Paris

Paris – the history behind a global city

Paris grew around Île de la Cité, the island in the Seine where Notre-Dame remains one of the city’s most powerful historic symbols. From here, the city evolved from a Roman settlement into a medieval town, a royal centre of power, a city of revolution and a modern capital. As you walk through Paris today, these layers remain remarkably close together.

During the Middle Ages, Paris became an important centre of learning, trade and religion. The Latin Quarter took its name from the language used at the university, while the Sorbonne helped establish the city as one of Europe’s great centres of knowledge. At the same time, royal power developed at places such as the Louvre, which began as a fortress before becoming a palace and, eventually, a museum.

During the 19th century, large parts of Paris were reshaped under Baron Haussmann. Narrow streets gave way to broad boulevards, grand squares, parks and elegant apartment buildings with wrought-iron balconies. Much of this is what travellers now associate with classic Paris, although medieval lanes, revolutionary history and old artisan districts still survive beneath the polished façade.

Sights in Paris

A first visit to Paris often revolves around the great icons. The Eiffel Tower is the city’s best-known symbol and can be admired from Trocadéro, Champ de Mars, a cruise on the Seine or from the tower itself. The views are impressive by day, while the evening light creates a different atmosphere as the city glows and the tower is illuminated.

The Louvre is one of the world’s most famous museums and a major part of French history. It is easy to spend an entire day here, but the visit is often more rewarding when you choose a clear focus: antiquity, the Italian Renaissance, French painting, the Egyptian collections or a small number of masterpieces. Afterwards, walk through the Tuileries towards Place de la Concorde.

Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité introduce you to the oldest part of Paris. Combine the cathedral with Sainte-Chapelle, Pont Neuf and a walk across to Île Saint-Louis. Here the city feels smaller and more intimate, with narrow streets, independent shops and lovely views of the river.

Montmartre is another essential highlight. Sacré-Cœur crowns the hill with views across the city, but the neighbourhood is at its most interesting away from the busiest streets. Rue de l’Abreuvoir, Rue Lepic and the lanes descending towards Pigalle reveal a more bohemian and artistic side of Paris.

Culture, museums and neighbourhoods

Paris offers an extraordinary concentration of culture. Within relatively short distances you will find Gothic architecture, Classicism, Impressionism, Modernism, fashion, opera, literature and contemporary art. Musée d’Orsay is particularly strong on Impressionism and 19th-century art, while Centre Pompidou provides a distinctly modern and experimental contrast.

Parisian culture is not confined to museums. It is also found in cafés, bookshops, galleries, markets and theatres. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is associated with literature, philosophy and classic café culture. The Latin Quarter has a stronger student atmosphere and is ideal for bookshops, more affordable places to eat, the Panthéon and Jardin du Luxembourg.

Le Marais is one of the best neighbourhoods for experiencing contemporary Paris. Historic townhouses sit alongside small shops, galleries, wine bars, restaurants and Jewish food culture. Place des Vosges is one of the city’s most beautiful squares, and the district works equally well by day and in the evening.

For a more local and contemporary rhythm, head towards Canal Saint-Martin, Oberkampf, Belleville or the 11th arrondissement. These areas offer informal restaurants, a younger culinary scene, natural-wine bars and an everyday energy that contrasts with the grand monuments.

Things to do in Paris

Paris is best explored on foot. A walk beside the Seine can be as memorable as a museum visit, especially between Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Pont des Arts, Musée d’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower. Along the way, pause at the riverside bookstalls, stop for coffee or simply watch the city pass by.

A cruise on the Seine remains a classic and rewarding experience, particularly for first-time visitors. It gives you an overview of the city, presents many monuments from the water and provides a restful pause between more active parts of the day.

Food tours, wine tastings, market visits and guided neighbourhood walks reveal another side of Paris. Marché d’Aligre, Marché des Enfants Rouges and Rue des Martyrs are excellent choices for experiencing more of everyday city life. Families and travellers with extra time can easily add a day trip to Disneyland Paris, east of the city.

Food and wine in Paris

Paris is one of Europe’s great food cities, but not every meal needs to be expensive or formal. Some of the best experiences can be a crisp baguette, a ripe cheese, a simple croque monsieur, a bowl of onion soup, classic steak frites or a croissant from an excellent bakery.

Classic dishes to look for include boeuf bourguignon, confit de canard, soupe à l’oignon, escargots, steak frites and crêpes. Paris also has a vibrant contemporary restaurant scene in which younger chefs reinterpret French ingredients. The 11th arrondissement, Canal Saint-Martin, Le Marais and parts of Montmartre are good areas for informal modern bistros.

Paris is not a wine region in the same way as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne or the Loire, but it is one of the best places in France to taste wines from across the country. Wine bars serve Champagne, Loire whites, Burgundy Pinot Noir, Rhône wines, Beaujolais, natural wines and bottles from smaller producers, often accompanied by cheese, charcuterie or small plates.

Wine enthusiasts can also add an easy day trip to Champagne, particularly Reims or Épernay. To remain in the city, simply choose a good wine bar and ask the staff to recommend glasses according to your taste, food and the season.

Where should you stay in Paris?

For a first visit, staying centrally is often worthwhile, allowing you to walk to many places and use the Metro efficiently. Le Marais is ideal for restaurants, shops, history and evening atmosphere. Saint-Germain-des-Prés offers classic Paris, cafés, art and elegance. The Latin Quarter combines history and student life with easy access to the Seine.

Opéra and Grands Boulevards are convenient for shopping, transport and traditional hotels. Montmartre is romantic and atmospheric, though slightly less central. The 7th arrondissement is quiet, elegant and close to the Eiffel Tower, while the 11th suits travellers looking for modern food, wine bars and more local evening life.