Paris: culture, history, fashion and food

Quick facts

• Name: Paris;
• Founded: 3rd Century;
• Population: 2.2 million;
• Area: 105.4 km2 (40.7 sq mi)
• Known as: Capital of France and ‘City of Lights’

Paris, ‘city of lights’, truly deserves this romantic nickname. It is globally known not only as France’s capital, but as an European and world center for art, culture, fashion and gourmet food. Tourist flock to Paris in millions not only to enjoy sophistication in art and culture, but sometimes just to take a photo in front of city’s many world famous landmarks. And there are many of those: Eiffel Tower, that became synonym with Paris (and France) from the time it was built in late 19^th century; Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral, famous not only as a church, but from famous novel of Victor Hugo, Louvre Museum with famous Mona Lisa, and many more.

Hundreds of cafes and restaurants in between famous landmarks makes sightseeing and shopping breaks enjoyable with delicious food and drinks and simply watching city’s crowds passing by.

Main attractions.  Eiffel Tower. True trademark of Paris, this 324 m high tower from late 19^th century offers spectacular views of Paris and exclusive restaurant. Louvre Museum. A must for Paris visit, this museum is globally known not only for hosting famous Mona Lisa, but many world’s art heritage masterpieces. Notre-Dame de Paris. Became famous by Victor Hugo’s novel, this iconic Gothic church has recognisable dual bell towers. Arc de Triomphe. Triumphal arch gate, one of the famous Paris landmarks, great for selfies and views from the top. Champs-Élysées. Area along wide avenue connecting many landmarks from Arc de Triomphe to Louvre. Great for walks, dining and shopping as well. Palace of Versailles. Royal palace of Louis XIV with ornate apartments, chandeliered Hall of Mirrors, gardens and fountain show. Sacré-Cœur. Iconic hilltop basilica with a dome. Featuring mosaics and stained glass windows.

Top things to do. Apart from top attractions listed above, we recommend also visit to Montmartre area (while visiting Sacré-Cœur, Place de la Concorde, Musée d’Orsay, city tour with dinner cruise, Moulin Rouge Show, Arc de Triomphe, and, if you are traveling with kids (and that is not a prerequisite for this attraction 😊) you can visit Euro Disney, it is only 50 minutes by train from Paris.

Festivals and events. Fête de la Musique (Music festival, June), Bastille Day (French National Day, 14^th July), Festival Automne à Paris (multidisciplinary art festival, September-December), Tous au restaurant (Food festival, October), Pitchfork Music Festival (November), various events and street markets in December during Christmas time.

More information about Paris festivals and events.

Best time to fly to Paris. The peak season for flights to Paris is April, September and October. The low season for purchasing tickets is January, February and March.
Paris is served by these airports: Beauvais-Tille Airport, Paris Orly Airport, Chalons Vatry Airport and Charles de Gaulle Airport. Direct flights to Paris are offered by 103 airlines.

Interesting facts about Paris:

• Famous Eiffel Tower, iconic landmark of Paris, supposed to be temporary structure, built for World Fair in 1889.
• In Roman times, Paris was originally called Lutetia.
• The first ever public screening of a movie was by French brothers Lumière in Paris in 1895.

More interesting facts about Paris.