Paris France - The City Of Lights

     

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The area of modern Paris has been inhabited since at least the fourth millennium BC. Archeological finds dating from this time show that there was a settlement near Bercy, on the right bank of Seine, that was an early representative of the Chasseen culture. Among the finds were dugout canoes. It is believed that a settlement on the present site of Paris was founded about 250 BC by a Celtic tribe called the Parisii, who established a fishing village near the river Seine. The Ile de la Cite was traditionally assumed to be the location of the settlement, but this theory has been recently brought into question. Recent archeological finds indicate that the Paris region's largest pre-Roman settlement may have been in the present-day suburb of Nanterre.



Paris' lands were prosperous, and occupied a strategic position for controlling river shipping and commerce. The area came under Roman control after the revolt of 52 BC when Vercingetorix led a Celtic uprising against the Romans under Caesar. The town sided with the rebels and was said to have contributed 8,000 men to Vercingetorix's army. It was garrisoned by Vercingetorix's lieutenant Camulogenus, whose army camped on the Mons Lutetius (where the Pantheon is now situated). The Romans crushed the rebels at nearby Melun and took control of the entire region. By the end of the same century, Paris' Ile de la Cite and Left Bank Sainte Genevieve Hill became the centre of a new Roman settlement called Lutetia.



Under Roman rule, the town was thoroughly Romanised and grew considerably. It was, however, not the capital of its province, Lugdunensis Senona-that role was played by Agedincum (modern Sens, Yonne). It was Christianised in the 3rd century when St Denis became the city's first bishop. The process was not entirely peaceful-in about 250 St Denis and two companions were arrested and decapitated on the hill of Mons Mercurius, thereafter known as Mons Martis (Martyrs' Hill, now Montmartre).



Lutetia was renamed Paris in 212, after the local tribe, but the rest of the 3rd and 4th century was wracked by war and civil unrest. The city came under attack from barbarian invaders, prompting the construction of a defensive city wall. In 357 the Emperor Constantine's nephew Julian arrived in Paris to become the city's new governor. Although his uncle was famously the emperor who declared Christianity the official religion of the Empire, Julian "the Apostate" strove to roll back its advance. He became emperor in 361 but died in battle only two years later.



Roman rule in northern Gaul effectively collapsed in the 5th century. In 451 the region was invaded by Attila the Hun, prompting fears that Paris would be attacked. According to legend, the city was saved by the piety of Sainte Genevieve and her followers, whose prayers for relief were answered when Attila's march turned away from Paris to the south. Ste Genevieve remains Paris' patron saint to this day.

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Deciding on the time of year you want to go to Paris is the first thing you really should do. The weather is the major topic to consider first. Paris has an average of 15 snow days a year mostly rain and damp in the winter with occasional winds and rain. The average temperature in Paris is 53 degrees the most pleasant weather of any capital in Europe. During the summer there are very few days that the temperature gets over 85 degrees.

August is the slow month for activities. August is their holiday month and many of the attractions are closed. Paris has a skeleton staff during this month. If you want to enjoy many activities, then you may want to choose another month to visit.

Want a first class hotel while you are in Paris? July and August are the best times to be sure of getting the deluxe room you are wanting. There are many students in Paris during July and August so getting a budget room is usually out of the question.

Remember the annual auto show is in late September and early October. The hotels are booked during this time so if you are going to see the car shows get your reservation in early.

Although most people love to travel on holidays, remember that in August Paris is not the place to plan a holiday trip because most everything closes. There are hardly any activities going on during their holiday seasons.

Whenever going over to another country you will need a passport. If you are not French, you will need to get a passport and be sure to check the expiration date on it, because passports expire like coupons do. U.S. Citizens staying less than 90 days don't need a visa. When staying longer than 90 days you'll need to apply for a long-term visa, residence card, or a temporary-visa for your stay. A proof of income or means of income while in Paris and a good reason why you are applying for long-term stay is required. The U.S. State Department can give you information and guide you through the procedure when applying for your passport.

