Paris is renowned for its cultural and romantic atmosphere, as well as its commitment to the arts, literature, music, and food. Among its iconic landmarks are the famous Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the world’s largest museum, the Louvre.
History
Paris, the capital of France, is located in the north-central part of the country. According to Britannica, by 7600 B.C.E., people lived along the Seine River, 233 miles upstream from the mouth of the English Channel, La Manche.
When Paris was under Roman administration in the first century B.C.E., it was designated as the capital of the Parisii tribe and territory. Under the rule of Hugh Capet from 987 to 996, the Capetian dynasty established Paris’s distinction and transformed the city into a significant political and cultural center, ultimately evolving it into a powerful republic.
Paris’s environment has undergone an emotional and intellectual climate marked by violence in the social and political spheres, with the most significant events occurring in 1358, 1382, 1588, 1648, 1789, 1830, 1848, and 1871.
From the mid-14th to the mid-16th century, the city’s growth was primarily eastward before expanding westward. Like any city, Paris faces challenges related to urbanization, immigration, housing, social infrastructure, public utilities, suburban development, zoning, and the consequences of extensive urbanization.
Paris today
Since then, Paris has expanded beyond the banks of the Seine into the agricultural region known as the Paris Basin, establishing itself as the most important center of commerce and culture.
Paris is one of the world’s most attractive cities, known for its businesses, commerce, entertainment, gastronomy, haute couture, painting, literature, and education. It boasts a network of water and land routes throughout the country, contributing to its ongoing growth.
The Seine defines Paris; its left bank, the Rive Gauche, serves as the seat of intellectual life, while the right bank, the Rive Droite, represents the heart of the city’s economic vitality. However, this distinction has faded over the past few decades.
In the center of the French region, Paris boasts an incredible forest of beech and oak called the Vitality Lines of Paris. These forests assist the environment in purifying the air in heavily populated areas.
The Seine flows downstream, entering Paris from the southeast corner and moving to the east bank before reaching the north bank, ultimately ending at the west bank.
The water level is 30 feet high, bordered by some trees and shrubs. The street level is lined with trees and features massive stone retaining walls. The city has also created numerous green spaces filled with trees.
Paris’s annual temperature averages in the low 50s, reaching the upper 60s in July and about 30 degrees in January. The temperature drops below freezing for about a month each year, with snowfall occurring on roughly half of those days. The city has implemented measures to reduce air pollution and has an effective water purification system for safe drinking water.
The Seine, the city’s heart, is about ten streets long and five streets wide. It has eight bridges connecting the riverbanks and a ninth leading to ÃŽle Saint-Louis, a smaller island to the southeast. The western bridge in Pont Neuf was constructed from 1578 to 1604 and is the oldest bridge.
Downstream of the bridge lies a triangular park with gravel paths bordered by flowering bushes, featuring benches and ancient trees along a cobbled quay; it’s a favorite spot for sunbathers and lovers.
Must see
Notre Dame de Paris
Its construction began in 1163 and continued until 1345 in the Gothic style. It is currently being renovated after suffering damage from a fire in 2019. Notre Dame is the property of the state, functioning as a religious institution operated by the Roman Catholic Church. It is now partially open to the public, having been restored as of December 2024; however, full completion is projected for the end of 2026.
The Louvre
Completed in 1852, it is the world’s largest palace. The Louvre Museum houses the most famous treasures, such as the Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, and the Mona Lisa. Its extensive collection of works spans 25 centuries. Extensive remodeling has been conducted throughout the Louvre to create more space for artwork.
Renovation of the Louvre began in the 1980s, resulting in a new main entrance and an underground reception hall located in the vast Napoleon Courtyard, situated between the two galleries, featuring the giant glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei to cover the opening.
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
It was completed in 1808 as an equestrian display situated in an open space with magnificent views of Paris.
The Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris
Its work started in 1887, with towers 300 meters high, equivalent to 1000 feet, built using 2,500,000 rivets, 7,300 tons of iron, 60 tons of paint, and five lifts.
It took two years and two months to build, involving 50 engineers and designers, 150 workers at the Levallois-Perret factory, and between 150 to 300 workers at the construction site. Take a lift to the top of the Eiffel Tower for spectacular views.
Saine Chapelle
It is a jewel among 113 stunning collections of stained glass windows built in the Gothic style. Constructed in 1238 and consecrated in 1248, it served as the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century.
Musee d’Orsay
The museum is located near the Seine River and features a collection of renowned Impressionist art and Western artistic creations from 1948 to 1914.
To get around Paris
Paris is a city best explored on foot, but the quickest option is the Paris Metro, which spans 133 miles of lines. In addition, the Paris regional train functions as a train system, subway, and also includes the Paris Tramway. Alternatively, you can rent a scooter or a bike.