The name of paris. General information about the city

03.05.2020

Paris (fr. Paris) is the capital of France, the most important economic and cultural center of the country. The French capital is one of the largest and most populous cities in the world. In the actual urban part of Paris, according to statistics, about a little more than 2 million people live, and on the outskirts in the so-called Greater Paris - more than 10 million. After London, this is the second most densely populated city in Western Europe.

Paris is located in the north-central part of France, in the Île-de-France region, on the banks of the Seine River, in a temperate zone. Virtually unscathed during the two world wars, the city center with magnificent boulevards and elegant mansions dates back to the time of Napoleon. And the monuments and museums of Paris are known all over the world. In the city you can see such world-famous monuments of history and architecture as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum and the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. The city is also the capital of world fashion and art.

Sights of Paris
The ancient center of Paris occupies only 106 square meters. km. The growth of the city took place radially. From the island of Cité, a system of streets and highways in the form of conical rings can be traced, which have been successive since the 189th centuries. surrounded by fortified ramparts. The central part of Paris is surrounded by Grand Boulevards, laid along the line of ramparts, mainly in the 14th century. External boulevards were created along the ramparts of the 18th century. The fortifications of 1840–1845, the furthest from the city center and demolished in 1919, were located on the site of Periferik Boulevard, a ring road built after the Second World War and forming the border of the modern city.

Seine river
Conventionally, the city can be divided into two parts: left-bank and right-bank. State institutions are concentrated in the central and western regions left bank of the Seine. The Latin Quarter, south of the Cité, houses university buildings and publishing houses. Business offices, luxury shops and places of entertainment are located mainly on the right bank of the Seine, in the central and western parts of Paris. Many monuments are concentrated on the right bank of the Seine in the western part of Paris. The Arc de Triomphe is located on the Place des Stars - the second most important symbol of Paris after eiffel tower. 12 wide avenues diverge from the square in all directions. The most famous of them is the Champs-Elysées, which connects the Place des Stars and the Place de la Concorde. Here are the theater on the Champs Elysees, the famous "Lido" and "Krezi Horse". To the north of the Champs Elysees rises the Champs Elysees - the current residence of the presidents of France, and the Grand Palace is located symmetrically to it with respect to the Champs Elysees. To the north of Zvezda Square, on the small Rue Daru, is the most famous Russian church in Paris - the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

The wide rue Royal leads from the Place de la Concorde to the church of St. Magdalene (Madeleine). From west to east, from Place de la Madeleine to Place de la République, a chain of Grands Boulevards stretches, which then descend south to Place de la Bastille. Not far from the Boulevard des Capucines is the pompous building of the State Opera and Ballet Theater "Grand Opera" ( official name – National Academy music and dance), designed by the architect Charles Garnier.

Belly of Paris
On the right bank of the Seine, west of the Ile de la Cité, is the heart of Paris: the Central Market, the Tuileries Garden, Carousel Square and the Louvre - a former royal palace that houses the world's largest museum. Opposite the Louvre is the Palais Royal, built in the 17th century. for Cardinal Richelieu. Here is the National Library. To the north of the Tuileries is the most luxurious place in Paris - Vendôme. The Bourse and the Bank of France form the core of the business district, which extends north to the Gare Saint-Lazare and south to the Champs Elysées.

To the east of the Louvre along Rivoli Street is the City Hall, built in the 19th century. in the French Renaissance style. To the north of the City Hall is the Center for Art and Culture. Georges Pompidou (Center Beaubourg). Further east, just north of Rivoli Street - Place des Vosges, even further north - Place de la Bastille, on which there was once a medieval fortress, and later a prison, destroyed at the beginning of the French Revolution. On the eastern outskirts of Paris live mainly workers and small merchants. These are the most densely populated quarters of the city.

At the eastern end of The majestic Cathedral of Notre Dame (Notre Dame) rises in the Cité. At the western tip of the island is the elegant Place Dauphine. Nearby is the Palace of Justice - a complex ensemble of buildings, mainly dating back to the 18th century. A pedestrian bridge connects the eastern end of the island with the small island of Saint-Louis, a favorite vacation spot for numerous artists and wealthy Parisians. Elegant mansions of the 17th century have been preserved here. An exciting walk through the two central islands of Paris can be made by walking from the Pont Sully, located on the eastern part of Saint-Louis, to the oldest in the city, Pont Neuf, in the west of the Ile de la Cité.

Bohemian Paris Montmartre
Beyond the Outer Boulevards in the northern part of the city lies the picturesque district of Montmartre, which occupies the highest hill in Paris. It is a haven for artists, actors, writers and poets. The world-famous Moulin Rouge is located here. At the top of Montmartre stands the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, a dazzling white church built in the Romanesque-Byzantine style.

There are few spacious squares on the left bank of the Seine, but many beautiful buildings and picturesque quarters. Here lies the Latin Quarter, which has long been the core of the University of Paris. Now it is a recognized center of Parisian bohemia. To the east of Boulevard Saint-Michel is the Cluny mansion, and nearby, in a labyrinth of narrow streets, is the church of Saint-Sevrin. Here are the churches of Saint-Medar and Saint-Étienne-du-Mont. Near the Cluny mansion is the holy of holies of students - the Sorbonne. Nearby, on the Great People's Square, stands the Pantheon - a tomb for prominent figures of France.

Montparnasse
To the west of Boulevard Saint-Michel, opposite the Sorbonne, are the beautiful Luxembourg Park and the Luxembourg Palace, seat of the Senate. To the south, beyond the ring of the Outer Boulevards, lies the Montparnasse district, where, like Montmartre, artists and artists flock. This is the center of life of today's bohemia in Paris.

Cemeteries of Paris
From the east to the Outer Boulevards adjoins the largest and most famous cemetery in Paris, Pere Lachaise, where many outstanding figures of culture and art ended their lives.

