Once just a village that settled on the "Ile de la Cité" (City Island) on the confluence of the Seine's two branches, Paris has vastly expanded over the centuries, taking the surrounding villages under its wing and making them its own. Nowadays the City of Light-a name Paris earned during the age of the Enlightenment-is made up of several
arrondissements or districts, numbered from one to 20 and logically ordered with the 1st in the center and the others following in a clockwise spiral. The differences are vast and varied between the districts, both in terms of the populations and attractions, which together make up the multifaceted city we know and love.
1st Arrondissement
With its impressive collection of paintings and sculptures, the
Louvre attracts visitors from the world over, who often combine it with a stroll in the adjoining
Tuileries gardens. Designers of
haute couture, including Yves St-Laurent and Dior, have set up shop in
Faubourg Saint-Honoré, just a short walk from the majestic...
Is the drinking water safe???
Hectorstang2000 asks about
Paris, France on Feb 05 2012
6
answers, top answer by
CORSICA OSPITALITA
Rock-en-Seine 2010 © Sylvere.h This summer, classical music fans get a look-in for once when it comes to music festivals in Paris. In the beautiful surroundings of the Orangerie du Parc de Bagatelle, the 19th annual programme by Octuor de France runs until 15 August, with concerts featuring the music of Haydn, Schubert and Mozart (www.octuordefrance.com ). In the centre of town, the 25th Festival Musique en l’Ile runs until 15 September with 20 concerts at... Read More
Cinéma en Plein Air Parc Villette © P E Rastoin A study released last week reported that Paris has dropped from 17th to 27th place among the world’s most expensive cities. Perhaps that’s because, especially in the summer, the French capital abounds with free things to do. There are all sorts of open-air happenings and most of the programmes are already in full swing. Here are just a few suggestions – keep your eyes open for posters in the métro or invest... Read More
If you save one number into your cell / mobile phone, make sure it is 112 – this is the European general emergency number. It’s extremely unlikely you will have an accident during your stay in Paris but it is as well to be prepared. European citizens who have an EHIC card ( https://www.ehic.org.uk/ ) will be able to claim back a large proportion of the cost of medical treatment, but it’s wise to take out special travel insurance to cover your health,... Read More
-
-
Eiffel Tower
- Paris just wouldn't be Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, at 300m it was then the world's tallest...
-
- Landmarks
user rating -
-
-
Arc de Triomphe
The focus of all national celebrations in France, this 50m-high (164ft) arch was begun by Napoleon I after the battle of Austerlitz in 1806 and...-
- Landmarks
- 8th Arrondissement - Monceau Madeleine
expert pick -
-
-
Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre-Dame de Paris)
- The cathedral is the most visited religious monument in France and one of the top ten sights in Paris. Among the treasures in its vestry are relics...
-
- Religious Sights
expert pick -
