools, warehouses were built. The central streets were also paved, the city was surrounded by a fortified rampart, outside of which a powerful Louvre fortress was erected to protect the city from possible attacks from the west. The left-bank educational institutions that were in conflict with the archbishop were merged into a university, which first received the possibility of self-government, then in 1200 - royal privileges, and in 1215 - a charter of magistrates from Pope Innocent III.

By the end of the XIII century. The University of Paris became one of the main centers of education in Europe, with about 20,000 students living in a campus called the Latin Quarter.

The Right Bank was ruled by a mayor who was elected by the Community of Merchants. At the location of the office of the mayor, the City Hall was subsequently erected.

In the XII-XIII centuries. Paris was overgrown with new suburbs and architectural structures, which include Notre Dame de Paris - a majestic cathedral in the "flaming Gothic" style, built on the site of a pagan temple, and a chapel for storing holy relics, erected next to the Saint-Chapelle castle by decision of the returned from the Crusades of Louis IX.

Mid 14th century in Paris was marked by a revolt against the weakened royal power. In 1356, Étienne Marcel, an elder of the Parisian merchants, led a mutiny that began after the defeat of the French army in the battle with the British at Poitiers, when King John II was captured. City government was established in the Dauphin's mansion, which ended in 1357, after the assassination of Marseille and the Dauphin's restoration of his power over Paris. After becoming King Charles V, the Dauphin moved the royal residence to the Louvre, which was rebuilt and enlarged. Under this king, there was a further increase in the territory of Paris and the construction of new fortifications, in particular the Bastille fortress.

First half of the 15th century was not favorable for the capital of France, as constant wars and epidemics claimed too many lives and hindered the development of the city. In 1419, Paris was captured by the British troops, who enjoyed the support of large French landowners. But the dominion of the British was short-lived: Henry VI, enthroned of France at Notre Dame in 1431, was overthrown in 1436, and Paris again became the residence of the French kings.

The Renaissance began for Paris in the reign of Francis I (1515-1547), when the Louvre was reconstructed from a defensive fortress and a luxurious palace. Construction in the capital was carried out according to complex and sophisticated projects. But religious wars throughout the XVI century. disturbed the calm course of life in Paris. Due to the fact that the French capital was the raft of Catholicism, mass persecutions of Protestants took place there, the most terrible of which was St. Bartholomew's Night (August 23, 1572), when thousands of Huguenots were killed. Until 1588, the struggle between Catholics and Huguenots continued, which was ended by the Catholic League, headed by the Duke of Guise, which restored power in Paris and forced King Henry III to flee. The subsequent siege of the capital by the king's troops claimed the lives of 13 thousand inhabitants. The war was ended in 1594 by the coronation of Henry IV, who started the Bourbon dynasty, and in 1598 the Edict of Nantes put an end to religious strife.

The Bourbon dynasty contributed to the flourishing of Paris and the whole country. For two hundred years the French capital was one of the largest cities in Europe and the main cultural center. The city developed, was decorated with new buildings and monuments, its well-being grew. The banks of the Seine were connected by stone bridges. Each king considered it his duty to expand the Louvre, connecting it with other palaces, as happened with the Tuileries Palace, built for Catherine de Medici. Palaces were built on the left bank of the Seine for Marie de Medici (of Luxembourg) and for Anne of Austria (Vall de Grae). The left bank was built up with monasteries and abbeys, and under Cardinal Mazarin a building was erected, which today houses the French Academy.

Louis XI (1643-1715) moved his residence to Versailles because he did not trust the Parisians who supported the Fronde (1648-1653). But Paris remained the capital of France and began to play a leading role in the economy of the state. At this time, the slums in the vicinity of the Louvre were liquidated, and the Tuileries Garden and the Champs Elysees were laid out in their place.

In the 17th century two small islands on the river Seine were connected into one, called Saint-Louis and built up with houses of the nobility. By the end of the XVIII century. Paris was surrounded by a new rampart, and its territory almost doubled, but the population practically did not increase. The new rampart was needed not so much to protect the city as to control the import and export of goods.