In the west there is a sad place, a kind of cemetery - the Catacombs. Not far from the Seine, on the boulevard Saint-Germain, is the oldest church in Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Pres.

New life for palaces
Of particular interest are the buildings of government offices and embassies. The Palais d'Orsay, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now located, and the Palace of Bourbon, the seat of the National Assembly of France.

At the top of the esplanade, descending down to the Seine, rises one of the most remarkable architectural ensembles of Paris - Les Invalides, which houses the Military Museum with a magnificent collection of weapons, armor, uniforms and military relics. Not far from Les Invalides is the Military School, the headquarters of UNESCO, as well as the Biron mansion, where the Rodin Museum is located today. The Champ de Mars, a former training ground for military parades and now a regular park, extends northwest of the Military School and descends to the Seine. Near the river rises the famous Eiffel Tower - the symbol of Paris. Opposite the tower, on the other side of the Seine, is the Place du Trocadéro, where the Palace of Chaillot is located.

Museums
In Paris, there is an incredible number of interesting museums and exhibitions with unique collections. Magnificent exhibitions of contemporary art in the "Gallery of the ball game" in the Tuileries. Amazing collections are presented at the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museum of Holography and the Grevin Forum. The Museum of Advertising on Rivoli Street is very interesting. Of course, the Picasso Museum and the Carnavalet Museum, located in the architectural ensemble "Grand Carnavalet", and, of course, the museum of the great Edith Piaf, the "sparrow", a native of Paris, are worthy of attention. Remarkable museums of technology, Cognac-Jay, hunting and nature, as well as the Museum of Magic and Curiosity.

Be sure to take a walk through the Botanical Garden, which is already seven hundred years old. It contains about 10,000 plant species. Visit the Museum of Romantic Life dedicated to George Sand and the Silver Tower, the most famous restaurant in Paris, which houses the Museum of the Table, which tells about antique objects and serving utensils.

Numismatists will be interested in visiting the Conti embankment and admiring the collection of the Museum of Coins. At the Museum of Pharmacy, you can get acquainted with ancient tools and a full range of herbal medicines. The beautiful Perfume Museum on Rue Scrib tells the history of fragrances since ancient egypt. Of interest are the Grevin Museum with 500 wax figures and the museum-workshop of the artist Gustave Moreau. The entire history of Freemasonry is presented in the Grand Orient Museum on Kade Street.

In the thirteenth arrondissement of Paris is the famous royal tapestry manufactory, presenting masterpieces of ancient and modern work.

The Paris Observatory (the first in the world) has a rich collection of astronomical instruments. The Lenin Museum is located on Marie-Rose Street. He lived in this house for three years.

Take a look at the Pasteur Museum, which is located in the scientist's apartment, and the Postal Museum on Rue Vaugirard, which displays the uniforms of postmen from around the world, antique mailboxes and tells about the history of the postal service. Don't forget to visit the Museum of Fair Arts. The house-museum of Balzac, the Museum of handicrafts, the Museum of antique glasses and lorgnettes, which contains 3000 of the rarest exhibits, and, of course, the Wine Museum in the Echanzon tavern, are very interesting.

Of course, during a short stay in Paris it is impossible to see all its sights and beauties. In order to get to know Paris for real, two lives are not enough.

History of Paris
The city of all times and peoples, Paris has preserved both evidence of the distant past and the romanticism of modern times. The city was founded in the middle of the 3rd century BC. e. from the Celtic settlement of Lutetia of the tribe of the Parisians on the site of the modern island of Cité. The first written mention of Lutetia is found in the 6th book of Julius Caesar on the war with Gaul in 53 BC. e. When in 52 B.C. e. the Romans, after the first unsuccessful attempt, tried to approach the city for the second time, the Parisians set fire to Lutetia and destroyed the bridges. The Romans left them an island and built a new city on the left bank of the Seine. There they erected baths, a forum and an amphitheater. In the Roman Empire, the city did not have much influence.

Roman rule ended by 508, when Paris became the capital of the Merovingian Frankish dynasty under the rule of Clovis I. During the reign of the Carolingians, the city was again attacked by the Normans. The Capetians made Paris the capital of France. Under Philip II Augustus, the defense of the city was strengthened: in 1190 a wall was built on the right bank of the Seine, and in 1210 on the left bank. By order of Philip, the Louvre was erected on the western outskirts of Paris.

In 1181 the first covered market opened, and in 1301 a royal palace was built on the island of Cité. In the southern part of the city, the Sorbonne was formed from the merger of several small schools. Charles V ordered that the wall on the left bank be renewed to protect against the British; in 1370 he ordered the construction of another wall on the right bank at the site of today's Grand Boulevards. During the Hundred Years' War, Paris was occupied from 1420 to 1436 by the British.

During the Huguenot wars from 1562 to 1598 the city was in the power of the Catholics. On St. Bartholomew's night, August 24, 1572, thousands of Huguenots were killed. By order of Louis XIV, street lighting was installed, the water supply system was updated and the hospitals Les Invalides and Salpétri were built. The city walls were demolished and "Grand Boulevards" were built in their place. The residence of the king moved to Versailles, but Paris still remained the political center of France, thanks to the growing population and the leading role of Paris in the country's economy.

During the French Revolution (1789), the monarchy was abolished, which led to the establishment of the First Republic. In 1844, for defensive purposes, on the site of today's ring road around the city ("periphery"), fortifications 39 km long were erected. With 94 bastions and 16 forts, it was the largest defensive structure in the world.

In 1855, 1867, 1878, 1889, 1900 and 1937, the World Exhibitions were held in Paris, which once again emphasized the cultural and political influence of the city. After the decline of the Second Empire and the capture of Paris by German troops, the Paris Commune, consisting of workers, artisans and petty bourgeois, opposed the provisional conservative government of the republic. In the 90s of the 19th century and the first decade of the 20th century, also known as the "Belle Epoque" (La Belle Epoque), France experienced an unprecedented rise and economic development. In 1900 and 1924, the II and VIII Olympic Games were held in Paris. In 1921, the population of Paris exceeded three million people.

