Paris

Paris is the capital and largest city of France, with a population of around 2 million people. It lies on the river Seine and has been an important center of culture, art, and ideas for centuries. Known as the "City of Light," Paris played a big role during the Age of Enlightenment, a time when many new ideas about freedom and science spread across Europe.

The city is famous for its beautiful buildings and world-class museums. Places like the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée Marmottan Monet hold wonderful collections of art. Paris is also a hub for international organizations and has hosted important events such as the Summer Olympics three times. Its system of public transportation, including the Métro, is known for being efficient and eco-friendly.

Etymology

The name Paris comes from an ancient group of people called the Parisii, who lived there long ago during the Iron Age and Roman times. The city was first known as Lutetia, a name that might mean "marsh" or "mouse" in old Celtic languages.

People from Paris are called Parisians, and sometimes, in a playful or teasing way, they are called Parigots.

History

Main article: History of Paris

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Paris.

Origins

Main article: Lutetia

The Parisii people inhabited the Paris area from around the middle of the 3rd century BC. They traded with many river towns and minted their own coins.

Julius Caesar conquered the Paris Basin for the Roman Republic in 52 BC, beginning the Roman settlement on Paris's Left Bank. The Roman town, called Lutetia, became a prosperous city with forums, baths, temples, theatres, and an amphitheatre.

By the end of the Western Roman Empire, the town was known as Parisius, which later became Paris in French. Christianity was introduced in the middle of the 3rd century AD by Saint Denis, the first Bishop of Paris.

Clovis the Frank, the first king of the Merovingian dynasty, made the city his capital from 508. Paris's strategic importance was established by successful defence in the Siege of Paris (885–886). From the Capetian dynasty beginning in 987, Paris gradually became the largest and most prosperous city in France.

High and Late Middle Ages to Louis XIV

See also: Paris in the Middle Ages, Paris in the 16th century, and Paris in the 17th century

By the end of the 12th century, Paris had become the political, economic, religious, and cultural capital of France. Construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral began in 1163. In 1137, a new city marketplace replaced smaller ones on the Île de la Cité.

In the late 12th century, Philip Augustus extended the Louvre fortress, gave the city its first walls, rebuilt its bridges, and paved its main thoroughfares. In 1190, he transformed Paris's former cathedral school into what would become the University of Paris.

With 200,000 inhabitants in 1328, Paris was the most populous city of Europe.

During the Hundred Years' War, Paris was occupied by English-friendly Burgundian forces, then outright by the English until 1436.

In the late 16th century French Wars of Religion, Paris was a stronghold of the Catholic League. The conflicts ended when Henry IV entered the city in 1594 to claim the crown of France.

During the 17th century, Cardinal Richelieu built new bridges, a new chapel, and a palace for himself.

Due to uprisings during the Fronde civil war, Louis XIV moved his court to Versailles in 1682. Arts and sciences in Paris flourished, and the king demolished the city walls and replaced them with tree-lined boulevards.

18th and 19th centuries

See also: Paris in the 18th century, Paris during the Second Empire, and Haussmann's renovation of Paris

Paris grew in population from about 400,000 in 1640 to 650,000 in 1780. The city's role in education and sciences led Paris to be known as the City of Light during the age of Enlightenment in the 18th century.

In the summer of 1789, Paris became the centre stage of the French Revolution. On 14 July, a mob seized weapons and stormed the Bastille, a principal symbol of royal authority.

Louis XVI and the royal family were brought to Paris and incarcerated. In 1793, during the revolution's radical phase, the king, queen, and mayor were beheaded, along with thousands of others throughout France.

Napoleon Bonaparte seized power in 1799. He improved the city's infrastructure with new fountains, the Canal de l'Ourcq, Père Lachaise Cemetery, and the city's first metal bridge, the Pont des Arts. The Arc de Triomphe was eventually completed in 1836.

During the Restoration, Paris's bridges and squares returned to their pre-Revolution names. The July Revolution in 1830 brought a constitutional monarch to power. In 1848, Louis-Philippe was overthrown by a popular uprising. His successor, Napoleon III, with Georges-Eugène Haussmann, launched a huge public works project building wide new boulevards, a new opera house, a central market, new aqueducts, sewers and parks. In 1860, Napoleon III expanded Paris to its current limits.

