Questions about the city of Paris

Paris is the capital of France, it is not the same thing.

Paris is one of the most historic cities in Europe, known as the "City of Light" since 1828, when its main avenues were illuminated by gas lamps. The Paris of today was conceived after the French Revolution in an ellipsoidal shape, ignoring everything that preceded it, a relatively small city that is very easy to visit on foot. The Seine is the main reference point of the city and divides the 20 districts that make it up into two large areas: the right on the north side and the left on the south side of the river. The east side is associated with the old city and the west side with the history of the city from the 19th century, each district having its own particularity and characteristic atmosphere.

Paris was called "Lutetia". Under the Roman Empire, the city grew considerably and extended to the left bank of the Seine. An amphitheater, baths and a forum were built there. The first time the city of Paris is mentioned in history is by Julius Caesar in his book "History". He speaks of Lutetia and the tribe living there as Parisians. Until now, many attempts have been made to clarify the origin of these names. According to one bold view, it is derived from the Greek word "Parisos", which means one who is at equal distance from two or more points. Greek settlers called this island of the Seine "Ile de la Cité", where the first settlement was founded and where the city of Paris was born, Parisos - at equal distance from both coasts. In 360, the city was finally renamed Paris.

The city of Paris developed from a Celtic town in the mid-3rd century B.C. on the island that is the current center of the metropolis, on the Seine. In 52 BC, the colony was conquered by the Romans. The city of Paris in the 3rd century AD, missionaries brought Christianity to Paris for the first time. Saint Dionysus of Paris became, in 250, the first bishop of Paris. Later, however, during the persecutions of Emperor Decius, he was beheaded on the hill of Montmartre. On the site where he was buried, the basilica of Saint Denis was founded in the 7th century, which has since served as the burial place of French kings. In 486, Roman rule came to an end in Paris and northern France, when Merovingian troops seized the city. King Clovis became the first king of France in 486.

The city of love, lovers, romance and dreams. Nowhere else in the world can you find these alleys with walls filled with the spirit of love and romance. In every street, courtyard and corner you can feel the romantic atmosphere of the French spirit. The city has absorbed love stories for centuries, its stone walls still preserve the secrets of the heart and the love dramas linked to intrigues.

An evening stroll in Paris has a special charm, as does a walk along the Seine. By boat, you can see sites such as Notre Dame and the Louvre, enjoying the view with a glass of wine and cuddling up to your loved one.

Rue Pont des Arts intersects with Rue Quai du Louvre on the right bank of the Seine and is rightfully one of the most romantic places in Paris. Why? Because until recently, thousands of couples have sworn their eternal love in this place by locking it with a small padlock.

The Seine River crosses the city of Paris. The Seine connects Paris to the interior of France, especially to Burgundy and the English Channel. It has played an important role in the growth and development of the city. It divides Paris into two unequal banks, the right bank, where business and finance dominate, and the south bank, the left bank, which is the traditional home of intellectuals and artists.

Paris is divided into 20 geographical arrondissements, whose circular layout resembles the shell of a snail. The Seine River divides the city into two parts, the right bank to the north and the left bank to the south.

arrondissements quartiers paris

The French capital has a large number of historical and religious buildings, museums, parks and theaters. In Paris, there are about 160 museums, 200 permanent art exhibitions (galleries), 100 theaters, 600 cinemas. Cultural events include concerts, exhibitions, music and film festivals, fashion shows and sporting events. The Château de Fontainebleau was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, as was the Château de Versailles in 1981 and the banks of the Seine in 1991.