The main events of the French Revolution took place in Paris: the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, popular uprisings on August 10, 1792 and May 31 - June 2, 1793. During the revolution, the city received the rights of municipal self-government, which it lost during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte ( 1799-1814). The capital of France was occupied by the troops of the anti-French coalition in March 1814 and in July 1815

By the beginning of the 19th century, the process of political centralization was completed, the influence of which had a positive effect on the development of industry in Paris and population growth: from 1801 to 1817, the number of inhabitants of the capital increased from 547 thousand to 714 thousand people. The growth of the suburbs of Paris led to the fact that the old ramparts were demolished, replacing them with a ring of boulevards, and the new ones, erected in 1840-1844, already surrounded a much larger area. Also in 1800, a French bank was opened, and in 1837 the first Paris-Saint-Germain railway was built. In the same years, work was carried out to improve the city: streets were paved and lit, sewerage was improved, and embankments were built. The Pantheon, the Arc de Triomphe and the Madeleine, begun under Napoleon I, were completed.

As capitalist relations developed, the working class and the bourgeoisie were formed. Parisian workers and artisans took an active part in the July Revolution of 1830, as well as in the republican uprisings in June 1832, April 1834 and May 1839. In 1846, a communist correspondent committee was created in Paris, and in 1847 - community of the Union of Communists. The freedom-loving inhabitants of the French capital raised the June uprising of 1848, which resulted in a revolution.

The Republic fell on December 1, 1851, when a Bonapartist coup took place in Paris. Napoleon III, who was proclaimed emperor in 1852, gave Baron Georges Haussmann, prefect of the Seine department, the task of reconstructing Paris. The capital was completely transformed by 1870, becoming one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with a population of 2 million people. During this period, all the slums were cleared, the avenues were expanded, the sewerage and water supply systems were improved, and beautiful buildings were built, among which the Grand Opera and the Les Halles market can be distinguished. The restructuring of the city was carried out not only for the purpose of improvement, but also provided for the possibility of unhindered movement of troops along the streets, as well as the difficulty of building barricades.

A new uprising of the Parisian people took place on September 4, 1870, after the capitulation of Napoleon III, which ended the Franco-Prussian War. The second empire ceased to exist, and a provisional government was established. For four months the capital was under siege by German troops, surrendering on January 28, 1871 and being occupied. In the spring, the Parisians opposed the provisional government in Versailles and organized the Paris Commune, which ruled the city from March 18 to May 19, 1871. On May 21, government troops, led by provisional president Adolphe Thiers, tried to regain power over Paris, but were forced to retreat in front of angry crowds of people and return to Versailles, where the government of the republic remained until 1879. The city suffered terrible damage: the townspeople destroyed more than 200 buildings, the Town Hall, the Tuileries Palace, and also overturned the Vendome column.

At the beginning of the XX century. Paris became the financial and industrial center of the country, as well as the most important transport hub, where the main railways and the main inland waterways of Northern France converged. In 1900, the first metro line was opened in the city. By 1920, the population of the capital reached a record number - 3 million people.

Bombing and long-range artillery shelling during the First World War caused significant damage to Paris, but the city was never captured by German troops. In 1918, after the end of the war, a peace conference was held in the capital of France. Between the First and Second World Wars, Paris continued to expand its territory, but its population decreased.

In the mid-1930s, the Parisians showed themselves to be ardent opponents of fascism, having thwarted an attempted fascist coup on February 6, 1934. The popular demonstration that took place on July 14, 1935, contributed to the creation of the Popular Front in France. During the Second World War, Paris was an open city, and from June 14, 1940, it was occupied by the troops of Nazi Germany. The capital of France was one of the centers of the European resistance movement. Her release took place during the Paris uprising of 1944.

In the post-war period, Paris became one of the main centers of the movement for peace and democracy. In 1949, the 1st World Peace Congress was held there. 1950s and 1960s marked by mass demonstrations in defense of the republic and general strikes, and the general strike of 1968, which was initiated by the Parisians, grew into the largest socio-political crisis in post-war France.

Second half of the 20th century became for Paris a time to strengthen the position of one of the centers of world culture. In 1989, the futuristic Défense complex was completed and the Louvre was opened after a radical reconstruction by the architect Pei. The following year, the grand opening of the Opera-Bastille theater took place.

Currently, Paris is also the center of international diplomacy and public life, where various international congresses, conferences, and high-level meetings are held.

cultural significance

Paris is the most beautiful city in Europe, the symbol of which is the Eiffel Tower. Not far from it is the Arc de Triomphe, designed by J.-F. Schalgren. To the Place de la Concorde from the Place Charles de Gaulle leads a wide avenue called the Vliseisky Fields. Palaces erected for the world exhibition of 1900 are located on this avenue: a collection of works by sculptors and painters is kept in the Small Palace, and exhibitions and theatrical performances are held in the Bolshoi. To the north of the Champs Elysees is the Champs Elysees, built in 1718, and today is the residence of the presidents of France.