During the Second World War, the city was occupied by the German Wehrmacht, the occupation lasted until the end of August 1944

The May events in France in 1968 caused a wave of riots and demonstrations and ultimately led to a change of government. In the mid-80s, unrest periodically arose in Paris; the rebels were mostly residents of the areas adjacent to Paris, inhabited by immigrants. In 2005, the most devastating riots took place, which soon spread to other cities in France.

View of the center of Paris from the Eiffel Tower:

Paris (France) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main attractions of Paris with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Paris (France)

Paris is the capital and largest city of France, located in the northern part of the country on the banks of the Seine River in the center of the Île-de-France region. It is one of the most romantic and fashionable cities in the world, which attracts millions of tourists with its famous sights, magnificent architecture, fashion boutiques and a special atmosphere of love and freedom.

"See Paris and die"

Paris is a dream city. Who hasn't heard this catchphrase who did not want to visit Paris, but visiting again come back here.

This city attracts absolutely everyone: lovers of fashion and romance, art and history, architecture and food. Here you will find absolutely everything: world-famous museums, the most fashionable shops, interesting sights, cozy restaurants and the most romantic places.

Paris is a city of love and light, the capital of fashion and a literary paradise, a city of a thousand faces that makes you fall in love at first sight.

History

The founding of Paris dates back to the 3rd century BC. It was at this time that a settlement was founded on the island of Cité by the Celtic tribe of the Parisians, which first gave the name to the Gallo-Roman city of Parisia, and later transformed into Paris. The city became the capital of France in the 10th century and remained so, with few interruptions, for many centuries.

Antiquity. Paris grew up on the site of the ancient settlement of the Parisian tribe - Lutetia. This is a Celtic tribe in the 3rd century BC. built a fortified settlement on the island of Cité. Trade was the basis of their economy. In 52 BC. they joined the revolt of the Gauls. In the same year they were defeated by the Romans at the Battle of Lutetia. The Romans rebuilt the city. An aqueduct, baths, an amphitheater, and a forum were erected here. In the 4th century the city was besieged by the Franks. After a ten-year siege - taken. It became the capital of the Frankish state in the 5th century.

Middle Ages. At the beginning of the 5th century, Paris became the capital of the Merovingian state. In the 6th century, the city grew rapidly and was built. This was greatly facilitated not only by its political function, but also by trade. In the 7th century, the city ceased to be the capital of the Frankish state. In the 10th century, Paris again became the capital after the coronation of the first king of France from the Capet dynasty. Until the 12th century, the population of the city was mainly concentrated on the island-fortress of Cite. The royal residence was located here until the 14th century. In the 12th-13th century, there was an active settlement of the right bank of the Seine. In the first half of the 15th century, during the Hundred Years War, the city was occupied by the British. From the middle of the 15th century to the middle of the 16th century the capital was moved to Tours.

new time. In the 16th century, Paris again became the capital of France. At the same time, the city was shaken by terrible religious wars (for example, the infamous St. Bartholomew's Night). By the end of the 16th century, more than 300 thousand people lived in Paris.

In the 17th century, King Louis XIV moved the royal residence to Versailles. At the beginning of the 18th century, the city was divided into 20 districts, and a wall was erected around it, which became its administrative border.

In 1814, Russian troops entered Paris.

In the 19th century the city became one of the main cultural and economic centers of Europe.

It is interesting that the city acquired its modern appearance in the middle of the 19th century as a result of a grandiose reconstruction initiated by Baron Osman. According to his project, old dilapidated buildings were demolished, and narrow streets were replaced by wide avenues with neoclassical stone buildings.

20th century. During World War II, Paris was occupied by German troops. Released in August 1944. In 1968, there were riots in the city, which led to a change of government.

Best time to visit

Paris is beautiful in any season and any weather. But still, the ideal time to visit Paris is April-May and September-October. At this time, the city usually pleases with good weather and not so many tourists (although there are always enough of them in Paris). by the most high season is June-July and Christmas holidays. In August, there are much fewer tourists, but keep in mind that many establishments close at this time. There are also very few tourists in November, February and March. In the lowest seasons, a trip to Paris will be cheaper.

Practical information for tourists

The official language is French.
Monetary unit - euro.
To visit the capital of France, you need a Schengen visa.
Tipping at restaurants is included in the price. If you liked the service and food, you can leave a couple of euros on top or round the amount up. It is customary for taxi drivers to tip 5-10% of the amount, for hotel staff - 1-2 euros.
There are no problems with cashless payments in Paris. Visa / MasterCard bank cards are accepted almost everywhere. Fees may apply for cash withdrawals.
Toilets. In the center of Paris there are free public toilets, marked with the signs "toiletes" or "WC". You can also go to the toilet in cafes and bars, buying something like tea or coffee there. For children, an exception may be made, but it is better to ask the staff first.
You can drink tap water in Paris, although many Parisians and tourists buy bottled water.
Paris is a generally safe city. Basically, you should be wary of pickpocketing. Be vigilant, do not leave your belongings unattended, do not fall for any distracting tricks of strangers (sign something, help find something, etc.). It is not recommended to visit areas where people from African countries and migrants live.
Hotel reservations must be made in advance. It is also better to buy tickets online for popular attractions or excursions in advance.
You should always have identification documents with you (passport with a visa). It is forbidden to leave your luggage and belongings unattended.

How to get there

Paris is a major air transport hub. Charles de Gaulle International Airport is located 28 kilometers away, and there are flights to it from almost all European airports and most international airports in Russia and Eastern Europe. While a high-speed railway line is being built, which will reduce the time to Paris to 20 minutes, the main means of transportation is the bus and metro.

