Paris Travel Guide
Facts and Figures
Population – 2 million
Currency - € Euro
Time zone – GMT +1
Continent - Europe
FRENCH capital Paris is one of the most famous and most visited cities in the world. Millions of tourists flock there each year to celebrate in its elegance and to see many spectacular landmarks.
Background Info
Early archaeological signs suggest that the Paris area was first habited in from around 4200BC. Many boatmen and traders were believed to have inhibited the area near the river Seine from around 250 BC. It was greatly expanded over the following centuries and became an extremely prosperous city with a forum, palaces, baths and theatres during the rule of the Roman Empire. After the fall of the great empire it was largely abandoned and was little more than a garrison town and was far from the prosperous city it is known as in modern times. In more recent history Paris was at the forefront of the war effort during World War one and was the scene of Allied victory parades and peace negotiations. During World War two Paris was largely undamaged despite occupation by the Germans and following the war it built up large social estates known as cities and this saw the beginning of the business district known as La Defense.
Famous Dates in History…
1136 – Construction of Notre Dame Cathedral begins
1396 – Nearly half of Paris’ population annihilated by the plague
1940 – Nazi Germany invades Paris and marches on the Champs-Elysees as a four year occupation begins.
1944 – Paris liberated by Allied forces and narrowly escapes destruction by the Nazis when an officer refuses to obey Hitler’s orders.
Well-known Parisians include…NBA Legend Dominique Wilkins, Actress Bridgette Bardot, Monarch Marie Antoinette, Composer Frederic Chopin
Languages spoken… The official language is French although residents in the city have a good knowledge and understanding of English because of the number of tourists who visit.
Paris Culture
Like much of Western Europe, Parisians tend to eat dinner late in the evening and start early in the morning. Many of Paris’s top tourists attractions are closed on Sunday and sometimes Mondays or Tuesdays. With much of the country being religious Sunday is traditionally a day of rest and it difficult to find any shops or museums which open on this day.
Why visit…? As well as being steeped in much history, Paris is known as a metropolitan city which has much to see and do. Apart from its array of spectacular sights the city is filled with parks and gardens for relaxation and enjoyment.
How to get there?
Paris is served by Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport which is to the north of the city but also has rail links with the UK, Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg through the Eurostar Service. He city is also just a short drive from Calais which is France’s main port.
Where to stay?
As a city which is visited by many millions of tourists every year there are an abundance of places to stay in the Paris. Most of its sights are located on the river Seine which is central to Paris although its transport links are in the north. The closer to the centre of the city the more expensive it will be but the more you will be able to take in the authenticity of the vibrant and multi-cultural capital.
Getting around…Once you have reached Paris there are three fairly easy methods to help visitors travel around the city. The cheapest and most frequently used is the Paris metro which provides easy access to most of the main regions of Paris. Like the London Underground it works on a system of different coloured lines or tracks, maps for which are easily accessible. A ticket is around €1.50 though a book of 10 or twenty tickets can be brought if this is your chosen method of travel. The other two options are firstly the RER which is an over-ground train and tram service which also travels between the main locations in the city. The third of the options is the bus which is fairly regular though it can take a few changes to get from one attraction to another. Walking is also realistic between the sights of Paris but a combination of two or three of the options is advised.
Days Out
There are plenty of opportunities to get out and about during a visit to Paris and cramming them into a week or ten-day visit could be difficult. Depending on the kind of visits you are interested in here are some of the best places you have to choose from…
The Eiffel Tower…The modern symbol of Paris is one of the simplest pleasures a visitor can enjoy during a trip to the city. Despite its beginnings as a temporary structure the Eiffel tower is scalable by lift or by stairs (the lift goes all the way to the top floor, the stairs the second) and provides a panoramic view of the city as well as the option of a bite to eat or refreshment at a great height.
Notre Dame Cathedral…Situated on the island of the river Seine lays the gothic structure that is one of the most famous by name across the world, Cathedrale de Notre Dame. The exterior of the structure which played home to the legendary ‘beast’ Quasimodo is as magnificent as interior as those who enter will discover. The dramatic contrast between the dark isles and pews and the light of the stained glass windows present a strong sense of its history and create a truly memorable atmosphere.
