As proud host of the Olympics 2024, Paris, France is getting renewed attention as a tourist destination. This largest and capital city of France features quintessential 19th Century Haussman architecture with grand boulevards, the River Seine, and walkable bridges connecting Left Bank to the Right. It is a must-see destination that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Paris wows!
Each year, over 30 million tourists visit Paris, an intriguing destination termed the “City of Light.” While romance abounds on its pretty lit streets, Paris gained the nickname for a darker reason. The installation of Baroque streetlights served to light the city to prevent crime. Today, the lamp posts are appreciated for their grand scale illumination of the city and for their stately elegance.
The arrondissements
The historic city features arrondissements, or administrative districts, of which 20 exist. They are shaped in a clockwise spiral formation likened to a snail shell. The numerical sequence extends in a circle outward from the city’s center, starting on the Right Bank (north bank) of the Seine. Street signs featuring Roman numerals correspond with the numbered arrondissements. Today, these help visitors navigate the city. Each arrondissement has its own vibe. Generally, the Left Bank is famous for its Latin quarter, jazz music, and creative writers, artists, and philosophers. The Right Bank is known for its neighborhoods to include the Marais and Montmartre and their unique atmospheres. Each bank contains historic sites, museums, parks, cathedrals and more.
A chance of a lifetime
While the Olympic events are a great reason to visit Paris, excitement can be found in the enchanting city year-round. Olympics aside, there are countless reasons to explore the city. Here are some main attractions:
Paris boasts iconic landmarks – The Eiffel Tower, a wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, stands as the most recognizable symbol of France. Tourists come from near and far to observe the epochal structure and gather for once-in-a-lifetime photos with the masterpiece of architecture in the background. Construction of the tower began in 1887 and it was officially completed in 1889. It was designed and built by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel and is named in his honor. Today, the Eiffel Tower stands as a main attraction, along with The Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame de Paris, The Louvre, The Panthéon, Pompidou Centre, the Paris Opéra, and other must-see Parisian sites.
Paris showcases fashion & the arts – Paris has earned its reputation as a city rich in culture. This includes its role in fashion and the arts. Today, Paris is known for its luxury brands and collections of museums dedicated to fashion. Its prominent role was borne out of the reign of King Louis XIV. The creation of the fashion press in the early 1670s would allow for mass production of fabric and clothing, thereby increasing accessibility. France’s role as a leader in the development of Romanesque and Gothic art is also prominent. Paris features some of the best art galleries and museums of the world to include work by artists who lived there, such as van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Dali, and others. A trip to the Louvre, located in the city’s 1st arrondissement, provides opportunities to view masterpieces of art up close and personally – and is not to be missed!
Paris is a treasure-trove of fine food and wine. Gastronomy is a very important aspect of French culture. Per France.fr, French cuisine became important during the reign of Louis XIV. “The King’s preference for certain delicacies, his love for his garden and for the fruits and vegetables that it produced, set the stage for the culinary revolution that would bring French food to the pinnacle of the culinary realm internationally.” Today, dining includes a pleasurable indulgence in fine food and wine, often featuring locally grown and healthy ingredients, and delightful conversation.
Visit today
Picturesque Paris boasts a sustainable transportation system, top landmarks and museums, fantastic fashion and art scenes, mouthwatering foods and wine, plus more, making this culturally rich city a top destination for many travelers. Whether you go for an event such as the Olympics, or opt for a quieter time to visit, the city bursts with delightfulness, from quaint cafés to the luxurious Palace of Versailles, the allure of Paris is undeniable.