Bus routes from the airport

Route 2 - to the Arc de Triomphe through the Eiffel Tower. The cost is 17 euros. Departure every 30 minutes from 5.45 to 23.00
Route 4 - Montparnasse train station and Montparnasse airport. The cost is 17 euros. Departure every 30 minutes from 5.45 to 22.30.
Route 351 - to Nation Square. The cost is 6 euros. Departure every 30 minutes from 5.45 to 23.00

Metro - line B. Cost 10 euros. Opening hours from 5.00 to 23.00 Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles and St-Michel–Notre Dame stations will take you to the center.

The cost of a taxi from the airport to the left bank of the Seine is 55 euros, to the right - 50 euros. The rate is fixed.

Not far from Paris there is another airport - Orly. But he is less popular.

It is also easy to get to Paris by bus and train.

Timetable and ticket prices for trains - https://en.voyages-sncf.com/?redirect=yes

Train stations in Paris

Saint-Lazare - trains from Normandy arrive here.
Montparnasse - trains coming from the southwest: Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Portugal and Spain.
Gare de Lyon - Riviera, Provence, Italy, Switzerland, Alps
East Station - Southern Germany, Alsace, Champagne, Basel, Zurich, etc.

Public transport

Public transport in Paris is represented by metro lines, RER, buses, trams. The most convenient way to get around Paris is the metro and RER.

The metro has 14 numbered lines, RER - 5. But most likely you will only need A, B, C. When buying tickets, consider how many zones (lines) you cross. For example, from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the center of Paris, you need to buy a ticket for lines 1-5.

Trains start running at 5.45. The last train leaves around midnight. Public transport in Paris uses a single ticket. They can be bought at the box office at the stations and in special machines. There are one-time tickets, weekly, monthly and annual. A single ticket allows you to ride the metro for 1.5 hours.

Food and drink

There will be no problems with food in Paris. There is just a huge selection of food establishments from expensive restaurants to cozy street cafes and noisy bars with French, European, Oriental and Asian cuisine. All known fast food chains are represented. On the streets you can buy a variety of snacks from local to banal hot dogs.

You should definitely try French cuisine - oysters, foie gras, cheeses, poultry and beef dishes, sausages and ham, onion soup, famous French baguettes and pastries, salads.

From drinks, of course, French wine. By the way, lovers of beer can try good varieties of local beer.

To save on food, you need to eat away from tourist routes. You can also buy food in supermarkets. If your room is equipped with a kitchen, you have a direct road to local markets.

Markets (grocery):

Marche International de Rungis - 94152 Rungis
bd Richard Lenoir, 11e - market near Place de la Bastille
bd de Belleville, 11e & 20e
85bis bd de Magenta, 10e
rue d'Aligre, 12e

Shopping and shopping

Paris is a true paradise for shopaholics and fashion lovers. There are a lot of shops here from the world's elite brands to fairly inexpensive ones (especially during sales).

First of all, you should look at the famous Champs Elysees or Montmartre. There are also many shops scattered along the streets of the historic center.

All sorts of things and antiques can be found at the largest flea market in Europe - rue des Rosiers, St-Ouen

Shopping centers and outlets in Paris:

Beaugrenelle Paris, 12 rue Linois - 75015 Paris
Bercy Village, Cour Saint-Émilion - 75012 Paris
Forum des Halles,101 rue Porte Berger - 75001 Paris
Outlet La Vallée Village Chic Outlet Shopping, 3 cours de la Garonne - 77700 Serris - Marne-la-Vallée
One Nation Paris Outlet, 1 avenue du President Kennedy - 78340 Les Clayes sous Bois
Val d "Europe, 14 cours du Danube - 77711 Marne-la-Vallée

The best panoramas of Paris on the map

Do you want to enjoy the coolest panoramas of Paris? Especially for you, we marked them on the map. Enjoy the best views of the most romantic city on Earth!

Lookout at the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur - overcoming 300 steps of a spiral staircase you will find yourself in the dome of the basilica, which will open for you one of the most breathtaking panoramas of Paris. Opening hours: May-September from 8.00 to 20.30, October-April from 8.00 to 17.30. The cost is 6 euros, only cash is accepted.
The observation deck on the Arc de Triomphe is a great view of the famous Champs Elysees. Tickets are sold in the tunnel under the arch. The cost is 12 euros. Opening hours from 8.00 to 23.00 (March-October until 22.30).
The famous Notre Dame will give one of the best views of the historical part of Paris. Ticket price - 10 euros. The observation tower is open from 10.00 to 18.30.
Probably the coolest panorama of Paris opens from the Eiffel Tower. Ticket prices and online purchase (it is better to buy them in advance) - http://ticket.toureiffel.fr/index-css5-setegroupe-pg1.html. Opening hours from 9.30 to 23.00.

Sights of Paris

Let's start our review with the main attraction of Paris and its symbol - the Eiffel Tower.

Business card of Paris. This is a huge steel structure 325 meters high, built in 1889. Named after the architect Gustave Eiffel.

This massive structure weighing 10,000 tons was built in 2 years and 2 months for the World's Fair. Interestingly, at first the Eiffel Tower was conceived as a temporary structure. But she stayed forever. Although many Parisians treated her very negatively and believed that she did not paint the "face" of Paris. But you need to face the truth - now it is strongly associated with the city.

It is the most visited paid attraction in the world and the most photographed. Therefore, it is better to buy tickets in advance online. Also, be sure to admire the tower at nightfall, when the light illumination turns on.

Between the Eiffel Tower and the military school is the Champ de Mars - a public park with beautiful landscape design and excellent views of the main attraction of Paris.

The next attraction that every tourist simply must see is the legendary Notre Dame Cathedral or Notre Dame de Paris. This is the oldest temple in Paris, located in its oldest part - the island of Cité.

Montmartre is a hill and the district of Paris with the same name. This is the highest point in the capital of France. Montmartre is an area of artists and bohemia. Here you can feel the atmosphere of bohemian and relaxed Paris, go to cozy and colorful cafes, climb the hill along the famous stairs.

