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The Region of Île-de-France
The Region of Ile de France  is made up of eight Départements: Ville-de-Paris [75], Seine-et-Marne [77],  Yvelines [78], Essonne [91],  Haute-de-Seine [92], Seine-Saint-Denis [93] and Val-de-Marne[94], Val-d'Oise [95]
Introduction to Paris and the Region of Ile-de-France

Paris [Ville-de-Paris]

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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   ILE-DE-FRANCE

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 © Copyright 1999 - 2012 by Sharon Atchley.  All rights reserved.  Updated:  04/18/2012