In the eastern part of the island of Cite rises Notre Dame (Notre Dame Cathedral), which was built from 1163 for more than 100 years. In the west of the island is the Place Dauphine, built at the end of the 15th century. On the new bridge, which is the oldest bridge in Paris, there is an equestrian statue of Henry IV. Nearby is a complex of buildings of the 18th century, called the Palace of Justice. Among the surviving medieval buildings, the beautiful Gothic church of Sainte-Chapelle with bright stained glass windows stands out.

Pont Alexandre III, donated to Paris by Russia, is one of the most beautiful bridges connecting the banks of the Seine.

On Place de la Concorde, which occupies 84 thousand m2 and is the largest in the capital, there is a guillotine on which Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Danton and Robespierre were executed. Presented in 1831 to King Louis Philippe by the Egyptian Pasha, the column from Luxor, which is a granite monolith 23 m high, covered with hieroglyphs, is also located on the Place de la Concorde. This column is surrounded by eight statues that symbolize the main cities of France.

The Musée d'Orsay, with works of art stored in it dating back to the late 19th - early 20th centuries, is located in the former building of the Paris railway station. Inside the Invalides Cathedral, which is part of the architectural complex of the Invalides (now a military museum), there are a hearse and a sarcophagus that served to transport the remains of Napoleon, first to St. Helena, and then to France.The famous Parisian Pantheon, built in honor of Saint Genevieve, the patroness of Paris, later became the Temple of Glory, where the tombs of great people are placed: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile Zola, Voltaire, spouses Curie.

The Louvre, turned into a museum in 1793, today has more than 400 thousand exhibits and enjoys worldwide fame. In the Tuileries Garden there are two more museums of modern art - the Museum of Impressionism (Gare d "Orsay) and the Orangerie Museum, which exhibit many famous works by E. Manet, E. Degas, A. Toulouse-Lautrec, O. Renoir, C. Monet, W. Van Gogh.

Opposite the Louvre, behind Rue Rivoli, stands the Palais Royal, built in the 17th century. for Cardinal Richelieu. To the east of the Louvre, in the center of the square, where executions took place for five centuries, is the City Hall (Hotel de Ville), built in the French Renaissance style. The Georges Pompidou Center for Art and Culture (Center Beaubourg) is located north of the Town Hall. Further east, on the Place des Vosges, is the Victor Hugo Museum.

The National Museum of Modern Art exhibits paintings and sculptures by contemporary masters. The Auguste Rodin Museum, the National Museum of Oriental Cultures (Guimet Museum), the Cluny Museum, the Carnavalet Museum, the Museum of Ethnography and Anthropology, the Picasso Museum - this is not a complete list of museums in Paris.

On the site of the ruined fortress-prison of the Bastille, there is a square of the same name, on which in 1990 the opera house "Opera-Bastille" was built.

The main attraction of the Opera Square is the Opera Garnier, or Grand Opera, built in 1875 by the architect Charles Garnier. The facade of the building is decorated with many sculptures, and its green and gilded dome is visible from afar.

The bohemian district of Montmartre is known as the abode of poets, artists and musicians. Picasso, Apollinaire, Modigliani lived in Montmartre. Place Pigalle is home to the world famous cabaret Moulin Rouge.

The University of Paris is not only the oldest, but also the country's main center of education, which received in the late 70s of the XX century. possibility of autonomous control. To date, the university is divided into 13 separate universities. The Sorbonne was called the "University of Paris-1". Founded in 1530 as a school of classical languages, the Collège de France is opposite the Sorbonne. In addition to the university, there are many other prestigious educational institutions in the capital: the Polytechnic Institute, the Mining Institute, the National Institute of Management, the Conservatory, the Higher National School of Fine Arts, as well as the Institute of France, consisting of five academies (or scientific societies), the main of which is the French academy founded in 1635

Parisian libraries and archives are repositories of a large number of rare books and rare manuscripts. Among them, the most famous are the National Library Foundation, the National Archives of France, the Mazariny Library, the Thiers Library and the main university libraries.

Major Parisian theaters- "Grand Opera", "Comédie Francaise", the National People's Theater and the French Theater, subsidized by the state. In addition to them, there are more than 60 theaters in the capital.