The area was inhabited already in the Gallo-Roman period. In the Middle Ages, a monastery and many windmills were built. In the 19th century, living in Paris became more expensive, so Montmartre became a creative workshop and a home for artists and writers. Van Gogh, Picasso and others lived and worked here.

The main attraction of Montmartre is the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.

Sacré Coeur is a white marble basilica built in the 19th century in the Roman-Byzantine style, which is not typical for Europe. It is located on top of a hill at the highest point in the city.

Well, what is Paris without the famous Champs Elysees.

The Champs Elysees is the main avenue of Paris, almost 2 kilometers long. There are many brand shops and expensive restaurants here. Start from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.

The Arc de Triomphe is an impressive monument built by order of Napoleon in the first half of the 19th century in the antique style. Decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptures.

Another famous landmark is Versailles.

Versailles is the former residence of kings, located in the suburbs of Paris. This is the largest palace and park complex in Europe, built in the 17th century in the style of classicism. After the French Revolution, it was turned into a museum. The main asset of Versailles is the park - an outstanding masterpiece of landscape design: flower beds, lawns, sculptures and amazing fountains.

Versailles opening hours:

Castle from 9.00 to 18.30
Gardens from 8.00 to 20.30
Park from 7.00 to 20.30

Other sights and places of interest in Paris

Saint-Sulpice is a 17th-century church with an unfinished Classicist façade. She became famous thanks to Dan Brown's book "The Da Vinci Code" and its subsequent film adaptation.

The Luxembourg Gardens is a famous palace and park complex with beautiful landscape design and a fountain. It occupies 26 hectares and is divided into two parts. One part is classical French, the other is an English-style park.

The House or Palace of the Invalids is an architectural monument of the 17th century. It was built as a home for the honored military. Interestingly, he still accepts disabled people. There are also museums (mainly related to the army, history) and military burials. Napoleon Bonaparte and other famous people and military leaders found their last rest here.

The Tuileries is a palace and park complex in the center of Paris, which forms a single system with the Louvre. It used to belong to the kings of France. Great place for walking and relaxing. In front of the Tuileries Palace on Place Carruzel built Triumphal Arch celebrating Napoleon's victories. The bas-reliefs that adorn the arch are also dedicated to Bonaparte.

Place de la Concorde or Concordia is one of the central squares of Paris. It is considered a masterpiece of urban construction in the style of classicism. Concordia is one of the largest squares in France. It was built by order of Louis XV in the 18th century. In addition to architecture, the Egyptian obelisk, which was installed on the square in the 19th century, attracts attention.

Place de la Bastille is one of the most important historical places in Paris, where the famous Bastille fortress was located until the end of the 18th century. The fortress was dismantled after the Revolution. It took three years. After that, they put up a sign with the inscription - "from now on they dance here." The tradition of organizing festivities here is still preserved. In the center of the square is the July Column, built in the first half of the 19th century.

The Parisian Pantheon is an architectural monument, the burial place of famous people of France and Paris: politicians, soldiers, artists, writers, poets, scientists. Here they found peace: Hugo, Voltaire, Rousseau, Papin, Curie.

Catacombs - a network of underground tunnels and caves that are of artificial origin. No one knows for sure their length (according to various sources, from 190 to 300 km). They keep many secrets of Paris, and ancient burials give them a gloomy atmosphere. It is believed that about 6 million people are buried here.

In fact, the catacombs are old quarries. Their history began in the 10th century. Approximately 2 km are equipped for tourists. At the same time, the number of people who are allowed underground at the same time should not exceed 200. Therefore, the queue here can be quite large. The place of burial is called the ossuary. After the overflow of city cemeteries in the 18th century, it was decided to store the remains of the dead in the catacombs.

The entrance to the catacombs is located near the Denfert-Rochereau station, near the lion sculpture. Opening hours from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 20.30. To go down to the dungeon you need to overcome 140 steps, to go up - 83. The temperature in the catacombs is a constant temperature of 14 degrees, so dress accordingly. The cost of a ticket with an audio guide is 27 euros, without - 12 (16) euros.

Saint-Martin is a 4.5 km long Parisian canal dug to supply the Parisian fountains in the first half of the 19th century. Quite a popular place in the French capital.

Bridge Alexander III- one of beautiful bridges Paris, 160 meters long, built at the end of the 19th century as a symbol of the union between Russia and France. Nicholas II decided to name this bridge in honor of his father, Emperor Alexander III. The bridge is a masterpiece of the Beaux Arts style and is located close to the Champs Elysées.

Guide to the main attractions of Paris (map)

Top free places in Paris

Paris is not a cheap city. It's hard enough to be a budget tourist here. Especially when there are so many temptations lurking around, where it is easy to spend all the money. But in Paris there are many free places. Here is our TOP:

Entrance to the legendary Notre Dame is free. You just need to stand in line.
St. Ouen Flea Market - Check out some of the weirdest things you'll never buy. Getting there - Porte de Clignancourt (line 4)
Champ de Mars - lawns and flower beds arranged with amazing precision. An amazing piece of landscape design. Grab a blanket, buy a bottle of wine at the store, and enjoy the Eiffel Tower in peace.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery is an ancient cemetery that will give you one of the most atmospheric Parisian walks. Balzac, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf found their last rest here. How to get there - Père Lachaise (line 2) or Gambetta (line 3).
If you want to visit the museum for free - the Museum of Modern Art is waiting for you. How to get there - line 9, Ledru-Rollin.
Sacre Coeur. The main religious building of Montmartre will delight you with free admission. You will have to pay only if you want to climb the dome or view the crypt.
Parc Butte Chaumont is a cool park for those who like to exercise. There are many birds, rocky landforms and even a waterfall. Getting there - line 7, Buttes Chaumont
Canal Saint-Martin is an amazingly picturesque place located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris between Place de la République and Gare du Nord.
Belleville is a very atmospheric multicultural place. Chinatown and many artists will open a completely different Paris for you.
The Tuileries Garden is a beautiful garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. He will lead you in the footsteps of Marie Antoinette to the Arc de Triomphe of Napoleon.

