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History & Culture |
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In 52 B.C. when the Roman Empire under Julius Caesar conquered the city we know today as Paris, they decided to call the land Lutetia, meaning ''marshy place.'' The Gallic tribes who had formerly run the land were called ''Parisii'' by the Romans. In the next century, as the city expanded under Roman jurisdiction, she would come to be called Paris. The city was an integral regional center under the Romans and throughout the early part of the Middle Ages. Parisians would be spared the wrath of Attila the Hun in the year 451 A.D.. After ransacking the southern portion of France, barbarian forces would draw near to the city, but a young Genevieve would encourage Parisians to hold their ground and pray. The half a million Huns would avoid the city, and Genevieve would become the patron saint of the city. By the year 508 A.D. the Romans would lose the lands to Clovis, leader of the Franks, who had been baptized by Genevieve at the Reims Cathedral. The city would become the base of operations and later the capital of the Merovingian dynasty. Parisians were forced to built a fortress on the Ile de la Cité when Viking invaders attempted to take the city in the 9th centruy. One such invasion was successful and the Vikings collected a huge ransom in exchange for the city.
Hugh Capet, the Count of Paris and leader of the Capetian Dynasty, would be crowned king of France in 987 and Paris would become nation''s capital. With rapid growth the city would expand to the Right Bank during the 11th century. The city would continue to prosper and grow, during the reign of Philip II Augustus in the 12th and 13th centuries many of the major roads were pave, construction began on the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the original Louvre was built as a fortress. It is during these Middle Ages that the Sorbonne was organized. Not only was the city an important political location, but now Paris was becoming an integral commercial and intellectual center as well attracting travelers from around the world. A brief pause in the success of the city came with the Black Death which plagued Parisians during the 14th century, and again when King Louis XIV, the Sun King, moved the capital of France to Versailles.
In 1789 rebellious Parisians stormed the Bastille, igniting the French Revolution. Paris also played an integral role in the revolutions in the early 19th century. The city would be the seiged for more than 4 months during the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, forcing France to surrender. French Socialist radicals established the Commune of Paris following the with-drawl of German troops. Riots erupt and the Palace of Tuileries is burned and tens of thousands of Parisians lost their lives, but the Commune would not survive the French army lead by General MacMahon. In 1889 the Eiffel Tower was erected amidst protests from artists and intellectuals. The structure now serves as a trademark for French civic pride.
In 1900 the first metro line was established and so began the modernization of the city and the inklings of her stardom as an international center for fashion and entertainment. During World War I the city would remain protected from German forces, but World War II would not be so kind. In 1940 Germany invaded France and occupied Paris, but famed General Charles de Gaulle would flee to London and form the Maquis. In 1944 allied troops land on the beaches of Normandy, and though General von Choltitz is ordered by Hitler to destroy the city, he stalls and Paris survived to be liberated on August 24.
Today, the city of Paris maintains its political importance, aged character and divine charm. As the fashion capital of the world, there is much inspiration to be found in Paris. Travelers young and old will be impressed by her monuments, architecture and of course, her food!
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The City of Paris |
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The city of Paris is divided into 20 ''arrondissements'', or districts, all of which should be visited while travelling in Paris.
1 éme hosts the Louvre, Les Halles and the Palais Royal.
2 éme hosts the Bourse (Paris Stock Exchange) and the Bibliotheque Nationale.
3 éme hosts the oldest neighborhood in the city and some of the most spectacular mansions from the 17th century, once homes of the cities nobility. Combined with 4ere to encompass the Marais.
4 éme is the center of the Marais and hosts the Ile St-Louis and the Ile de la Cite two of the city''s oldest landmarks.
5 éme is the Latin Quarter which is named such for it''s ties to the Sorbonne where Latin was the spoken language during the Middle Ages.
6 éme is known as Saint-Germain. Recent renovations have transformed this formerly bohemian neighborhood into a chic shopping district.
7 éme is home to the Eiffel Towere, the Musee d''Orsay and Invalides.
8 éme surrounding the Champs-Elysees offers an abundance of shops and more examples of inspiring architecture.
9 éme hosts the Paris Opera House and Moulin Rouge.
10 éme is where you will find the Gare du Nord and the Gare de l''Est, two of the major train stations bringing travelers to the city.
11 éme this area is primarily residential, but hosts the New Opera and the Place de la Bastille.
12 éme another primarily residential district bordered by the Bois de Vincennes.
13 éme is a predominantly residential neighborhood home to Paris'' Chinatown.
14 éme home to Montparnasse and the Cite Universitaire.
15 éme is mostly residential.
16 éme Bois de Boulogne, Trocadero is a largely exclusive residential neighborhood.
17 éme is another primarily residential neighborhood, also home to the Arc de Triomph and Parc Monceau.
18 éme Montmartre, is an artsy village within the city host to many shops and café''s popular with tourists.
19 éme the Parc des Buttes Chaumont offers a more ethnic flare with many shops and restaurants.
20 éme is where you will find Belleville and Pere-Lachaise cemetery.
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Shopping |
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Paris, of course, is the fashion capital of the world and you will find expensive boutiques offering the finest haute-couture, many world renowned fashion designers and popular French department stores such as Au Printemps and the Galeries Lafayette. Shops in Paris are generally open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Shops are generally closed on Sunday, but offer extended hours through 9:00 p.m. on Thursdays. It is important to note that outside of the cities you will find shortened business hours and limited weekend hours as well. Prices are reasonable in Paris and the quality of goods is high. Some excellent purchase options are: high fashion clothing and accessories for men and women, haute-couture, perfume, cosmetics, jewelry, clocks, antiques, books, art, sculpture, gourmet cheeses and other food products, wine and liquor.
