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Paris

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Paris
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Paris Travel Guide

  • About Paris
Paris rarely disappoints. Home to beautiful architecture, arresting art and the world’s finest restaurants, only the hard–hearted will leave the City of Light without falling in love. There is a sense that the people of Paris really know how to live. Lunch is never rushed, the local hairdresser is eternally busy and there is always time for one more glass of red. It’s impossible not to be captivated when walking down one of Baron Haussmann’s long, wide boulevards or the banks of the Seine at sunset. Stand in the shadow of Montmartre’s Sacré-Cœur and see the city open out in front of you, before repairing for an aperitif. Everything revolves around food in Paris. You can eat in 3-star, Michelin luxury at Guy Savoy just off of the Arc de Triomphe or sit down over a steaming bowl of bouillabaisse on Rue de Seine and comfortably claim to have eaten the finest food of your life. Whether it’s a local bistro or renowned hotel restaurant, eating is serious business and something to be savoured no matter the time of day. Head to the Musee Rodin to peer at The Thinker, set among gorgeous gardens which look magnificent whether it’s on a crisp winter afternoon or a hazy summer evening. Take in Monet’s masterpieces at the Musee d’Orsay and battle the crowds at the magnificent Louvre to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa. Literature buffs will find a city steeped in writing. Sink a beer at Les Deux Magots, the café loved and frequented by Hemingway, Sartre, Joyce and Brecht and shop for the finest English language books at Shakespeare and Company. The original closed during the WWII, but this 1960s recreation remains one of Paris’s finest institutions for those who value words highly. Shop your way around Le Marais and along the classy Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, before partying until dawn at some of Europe’s hippest night spots. And be sure to set a date to return, because when it comes to Paris, once is never enough. An exciting major event will take place in the city when Paris will be host to the Olympic Games in 2024.
  • Paris History
Paris’ history begins with a Celtic tribe called the Parisii, who set up a fort and a settlement here in the 3rd century. Long-running struggles with the Roman Empire culminated in the conquest of Gaul by Julius Caesar in 52 BC. Paris prospered greatly under the Roman Empire, when it was known as Lutetia. From the late 5th century, as the Romans weakened, Paris was threatened by Attila the Hun, Franks and Germans. Covis I ended up taking power as King of the Franks. The Vikings invaded through the 9th century, leading to the construction of mighty fortresses to defend it. The Capetians ruled out of Paris for eight centuries from the 10th century. When the last Capetian king died without an heir, it led to the Hundred Years War between France and England, followed by the Black Death and then several grisly events surrounding the clash between Catholicism and Protestantism. During the Bourbon dynasty, Cardinal Richelieu influenced the striking Palais du Luxembourg and the rebuilding of the prestigious Sorbonne. By the end of the 18th century, Paris was world-renowned for culture, wealth and philosophy, but after intervening against England in the American War of Independence, France came close to bankruptcy. Then the harvest failed in 1788 and famine swept throughout the country, tensions rose and crowds stormed the Bastille prison on 14th July 1789, starting the French Revolution. After the Reign of Terror came Napoleon and the conquest of much of Europe, spreading the tenets of revolutionary France. He was defeated in 1814. By the time the Eiffel Tower went up in 1889, Paris was enjoying its Belle Époque and was once again the envy of the world. WWI and the Great Depression took their toll, while during WWII the Nazis occupied the city. Spared the widespread bombing that destroyed much of Western Europe’s cities, post-war Paris emerged triumphant and resilient. As the 21st century dawned, it was once again one of the greatest cities in the world.
  • Did you know?
• Traditionally, Paris’ history begins with Celts, but the area has in fact been inhabited since the distant Mesolithic period some 10,000 years ago. • With the overthrow of the monarchy during the French Revolution and Robespierre’s Reign of Terror, 2,500 people were executed in Paris. • Napoleon’s nephew became Emperor between 1852 and 1870, but Napoleon III’s reign ended with the disastrous Franco-Prussian War and the declaration of the Third Republic
  • Weather / Best time to visit
Paris has an oceanic climate characterised by warm summers and cold winters, but without extreme temperatures thanks to the North Atlantic current. In other words, there really is no bad time to visit one of the world’s great cities.
  • spring (March to May) In April, temperatures hover around 11°C (52°F) and cherry blossoms are blooming. The pavement terraces start to fill up as the days get warmer.
  • Summer (June to August) offers lovely sunny weather. This is high season and you’ll be sharing the city with thousands of other tourists. Many locals leave Paris in August.
  • Autumn (September to November) is a good time to visit – there are less crowds, the locals are back with renewed vigour after their holidays, and the parks are resplendent in autumn colours. You can still sit at a pavement terrace café, sipping coffee and feeling like a Parisian rather than a tourist.
  • Winter (December to February) can be cold with temperatures averaging 5°C (41°F) but snow is a rarity. There are a few Christmas markets bringing festive cheer in December. For bargain hunters, January is one of the cheapest months to visit Paris.

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