Paris is a city everyone must visit at least once in a lifetime. It is not just the capital of France but one of the loveliest of European cities. Few cities can compare with its beauty and ambience.
The River Seine flows through Paris and it is ranked among the world’s top three most influential cities. It is also the most expensive city to live in.
Paris is an old city; with the earliest signs of human habitations going back to 4200 BC. The area around the River Seine was inhabited by the Parisii tribe from 205 BC. In 52 BC, the region came under the Roman rule.
With decline of the Roman Empire Paris was invaded by the Germanic tribes. The medieval times saw Paris first under the Germanic Franks. It was King Clovis who first made Paris his capital city. The city lost its importance as a capital when Carolingian kings came to power. This was followed by Viking invasions, which sacked the city.
Like London, Paris was also victim to the plague, Black Death. Right through the middle ages to the 19th century, Paris has been in the center of many wars, especially with England.
It was King Louis XIV who shifted the court to Versailles. Hundred years later, came the French Revolution when Bastille was stormed and the king was executed.
Paris has seen emperors and occupation armies each of them leaving their mark on this beautiful city.
The city changed during the reign of Napoleon III when new wide avenues were laid. It also got its neo classical façade which epitomizes modern Paris.
Paris became a major center for trade and technology and the Universal Exposition brought many visitors to the city. It was to this exposition that we owe the Eiffel Tower.
Paris was in the forefront in World War I and was the scene of the Allied victory too. The World War II saw the occupation of Paris by Hitler’s armies, where they stayed until Paris was liberated by Allied forces.
What to see
Paris and the region around has 3,800 historical monuments as well as four World Heritage Sites
The must see sights in Paris are the Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.
Just walk or drive along the historical axis which starts at the city center and going westwards are a line of historical monuments and thoroughfares.
The Louvre takes its place among the most famous museums in the world and houses many invaluable pieces of art including the Mona Lisa and the statue of Venus de Milo.
Paris has a large number of churches and cathedrals which are really worth visiting. There are also museums and art galleries which are a must.
Best of all don’t miss sitting at one of the roadside cafes on the Avenue des Champs- Elysees. Another must see are the cabarets at Le Lido and the Moulin Rouge.
The city also has a number of 19th century parks and gardens which are a treat.
It is a city you must return to. Again and again.
When to visit
You can visit Paris any time of the year. But it’s fabulous in June, when the sun doesn’t set till 10 pm. It might be raining in April while the winters are cold and dark; it’s also the right time for discounts on hotels and airfares.
September is also a lovely time to visit.
Where to stay
Paris has over 1500 hotels and pensions where you can stay. You will find one which suits your budget and your requirements.
Shopping
Shopping in Paris is a must. Nothing gets you so close to the Parisian life than shopping. Shopping here is an art, which you have to temporarily master if you want to enjoy it.
The range of shops are also mind boggling; you have the high end boutiques, the chain stores and even little shops around the corner.
Don’t forget to greet everyone on entering a shop and when you leave.
There are wonderful souvenirs that you can pick up even when you are on a tight budget.
What to eat
French cuisine is much talked about and you can easily sample the best of it at any of the many restaurants there. There are a range of restaurants from fine dining to takeaways in Paris. You can find one which suits your purse and palate.
What to wear
Parisians wear a lot of black: and it would do you no harm to sport a black top with trousers. Paris is also a city where haute couture was born, so dress smart.
If you like to blend in, wear more subdued colors. Layer up for the winters which can be cold and dismal.
Local transport
Traveling within Paris and its neighborhood is not very difficult. You can easily get your way around but the only limitation may be the language. The French people, however, are very helpful to strangers and you can seek help from any passerby, if you need help to get around
Paris has 4 airports: Charles De Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), the Paris Airport and Beauvais/Tille Airport. Most international flights operate to Charles De Gaulle and some to Orly. The low cost carriers operate to the other two airports.
The metro in Paris is the best way to get around in Paris and its suburbs. It is fairly easy to recognize the Metro stations. Look for a sign with a large ‘M’ in yellow. It will also say ‘Metropolitan’. The Paris Metro and RER (Réseau Express Regional) run from 0600 – 0030 hours daily; except on Fridays and Saturdays, it runs from 0600 – 0215 hours.
There are various types of rail tickets. Choose what suits you travel program best. The metro tickets are also valid for travel on RER, bus and tram within the Paris zones. A single journey Metro ticket will cost Euro 1.60 but it is cheaper to buy in stock of 10 which will cost Euro 11.60. A word of caution: please retain your ticket with you till you complete your journey otherwise the fine for ticket less travel is hefty.
Alternately, you may want to take any other mode of transport like the train, bus, ferry, taxi or rent-a-car. France has an excellent rail system, the SNCF. You can travel to most areas in the country by rail. The trains are fast, comfortable and punctual. The SNCF operates local trains, long distance overnight sleeper trains and the famous high-speed TGV. TGV is not only intercity within France but also operates to Brussels, Geneva and Amsterdam. If you plan to travel to London, you may opt for the Channel Tunnel.
With a Eurail Pass, you can enjoy unlimited first class rail travel otherwise you can select the many passes available on SNCF, based on your travel needs.
In areas that are inaccessible by rail, local buses operate and you can get information on this from SNCF. Eurolines France, the largest long distance bus operator operates to 1500 cities in Europe.
If you prefer to travel privately, you can hail a taxi or rent-a-car that may provide a self-drive option, if you are adventurous enough to drive in the Paris traffic.
Banks and Money changing
Paris has many international banks as well as local French banks.
The standard banking hours are:
Monday – Friday 0900 – 1600 / 1700 hours
Saturday: 0900 – 1200 hours
Some banks close between 1230 – 1430 hours and not all banks may be open on Saturdays.
All banks are closed on Sundays and holidays.
Check with your bank for more information.
Money changing can be done in banks that advertise this facility. Otherwise you can change at any reputed bureaux de change. Check the rates offered as they may vary and make sure you are not short changed. The best bet is to change at a standard bank.
ATMs may not be found in all areas.
Pharmacy and Hospitals
If you are not conversant in French you would need to go to an English speaking pharmacist.
The Pharmacies are generally identified by a cross in green neon light. In France pharmacists are authorized to render first aid and also prescribe OTC drugs. Some pharmacists may be able to understand English else they will advise you where to go to get help.
You can contact The American and the Hertford British hospitals on their 24-hour emergency lines. These hospitals will have doctors and staff that speak English.
It is important to check if your medical insurance will cover you on your trip to Paris, otherwise you must take supplementary medical cover, if you do not want to burn a hole in your pocket while you are traveling in France. Also, be prepared to make your payment in cash and often upfront in case of a medical emergency.
Tourist office contact
It is sensible to have the French Tourist office contact handy, should you, unfortunately, need it. The following addresses will be useful:
- Office du Tourisme de la Ville de Paris Pyramides:
25 Rue de Pyramides, 75001, 08-92-68-30-00
- Office du Tourisme de la Ville de Paris Tour Eiffel
Champs de Mars / Tour Eiffel – between the north and east legs of the Eiffel Tower)
- Espace du Tourisme d’Ile-de-France
Carrousel du Louvre, 99 rue de Rivoli, 75001. 08-92-68-30-00. Palais –Royal Musee du Louvre.
Visa
US and Canadian citizens do not require a visa for France, but make sure your passport is valid. You can stay visa free for 90 days.
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