Paris Travel Guide

 

Paris is located in northern France along the River Seine.  It is nicknamed the City of Light and is known as one of the most romantic cities in the world.  This popular tourist destination is known for it's history, culture, art, and food.  It's the design capital of the world and fashion is forged here. 

Paris started as a Celto-Roman settlement, and is named for a tribe in the region known by the Romans as the Parisii.  After the Roman's rule ended, Clovis Franks was elected the first King of France. 

The Sorbonne, also known as the "University of Paris"  was the acclaimed university in France and all of Europe for several hundred years.  In the late 18th century there was political and social upheaval, including the rise and fall of the Napoleanic empire, making way for the modern day France. 

During the 19th century saw many architectural changes.  Medieval homes were replaced with more uniform buildings that were much grander.  The Lourve, Palais Royal, Eiffel Tower, and La Belle Epoque all were built during this Golden Age.  Straight streets and street lights were installed, and the City of Light was born.

World War II in the 20th century was not easy on Paris.  In the 70s and 80s housing shortages and pollution took a toll.  Since then the city has become a multicultural mecca with immigrants from all over the globe.  There are more than 100 nationalities represented in the city. 

The 21st century has brought lowered pollution, and cleaned up cities.  There are bike trails and pedestrian districts.  A huge mass transit system makes it easy to be car-less in Paris.

The weather in Paris ranges from highs in the mid 70s and lows in the mid 30s.  Snow falls occasionally and most precipitation is light rain all year round.

If you are flying, you'll fly into Charles de Gaulle International Airport.  It's a major hub airport so it is busy and confusing.  Make sure you have time for your connections.  You can take the RER commuter train into Paris.  It picks up from each of the 3 terminals.  Air France also operates shuttles into Paris.

It is easy to get almost anywhere in Europe by train from Paris.  There are several different train stations, and they are not connected, so you'll need to know which station you will be using when traveling out of Paris.

It's not a good idea to rent a car in Paris.  Traffic and parking are both difficult.  You'll find traffic jams, people jaywalking, and cars changing lanes at short notice along with speeding.  Some streets are so narrow that 2 cars can't pass each other. It's much more pleasant to walk in Paris and you can cross the city in a few hours.  Stay above ground as much as possible, because you can walk just as fast as a Metro ride.  And the scenery will be much better!  If you decide to go underground, the Metro, marked by the letter M on signs, is an excellent underground rail system. Taxi, bus, skates, Segways and boats are alternative transportation throughout the city. Tour operators offer a full array of choices.

 

Enjoy your time in Paris, France.  It's a trip of Lights and Love!

 

 

 

 

 

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