Paris France guide to the different topics on tourism to the City of Lights, including tourist attractions, cultural activities, and cheap hotels.

Paris has been a favorite destination for tourism since the 12th century, and I’ve personally been fascinated by its wonderful monuments, unique opportunities for shopping, and an international atmosphere…

…and if you love the city as much as I do, we’re not alone, as around 45 million visitors come to enjoy the city’s sights and sounds each year.

Paris is known by many names, including “The City of Lights”, locally as “La Ville-Lumière“.

These nicknames originally referred to the city’s position as a center for education and new ideas during the Enlightenment.

However, later, the name has also been associated with the fact that Paris was one of the first cities in the world to have modern street lighting.

Panorama from Sacre Coeur church Paris France

PHOTO: One of my favorite panoramas in Paris, a springtime view to the city from the steps leading to the Sacre Coeur church…which is located on the highest naturally occurring point in the city.

The city has had a colorful history, one of the most fascinating in Europe, in fact.

Ancient Roman empire conquered the area from the original tribes in 52 B.C., building a permanent settlement on Sainte Geneviève hill and along river Seine, especially surrounding the areas of Île de la Cité island.

First, Romans called the settlement “Lutetia“, later renaming the place as “Lutèce“.

The title “Paris” was taken into use when the King of Franks made the place his capital city, back in 508.

Most parts of modern-day Paris are from the mid-19th century rebuilding…

…when the city grew affluent very quickly, thanks to industrialization and the construction of railroads.

For centuries, Paris had been a maze of small alleys and narrow streets populated by wooden houses.

However, from 1852, an urbanization program, led by Baron Haussman, the city was completely reconstructed to house the now-famous wide avenues and neo-classical, monumental buildings.

The end result of this rebuilding program is what is today hailed as:

“the world’s most beautiful city“.

Each of the city’s districts, arrondissements, has its own, unique charm.

The most famous arrondissement is the one surrounding avenue Champs-Élysées, providing a cavalcade of…

magnificent 17th century buildings,
department stores, and
wonderful tourist attractions (including Arc de Triomphe).

As a shopping destination, Paris is especially well-known for its department stores, highlighted by Galeries Lafayette and Paris Printemps.

However, if you prefer shopping malls, modern Paris has them as well with the most central being Forum des Halles, just a short walk from Louvre.

And a visit to Paris, one of the fashion capitals of the world, wouldn’t be the same without a visit to the fabulous fashion streets, such as Avenue Montaigne.

The city is also a one-of-a-kind cultural destination, with your choice of…

world-class museums,
famous galleries, and
historical monuments.

Paris is popular throughout the year, but especially so during the summer months.

In the summer period, the local climate is warm and very pleasant, averaging around 25 °C (degrees Celsius).

Winters in Paris can get cold, but they are mostly reasonable…

..with an average temperature ranging often between 3 °C and 8 °C, rarely going below freezing.

Both spring and autumn periods are both mild, characterized by periods of warm days and cool afternoons.

As a holiday plan, you’ll be able to avoid the biggest tourist crowds by coming for a holiday just before or just after the summer months.

Paris France – Table of Contents

Eiffel Tower Paris France

Eiffel tower Paris France is one of the most recognizable buildings, most significant landmarks, and symbols of both Paris and France.