Info about Paris and why it is a great idea to visit it.
Historical photos of Paris
Every time we visit a new destination, it’s important to learn about the country’s history, traditions, culture, religion, and monuments.
By doing this, we can visit each tourist spot respectfully and truly admire its history.
Paris: How the City of Lights Began
The history of Paris begins around 259 B.C. The Parisii—a Celtic tribe—founded the city on the right bank of the Seine. This first fishing settlement fell to the Romans, and they founded a city called Lutetia in 52 B.C.
The city changed its name to Paris only in the 4th century. During this era, it resisted Attila’s invasion; legend credits Saint Genevieve (the city’s patron saint) with the providential intervention.
Clovis, King of the Franks, established his capital there in 508. In 987, the Capetian dynasty took control and lasted until 1328. Paris grew in importance throughout the 11th century because of the silver trade and its location on the route for pilgrims and merchants.
Important Historical Events
Uprisings and Rebellions
At the beginning of the 12th century, students and teachers confronted the episcopal authority and achieved the creation of a corporation, the “universitas.” Louis IX granted Robert de Sorbon the right to found La Sorbonne. Paris became a university city after this.
During the 14th century, Paris experienced three major revolts: Etienne Marcel led the Merchants’ Rebellion of 1358; citizens opposed tax increases during the Maillotins’ Revolt of 1382; and merchants headed the Caboche Revolt of 1413. These rebellions formed part of the notorious Hundred Years’ War.
The Decline of the Monarchy
The Fronde caused poverty to spread everywhere in the city. At the same time, the Enlightenment prevailed as the current school of thought, emphasizing reason, equality, and liberty. Poverty, combined with these new enlightened ideas—which philosophers and writers like Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, and Montesquieu promoted—created the foundation for the desire for socio-economic equality. This desire drove the French people toward the Revolution and caused the decline of the monarchy by divine right.
Napoleon’s Paris
Monarchist and Jacobin groups opposed the new Constitution. Different revolts happened in Paris, and the army suppressed all of them. Over fifteen years of the Napoleonic Empire, Paris experienced a period of great expansion: he enlarged the Place du Carrousel, built two triumphal arches, a column, the Stock Exchange, and several markets and slaughterhouses.
Urban Expansion
After Napoleon’s defeat, France endured a difficult time of political insecurity until the coup d’état of 1851 brought Napoleon III to power. Over 17 years of government, he promoted the urban growth of Paris.
When Napoleon III arrived and Baron Haussmann served as the city’s prefect, Paris underwent a structural urban change: they rebuilt the center, tore down its walls, and expanded the metropolitan territory.
Why You Should Visit Paris
Eiffel Tower aerial view
Now that you know the historical background, it’s clear that you must visit Paris. Every place and monument tells its own story, and we want you to be a part of it too.
Charming in any season, and always keeping pace with the times, the “Ville Lumiére” enchants millions of people who leave a piece of their heart in this unmissable city. Famous for its gastronomy, art, and museums, and the River Seine that flows through it, Paris is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Walking its streets feels a bit like living in a dream. Between can-can dancers, opera evenings, wine and cheese tastings, shopping sprees, and locations used for hundreds of films, you will find it difficult to avoid its seductive, emblematic beauty.
Visiting Paris, in essence, gifts you an immersion in timeless beauty, unmatched culture, and the gastronomy that defines global elegance. The City of Light is not just a destination; it is a required experience that balances the majesty of its monuments with the intimate charm of its bistros and cobbled streets. Every corner tells a story, and every meal is a celebration.
But a city this large demands impeccable logistics.
That is why your dream trip starts with peace of mind. Forget the stress of terminals and schedules. We ensure a smooth transition from the airport to your accommodation with our private transportation service: comfortable, safe, and punctual.
Once you settle in, we want you to explore the best without wasting time:
- Discover the secrets and latest news of the capital with our updated Paris Guide 2025.
- Turn every dinner into an unforgettable memory with our Top of the Best Restaurants in Paris, curated for the most demanding palates.
Paris awaits. We’ll take care of the details.