Information for tourists

Paris - the most elegant capital of the world - is so different from the rest of France that it is sometimes called the city-state or the city of all times, where there is everything for everyone. Connoisseurs of architecture and painting, music lovers, theater-goers, gourmets, fans of all kinds of entertainment and business people can find something to their taste here.

You can get acquainted with Paris and Parisians by walking along the streets of the city. Despite the fact that the distances can be significant, Paris is still a fairly compact city, which is not difficult to navigate, following the course of the Seine, which divides the capital into two parts. And with the help of the metro, which operates from 5 hours 30 minutes. morning to 1 am, you can get to any place in the city.

In Paris, as in all cities of the EU countries, the common European currency euro is in circulation. Currency exchange points are open seven days a week until late in the evening.

The shops of the French capital can be safely ranked among the sights of Paris. The most famous and expensive of them are located in the Latin Quarter and on the streets of Saint-Germain, Du Fabourge, Avenue Montand and the Champs Elysees. These stores supply clothes and accessories from well-known fashion houses. The lowest prices are in the TATI department store chain, which was opened by Tatishchev, an emigrant from Russia. However, in an expensive hotel to appear with a package from this department store is considered indecent.

Paris museums are much cheaper to visit on Sundays.

When visiting any of the Parisian restaurants, even the most modest, you should not drink cheese, traditionally served for dessert after dinner, with juice or cola; Red wine must be ordered. Parisian restaurants are exquisite and varied, many of them have their own legends. For example, the cafe "Le Procope", founded in 1686, is famous for the fact that there Napoleon, not yet being Bonaparte, pawned his hat. And about the restaurant "Mother Katerina" they say that on March 30, 1814, Russian Cossacks demanded to serve alcohol here "quickly, quickly", after which the small Parisian zucchini began to be called "bistro".

Paris is the most wonderful city in Europe, which at all times was considered a model of impeccable style and fashion.

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

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

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

The same contrast can be seen between the prosperous aristocratic quarters and the bustle of the poorer districts of Paris. There are enough attractions in Paris that make a stunning impression on tourists: majestic monuments that emphasize the cold splendor Pantheon, industrial sophistication eiffel tower, airy glass lace Pyramids of the Louvre etc.

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

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

Paris keeps traditions and is an ideal place for rest. In some parts of the city, such as the bustling Mare, elegant Saint Germain or romantic Montmartre, you can safely wander the streets, go to shops, sit in cafes. And beautiful gardens, paths and sidewalks along river Seine and numerous, often hidden from prying eyes, quiet corners more than compensate for the lack of free space.

But wherever you go, you will find famous sights of paris, be it historic buildings or marvels of modern architecture. These symbols of the glory and grandeur of Paris will not let you get lost in this big city. There are over 150 art galleries and museums in Paris, as well as a myriad of cafes, eateries and restaurants along the streets and boulevards.

Their interior decoration is extremely diverse in style, from ultra-modern fashion structures to traditional palaces with mirrors, from tiny bistros where good food is the main thing, to cheap Vietnamese restaurants.

With the onset of dusk in the city, famous metropolitan theaters and cabarets open their doors, offering visitors interesting, world-famous performances; classical music concerts often take place in historic buildings, sometimes in chapels or churches. And finally, Paris is the real capital of world cinema, and its extraordinary ethnic diversity has made this city one of the most famous centers of world music.

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

Most travelers believe that Paris has become so famous only thanks to Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame de Paris, which are luxurious places to visit.

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 largest city of 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 the 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 by 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 many tourists (although there are always enough of them in Paris). 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

1. The official language is French.
2. Monetary unit - euro.
3. To visit the capital of France, you need a Schengen visa.
4. 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, for hotel staff - 1-2 euros.
5. There are no problems with cashless payments in Paris. Visa / MasterCard bank cards are accepted almost everywhere. Fees may apply for cash withdrawals.
6. 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.
7. You can drink tap water in Paris, although many Parisians and tourists buy bottled water.
8. 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 people from African countries and migrants live.
9. Hotel reservations must be made in advance. It is also better to buy tickets online for popular attractions or excursions in advance.
10. 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, and there are flights to it from almost all European airports and most international airports in Russia and 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. Public transport in 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 of the 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 the 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 and many windmills were built. 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. It is located on top of a hill at the highest point in the city.

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.

The Parisian Pantheon is an architectural monument, the burial place of famous people of France and Paris: politicians, soldiers, 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.

Pont Alexandre III is 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 accuracy. 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.