Foreign tourists (citizens of non-European Unionized countries) shopping in France can claim their value added tax for a rebate, provided that more than €75 is spent at the same store on the same day. Now, not all shops and stores participate in the rebate program, so you will want to check if you are interested in taking advantage of the program. If this is the case, ask the vendor for the proper documentation. They will usually complete a form describing the merchandise purchased and stating the amount of tax paid. When you leave Europe (no later than 60 days after the date of the purchase), present your receipt to Customs where you will likely be asked to show the merchandise for approval and then directed to the tax-free refund counter for an immediate refund. You will also notice many shops with a ''Tax-free Shopping for Tourists'' sign in their window. In this case the store will issue you a check that is handled similarly to the previous refund program where you take your merchandise to customs, subject to inspection, then cash your check for your additional rebate. ''Tax free'' shopping is a popular option, if you leave time to deal with customs before you depart!
Place des Victoires - The many modern fashion icons can be found surrounding the commanding statue of Louis XIV, the Sun King.
Avenue Montaigne - Find the most popular and exclusive names in fashion on this Avenue near the Champs-Élysées.
Rue Royale & Rue de Rivoli & Place de la Concorde - Travel here to find world-class jewelry and high-end boutiques offering fine gifts, accessories and apparel on Rue Royale. An array of exclusive shops can be found on the Rue de Rivoli.
Place Vendôme - Jewels galore await you, and bring your camera for a snap of the statue of Napoleon in the public square.
The Marais - Spread between the 3eme and 4eme, this is the oldest neighborhood in Paris, but many of the ''pastesseries'' and ''boucheries'' have moved to make way for the trendy shops and chic boutiques you''ll find today.
Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré - One of the most elegant shopping districts in Paris, where world famous designers have set up shop.
20e Porte-de-Montreuil - Porte de Montreuil is one of the best flea markets in Paris. For inexpensive second-hand clothes, furniture and housewares, look no further. Open: Saturday, Sunday and Monday - 07:00 to 19:00
Avenue Georges-Lafenestre - Porte de Vanves is an enourmous open air flea market with a wide variety of bric-a-brac. Open: Saturday and Sunday - 07:30 to 19:00
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Sightseeing |
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A good pair of walking shoes will be your best friend during your tour of the sites and museums in Paris, but your camera may come in a close second! Though the landmarks and attractions are numerous, the following should surely top your list:
The Eiffel Tower - One of the most universally recognizable sights in the world, the Eiffel Tower is the most famous landmark in all of Europe. Take the elevator over 1000 feet into the heavens for a most spectacular view of the city.
Norte Dame Cathedral - 6 Place du Parvis-Notre-Dame. This masterpiece of gothic architecture lies on the Ile de la Cite, and is called ''Our Lady of Paris.''
Arc de Triomphe - Place Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, 8e, Paris was commission by Napoleon to commemorate French victory following the battle of Austerlitz. From the roof visitors find more magnificent views and there is a small museum documenting the construction.
Conciergerie - Constructed during the 14th century this fortress on the Ile de la Cite served as a torturous prison for Marie Antoinette.
Place de la Concorde - This public square is where Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette met their fate at the guillotine.
La Grande Arche de la Defense - This imposing, modern arch offers a marvelous view of the city from it''s peak.
Obelisque de Luxor - This Egyptian obelisk was a gift from Egyptian Viceroy, Mohamed Ali Pasha, to Louis Phillipe and was installed in 1836.
Colonne de Juillet, Place de la Bastille - Site of the famous storming of the Bastille, it was demolished shortly after the French Revolution, but its site is marked with a monument celebration French Independence.
Bibliotheque Nationale de France - The National Library has been recently modernized and offers a grand selection of literary works from the ages, and more recently offers modern computer technology. This restoration is credited to former president Francois Mitterand.
Assemblee Nationale - Designed by Giardini & Gabriel in 1728, this marvel of architecture is home to the French Parliament.
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Food & Drink |
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It is possible to sample regional cuisine from all over France without ever traveling outside of Paris. The city offers a vast array of restaurants offering the finest in French and International cuisine. Your trip to Paris will also offer you the exceptional opportunity to taste modern, cutting edge ''cuisine improvisee''. This newly practiced art is popular among France''s finest chefs. This impromptu method of taking the freshest in-season ingredients and creating recipes on the spot is the ultimate treat for food lovers around the world. Though unlimited access to world-class French chefs can be pricey, you are sure to find fantastic food, to suit any budget, throughout the city. Our best advice for finding great food in Paris would be to explore the district you are in and find a restaurant that does not specifically cater to tourists. You are more apt to get better quality food indicative of French tradition by these means. Another way of finding these ''off the beaten path'' establishments is to ask your French acquaintances where they would eat if they were choosing. Also, if you are not a wine connoisseur, and are not in an establishment who offers a sommelier, don''t be bashful, asking your server for a recommendation is well received and most certainly will gain you the perfect compliment to your meal!
GUY SAVOY
18, rue Troyon
Paris 17
Tel: 01 43 80 40 61
Fax 01 46 22 43 09.
World-renown chef Guy Savoy offers a variety of dishes that are equally delicious. The atmosphere is sophisticated and this high end establishment will not disappoint.
CHEZ MARCEL
7, rue Stanislas
Paris 6
Tel: 01 45 45 29 94
This marvelous bistro lends an ambience that is truly endearing. This inexpensive eatery offers great food in the French tradition!
LE DOME
108, boulevard du Montparnasse
Paris 14
Tel: 01 43 35 34 82
Fax 01 42 70 01 19
For remarkable seafood, try Le Dome, you will delight in their offerings.
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