When entering France you can only take certain things and amounts with you. In addition, when you leave France you have to be careful about what and how much you bring back with you. You can also find out about these restrictions from your state department nearest you.

Are you handicapped and have special needs? Paris is better equipped to handle the handicapped than most cities. Most of the more modern hotels and facilities have the necessary equipment and rooms for the handicapped and elderly. You should contact your hotels ahead of time to let them know what you need; or if you are going through a travel agency, they can do it for you.

Trains are even equipped for the handicapped and special needs that you might have to have when traveling around Paris. The older trains have compartments for the wheelchair and guide dogs but the newer ones are made with the handicapped in mind.

When going to Paris it is a good idea to check with the French Government Tourist office in your area. They can help you make all your decisions. There are different packages that a person can get to fit their budget. Travel Packages and Escorted Tour packages are different so be sure you know what you are looking for.

When deciding on your travel package it usually includes the airfare, accommodations, car rentals, and airport transfers. These travel packages may even help you decide on the activities you might have in mind.

The Escorted Tour is a group of people going on the same trip together along with the escort. Everything is planned out for you from the time you leave home until you return. When we traveled to Europe, our travel package included the services described above, except for a car, and instead we opted for this escorted group tour. The escort guide accompanies the group throughout the entire trip, imparting so much information and amazing history along the way, especially so at each destination. At each destination the escort walks with the group and describes current and historical details at points of interest.

After dinner, you can relax at your hotel, go out on the town exploring on your own. You can also plan an outing with your group. Excursion outings are not included in the price of the tour but are planned in advance by the tour company, or even by the hotel, which may offer tour attraction discounts.

Eiffel Tower in the foreground and the skyscrapers of La Défense in the background.

Visiting Paris gives you many options to consider. Most tours will guide you through the history of Paris. Tours are known to take tourists around Paris during day and night hours respectively. Some tour guides offer you pick up and drop off at your hotel and others will just pick you up. The length of time it takes varies depending on the tour and how much time you have. There are many choices to choose from.

How about a city tour taking up 3½ hours of your time with a guide and a minibus to take you to see the most major sites of Paris. As you come upon these sites your guide with tell you the history of each area you visit, making it an enjoyable and learning experience for everyone.
Don't have 3½ hours, then take a shorter tour of the city. See the must-see spots in the capital city of France in 2 hours instead. The trip will be shorter but just as enjoyable.

Esplanade-de-la-defense by Wikimedia Commons

Have a little more time than 2 or 3 hours to tour the city? How about seeing the entire major spots of the city and ending your tour with lunch at the Eiffel tower. The bus will pick you up at your hotel but your return will be on your own. You'll be able to see monuments, landmarks with the learning of history behind each one from your guide. End your tour at the Eiffel Tower for lunch.

Because you have come here on a guided tour, there is no waiting at the elevator to take you to the restaurant and a table will be waiting for you. In Paris, you will enjoy sending a postcard back home with a stamp of the Eiffel Tower printed on the stamp.
Tours can be chosen in many different packages. Take a tour of the city and a short cruise down the Seine River. This package will only take 2 hours of your time.

Want to make a day of it. Try the city tour, lunch and cruise all in one package. A minibus will pick you up at your hotel and than there is a 2 hour orientation of the hot spots in the city of Paris. Go right from you tour of the city to the Seine River for more excitement on your cruise. You'll be riding down the river in a glassed-in boat making the perfect view for everyone aboard. Classic French music will be played from time to time for the relaxed mood while you're having lunch. Upon your return to the Eiffel Tower, you'll go around the Statue of Liberty.

If you feel adventurous why not have lunch at the Eiffel Tower followed by a Cruise down the Seine River. Sounds fun doesn't it. The bus will pick you up at the hotel with this package as well and give you a 2-hour ride around the city. The Eiffel Tower is the next stop for lunch with no waiting in line for the elevator or your table, everything will be waiting for you upon your arrival. Enjoy your view and relax, the cruise is about to start. Just walk across the street and board the boat for more fun and relaxation. You'll have music to listen to as you ride down the river and the education is the greatest. Enjoy this tour and make you dreams come true.