The Louvre… Housed beneath the carefully structured glass Pyramide is the Louvre. Originally the gallery was brought together by Napoleon’s conquests and spread over three wings on three different floors it houses everything from ancient Egyptian jewellery to well known pieces like Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Whether visiting as an art lover or just to appreciate the creativity of the human imagination, visitors cannot fail to be impressed by the exhibits and the magnificent surroundings of the gallery.
Centre Pompidou… The wonderfully original building houses the Musee National d’Art and also the Alelier Brancusi artistic studio, home to Constantin Brancusi one of the greatest sculptors of the twentieth century. The structures innovative design provides visitors with an escalator ride to the top floor which is required to view the exhibits and provides some great views but is not one for the feint hearted.
The Catacombs… Hidden deep beneath the Paris streets lies one of the worlds more alternate attractions. The entrance to the Catacombs lies in the middle of the appropriately titled Hell Square and a visit through the gates of the ‘museum’ take you to an underground quarry lined with seemingly endless piles of bones which the Parisian authorities were forced to clear from the over crowded 18th century cemeteries. While it may not be a pretty sight it is one of the more memorable available to Paris visitors.
Tour Montparnasse… Despite a reputation as one of Paris’ least liked tourist attractions the sky scraper provides arguable better views than the Eiffel Tower because it has the tower in its view. The two hundred meter tall tower has a fantastic panoramic view to offer visitors either from the shelter of the 56th floor or the rooftop of the 69th floor, both of which are beautiful in the sunlight or sunset.
Arc de Triumph… The symbol of Paris’ lost soldiers in the war, the Arc de Triumph crowns the end of the long Champs Elyse straight which houses so much of Paris’s fashionable names. The Arc itself if engraved with the names of over 600 generals and numerous battles and is also the permanent mark of the unknown soldier who lost their lives in the ‘great war’. Climbing on top of the arch provides a perfect view for even sufferers of vertigo and is a peaceful and relaxing contrast to the chaotic traffic movement all around.
Other ways to see the sights… Apart from metro hopping from stop to stop there are other ways to see the Paris sights. There are frequent boat tours down the Seine which take in most of the man attractions, at a distance obviously, but this can be a great way to learn about the history of the city. If that doesn’t float your boat then there are also a number of bus companies which run tours across Paris. These stop frequently to point out the key sights and are available for tourists to hop on and hop off until about 11pm in the summer.
Eating and drinking… In a cosmopolitan city like Paris its hard not to find somewhere to eat and drink with restaurants at nearly every turn which stay open late into the night. The closer to the centre you are and the further up the Champs-Elise you get, the pricer food and drink becomes but pick one of the top quality gourmet restaurants and it is well worth it. There are plenty of Bistro’s and cafes if you fancy ‘doing’ lunch or a spot of ‘people watching’ and for those who want to live the high life, literally, why not enjoy a meal at the Jules Verne situated on the second tier of the Eiffel Tower.
Nightlife… Paris picked up a reputation even in its early years for a vibrant nightlife and it does not disappoint when it comes to evening entertainment. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket when why not head down to the world famous Moulin Rouge where you can enjoy a meal, a few drinks and a cabaret show. For a more sensible budget its perhaps advisable visit the Bastille area with its trendy venues, late opening cafes and bars where you can experience some of the countries top DJ’s mixing the records together in Paris’ nightclubs.
Sporting activities… Like most of its European neighbours Paris is known for its football but it also hosts one of the worlds most famous tennis tournaments Roland Garros. Hidden away to the West of the city in Port d’Autrail the clay court tournament it played in the Paris summertime and is not to be missed…if you can get a ticket that is.
One thing to see before you leave… The Eiffel Tower may be what most people envisage when they think of France and it may be what most people come to see but the view from Tour Montparnasse is arguably not only better and further reaching but it also has the famous tower in its field of vision.
Overall verdict… Paris is an extremely enjoyable city with lots to see and do. No matter the length of your visit to the city there are plenty of options to choose from whether it is relaxation, enjoyment or the experience of historical sightseeing. There is something for everyone to do and both adults and children will be able to indulge and appreciate the beauty it possesses.
