Formerly called Lutèce, Paris has crossed the centuries by asserting its personality. Today it is known worldwide for its monuments and its sweetness of life.. Capital of fashion, gastronomy and even luxury… Parisian culture offers many assets for travelers. Discover its history but also its geographical position, to better prepare your stay!
The geographical location of Paris
Paris is located in the heart of the Paris basin on the banks of the Seine. Two islands constitute the historic heart of the city: Île de la Cité to the west and Île Saint-Louis to the east. From there, the city stretches out on both sides of the river (the famous “left bank” and “right bank”). Intramural Paris, once delimited by fortifications, is today separated from its nearby suburbs by a 35 km ring road which constitutes an artificial border between the city and the neighboring municipalities. However, outside this limit, the territory of the municipality of Paris also includes extensions. It is two large wooded areas developed by Haussmann in neighboring municipalities attached to Paris in 1929: the Bois de Boulogne to the west (16th arrondissement), and the Bois de Vincennes to the east (12th arrondissement), bringing the city's perimeter to 55 km .
The Bois de Vincennes
On either side of the river, several small hills or buttes litter the Parisian territory:
- On the right side : Montmartre, Belleville, Ménilmontant, the Buttes-Chaumont, Passy and Chaillot.
- On the left bank : Montparnasse and its tower, the Butte aux Cailles and the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève.
A 130 km network of canals (Canal Saint Martin, Canal de l'Ourcq, Canal Saint Denis and Bassin de la Villette) is linked to the Seine at the Bastille marina and splits the right bank in two. Many parks and gardens (Parc Montsouris, Jardin du Luxembourg ...) dot the city and act as green lungs at the heart of Parisian life.
The turbulent history of the French capital
In addition to the close links between the history of Paris and the history of France due to the Jacobin heritage of the French state, two trends have crossed the centuries: the permanent re-urbanization of the city and the multiple revolts of its inhabitants. First occupied by the Parisii, a Gallic people, then colonized by the Romans around 52 BC. AD who named it Lutèce (Lutetia), Paris was in the Gallo-Roman period only a city of no political and economic importance. It was only at the beginning of the 6th century that Clovis, king of the Franks, declared it the capital of his kingdom.
History of Paris
The real rise of the city, however, dates from the 11th century.. It is then linked to its advantageous location, at the crossroads of several trade routes. Little by little, all the political bodies were established there. The first university in France is built and Paris becomes a major place of religious education in Europe. The power of Paris was then reaffirmed by the construction of Notre-Dame Cathedral, which began in 1163.
The first Parisian revolts
The 14th century was a troubled period when the first great revolt of starving Parisians against royal power began in 1357. This resulted in a civil war between 1412 and 1420 and a siege of the English in 1429, during the Hundred Years War. From this period, all the Kings of France were wary of Parisians and most preferred to settle outside the city (Loire Valley, Versailles). The Renaissance did not particularly mark the city, apart from the royal buildings which enrich Parisian heritage and culture. On the other hand, it was during this period that one of the darkest pages in the history of France unfolded: the massacre of Protestants on the night of Saint Bartholomew.
The Saint-Barthélémy massacre
Heavy investments are made in favor of the rationalization of town planning and the beautification of the city. However, this did not prevent the Fronde in 1648 and paradoxically at the end of this century, the city is more than ever unhealthy and dangerous in the city of Louis XIV. The 18th century finished establishing the position of Paris as the political, economic and intellectual capital of the kingdom of France. At the same time, the rebellious character of its inhabitants reached its climax. The city becomes the temple of the Lights, which will precipitate the fall of the monarchy by the bloody revolution of 1789.
The modernization of Paris
The Napoleonic period was one of the most prosperous in Paris, which had become the capital of the Empire, at least until the invasion of the English and a sacking in 1815. Subsequently, the 19th century saw, in addition to the proliferation of Parisian culture (Hugo, Zola, Balzac, Baudelaire, Monet, Rodin ...), a new period of uprisings for a Parisian population revolted against social injustices, expressing itself by arms on several occasions: Trois Glorieuses, Revolution of 1948 and Paris Commune in 1870. This century is also a turning point in the history of Parisian town planning, thanks to the work of 'Haussmann who greatly improved the lives of Parisians.