Want to visit the largest museum in the world? Take the Louvre guided tour package. Here you'll see many paintings beginning from the 16th century. Louvre is known as the Palace of the kings of France. The Louvre has 800 years of history established in 1793.
Have fun with your tour.

Over Paris

When planning a trip to Paris you need to know what steps to take to enjoy your vacation to Paris. One of the first things you have to do is to plan your time so that you know what you are doing everyday and you are not running around like chicken with its head cut off looking for something.

So lets get started:
You might want to pick out your hotel so when you get there you will be able to go right to you your room after a long trip, since everyone will likely feel tried. Choose your hotel to fit your needs. You have to decide where you want to visit in Paris. For instance, if you want to visit the museums, you may want to consider the Eiffel Towel in Paris. Perhaps you would prefer a hotel on Paris's beautiful riverbanks. This is something you have to decide.

What about dining?
If you want to visit a particular restaurant in Paris, such as the Angelina, which is Paris's tea restaurants, then you want to choose a hotel near this area to save time. Angelina by the way serves some tasty sandwiches, salads and tea. If you are intending to sightsee in Paris, then this restaurant is great, since you can eat light.

Choosing Foods:
On the other hand, you may be ready for a nice dinner. You may want to visit the Aubacou. The French food is tasty according to people who have visited; as well, the restaurant offers you a nice sitting place to enjoy a meal.

Once you finish dinner, you may want to consider nightlife. Paris has a nice selection of nightspots, including the wonderful Académié de lá brirë. This fabulous academy of horns in Paris has a great dinner drinks.

Perhaps you may want to enjoy the performing art show, which is located at the Cite de la musique. (City of Music) If you enjoy music you may also like to visit, Paris's funniest comedy shows at Lane Rouge. You could visit many places for your nightlife enjoyment in Paris. You can check all this out with your local travel agent or you could go on the Internet to choose your schedule.

The next steps to Paris travel:
The next step would be to make sure things are going to be taken care of while you are away from home. Did you put your mail on hold at your local post office until you return, or did you take a copy of your numbers off your travel check in case you lose them? Don't forget to give another set of keys to someone that you can trust so that if needed, they can get in for you. In addition, take a list of important numbers with you in case you need to phone home.

How to pack for Paris travel?
You want to pack your clothes for starters. Since you are going to visit one of the most beautiful countries in the world, pack your camera and film. Maybe some bates would be nice you never know when you may need those. Something safe that you can store your money in so you do not lose it while you are out sightseeing or just having fun. Maybe you would want to take your AAA cards, you may need them. Don't forget your ATM card this may come in handy. Credit cards should be stored in a safe place and taking with you as well. The last thing is your ID or passport. Once you finish gathering your items, you are on your way to a wonderful vacation in Paris have fun.

Pont Royal and the Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Choosing museums to visit in Paris. Perhaps you want to go online to find day passes, which these passes will take you to and from many of Paris's museums. Paris has scores of museums. At the museums, you have science, arts, learning centers, military, and so on. To choose museums we can consider a few details. Do you intend to take the children to Paris with you?

How to choose children museums in Paris:
Musée de la Poupee is a children's museum you may like. Even if you do not have children, you may enjoy the cluster of beautiful dolls on the displays. The dolls will take you back to the day when life was filled with men and women dressed in traditional attire. During certain months at this museum, Paris gives a Quel Spectacle show. The staff uses the dolls to deliver themed arts show. Inside the museum, you will enjoy fashions, dolls, textile, arts, decorative exhibits and more. Check the Internet for details on dates, times, location and more.

Opéra Bastille is not your average museum, yet you may enjoy visiting this remarkable opera house. If you enjoy ballet, you must visit the Opéra Bastille. Opéra Bastille is seated at Paris's Place de la Bastille.

