Paris, the "City of Lights," is the capital of France, situated in the north-central region along the Seine River. It was originally established as Lutetia in the 3rd century BCE and later became known as Paris. The city grew and faced challenges over the centuries, including Viking sieges, the Black Death, and the Hundred Years' War.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Paris saw significant improvements and beautification efforts. The French Revolution in the late 18th century played a crucial role in shaping the country's history. In modern times, Napoleon III enlisted Haussmann to enhance the city's infrastructure. Paris has played a prominent role in world events, hosting the Paris Peace Conference after World War I and falling under German occupation during World War II. Today, it stands as a vibrant hub for finance, commerce, art, and intellect, boasting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame de Paris, the Louvre, and many others, making it a captivating destination known for its boulevards, parks, and gardens.
With over 30 million visitors every year, Paris is a city that continues to captivate people from all over the world. It houses an underground city known as "The Catacombs," where more than 6 million Parisians' bones are held, creating walls of skulls and other bones, adding a mysterious and haunting allure to the city's history.
In addition to its intriguing underground world, Paris has also left its mark on the culinary world. It is the birthplace of the classic cocktail "Bloody Mary," a popular drink enjoyed by people worldwide. Despite its bustling streets, one interesting fact about Paris is that it has had only one stop sign on the exit of a building company in the 16th arrondissement, highlighting the city's unique traffic management. With its rich history, iconic landmarks, and countless attractions, Paris remains an irresistible destination, drawing millions of visitors who come to experience its charm, beauty, and cultural significance.
"Dont just exist. Live."
- Unknown
Here is a list of some of the best attractions to visit in Paris, France...
Disneyland Paris
On April 12, 1992, Disneyland Paris opened its doors. This park includes 54 attractions, 75 dining options, and 63 shops. Divided into two parks, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, visitors have the opportunity to engage in meet and greets with beloved characters such as Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, and many other characters from the Avengers and Star Wars franchises. The park also features captivating parades such as Disney Stars on Parade and Dream and Shine Brighter. The night sky illuminates by an enchanting 20-minute spectacle known as Disney Dreams Nighttime Extravaganza, featuring stunning fireworks. Furthermore, visitors could experience special seasonal parades and shows during Halloween and Christmas, known as the Disney Halloween Festival and the Disney Enchanted Christmas. The parks have an endless number of activities great for the whole family.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a globally recognized arch monument. It stands as a symbolic representation of French national identity and was constructed over a period of 30 years. Positioned at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, it serves as the meeting point of the Tour de France bicycle race and for the annual military parade commemorating July 14, known as both French National Day and Bastille Day.
History
Commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 to honor the military triumphs of the French armies, the arch was designed by Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin. It stands 164 feet (50 meters) tall and spans 148 feet (45 meters) in width. Situated in a circular plaza, the arch forms a star (étoile) from which 12 grand avenues radiate, earning it the alternate name of the Arch of Triumph of the Star. Construction began on August 15, 1806, Napoleon's birthday, but progress was slow. By the time of Napoleon's marriage to Marie-Louise, little more than the foundation had been completed. In 1810, a full-scale representation of the finished design was made using wood and painted canvas to celebrate Marie-Louise's ceremonial entry into Paris. This provided Chalgrin with the opportunity to make minor adjustments to his design. However, following Napoleon's abdication and the Bourbon Restoration in 1814, construction stopped until King Louis XVIII ordered it to begin again in 1823, motivated by the success of the French invasion of Spain. The monument's basic structure was completed by 1831, with finalization occurring in 1836 under the reign of King Louis-Philippe, who inaugurated it on July 29. The arch's facades feature decorative high-relief sculptures created by François Rude, Jean-Pierre Cortot, and Antoine Etex, commemorating military victories of the Revolution and the First Empire.
Over the years, it has served as a place of honor for the funerals of notable figures like Victor Hugo and Ferdinand Foch. The arch has witnessed victory parades conducted by both invading powers, such as Germany in 1871 and 1940, and by France and its allies, including the liberating forces in 1918, the liberation of Paris during World War II in 1944, and the post-war victory parade in 1945, marking the end of the war in Europe.
Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle is a remarkable royal chapel built in the Gothic style and served as the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century. Construction began around 1238 and it was consecrated on April 26, 1248. Regarded as a pinnacle of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, the Sainte-Chapelle was commissioned by King Louis IX of France to house his collection of significant relics related to the Passion, including the Crown of Thorns worn by Christ. Previously, the crown was kept at the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral, where it miraculously survived the devastating fire in 2019.