General information about the city

Paris (Paris) is the capital of France, the most important economic and cultural center of Europe, located in the north of the central part of France, in the Ile-de-France region, on the banks of the Seine River.

Paris is not just a city. This is a dream, this is a living legend, this is "a holiday that is always with you." He is both the keeper of history, and the personification of modernity, and the creator of the future. Paris belongs not only to France, it belongs to the whole world, it is loved not only by Parisians, but also by residents of different parts of the world. Everyone seeks and finds something different in Paris.

“Paris is so well described,” Baron Pelnitz remarked in 1732, “so much has been said about it that even those who have never seen the city know what it looks like.” More than two centuries have passed since the writing of this phrase, but nothing has changed. The main symbols of Paris - Notre Dame Cathedral, the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe are also known to those who have never been to it. Paris exists in their imagination as real as it does in reality.

Paris is the capital of France, the administrative, political and industrial center in which the financial and commercial activities of the country are concentrated. Paris is also the center of the cultural and intellectual life of France.

Paris is located in the geographical center of the northern part of the country on the banks of the Seine River and 145 kilometers from the English Channel. It is located in the center of a vast chalk basin - the Paris Basin, about 65 meters above sea level. The basin is drained not only by the Seine, but also by its numerous tributaries, including the Marne and the Oise.

The region surrounding Paris is located in the heart of France.

Since the 6th century, it has occupied this privileged position, since even then it became the core of the kingdom of the Franks. Rich agricultural lands, picturesque plains, green forests, temperate climate, convenient transport routes - all this provided the region with dominance over other French provinces.

At the end of the 18th century, the entire territory of the country was divided into about 90 departments, which made it difficult to accurately determine the boundaries of the area, which for a long time was called the "Paris region". But in 1976, France was divided into 26 regions, each of which included several departments. The Paris region was officially returned to its historical name of Ile-de-France. Today, the region includes Paris and seven other departments surrounding the French capital. The region is governed by the Regional Council, which is elected for a six-year term and works closely with the Committee on Economic and Social Affairs.

Konstantin Paustovsky wrote: “The charm of Paris takes possession of you suddenly, as soon as you touch the Parisian land. But only if you knew Paris and loved it long before this first meeting. For those who know Paris from books, from painting, from the total amount of knowledge about it, this city immediately opens up, as if covered with a bronze reflection of its majestic history, the brilliance of glory and human genius ... "

The boundaries of the city are outlined by Periferik Boulevard - a ring highway. The territory of Paris includes the Bois de Boulogne located to the west of the city and the Bois de Vincennes located to the east. The area of the city is 105 km2.

“If you are lucky and you lived in Paris in your youth, then wherever you are later, he will remain with you until the end of your days, because Paris is a holiday that is always with you.”

E. Hemingway.

The Seine River flows through the city from east to west, on the right northern bank dominated by the hill of Montmartre. On the left bank, the dominant vertical is the Montparnasse Tower. In the center of Paris, the river splits into branches, washing two islands - the island of Cité and the island of St. Louis (Saint-Louis). Another island - Lebyazhy, is located in the western part of the city.

In modern France, there is a parliament, government and president.

Parliament is represented by two chambers: the National Assembly, which discusses and adopts laws, and the Senate, which performs an advisory function. The National Assembly is elected for a five-year term, while members of the Senate are elected for nine years. The National Assembly meets in the Bourbon Palace overlooking the Place de la Concorde, and the Senate in the Luxembourg Palace.

The Paris meridian, which was defined in 1718 by Jacques Cassini and measured more precisely in 1806 by the French physicist Arago, was the prime meridian until 1884. It passes through the Paris Observatory and is marked with bollards throughout Paris, as well as with special marks on pavements, sidewalks and buildings, including the Louvre.

The government is headed by the prime minister, who is appointed by the president. The government is accountable to the National Assembly. The residence of the Prime Minister is located in the Hotel Matignon in the Faubourg Saint-Germain district.

The President of the Republic is elected for 7 years. The president not only appoints the prime minister, but also presides over cabinet meetings and is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The President serves as the guarantor of the independence of the judiciary and is given special powers in emergency situations. The official residence of the president is the Elysee Palace.

All the political parties and trade unions actively participating in the political life of the country, as well as nationwide print media, are located in Paris. The capital also hosts embassies from around the world and the headquarters of major international organizations, such as UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development). Paris often hosts international congresses, meetings and conferences.

Since 1977, Paris has enjoyed the unique privilege of a dual status in terms of administrative-territorial division: it is both a commune and a department. As a commune, or municipality, Paris has its own mayor and is divided into 20 arrondissements with their own prefects. The mayor of Paris is elected by the city council for a term of 6 years.

“Paris conquers from the first day of the meeting! Literally after an hour of being in it, you feel easy and simple, as with an old friendly friend. The charm of this wonderful city is in its soft cheerfulness and lightness, amazing lightness in everything! And, above all, in the architecture of its countless palaces and squares, mansard roofs, in its boulevards ... In the friendly life of the streets, in witty, sociable people, in the climate, finally!

Georgy Zhzhenov, actor. From the book "Experienced".

Paris received the status of a department after the formation of the Île-de-France region. With the advent of new departments, the department of the Seine, with its main city of Paris, and several departments around the capital were transformed. Paris, home to one fifth of the region's population, was given the status of an independent department governed by the Council of Paris.

Local self-government received real power and shared responsibility with the state for the greatest architectural heritage of Paris.