Musée du Louvre is another of Paris's nice museums where you will enjoy Antiquities from Egypt, Roman, Etruscan, Greek, Eastern Antiques, Islamic Fine arts, décor arts, sculptures, drawings, prints, paintings, and more.

Notre-Dame de Paris ET Son Tresor is Paris's clone towers. The building was sculpted to fit cathedral and gothic nineteenth century history of Paris. The building alone is something to see.

When visiting museums in Paris, it is wise to go online and purchase passes. The passes will take you to more than 70 popular museums in Paris. You have free passes. Some passes will take you to Centre Pompidou, Musée du Louvre, Musée de Rodin, Arc de Triomphe, Musée national Picasso, Musée d 'Orsay, and so on.

When you purchase passes, it gives you many benefits. You have over 50 or more museums to visit. In addition, you get discounts and coupons to eat at Paris's restaurants, shop at the department stores, or visit the beautiful Lafayette Galleries.

If you purchase passes, also you will not have to wait in long lines to purchase tickets in Paris. The notion behind tickets is to make life easier on you.

How do I find passes?
You can go online to purchase passes. Online you will find a wide array of travel sites that offer you the opportunity to purchase your tickets.

The tickets are sent to your doorstep. Once you receive your tickets, carrying them on the plane to Paris and use them to visit the many museums in Paris.

The passes are nice, since you also get free transportation with the tickets. Some areas offer to travel you on Paris's metro buses, which are open at hours that give you the choice of visiting the museums as you choose.

How much are the tickets?
It depends on where you purchase the passes. You can find passes for as low as 69 French dollars per couple. Children passes are 19 French dollars per two. When you purchase passes you, also receive discounts at Paris Cinemas, Hard Rock Cafés, Galleries, and so forth. Some passes offer you a buy one and get the next one free at certain locations.

To learn more about passes to Paris's museums go online and check out the wide array of travel web sites.

The Louvre in Paris, France, is one of the world's most visited art museums. The collection contains nearly 35,000 pieces displayed over the structure's . The museum is on the Right Bank, in the neighborhood referred to as the 1st arrondissement and lies between the Seine River and the Rue de Rivoli. The Louvre is slightly askew of the axe historique, a long architectural straightaway that cuts through the centre of Paris.

The structure originated as a palace during the Capetian dynasty under the reign of Philip II and was gradually developed into the structure visible today. It was used as an art depository from the time of Francois I, but it was not opened to the public until the French Revolution. At that time, the Louvre was intended to symbolize the progress of Liberty. The museum houses some of the world's most famous works of art, such as Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, The Virgin and Child with St. Anne, and Madonna of the Rocks; Jacques Louis David's Oath of the Horatii; Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People; and Alexandros of Antioch's Venus de Milo. The collection is divided among eight curatorial departments.

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Notre Dame Gargoyle, La Cite Island, Paris, France

This article is patterned for all you history buffs with insight that opens your mind to all areas of life, including visiting the grave. If you are interesting in learning and reliving Paris's uncivilized history, and don't mind visiting the dead, you must check out Paris's Les Catacombs. The tunnels are not suited for everyone, only for those with an open mind to see what it is like to walk in the grave and visit the dead. The tunnels have a disturbing, yet unique pattern of bones and skulls, fashioned to bring the dead back to life.

Some people feel that visiting Les-Catacombs in Paris is a waste of time. Yet, the Opinionists fail to realize that historical buffs see things in a new light. At Les-Catacombs, you will pay an entry fee of five French dollars.

Areas around Paris, during the late 1800s discouraged the average person, since its history of overpopulated cemeteries and deceased souls made the area, one of Paris's uncivilized environments. The area was filled with filth. For this reason the councils of the Parisians transferred the deceased to the tunnels of Les-Catacombs. In this, tunnel the bones of millions of dead souls rest. Parisian counsels of France transferred the bones, piling them in various areas around the tunnel. The skull of these dead people are piled in areas of the tunnel, and put together in reverse/front fashion. The bones are disturbing to many, since these dead peoples structures were fashioned in a way that it appears as faces and transverse structures, i.e. in the shape of crosses.