During the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871), Paris was besieged by the Prussian Army. After months of blockade, the city was forced to surrender. A revolutionary government known as the Paris Commune held power for two months before being suppressed by the French army.

In the late 19th century, Paris hosted two major international expositions: the 1889 Universal Exposition, which featured the Eiffel Tower; and the 1900 Universal Exposition which gave Paris the Pont Alexandre III, the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais, and the first Paris Métro line. Paris became a centre for Naturalism, Symbolism, and Impressionism in art.

20th and 21st centuries

See also: Paris in the Belle Époque, Paris during the First World War, Paris between the Wars (1919–1939), Paris in World War II, and History of Paris (1946–2000)

By 1901, the population of Paris had grown to about 2,715,000. It was home to artists including Pablo Picasso, Modigliani, and Henri Matisse. It was the birthplace of Fauvism, Cubism, and abstract art.

During the First World War, Paris was sometimes on the front line. The city was bombed by Zeppelins and shelled by German long-range guns. In the years after the war, Paris continued to attract writers, musicians, and artists from around the world.

On 14 June 1940, the German army entered Paris, which had been declared an "open city". The city was liberated by the French 2nd Armoured Division and the 4th Infantry Division of the United States Army on 25 August 1944.

Paris became involved in the Algerian War for independence in the 1950s and 1960s. In May 1968, protesting students and workers led to a two-week general strike. The May 1968 events in France resulted in the break-up of the University of Paris into 13 independent campuses.

The population of Paris dropped as middle-class families moved to the suburbs, but began to increase slowly again in the early 21st century. It reached 2.25 million in 2011.

In 2007, President Nicolas Sarkozy launched the Grand Paris project to integrate Paris more closely with surrounding towns. The new area, named the Metropolis of Grand Paris, was created on 1 January 2016. The Grand Paris Express metro system is scheduled to be completed by 2030.

A series of attacks occurred in the Paris region in January 2015 and November 2015. 1.5 million people marched in Paris in a show of solidarity against terrorism.

The Paris Agreement on climate change was signed by 196 nations in Paris on 22 April 2016.

The Notre Dame Cathedral caught fire on 15 April 2019, but the main structure was saved and it was reopened on 7 December 2024.

In terms of international connectedness, as of 2024, Paris was one of eight cities worldwide that was classified as an "Alpha+" city.

Geography

Main articles: Geography of Paris and Climate of Paris

Paris is located in northern central France along a curve in the river Seine. The river includes two islands, the Île Saint-Louis and the larger Île de la Cité, which are among the oldest parts of the city. The area around Paris is mostly flat, with its lowest point about 35 meters above sea level and its highest point, Montmartre, reaching 130 meters.

The city of Paris covers an area of about 105 km² (40.7 sq mi). It has a mild oceanic climate with cool winters and warm summers. Spring and autumn are usually pleasant, while winter can be chilly and summer warm, with occasional hot days. Rain falls fairly evenly throughout the year.

Administration

Main article: Administration of Paris

For most of its history, Paris was ruled directly by the French king, emperor, or president. This changed in 1974 when the city gained its own elected mayor. The first modern mayor was Jacques Chirac, elected in 1977. Today, the mayor is chosen by voters across Paris's 20 districts, called arrondissements, who elect members of the Council of Paris. This council then picks the mayor.

Paris also has a larger administrative area called the Métropole du Grand Paris. Created in 2016, it includes Paris and nearby suburbs. It helps with planning and environmental protection for the whole region. The city is also the home of France's national government, with key buildings like the Élysée Palace and the Parliament located there.

Cityscape

Paris is a city that has survived many wars and disasters, so its streets still show its long history. The city began on islands in the Seine River, including the Île Saint-Louis and the Île de la Cité. In the 1800s, leaders like Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann reshaped Paris, creating wide boulevards and beautiful buildings using a special kind of stone called "Paris stone".

Paris has strict rules about how buildings can look and where they can be placed. Most of the city's homes are small apartments, and many people rent instead of owning their homes. The city has areas with both wealthy and less wealthy neighborhoods, showing a mix of different living conditions.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Paris

Paris is the capital city of France and has around 2 million people living within its city limits. Even though the number of people living in Paris has gone down a little over the years, it is still the most crowded city in Europe, with many people living in a small area.

