Lutetia, commonly known as Paris, is the capital and most populous city of France. For centuries, Paris has been one of the world's most famous and attractive cities. Since the 17th century, Paris has been one of Europe's major centres of finance, diplomacy, commerce, fashion, gastronomy, science and arts. It is a major railway, highway, and air-transport hub. It is often referred to as the 'City of Light'. Located in the northern central part of France, Paris has a typical Western European oceanic climate. The city occupies a central position in the rich agricultural region as the Paris Basin. For centuries, Paris has attracted artists from around the world, who arrive in the city to educate themselves and to explore inspiration from its vast pool of artistic resources and galleries.
Fun facts about Paris
- The famous "Bloody Mary" cocktail was invented in Paris at the Ritz Hotel. Legend says that this popular cocktail was made for the famous novelist Ernest Hemingway.
- The French army is the only one in Europe that still has carrier pigeons in its ranks.
- The famous monument of Paris, the Eiffel Tower was destroyed during world war second. In earlier times, Parisians were not really fans of the Eiffel Tower.
Best time to travel to Paris
The best time to travel to Paris is from June to October. From June to August the weather in the city is just perfect. Summer is the most crowded time and the most expensive one too. The city's spring blooms are also famous. Due to the most visited cities in the world, no matter at which time you will travel there will always be crowd and tourists.
Top five places to visit in Paris
La Tour Eiffel: The Eiffel Tower ranks high on the list of places to visit in France. It is 324m high. and is the most-visited tourist attraction in the world. The iconic tower was designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. This innovative structure is now considered a masterful architectural feat and is the most symbolic sight in Paris.
Musée du Louvre: The Louvre is the most important of Paris's top museums. Visitors enter the museum in the courtyard of the palace at the Glass Pyramid. Classical sculpture, Italian Renaissance art, or 17th-century French paintings and the most famous piece Mona Lisa are some of the highlights of this beautiful museum.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris: Notre Dame stands in the heart of Paris.This impressive medieval monument is a triumph of Gothic architecture. The interior is illuminated by magnificent stained-glass windows. The most noteworthy window is the Rose Window. All the sculptures are so marvellous. The Gallery Of Kings is another beautiful place to visit.
Arc De Triomphe: The Arc de Triomphe is dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the French armies of the Revolution and the First Empire. The massive 50-meter-high arch features bas-reliefs with larger-than-life-size figures, which depict the departure, victories, and glorious return of the French armies.
Place De La Bastille: The notorious state prison known as the Bastille once stood here. After the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, the prison was completely demolished. In the centre of Place de la Bastille is the 51-meter-high Colonne De Juillet, topped by a graceful gilded figure of Liberty.
Things to Do in Paris
The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries in the French capital. Here they hold the remains of more than 6 million people in just a small part of a tunnel Paris Catacombs are just as much a symbol of the city at the Notre Dame or Eiffel Tower. They contain bones representing some 2,000 years.
The Louvre is the world's largest museum and home to the very fabric of western civilization which makes it incredibly important to society. The Palace of Versailles is undoubtedly one of Paris' most visited attractions for good reason. In the Hall of Mirrors, beautiful chandeliers reflect in over 300 mirrors. Make sure you visit the enchanting Gardens of Versailles.
Sometimes described as a "village" because of its winding streets and small-town feel, Montmartre is a neighbourhood in Paris perched on a hilltop in the northern part of the city. Roam around the streets of Montmartre because it is fun walking there.
Restaurants and Foods to Try in Paris
Croissants may look simple, but these perfectly flaky pastries require time and a whole set of skills to perfect. Whether you have them with your coffee, orange juice, or on their own, croissants are guaranteed to brighten up your morning.
Snails are cooked in a variety of ways in Paris; the Burgundy recipe remains the most popular. The Escargots are presented in their shells and stuffed with a mouthwatering combination of garlic, herbs and butter. They are now so popular that countless Paris restaurants have put their own creative spin on the dish.
Macarons are possibly the best thing that ever happened to French sweets. Their delicate and airy shells are made of almond flour and filled with a rich, luscious interior. They come in different flavours like chocolate, pistachio, vanilla, raspberry etc.
Ratatouille, a classic French dish with tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper and onion, is frequently cooked low and slow until it turns silky and luscious.
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