Population – 2 million
Currency - € Euro
Time zone – GMT +1
Continent - Europe
FRENCH capital Paris is one of the most famous and most visited cities in the world. Millions of tourists flock there each year to celebrate in its elegance and to see many spectacular landmarks.
Background Info
Early archaeological signs suggest that the Paris area was first habited in from around 4200BC. Many boatmen and traders were believed to have inhibited the area near the river Seine from around 250 BC. It was greatly expanded over the following centuries and became an extremely prosperous city with a forum, palaces, baths and theatres during the rule of the Roman Empire. After the fall of the great empire it was largely abandoned and was little more than a garrison town and was far from the prosperous city it is known as in modern times. In more recent history Paris was at the forefront of the war effort during World War one and was the scene of Allied victory parades and peace negotiations. During World War two Paris was largely undamaged despite occupation by the Germans and following the war it built up large social estates known as cities and this saw the beginning of the business district known as La Defense.
Famous Dates in History…
1136 – Construction of Notre Dame Cathedral begins
1396 – Nearly half of Paris’ population annihilated by the plague
1940 – Nazi Germany invades Paris and marches on the Champs-Elysees as a four year occupation begins.
1944 – Paris liberated by Allied forces and narrowly escapes destruction by the Nazis when an officer refuses to obey Hitler’s orders.
Well-known Parisians include…NBA Legend Dominique Wilkins, Actress Bridgette Bardot, Monarch Marie Antoinette, Composer Frederic Chopin
Languages spoken… The official language is French although residents in the city have a good knowledge and understanding of English because of the number of tourists who visit.
Paris Culture
Like much of Western Europe, Parisians tend to eat dinner late in the evening and start early in the morning. Many of Paris’s top tourists attractions are closed on Sunday and sometimes Mondays or Tuesdays. With much of the country being religious Sunday is traditionally a day of rest and it difficult to find any shops or museums which open on this day.
Why visit…? As well as being steeped in much history, Paris is known as a metropolitan city which has much to see and do. Apart from its array of spectacular sights the city is filled with parks and gardens for relaxation and enjoyment.
How to get there?
Paris is served by Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport which is to the north of the city but also has rail links with the UK, Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg through the Eurostar Service. He city is also just a short drive from Calais which is France’s main port.
Where to stay?
As a city which is visited by many millions of tourists every year there are an abundance of places to stay in the Paris. Most of its sights are located on the river Seine which is central to Paris although its transport links are in the north. The closer to the centre of the city the more expensive it will be but the more you will be able to take in the authenticity of the vibrant and multi-cultural capital.
Getting around…Once you have reached Paris there are three fairly easy methods to help visitors travel around the city. The cheapest and most frequently used is the Paris metro which provides easy access to most of the main regions of Paris. Like the London Underground it works on a system of different coloured lines or tracks, maps for which are easily accessible. A ticket is around €1.50 though a book of 10 or twenty tickets can be brought if this is your chosen method of travel. The other two options are firstly the RER which is an over-ground train and tram service which also travels between the main locations in the city. The third of the options is the bus which is fairly regular though it can take a few changes to get from one attraction to another. Walking is also realistic between the sights of Paris but a combination of two or three of the options is advised.
Days Out
There are plenty of opportunities to get out and about during a visit to Paris and cramming them into a week or ten-day visit could be difficult. Depending on the kind of visits you are interested in here are some of the best places you have to choose from…
The Eiffel Tower…The modern symbol of Paris is one of the simplest pleasures a visitor can enjoy during a trip to the city. Despite its beginnings as a temporary structure the Eiffel tower is scalable by lift or by stairs (the lift goes all the way to the top floor, the stairs the second) and provides a panoramic view of the city as well as the option of a bite to eat or refreshment at a great height.
Notre Dame Cathedral…Situated on the island of the river Seine lays the gothic structure that is one of the most famous by name across the world, Cathedrale de Notre Dame. The exterior of the structure which played home to the legendary ‘beast’ Quasimodo is as magnificent as interior as those who enter will discover. The dramatic contrast between the dark isles and pews and the light of the stained glass windows present a strong sense of its history and create a truly memorable atmosphere.
