POPULATION
2.175.605
CURRENCY
EURO (€)
TIMEZONE
GMT +2:00
LANGUAGE
FRENCH
WEATHER
JULY 26ºC /
JANUARY 4ºC
AIRPORTS
Charles de Gaulle Airport
Orly Airport
HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF PARIS
Paris, the capital of France, boasts a rich history spanning over two millennia, cementing its place as one of the world's most influential cities. From its Celtic origins to its rise as a medieval center of learning, Paris has been at the forefront of numerous pivotal events and movements. It was the heart of the French Renaissance, the epicenter of the French Revolution, and the capital of Napoleon's empire. The city's importance extends beyond politics to culture, art, and philosophy, playing a crucial role in movements from the Enlightenment to Existentialism. Paris's impact on global architecture, fashion, and cuisine is undeniable, with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and institutions like the Louvre standing as testaments to its cultural significance. Through centuries of transformation, including Haussmann's 19th-century redesign and the challenges of two World Wars, Paris has maintained its status as a trendsetter and a hub for diplomacy, continuing to shape world affairs and culture to this day.
City of Love
Paris, often dubbed the "City of Love," exudes an unparalleled romantic ambiance through its iconic landmarks, charming streets, and rich cultural heritage. The Eiffel Tower, with its breathtaking views, and the serene Seine River, lined with scenic promenades and boat cruises, create idyllic settings for couples. Montmartre, known for its artistic flair and winding streets, adds to the city's charm. Intimate cafés and world-class restaurants further enhance the romantic atmosphere, offering cozy spots for shared moments and exquisite culinary experiences. The city's art and literary history also plays a significant role in its romantic reputation. Museums like the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay house masterpieces that inspire passion and love. Paris's influence in countless love stories, both in literature and film, cements its status as a haven for romantics. The beautiful architecture and lush gardens, such as the Luxembourg Gardens and Tuileries Garden, provide peaceful, scenic spots for lovers to enjoy. This enchanting combination of beauty, history, and culture makes Paris a beloved destination for lovers worldwide.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PARIS?
TRANSPORTATION TO PARIS
Getting to Paris is convenient with various transportation options available. By air, Paris is served by three main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), the largest international airport located 25 km northeast of the city center; Orly (ORY), 13 km south of Paris, handling domestic and international flights; and Beauvais-Tillé (BVA), 85 km north, mainly for low-cost carriers. Train travel is efficient with the Eurostar connecting Paris to London in just over two hours via the Channel Tunnel, and the TGV high-speed trains linking Paris to major French cities and other European destinations like Brussels, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt, with major stations including Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, and Gare de l'Est. International bus services like FlixBus, Eurolines, and BlaBlaBus offer budget-friendly travel from various European cities, while domestic buses connect Paris with other French locales. Traveling by car is possible via an extensive network of highways, though traffic and parking can be challenging. Additionally, river cruises on the Seine provide a scenic, albeit less common, way to enter the city. Once in Paris, the public transportation system, including the Metro, RER trains, buses, and trams, ensures easy and efficient navigation around the city.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, is an iconic symbol of Paris and French culture. Completed in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, it was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel. Standing at 324 meters (1,083 feet) tall, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930. The Eiffel Tower is made of wrought iron and consists of three levels accessible to the public, offering panoramic views of Paris. Its design, initially met with skepticism, has since become a beloved and enduring symbol of architectural innovation and beauty.
THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT
WHAT TO EAT IN PARIS
CROISSANTS
Croissants are renowned for their light, flaky texture and buttery flavor, making them a quintessential French pastry loved worldwide. Traditionally made from laminated dough, which involves folding butter into layers of dough to create a crisp, airy structure, Parisian croissants are a testament to French pastry craftsmanship. They are typically shaped like a crescent and can be enjoyed plain or filled with chocolate (pain au chocolat) or almond paste (croissant aux amandes). Served fresh from the oven at local boulangeries (bakeries), Parisian croissants are perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack any time of day, often paired with a café au lait or espresso for a classic Parisian experience.
ESCARGOTS
Escargot, a French delicacy, refers to edible land snails typically served as an appetizer in Parisian cuisine. Prepared escargot involves cooking the snails in a flavorful broth or butter sauce, often infused with garlic, parsley, and sometimes wine or cognac. The snails are removed from their shells, cleaned, and then placed back into the shells with the seasoned butter or sauce before being baked. This process enhances their flavor and tenderizes the meat. Escargot is enjoyed for its unique texture and rich, savory taste, making it a must-try for adventurous food enthusiasts visiting Paris or exploring French cuisine.
FOIE GRAS
Foie gras is a luxury food product made from the liver of a duck or goose that has been specially fattened. It is a traditional delicacy in French cuisine and is highly prized for its rich, buttery texture and delicate flavor. The process of fattening the liver, known as gavage, involves feeding the bird a high-starch diet through a feeding tube, which enlarges and flavors the liver. Once harvested, the liver is typically cooked into pâté, terrine, or served in slices, often seared or grilled. Foie gras is often enjoyed as an appetizer or part of a gourmet meal, paired with sweet accompaniments like figs, chutneys, or brioche. While considered a controversial dish due to animal welfare concerns regarding the feeding process, foie gras remains a significant part of French culinary tradition and is enjoyed by many as a delicacy in Paris and beyond.
COQ A VIN
Coq au vin is a classic French dish that translates to "rooster in wine." It traditionally features chicken (often a rooster, but nowadays chicken is more commonly used) braised with red wine, mushrooms, onions, and sometimes bacon or lardons. The dish is simmered slowly to tenderize the meat and infuse it with the flavors of the wine and other ingredients. Additional seasonings such as garlic, thyme, and bay leaves are often used to enhance the rich, savory taste of the dish. Coq au vin is typically served with potatoes, rice, or pasta, making it a hearty and satisfying meal enjoyed in Parisian homes and restaurants alike. It's celebrated for its depth of flavor and comforting appeal, reflecting the essence of traditional French cuisine.
FRENCH BAGUETTE
The French baguette is a quintessential symbol of French baking expertise, characterized by its slender shape, crispy crust, and soft, airy interior. Made from basic ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt, its dough is meticulously kneaded and shaped before being baked at high temperatures, which gives it its distinctive texture and flavor profile. In Paris, bakeries, known as boulangeries, pride themselves on baking fresh baguettes multiple times a day, ensuring customers can enjoy them at their peak freshness. Whether paired with cheese and wine, used for making classic sandwiches like the jambon-beurre (ham and butter), or simply enjoyed with butter or jam, the French baguette plays a central role in daily French cuisine. Beyond its culinary appeal, the baguette holds cultural significance as a cherished symbol of French tradition and craftsmanship in bread-making.
HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD YOU SPEND IN PARIS?
To fully immerse yourself in Paris's rich tapestry of culture, history, and cuisine, spending about 4 to 5 days is ideal. This timeframe allows you to visit iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as explore neighborhoods like Montmartre and the Latin Quarter. You'll have time to indulge in Parisian culinary delights at local bistros and cafés, take a leisurely Seine River cruise, and appreciate the city's artistic treasures. If you have more time, extending your stay to 7 days or longer enables deeper explorations, including day trips to Versailles or Disneyland Paris, visits to additional museums like Musée d'Orsay, and the chance to uncover lesser-known gems and neighborhoods. Whether you're seeking iconic sights or off-the-beaten-path experiences, Paris offers a rich and diverse itinerary to suit various interests and preferences.