Throughout the tunnels are spiral stairways. Once you begin walking down the stairs, you will spot eye sockets of the deceased. The tunnels become present as you continue down the stairs. As you continue down the stairs and into the dirt tunnels, you are approaching the graves of many deceased souls, which at this point you cannot turn back. Since underground tunnels and graves are chilling you, want to make sure that you wear proper attire to keep you warm. Keep in mind you will get residue of the deceased on you. If this bothers you, perhaps you can wear attire that shields your clothes and flesh.

Throughout the walk, you will notice the walls. The walls are filled with plagues, yet observers say that the information is written in French. This makes sense, since the tunnels were designed in the 1800s. In view of the fact, you may want to learn a bit of French before visiting the tunnel. Ultimately, if you have a French interpreting, or friend who speaks French, take him/her with you.

NOTE: Because people have stolen bones from the tunnels, as you return to the starting point, the staff will inspect your bags.

How to decide if Les-Catacombs is right for you or your children:
Les-Catacombs is not intended for people who fear closed areas, underground arenas, etc. If you have claustrophobia, perhaps you would enjoy visiting other attractions in Paris instead. Children into history, or intending to prepare a future in science, etc, may enjoy this experience, however most will feel threatened by the environment. Take care to consider your children's likes, explain first to them what they will visit, and ask the children if this is something they want to see.

The experience for children could be a learning experience that opens their eyes to the reality of death and graves. If your children cannot handle this however, or have emotional reactions easily, visit other attractions in Paris.

Where is Les-Catacombs located in France?
Les-Catacombs is at the first Place, Denfert-Rochereau. The tunnels are open Tuesday through Friday between 2pm and 4pm. On Saturday and Sunday, the tunnel is open from 2 pm to 4 pm also.

Historic Districts

• Place de la Bastille (4th, 11th and 12th arrondissements, right bank) being one of the most historic districts, being a location of an essential event of not only Paris, but the whole country of France. Because of its historical value the square is often used for political demonstrations, including the massive anti-CPE demonstration of March 2006.



• Champs-Elysees (8th arrondissement, right bank) is a seventeenth century garden-promenade turned avenue connecting the Concorde and Arc de Triomphe. It is one of the many tourist attractions and a major shopping street of Paris. This avenue has been called la plus belle avenue du monde ("the most beautiful avenue in the world").


• Place de la Concorde (8th arrondissement, right bank) is at the foot of the Champs-Elysees, built as the "Place Louis XV", site of the infamous guillotine. The Egyptian obelisk is Paris' "oldest monument". On this place, on the two side of the Rue Royale live two identical stone buildings: the eastern houses the French Naval Ministry, the western the luxurious Hotel de Crillon.
  Nearby Place Vendome is famous for its fashionable and deluxe hotels Hotel Ritz and Hotel de Vendome and its jewelers. Many famous fashion designers have had their salons in the square.



• Les Halles (1st arrondissement, right bank) was formerly Paris' central meat and produce market, since the late 1970s a major shopping centre around an important metro connection station (Chatelet-Les Halles, the biggest in Europe). The past Les Halles was destroyed in 1971 and replaced by the Forum des Halles. The central market of Paris, the biggest wholesale food market in the world, was transferred to Rungis, in the southern suburbs.


• Le Marais (3rd and 4th arrondissements) is a trendy Right Bank district. It is a very culturally open place.



• Avenue Montaigne (8th arrondissement), next to the Champs-Elysees, is home to luxury brand labels such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton LVMH, Dior and Givenchy.



• Montmartre (18th arrondissement, right bank) is a historic area on the Butte, home to the Basilique du Sacre-Cur. Montmartre has always had a history with artists and has many studios and cafes of many great artists in that area.


• Montparnasse (14th arrondissement) is a historic Left Bank area famous for artists studios, music halls, and cafe life. The large Montparnasse - Bienvenue metro station and the lone Tour Montparnasse skyscraper are located there.