The Louvre… Housed beneath the carefully structured glass Pyramide is the Louvre. Originally the gallery was brought together by Napoleon’s conquests and spread over three wings on three different floors it houses everything from ancient Egyptian jewellery to well known pieces like Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Whether visiting as an art lover or just to appreciate the creativity of the human imagination, visitors cannot fail to be impressed by the exhibits and the magnificent surroundings of the gallery.
Centre Pompidou… The wonderfully original building houses the Musee National d’Art and also the Alelier Brancusi artistic studio, home to Constantin Brancusi one of the greatest sculptors of the twentieth century. The structures innovative design provides visitors with an escalator ride to the top floor which is required to view the exhibits and provides some great views but is not one for the feint hearted.
The Catacombs… Hidden deep beneath the Paris streets lies one of the worlds more alternate attractions. The entrance to the Catacombs lies in the middle of the appropriately titled Hell Square and a visit through the gates of the ‘museum’ take you to an underground quarry lined with seemingly endless piles of bones which the Parisian authorities were forced to clear from the over crowded 18th century cemeteries. While it may not be a pretty sight it is one of the more memorable available to Paris visitors.
Tour Montparnasse… Despite a reputation as one of Paris’ least liked tourist attractions the sky scraper provides arguable better views than the Eiffel Tower because it has the tower in its view. The two hundred meter tall tower has a fantastic panoramic view to offer visitors either from the shelter of the 56th floor or the rooftop of the 69th floor, both of which are beautiful in the sunlight or sunset.
Arc de Triumph… The symbol of Paris’ lost soldiers in the war, the Arc de Triumph crowns the end of the long Champs Elyse straight which houses so much of Paris’s fashionable names. The Arc itself if engraved with the names of over 600 generals and numerous battles and is also the permanent mark of the unknown soldier who lost their lives in the ‘great war’. Climbing on top of the arch provides a perfect view for even sufferers of vertigo and is a peaceful and relaxing contrast to the chaotic traffic movement all around.
Other ways to see the sights… Apart from metro hopping from stop to stop there are other ways to see the Paris sights. There are frequent boat tours down the Seine which take in most of the man attractions, at a distance obviously, but this can be a great way to learn about the history of the city. If that doesn’t float your boat then there are also a number of bus companies which run tours across Paris. These stop frequently to point out the key sights and are available for tourists to hop on and hop off until about 11pm in the summer.
Eating and drinking… In a cosmopolitan city like Paris its hard not to find somewhere to eat and drink with restaurants at nearly every turn which stay open late into the night. The closer to the centre you are and the further up the Champs-Elise you get, the pricer food and drink becomes but pick one of the top quality gourmet restaurants and it is well worth it. There are plenty of Bistro’s and cafes if you fancy ‘doing’ lunch or a spot of ‘people watching’ and for those who want to live the high life, literally, why not enjoy a meal at the Jules Verne situated on the second tier of the Eiffel Tower.
Nightlife… Paris picked up a reputation even in its early years for a vibrant nightlife and it does not disappoint when it comes to evening entertainment. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket when why not head down to the world famous Moulin Rouge where you can enjoy a meal, a few drinks and a cabaret show. For a more sensible budget its perhaps advisable visit the Bastille area with its trendy venues, late opening cafes and bars where you can experience some of the countries top DJ’s mixing the records together in Paris’ nightclubs.
Sporting activities… Like most of its European neighbours Paris is known for its football but it also hosts one of the worlds most famous tennis tournaments Roland Garros. Hidden away to the West of the city in Port d’Autrail the clay court tournament it played in the Paris summertime and is not to be missed…if you can get a ticket that is.
One thing to see before you leave… The Eiffel Tower may be what most people envisage when they think of France and it may be what most people come to see but the view from Tour Montparnasse is arguably not only better and further reaching but it also has the famous tower in its field of vision.
Overall verdict… Paris is an extremely enjoyable city with lots to see and do. No matter the length of your visit to the city there are plenty of options to choose from whether it is relaxation, enjoyment or the experience of historical sightseeing. There is something for everyone to do and both adults and children will be able to indulge and appreciate the beauty it possesses.