Paris is an incredible city of diversity with something for everyone to see and do in every corner! Don’t miss this magnificent experience!
Paris became France’s capital when Frankish King Clovis I designated it so. Later, however, Parisian counts gained power over France’s monarchs until Hugh Capet brought them back into their original locations in Loire Valley.
The City of Light
Paris is often known as the City of Light or Ville Lumiere in French, earning this endearing moniker due to the early adoption of street lighting by hotels, churches, statues, monuments and 37 major bridges across its entirety. Parisians love calling it Paris simply “The City.” This designation stems from its longstanding tradition of street illumination which dates back centuries – now lighting over 296 sites every night (hotels, churches, statues monuments even 37 bridges!).
The Eiffel Tower, one of Paris’s most beloved landmarks, can be enjoyed day and night as an unforgettable spectacle. By day it offers spectacular views across the entire city; by night you can take pleasure in watching it illuminate each hour with beautiful lighting effects.
Centre Georges Pompidou is another iconic landmark in the City of Light that you should visit, serving as an outstanding modern art museum with breathtaking roof-top views or featuring works by Picasso, Chagall or Modigliani in its galleries.
The City of Light is widely recognized as a major financial center and home to numerous large companies from banking, tourism, insurance and other service industries. Furthermore, factories producing textiles, jewelry and cosmetics produce goods in large numbers here; additionally it leads research and development for high technology industries leading to an educated workforce that leads global innovation efforts.
The City of Love
Paris is famously considered one of the world’s most romantic cities, drawing honeymooners, couples celebrating Valentine’s Day, movies and television series all with romantic themes, and backdrops depicting romance as they stroll along its cobbled streets. What exactly sets Paris apart?
Answer lies within its cultural heritage. The French are well known as romantics and have always placed great value on emotional freedom and sexual liberties. Their art and literature celebrate romance; their art celebrates romanticism while reveling in its possibilities of overtaking us all.
At first, Paris was known for its romanticism during the 19th century when sideburns were fashionable and French society was very different than it is now. Back then, Paris was overcrowded and run-down; without proper sanitation facilities. After Napoleon decided to modernize his city under Georges-Eugene Haussmann’s supervision, an ambitious public works effort ensued that soon transformed Paris into an idyllic city filled with wide avenues, charming parks and exquisite architecture.
Today, Paris is one of the world’s most-visited cities, drawing visitors with its world-renowned monuments, museums, restaurants and cafes that create the ideal ambience for romance. However, one of its most romantic spots – Pont des Arts bridge – stands out as being particularly romantic; couples frequently place padlocks here as a symbol of eternal love.
The City of Art
Paris has long been an art hub. Renowned museums and modern auction houses coexist alongside historic art houses – making Paris one of the world’s premier centers for arts.
Paris boasts an illustrious artistic legacy that extends far beyond Impressionist and Post-Impressionism painting and sculpture, to decorative arts, photography, film, architecture and decorative arts. Notable art institutions include Musee d’Orsay, Musee National d’Art Moderne and Centre Georges Pompidou among many others.
Though Paris’ population has decreased since reaching 2.9 million in 1921, its fixed borders, strict building codes and lack of developable land continue to limit growth and cause many residents to relocate further afield – an all-too-common problem among urban centers that don’t feature major highway connections within France or European Union.
One of the City and Region’s top priorities is encouraging artistic creation in all forms and locations, welcoming artists from around the globe. One such impressive new addition to Paris is the Fondation Louis Vuitton designed by iconic architect Frank Gehry as an amazing glass cloud that houses an extensive collection of 20th and 21st century art; major exhibitions, conferences and symposiums to further contemporary art research are held here too; in Marais Lafayette Anticipations center also promotes international design and fashion.
The City of Fashion
Fashion has always been at the core of Paris’ economy and style has always been at its heart. Although difficult to pinpoint why Paris has earned this status as the ultimate fashion capital, some theories include its long history with couture and haute fashion or perhaps being home to some of the world’s premier design houses – whatever the case, Paris has definitely earned its well-earned recognition through every designer, movement or fad that has come through its streets over time.
Fashion designers such as Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent helped Paris become the center of fashion in their day. Even today Paris continues to flourish as an epicenter of style; hosting some of the world’s premier fashion shows and hosting more aspiring designers than anywhere else in France.
Visit Paris’ iconic “golden triangle,” an area which houses some of the world’s top luxury brands, for an authentic taste of French fashion. Bordered by Champs-Elysees, Avenue Montaigne and Avenue Marceau and featuring boutiques such as Rochas, Givenchy Vuitton Celine – among others! – this shopping district embodies tradition while remaining modern; these shops represent free spirit of Paris as they attract shoppers from across the globe.
The City of Music
Paris is renowned for its music of all varieties, from opera to jazz and classical to contemporary club sounds – something for everyone here! Paris has long inspired musicians and singers, which is evident by the many songs written about or featuring Paris neighborhoods, streets or its name itself.
Notre Dame Cathedral served as a hub of musical innovation during the 14th Century, led by Guillaume de Machaut’s groundbreaking composition of a complete Mass. Outside the cathedral walls were street entertainers such as troubadours, minstrels and jongleurs who created poems, songs, instrumental dances that delighted Parisian townspeople; their performances became more widespread as their fame spread and they traveled widely entertaining crowds all across Europe.
Following the French Revolution and when theater censorship was lifted, numerous new musical and operatic works were written. Additionally, Paris became home to numerous private salons where wealthy patrons sponsored private orchestras with both professional and amateur musicians.
As movies became increasingly popular during the 1930s, concert and dance halls were transformed into movie theaters. Since then, Paris has seen an extensive network of small cinemas show both Hollywood and European/Asian productions alike. Furthermore, in 2015 the Philharmonie de Paris opened their spectacular auditorium seating 2400 for Hollywood productions; additionally this building also houses rehearsal spaces, workshops and other cultural amenities.
The City of Food
Paris is an incredible culinary capital, and any visit would not be complete without experiencing some of its delectable local fare. French pastries are an absolute must-try when in Paris; macarons especially come with many distinct flavor profiles from classic chocolate and vanilla to exotic options like rose and lychee.
Parisian cuisine reflects its many cultures. Immigration began to Paris from foreign nations during the early nineteenth century, and today restaurants specialize in serving regional French dishes such as Alsace (Chez Jenny) and Lyon (Aux Lyonnais).
Paris metro stations never leave customers without access to a boulangerie within six minutes, providing the essential ingredients of French meals: freshly-baked, quality bread that can serve both as snacks or main courses with various toppings and cheese of all varieties ranging from mild to bold (and even stinky!).
Paris offers an abundance of Far Eastern cuisine, such as Vietnamese and Thai fare, in its restaurants. Additionally, Paris serves as a cultural melting pot due to the influx of immigrants from North Africa and other European regions – with 19th and 20th arrondissements serving as particular hubs characterized by numerous independent boutiques and restaurants offering cuisines from around the globe.