The modern architectural appearance of Paris took shape by the middle of the 19th century, when work was carried out on the reconstruction of the capital. At this time, the main greened Champs-Elysées Avenue, new highways, two large forest parks - the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes - were created.

Truly magnificent are the world-famous masterpieces of Paris architecture: Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Palace Ensemble, the Luxembourg Palace and the Palais-Royal Palace, the ensemble of Les Invalides.

In the 18th century, the central architectural ensemble of Paris was created - Place de la Concorde, recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world. In the second half of the 18th century, the Pantheon was built - the tomb of the great people of France. In the first half of the 19th century, the city was decorated with triumphal buildings in the Empire style: the arch on the Carousel Square and the Arc de Triomphe on the Place de l'Etoile. 12 avenues diverge from the Place de l'Etoile ("star"). In the skyline of Paris, an important place belongs to the Eiffel Tower - a 300-meter metal structure built on the occasion of the 1889 World Exhibition.

The last decades have changed Paris: entire districts, which had been in a deplorable state for a long time, were either restored, for example, the Marais quarter, or completely reconstructed - like the area of the former Les Alles Central Market. The redevelopment of the eastern districts was begun on the basis of the latest principles of urban development. Thus, the northeastern district of La Villette was turned into the largest cultural center of the capital.

“Anyone who plunges into the abyss of Paris experiences dizziness. There is nothing more fantastic, more tragic, more majestic."

Victor Hugo

The population of Paris exceeds 2 million people. The population census in 1999 showed that 2,125,246 people live in the capital, on a land area of 10,540 hectares, that is, more than 20,000 inhabitants per square kilometer. This is the highest population density in France. True, the areas within Paris differ in population density. The most populated districts are XV, XVIII, XX, and the least populated are I, II, IV. Paris is a fairly young city with a lower death rate than the rest of France.

"Paris is the world, all other lands are only its suburbs."

Pierre Marivaux, French playwright and novelist.

Paris and its environs is a zone of intense economic activity. Most industrial enterprises are located in the western and northern suburbs of Paris, mainly along the banks of the Seine and along the Canal Saint-Denis. The leading branches of heavy industry are represented by large enterprises, such as automobile factories, electrical engineering enterprises, and rubber factories. Developed industries such as mechanical engineering, metalworking, automotive, electrical and electronic industries.

Of great importance are the aviation industry, machine tool building, the production of precision mechanics and optics, the military industry and other branches of engineering. The main branches of the chemical industry are rubber, fine chemicals (pharmaceuticals, photographic materials), plastics production.

Thanks to the concentration of national and international firms in the city, Paris provides about a third of the country's GDP. One of the problems of the city remains unemployment, the level of which corresponds to the unemployment rate in all of France.

Paris is an international trendsetter with a well-developed clothing industry. The production of toilet articles, haberdashery and jewelry, souvenirs is world famous. The paper, printing, furniture and food industries, the production of building materials and the construction industry have received great development.

Half of all banks in the country are concentrated in Paris. It plays a leading role in France's internal and external trade. Large trade fairs are regularly held here. The city is visited by millions of foreign tourists every year.

Paris is the main transport hub of France, important international routes pass through it.

Railway lines of 6 Parisian stations connect the capital with all regions of France and neighboring countries. Communication between the stations is well established with the help of public transport.

Saint-Lazare - Normandy, UK (to Dieppe, then by ferry).

North Station - northbound (high-speed train TGV), UK (Eurostar), Belgium and Holland (Thalys - via Brussels to Cologne and Amsterdam), Scandinavian countries.

Vostochny station - east direction, Germany, Switzerland, Austria.

Gare de Lyon - Regions Center and South East (TGV), Alps, Italy, Greece.

Station Austerlitz - southwest direction (TGV), Spain, Portugal.

Gare Montparnasse - Brittany and the West of France (TGV).

For cargo transportation, the Le Bourget stations, located in the commune of the same name, and Vaires, with the Grand Ring Road (Grande Ceinture) running from it, are used.

The most important highways and inland waterways converge on Paris. The Seine has been canalized as far as Rouen and is accessible to ships with a displacement of up to 2,000 tons. Through a system of canals coming from the Seine and its tributaries, Paris is connected to the rivers Rhine, Rhone, Loire, and also to the northern industrial region. The main cargoes moving on water are building materials, oil products, coal, and metals. The main port is Gennevilliers.

Paris is a major hub for international air lines. Paris is served by three international airports and 155 airlines. Airport "Charles de Gaulle" occupies the third place in Europe in terms of the number of passengers. Orly Airport receives primarily domestic flights from southern countries. The older Le Bourget Airport is used mainly by private jets and smaller airlines.

Paris has an extensive network of metro lines and bus routes.

The most convenient and fastest transport in Paris is the metro, consisting of 16 lines (14 full and 2 supplementary; some lines have branchings at the ends) with a total length of 212.5 km, which makes it one of the largest in the world.

There is also a regional express metro (RER) - commuter train lines that run underground in Paris and intersect with metro lines. The RER network consists of 5 lines, labeled A, B, C, D, E.

Since 1992, tram lines, which were destroyed in the 60s and 70s, began to be built again in Paris.

The Paris tram network consists of four lines, three of which connect the Parisian suburbs, and only one (TK) passes within the city.

Paris has an extensive bus network. It includes not only ordinary buses, but also special lines that run along the tourist routes of Paris.

The appearance of Paris was changed in the middle of the 19th century as a result of a grand rebuilding. For many centuries before that, it was a labyrinth of narrow streets and wooden houses. In 1852, Baron Haussmann's plan to improve the city destroyed entire blocks of dilapidated buildings, and in their place appeared wide avenues and neoclassical stone buildings lined up in a single line.

The requirements of the times of Napoleon III for the development of Paris have not lost their relevance even now: the height and dimensions of buildings are subject to a single law of uniformity, and since the middle of the 19th century only a few exceptions to these rules have been made.

