History & Evolution
Anciently known as ‘Lutetia’ (meaning ‘Midwater Dwelling’), Paris gets its present name from the Gauls of the Parisii tribe who established a fishing village in 250 BC on an island in the river that is the present day Ile de la Cite.

The city was conquered by Romans in 52 BC under the helm of Julius Caesar and was thus ruled by them for many years. In AD 987, the city was named the capital of the kingdom of France by Capet (the reigning Count of Paris) and under Capetians, Paris prospered in the fields of politics, trade and culture for the next 800 years.

By 10th century, Paris still remained a partly waterlogged marsh and was subject to periodic outbreaks of epidemics. But despite this all, the city remained an important European city throughout the Middle Ages due to its strategic riverside position and thus, in 11th century, the first trading guilds were established here.

Then came the great emperor Philippe Auguste (1180-1223), under whom the present day political, religious and academic quarters were established. The Left Bank, especially the area known as Latin Quarter became a center for learning and educational institutions.

The next period in Parisian history was the period of ‘Hundred Years War’ started in 1337, during which the Black Death claimed a third of the city’s population. Subsequent attempt to capture the throne of Paris by Marcel, English and Joan of Arc further deteriorated the condition of the city. The English defeated the French who plunged the city into revolt and anarchy. This English occupation was disastrous for Paris as many important architectural structures were destroyed though some were restored in subsequent years.

The 16th century brought the Renaissance to France, which signaled a period of intense artistic and scientific renovation. The glimpses of the era can be still seen in the famous architecture of the city. But the later half of this century is a blot on the city’s history when the Paris was divided over the Wars of Religion that lasted from 1562 to 1598. This division was involved three groups– the Huguenots (French Protestants), the Catholic League and the Catholic king.

In 1572, around 3000 Huguenots were murdered in the worst incident of the war in Paris – the Saint Bartholomew’s Day Massacre. Eventually came the rule of the famous Sun King Louis XIV which lasted from 1661 to 1715 and involved France in a series of costly wars that caused bankruptcy and vagrancy in Paris.

In 1789 came the famous French Revolution which was the revolution of the Reign of Terror for Parisians perpetuated by the fearsome Jacobins’ Committee for Public Safety and included the violation of churches, daylight arrests, looting and executions by less humane means.

Nevertheless, the Revolution gave way to the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 1800s. This Empire lasted from 1852 to 1870, during which Paris was completely rebuilt by Baron Haussmann who commissioned the parks, public offices and grand boulevards that we see today.

The successive period however was of scientific innovation (including the construction of the first metro line in Paris), artistic movements (including Impressionism) and shining architectural achievements (including the Eiffel Tower).

Nothing much happened in the history until the 20th century when war clouds started brewing over Europe and resulted in destructive World War I. Then World War II broke out in 1939 and by 1940, France gave in to Hitler’s armies and Paris came under German Occupation. However after the French Resistance movement, General Charles de Gaulle (who led the movement) became the President of France at the end of the war.

New constitution was drafted in 1946, but lasted only till 1958. After de Gaulle, Georges Pompidou became President, followed by Valery Giscard d’Estaing and Francois Mitterand, who commissioned several grandes projets in Paris like the Centre Pompidou, the Grande Arche de la Defense and the Musee d’ Orsay. In 1995, Jacques Chirac succeeded Mitterand, to be followed by Lionel Jospin who continues until today.

Site-Seeing
The sights of Paris are enough to fill an entire library of travel books. Much of these sights are strung along its river, each having their own distinct personalities so you can experience a lot without covering much ground.

Full of attractions for all ages, the city has range of museums, monuments, and cultural treasures along with two islands.

Synopsis of romance and gastronomy, the city of Paris is truly a magnet for visitors.

Eiffel Tower:
The symbol of the city of Paris, Eiffel Tower has an interesting story behind it. Gustave Eiffel, the architect the Tower never knew that it would become Paris’s signature sight and attract more than six million visitors a year.

This 984ft (300m) long tower was the world’s tallest building until 1930. It has three levels of which the highest offers a wonderful panoramic view of Paris.

The tower was originally built as a temporary structure to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution and was opened by the Prince of Wales. Years ago it was considered an eyesore by many and there were petitions to have it pulled down, but it was saved only because it had become an important antenna for telegraphy.

One cannot visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower as even if you do not want to visit it, you will see its top from all over Paris.

Location: Champ de Mars

Notre-Dame:
Notre-Dame is the another most enduring symbol of Paris. This large Cathedral over the Place de Parvis was built between 1163 and 1345 and is considered one of the world’s Gothic masterpieces.

The massive interior is dominated by three spectacular and enormous rose windows, a vast 7,800-pipe organ, a great historic bell and seating capacity of 6,000. The 387-step climb to the top of the towers is worth the effort for fabulous view of the city.

The cathedral also houses a museum that displays its history, while under the square in front is the crypt that houses Notre-Dame’s archaeological museum.

Location: Place du Parvis, Ile de la Cite

The Louvre:
Louvre is one of the largest and probably the most famous art museums of the world. Opened in 1793 (soon after the Revolution), the museum originally displayed the spectacular treasures looted from the royal palaces. Today this vast dwelling is home to an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures and antiquities from all over the world.

Amongst its 300,000 displays, some of the best-known and unique attractions are Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic Mona Lisa, which is protected by bulletproof glass within its own room, Venus de Milo and Winged Victory. The other permanent collections are divided into Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Asian antiquities, painting, drawings and sculpture which are impossible to see in one day.

Location: Cour Napoleon


Arc de Triomphe:
Placed in the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle, Arc de Triomphe is one of the greatest arches in history. The arch was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories, but he was ousted before it was completed. It is engraved with names of generals who commanded French troops during Napoleon's regime.

The arc is designed by Jean Chalgrin who picked up the design of the Arch of Titus in Rome.

Arc de Triomphe also has an observatory reached through 234 steps, providing pleasant views of La Defense, the Champs-Elysees and the Sacre-Coeur.

Location: middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle

Sacre Coeur Basilica:
Basilica is an another major tourist driver in Paris. Located on top of the Montmartre hill, this majestic Roman-Byzantyne style church is the design of Paul Abadie, who had already restored two cathedrals in France.

Its large dome towers 83m (272ft) over the top of the Montmartre hill and its architectural style is in sharp contrast with other contemporary buildings in France, which were mostly built in a Romanesque style.

Location: Butte Montmartre (the highest point in the city)