The first half of the 20th century alternates the best and the worst, between Belle Epoque and Nazi occupation. The universal exhibitions of the beginning of the century allowed the construction of buildings which have become emblematic of the city: Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais as well as the small, Metropolitan, Alexandre III bridge… The Second World War brought desolation with the roundup of the Jews at the Vel 'd'hiv'.
Eiffel Tower
Under the Fifth Republic, all the presidents will be illustrated by major works that will change the face of the capital, where buildings from the past and contemporary architecture now rub shoulders (Georges Pompidou Center, Louvre Pyramid, Quai Branly Museum). Nevertheless, Paris kept its rebellious character and saw the birth of the May 1968 movement. Since then, a city planning campaign has been launched in order to reduce the share of the automobile and thus facilitate soft journeys.
A Parisian culture known worldwide
The Parisian lifestyle is sometimes mocked by the "provincials" who do not accept what they perceive as snobbery. But we have to admit that the capital has assets that the whole world envies!
The capital of fashion and luxury
The first department store was created in Paris and still exists: the Bon Marché. Others have set up on Boulevard Haussmann (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, etc.) and concentrate all the national pride in the fashion and luxury sector. Haute-couture, jewelry, perfume, leather goods, gastronomy, Paris is the headquarters of the biggest brands which make the reputation of France throughout the world. Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Fauchon, Cartier… All of them have become attractions in their own right in the capital and its suburbs, as in Val d'Europe. No need to specify that shopping is a national sport in Paris, whether on the Champs-Elysées or in the very trendy Marais district.
In front of the Louvre
A leading cultural offer
In Paris, each glance comes up against a remarkable edifice. About a hundred museums are concentrated within the city walls, to which are added prestigious sites such as the Palace of Versailles, less than an hour from the city. Some collections such as the Louvre or the Orsay Museum are the most invaluable in the world in their field. The offer of shows is not to be outdone and that is saying an understatement! The Garnier and Bastille operas, the Parc des Princes, the Olympia, the Comédie Française, the Grand Rex cinema to name a few, offer shows of the highest quality. World premieres are celebrated there and the greatest international artists perform there.
Read also :
The 15 must-see places to see in Paris
Parisian culture is also at night!
Parisian nights live up to their reputation. The possibilities are immense and all expectations are met. The main areas for nightlife are:
- Avenue des Champs-Elysees
- Place de la Concorde up to the Arc de Triomphe
- The Bastille
- Pigalle
- Mouffetard Street
- Oberkampf Street, famous for its bars
- Marsh
- The Butte aux Cailles
- Republic Square
- The banks of the Canal Saint-Martin
- The Latin quarter
- The Halles district
- Montparnasse or the rue de Lappe.
The Moulin Rouge
Impossible to give in to boredom in the most festive city in France. And if you want to immerse yourself in romantic Paris, the following small evening program is made for you: Cruise on a Bateau Mouche at nightfall on the Seine, dinner at Maxim's and evening show with champagne at the Moulin Rouge cabaret or at the Lido. A good program to spend Valentine's Day in Paris!
Parisian bistros
What would Paris be without its bistros? Parisians do not even imagine it! The bistro is part of Parisian culture. It's before all a typical atmosphere where a social bond is created: a zinc counter where regulars sit (consumption prices are lower than in the dining room), a log cafetiere (traditional outfit consisting of a waistcoat with pockets and a white apron), molded wood chairs around a pedestal table. This classic description is, however, less and less relevant. Since the 60s, Paris has become a less popular city than before. The clientele has evolved, eager for more extensive services than coffee or a glass of wine; she looks for places where she can eat, if only a bit.
The Parisian bistro
At the bistro, we always come to drink a hot drink or a little white wine between two times of the day, but also to eat by ordering a croque-monsieur, a salad, a sandwich or an entrecote, which has become a very Parisian habit. The students, less fortunate but very good customers, also influenced the bistros. The system of happy hours in the style of British pubs have made their appearance and make it possible to fill the rooms at the time of the aperitif of the beginning of the evening.
Latest development, Sunday brunch. Less common in the provinces, this Sunday meeting is very popular and is usually taken between noon and 16 p.m. Some recent bistros have built their reputation on this trend. It is often necessary to reserve. If the bistro has kept its special soul, it has been able to adapt to the new practices of Parisians and draw inspiration from brasseries and pubs, in order to attract crowds.
Ready for a citytrip to Paname?
Now that you know Parisian culture well, discover the essential visits to do on the spot. Unless you are spending a romantic weekend? Our complete guide will allow you to prepare your stay with confidence!