Situated on the Île de la Cité, the Sainte-Chapelle stands as one of the earliest surviving structures from the Capetian royal palace, along with the Conciergerie. Despite suffering damage during the French Revolution, the chapel underwent restoration in the 19th century. Today, it hosts one of the most extensive collections of 13th-century stained glass worldwide, captivating visitors with its breathtaking beauty. Presently, the Sainte-Chapelle operates as a museum under the administration of the French Centre of National Monuments, alongside the neighboring Conciergerie, which is the last remaining vestige of the original palace.
Paris Zoological Park
In 1793, the Jardin des Plantes, originally a botanical garden, became France's first public zoo. The garden was renovated between 1918 and 1939, preserving its 6.5-hectare area with 18th-century landscaping. In 1934, the Parc Zoologique was established in the Bois de Vincennes, covering 15 hectares of wooded area. This modern zoo boasts spacious natural habitats and is highlighted by the Grand Rocher with around 1,100 specimens, representing nearly 225 species, including the rare Przewalski’s horse, the zoo has achieved remarkable success in breeding various species.
Noteworthy successes include breeding okapis and giraffes, as well as hosting more than 80 bird species and various mammals. Among them is the rare Eld's deer, for which the zoo maintains the international studbook.
The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica, also known as the Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre or simply Sacré-Cœur, is a Catholic church and minor basilica in Paris dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was officially recognized as a national historic monument by the National Commission of Patrimony and Architecture on December 8, 2022.
Situated at the top of Montmartre hill, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica offers a panoramic view of Paris and its surroundings from its dome, which stands two hundred meters above the Seine. It is the second most popular tourist attraction in the city, following the Eiffel Tower.
The idea for the basilica originated in 1870 after France's defeat and the capture of Napoleon III in the Franco-Prussian War. Bishop Felix Fournier of Nantes proposed the construction of a new church in Paris dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, attributing France's defeat to the country's moral decline since the French Revolution.
The design of the basilica was created by Paul Abadie, chosen from a pool of seventy-seven proposals. Construction began in 1875 and spanned forty years, involving five different architects. After World War I, the basilica was completed in 1914 and consecrated in 1919.
Since 1885, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica has maintained perpetual adoration of the Holy Eucharist. The site is also historically associated with the martyrdom of Saint Denis, the patron saint of Paris.
Hôtel des invalides
The Hôtel des Invalides, also known as Les Invalides, is a collection of buildings in Paris, France, situated in the 7th arrondissement. Originally intended as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans, it now houses various museums and monuments dedicated to France's military history. The complex features the Musée de l'Armée, the military museum of the French Army, along with the Musée des Plans-Reliefs and the Musée d'Histoire Contemporaine. Additionally, it includes the former hospital chapel, now serving as the national cathedral of the French military, and the neighboring Dôme des Invalides, the tallest church building in Paris, standing at 107 meters. Inside the Dôme, notable military figures, including Napoleon, are entombed, making it a significant shrine for France's military heritage.
Ending Para
The city of Paris, where the iconic tourist destinations include the “Arc de Triomphe”, “Hôtel des invalide“, and of course “Disneyland Paris”, where dreams come true, is truly a spectacular place to visit. The endless attractions to visit with the immensely detailed architectured buildings gives this place its motto “City of Lights”. There are so many places to visit here that it truly is hard to cover them all. But if you missed part 1 of the “Best Places to Visit in Paris, France”, here is the link. Follow my Pinterest for more Travel Blogs. And as always…
"Time is Short. Take Time to Travel."
- Unknown
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Best Places to Visit in Paris, France - Part 2
Paris, the "City of Lights," is the capital of France, situated in the north-central region along the Seine River. It was originally established as Lutetia in the 3rd century BCE and later became known as Paris. The city grew and faced challenges over the centuries, including Viking sieges, the Black Death, and the Hundred Years' War.
Best Places to Visit in Paris, France
Paris, the capital of France, otherwise known as the “City of Lights” is a vibrant city located in the north-central region of the country. With a population estimated at 2,153,600 (2019) and a metropolitan area population of 9,854,000, It sits along the Seine River, approximately 233 miles (375 km) upstream from where the river meets the English Channel (La Manche). Paris was initially established as Lutetia, evolving from a settlement on an island in the Seine during the late 3rd century BCE. The Romans captured and fortified Lutetia in 52 BCE. Over time, the city expanded to the left bank of the Seine, eventually becoming known as Paris by the early 4th century. Paris withstood Viking sieges in the 9th century and became the capital of France in 987 when Hugh Capet, the count of Paris, ascended to the throne.
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Best Places to Visit in Milan, Italy - Part 2
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Sources
All sources used in this blog are linked below. All credit goes to the authors of the websites. The information in this blog is a reworded paraphrase of the info in theses websites.
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