Paris is also a very important city in Europe. It is the fourth largest city in the European Union and one of the most crowded cities in the world. Many people from different countries live in and around Paris, making it a mix of many cultures.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Paris

The economy of Paris is mostly based on services and commerce. Many businesses in Paris focus on areas like shopping, transportation, and various services. The Paris Region, which includes the city and surrounding areas, also has a strong service-based economy, with fewer businesses in construction and industry.

Paris has many important business areas. The largest is the central business district, where many people work in finance and insurance. Another major business area is La Défense, just west of the city, which also has many jobs in finance and business services. In 2021, the top French companies listed in the Fortune Global 500 all had their headquarters in the Paris Region. The Paris Region is very important for France’s economy, with a large share of the country’s total GDP coming from this area. While manufacturing has declined, Paris remains a key place for making high-tech products like airplanes and cars.

Culture

Painting and sculpture

Main article: Art in Paris

Paris has been a home for artists for centuries, earning the nickname "City of Art." Italian artists greatly influenced art in Paris during the 1600s and 1700s, especially in sculpture. The French royal family hired many artists to decorate their palaces. Famous sculptors like Girardon, Coysevox, and Coustou became well-known during this time. In the 1800s and early 1900s, Paris was at its artistic peak with artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir creating famous works. Paris was also where modern art movements like Impressionism, Cubism, and Art Deco began.

Museums

Main article: List of museums in Paris

The Louvre is one of the world's most visited museums, famous for artworks like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo statue. The Centre Georges Pompidou and the Musée d'Orsay, known for its 19th-century art, are also very popular. Other important museums include the National Museum of Natural History with its dinosaur exhibits and the Musée de l'Orangerie featuring Claude Monet's Water Lilies.

Theatre

See also: Theatre of France

Paris has a long history of theatre. The Comédie-Française, founded in 1680, is the oldest and most famous theatre in the city. Other well-known theatres include the Odéon-Théâtre de l'Europe and the Théâtre de la Gaîté-Montparnasse. The Moulin Rouge opened in 1889 and became famous for the Cancan dance.

Literature

Main article: Writers in Paris

Paris has been a center for French literature since the 15th century. Many famous writers, including Victor Hugo, Jules Verne, and Ernest Hemingway, lived and worked in Paris. Today, Paris still has many bookstores and is a key place for French publishing.

Music

Main articles: Music in Paris and History of music in Paris

Paris has a rich musical history. In the 1100s, a school of music started at Notre-Dame. During the Renaissance era, the lute became popular. In the 1800s, Paris became a center for symphony, ballet, and opera. Famous composers like Hector Berlioz, Claude Debussy, and Maurice Ravel worked in Paris. Today, Paris has many jazz clubs and music festivals.

Cinema

See also: List of films set in Paris

The first movie was shown in Paris in 1895. Today, Paris has many cinemas showing both Hollywood and French films. Famous French directors like Jean-Luc Godard and Luc Besson have made important contributions to cinema.

Restaurants and cuisine

See also: French cuisine

Paris is famous for its restaurants and high-quality food. Since the 1700s, Paris has been known for its fancy restaurants. Today, Paris has over 9,000 restaurants, offering foods from all over the world. The Michelin Guide helps people find the best restaurants in Paris.

Fashion

Main article: Fashion in Paris

Since the 1800s, Paris has been a world leader in fashion. It is home to famous fashion houses like Dior and Chanel. Paris Fashion Week is one of the most important fashion events in the world, held twice a year.

Photography

The first permanent photograph was taken in Paris in 1825. Famous photographers like Eugène Atget and Henri Cartier-Bresson are known for their pictures of Paris. Poster art also became popular in Paris in the late 1800s.

Media

Paris is home to many newspapers, magazines, and television stations. Famous newspapers include Le Monde and Le Figaro. Major television networks like TF1 and France 2 are based in and around Paris.

Holidays and festivals

Bastille Day is the biggest festival in Paris, celebrated on July 14th with a military parade and fireworks. Other festivals include Paris-Plages, a summer event turning part of the Seine into a beach, and the Carnaval de Paris, one of the oldest festivals in the city.