• L'Opera (9th arrondissement, right bank) is the area around the Opera Garnier is a home to the capital's densest concentration of both department stores and offices. A few examples are the Printemps and Galeries Lafayette grands magasins (department stores), and the Paris headquarters of financial giants such as Credit Lyonnais and American Express.



• Quartier Latin (5th and 6th arrondissements, left bank) is a twelfth century scholastic centre formerly stretching between the Left Bank's Place Maubert and the Sorbonne campus. It is known for its lively atmosphere and many bistros. With various higher education establishments, such as the Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris Tech and the Jussieu university campus make it a major educational centre in Paris, which also contributes to its atmosphere.



• Faubourg Saint-Honore (8th arrondissement, right bank) is one of Paris' high-fashion districts, home to labels such as Hermes and Christian Lacroix.

Cafe and Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

When you want to plan a night on the town, it is wise to make sure that you spend the night right. Therefore, check into the best wine and dine areas by visiting your local Travel Agent. Perhaps you can go online to find a wide array of fine wine and dine areas in Paris as well. There are many nice ways to spend your evening while you are in Paris.

If you enjoy cancan dancing, then you will love the wine and dine adventures at the lovely Moulin Rouge Paris. The Temple of French cancans has been taking place in Paris for 100 years now. As the lights deem and the curtain goes up, you will enjoy the show while feeling the magic in the atmosphere. Over 60 women in this show help you to enjoy the cancan dance. If you are not careful, you will be misplaced in the Doriss Girls and her Dancers beauty. While watching the show you will enjoy the 3-course dinner that is served with wine. Do not worry, since you will have a ride back to your hotel. Paris transport will pick you up and take you to the destination. Therefore, you can enjoy Paris's fine wine without stressing. Remember this is a jacket and tie dinner so that means no casual clothes. This show will last about five hours. What a night!

For those of you who do not like cancan dancers, you may want to enjoy a meal and educational areas around Paris. Dinner is served at the Eiffel Tower. You will enjoy fine dining at Altitude in one of the 95 restaurants in Paris. On the first floor of the restaurant, the name 95 arrived due to the towering meter that is above sea level.

Outdoor Cafe, Paris, France

In this restaurant, you will be able to look out the big bay windows at the wonderful lights around Paris. This is not recommended for a romantic dinner, since you will be seated and dinning with the other tourists. This restaurant seats 200 people. The restaurant does not give you menus. Rather the staff serves what the menu for the night offers. You can bring your children at this event.

If you are planning a romantic night on the town, you may want to consider the Seine Cruise, where you will enjoy a selection of entertainment, meals, wine and more. On the cruise you will enjoy fine meals over the Champs-Elysees.

How to dress for your cruise in Paris:
This dinner is a formal meal, so you have to be dressed in formal wear. This means no casual wear. The cruise lasts about four hours or so. Here you will enjoy sailing under all the famous bridges that Paris has to offer you. This cruise does not offer drop off and pick ups at the hotel, so take it easy on the wine unless you are taking a taxi home.

Regardless, on this cruise you will have the time of your life. Make it a romantic cruise for two and enjoy the wide array of fun and entertainment. To find out more about dinner outings while in Paris you can check with your local travel agent or go on the Internet for more information. Have fun.

A friendly word of advice:
At present travel agents online are offering up to 75% off cruises through Paris. The package includes hotel, a cruise and more. To learn more about the packages visit the Internet and locate Vacation packages to Paris.

Located on a 12 acre island, the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986...read more

Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty in Paris

The Statue of Liberty, shown under construction in Paris, is an inspirational symbol of hope and freedom. The 151-foot copper statue, a gift from France honoring the United States' 1886 Centennial, raises an iconic salute to all who enter New York Harbor. The statue traveled from France in 350 pieces shipped in 214 crates, and was created by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and Alexandre Gustave Eiffel. The Statue was re-assembled on her new pedestal in four months time. On October 28th 1886, the dedication of the Statue of Liberty took place in front of thousands of spectators. She was a centennial gift ten years late.