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Located in the north
central part of France, in the region of Île-de-France, Paris,
the capital of France, is one of the most magnificent cities in
the world.
Paris is called ‘magnifique’ in so many ways, one cannot count
them all: Paris the 'City of Love'. Paris the 'City of
Lights'. Paris is the city with some of the most extraordinary
and diverse architecture in the world: it includes castles (Versaille
which was built by Louis XIV, and one of the three most visited
sites in France), churches (Notre Dame a fine example of Gothic
architecture) and an array of charming buildings.
Paris is known for its beautiful, world famous statues that are
scattered throughout its city streets:
Rodin’s Balzac [at Montparnasse and Raspail], the
statue of Marechel Ney [at
Montparnasse and Rue de l’Observitoire] that Rodin called the
most beautiful in Paris. It is also known for its numerous
monuments and, of course, for the most famous art museum in the
world - the Louvre (formerly the fortified
castle and home of Philippe Auguste).
Many of the more famous museums of the world are here in Paris:
the
d'Orsay, the Orangery (containing Monet’s great
masterworks of the pond at Giverny), the Rodin Museum, the
medieval Cluny museum; all in all a total of 43 world class
museums, with a total number of museums, in the Parisian area,
exceeding 100.
No other city in the world compares to Paris in the eyes of the
gourmet! Everyday items that you can pick up in the
‘supermarche’ include delightful pates, the most luscious
cheeses in the world, succulent fruits and mouth-watering
patisseries and pain! And, let us not forget the coffee, the
best there is, especially so when sipped while sitting at a
sidewalk cafe and enjoying the parade strolling by.
We have often heard of the 'Left Bank' and the 'Right Bank' when
Paris is spoken of. The origin of these references is straight
forward. When the early Francs floated down the River Seine
[headed north toward the sea], the land to their left was
referred to as the 'Left Bank'; that to the right as the 'Right
Bank'.
Paris’ left bank (the
southern part of the city) is known for it's somewhat bohemian
lifestyle; a mode that flows along the wonderful streets of
Saint-Germain-de-Pres, Saint- Michel, rue de Renne,
and Blvd.
Montparnasse. The Left Bank is a way of life; as much the
heart of the people of Paris, as the Sorbonne is the heart of
Parisian university life. And, since classes, at the Sorbonne,
were originally taught in Latin, the area has become known as
the Latin Quarter. There is of course the
Tour Eiffel that was built, in spite of near revolutionary
protests, for the World's Fair of l898. Parisians were
up-in-arms believing that it would be an eyesore. Instead, it
became the highlight of the fair and the toast of Paris.
Paris’ Right Bank
is best known for its elegant and sophisticated
lifestyle. Its most famous landmark is
‘Etoile’ (the Arc de Triomphe) which Napoleon ordered
to be built in 1799. It was to be a replication of ancient Roman
architecture to immortalize his many military victories.
The most famous street in Paris is the
Champs-Elysees. This boulevard caters to the world’s
elite. Paris may be the fashion capital of the world, but the
Champs-Elysees is the fashion center of Paris by virtue of its
exclusive and chic stores and hotels.
Paris boasts of more
than 2000 years of history. The Gauls, of the
Parisii tribe, settled in the area
called Loukteih (Celtic for 'a marsh') around 250 B.C. In 52
B.C. Caesar conquered this area and named it "Lutetia", the
Latin for Loukteih. In 360 A.D.
Lutetia was renamed Paris (Civitas Parisiorum) by
Julian the Apostate when he was proclaimed emperor of Rome.
Paris offers something for
everyone: its restaurants serve culinary delights (did I mention
food again?). Cultural venues abound: Art Galleries, Antique
Shops, gardens galore, cabarets and night clubs; there are
china, crystal & perfume stores and more..... Riverboat rides,
walking, biking, hiking tours, horseback riding, every notable
sport, aquariums and zoos. I believe that is the 'A to Z' of
it.
BIENVENUE A PARIS.
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