Libraries

Main article: Libraries in Paris

Paris has many important libraries. The Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) runs several libraries, including the François Mitterrand Library and the Richelieu Library. Other notable libraries include the Sainte-Geneviève Library and the Bibliothèque Mazarine, the oldest public library in France.

Sports

See also: Football in Paris

Paris has many famous sports teams and venues. The city is home to the association football club Paris Saint-Germain F.C. and the rugby union clubs Stade Français and Racing 92. The huge Stade de France, built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, is just north of Paris in Saint-Denis. It hosts football, rugby, and track and field events.

Paris has hosted many important sports events. It was the first city to host the Summer Olympics twice and will host them a third time. The city has also hosted finals of the FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, and UEFA European Championships. The Tour de France bicycle race always ends in Paris on the Champs-Elysées. Paris also holds two big tennis tournaments: the French Open on the red clay of the Stade Roland Garros, and the Paris Masters in the Bercy Arena.

Infrastructure

Transport

Main article: Transport in Paris

Paris is a major hub for trains, highways, and airplanes. The Île-de-France Mobilités manages the city's public transportation, which includes buses, the famous Métro, trams, and suburban trains. The SNCF runs many of the train services, while Optile oversees private bus lines.

Paris has a very sustainable transportation system and has won the Sustainable Transport Award twice. Most people walk, use public transport, or ride bicycles. The city is working to make it easier to live without cars, following the idea of the "15-minute city" created by a Paris professor.

Walking

Paris is a great city for walking, and the number of people walking has increased a lot over the years.

Railways

Paris has six big train stations that connect to high-speed trains and other rail services. The Métro is the city's most used local transport, with 16 lines and many stations. The RER connects Paris to farther areas, and there is also a network of trams.

Air

Paris has three major airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport, and Beauvais–Tillé Airport. These airports handle millions of passengers each year. There is also a smaller airport for private planes.

Motorways

Paris has many highways and three big ring roads around the city.

Waterways

The rivers around Paris can be reached by canals, and the Ports of Paris handles most of the cargo.

Cycling

Paris has many bike paths and a bike-sharing system called Vélib' with thousands of bikes.

Electricity

Paris gets its electricity from different sources, including power plants, waste incineration, and solar power.

Water and sanitation

Paris gets its water from rivers and canals. The city has a big system of underground sewers to keep water clean.

Parks and gardens

Main articles: List of parks and gardens in Paris and History of Parks and Gardens of Paris

Paris has many beautiful parks and gardens, including famous ones like the Tuileries Garden and the Luxembourg Garden. Over the years, many new parks have been created, making the city a green place to live.

Cemeteries

Paris has many famous cemeteries where well-known people are buried, such as Père Lachaise and Montmartre.

Education

Main article: Education in Paris

Many people in Paris have high levels of education. The city has many schools and universities, including the famous University of Paris, often called the Sorbonne. There are also many special schools called grandes écoles.

Healthcare

Paris has a big hospital system called the Assistance publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, which includes many hospitals like the Hôtel-Dieu and Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital. These hospitals help millions of patients every year.

International relations

Paris is an important city for international organizations. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) both have their main offices there. Paris also hosts the European Space Agency, the International Energy Agency, the European Securities and Markets Authority, and the European Banking Authority.

Paris has special relationships with many cities around the world. Since 1956, it has been twinned with Rome, Italy, meaning the two cities work together in many ways. Paris also has friendship and cooperation agreements with many other cities, including Algiers, Amman, Amsterdam, Athens, Beijing, Beirut, Berlin, Brazzaville, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Casablanca, Chicago, Copenhagen, Dakar, Doha, Geneva, Istanbul, Jakarta, Jericho, Kinshasa, Kyoto, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Mexico City, Montevideo, Montreal, Moscow, Phnom Penh, Porto Alegre, Prague, Quebec City, Rabat, Ramallah, Rio de Janeiro, Riyadh, Saint Petersburg, Sanaa, San Francisco, Santiago, São Paulo, Seoul, Sofia, Sydney, Tbilisi, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, Tunis, Warsaw, Washington, D.C., and Yerevan.