Paris is a city that is a living museum. He preserves his great heritage, makes it the property of the whole world. A significant number of different organizations have moved or are planning to move to convenient suburbs. Already outside the historical city are the business district of Defense, a large food market (Rangi district), important educational institutions (Polytechnic Institute), world-famous scientific laboratories, sports facilities and even ministries (for example, the Ministry of Transport).

District Defense

Paris is a city of students. Most prestigious educational establishments France are in its capital. It houses the University of Paris, the College de France, the Higher Practical School, the National Polytechnic Institute, the Higher Normal School, the Higher national school technical education, more than 40 so-called independent institutes, 2 conservatories (dramatic art and music), the Louvre School, the National Higher School of Fine Arts and other educational institutions.

Sorbonne

The Sorbonne, which became more and more popular after its foundation, eventually became the largest and most prestigious educational institution Paris and France. Around the Sorbonne, the famous Latin Quarter was formed, whose name then spread to the student quarters of other cities.

The Sorbonne University, named after its founder Robert de Sorbonne, confessor of King Louis IX, dates back to 1258. IN early XIX in. The Sorbonne gradually gained true fame, reaching its apogee by the beginning of the 20th century.

The university building was rebuilt in 1884–1901. designed by the architect Eno. From the boulevard Saint-Germain, a magnificent staircase leads to the monumental hall of the rectorate of the Paris Academy, which is also located in this building. In a rectangular courtyard, next to the statues of the romantic poet Victor Hugo and the philosopher Victor Cousin, there is a church where the ashes of Cardinal Richelieu, sometimes called the “second founder” of the university, are buried.

In 1972, the Sorbonne, or the University of Paris, was reorganized into 13 universities, differing in areas of study. They belong to 3 academies of Paris and Ile-de-France. Four of these universities are located mainly in the historical buildings of the Sorbonne, the rest - in other quarters of Paris and its suburbs. Sorbonne Universities have authority all over the world.

The Pantheon-Sorbonne, also called Paris I, owes its name to the Pantheon Square where it is located. About 40 thousand students study here. The university includes the faculties of law, economics, art history and archeology, fine arts and art history, business law, management and management, international and European relations, geography, history, philosophy, political sciences, social sciences, common law, mathematics and computer science. Its structure also includes four institutes (demography of Paris, economic and social development, social issues of labor, tourism) and a network of specialized higher educational institutions engaged in training in banking, finance and insurance.

The University of Paris II, or the University of Paris Panthéon-Assas, is a state French university, the main successor of the Faculty of Law of the University of Paris. Assas is the best law university in France. 80% of the total number of students study at the faculties of law, 11% of total number studies at the faculties of management and economics.

New Sorbonne - University Paris III, located on Sorbonne Street, has a pronounced humanitarian focus. About 20 thousand students study here at the faculties of French and Latin languages and literature, general and applied linguistics and phonetics, general and comparative literature, teaching French as a foreign language, German, the English-speaking world, Hispanic studies and countries Latin America, regional studies of Italy and Romania, oriental studies and Arabic studies, theater studies, film studies, mass media. There are two specialized educational institutions at the university: the Institute of Latin American Countries and the Graduate School of Translators.

The University of Paris-Sorbonne, or Paris IV, is located on rue Victor Cousin and has over 25,000 students. This educational institution includes the faculties of French literature, French, Latin, Greek, English and North American countries, Italian and Romanian languages, Slavonic, Hispanic and Latin American studies, history, geography, philosophy, art history and archeology, music and musicology, applied humanities. Created at the university Research institute for the study of civilizations of the modern West, as well as the Higher School of Information Sciences and Communication. Institute of Religious Studies, Institute of Physical Culture and Sports.

René Descartes University, aka Paris V University, is located on rue École de Medein. The number of students is about 30 thousand. The university includes faculties and departments of biomedicine, childhood diseases, dental surgery, physical education and sports, pharmacy and biology, mathematics and computer science, humanities and social sciences, psychology, and law. A separate structure is the Institute of Technology (with the status of a university), which has a department of medical law.

All universities are linked into a single whole by a network of organizations and institutions of general purpose - such as, for example, the Center for Professional Development, the Center for Career Guidance, the Interuniversity Center for Physical Education and Sports.

In the system of the University of Paris special place occupied by higher schools (Grandes Ecoles). Their diploma is highly regarded in France. The first of them were created even before the French Revolution: the School of Mines - in 1783, the Royal School of Bridge and Road Construction - a year later. As a rule, the path to big business and big politics lies through them. The most famous higher schools are Ecole Normale Superieure, where future teachers are trained. Higher Agronomic School (Ecole Nationale Superieure Agronomique), Higher Commercial School (Ecoles des Hautes Etudes Commerciales), Polytechnic School(Ecole Polytechnique), Central School of Civil Engineers (Ecole Centrale des Arts et Manufactures), Military Combined Arms School (Ecole Speciale Militaire Interarmes).

The Library of the University of Paris opened its doors for the first time on December 3, 1770. Then it contained 20 thousand volumes, which was quite a lot for those times. Access to this treasury of knowledge from the very first days was open not only for students and teachers, but for everyone. The library funds, constantly replenished, reached by 1936 an impressive figure of a million volumes. By 1997, the number of books had tripled. Today, the Sorbonne Library is the world's largest collection of the intellectual heritage of all mankind.

The Institute of France (Institut de France) is also located in Paris, consisting of 5 academies, the main and most prestigious of which is the French Academy (Academie fran^aise), which became part of the Institute in 1803. Since that time, it has been located in the building of the College of the Four Nations “College des Quatre Nations” opposite the Louvre. In Paris, there is a French page - x. Academy, Academy of Architecture, Academy of Surgery, Maritime Academy, Academy of the Latin World, National Academy of Medicine and other academies, research institutes and scientific societies in all branches of scientific knowledge.

Paris is also the largest libraries in France - the National Archives and the National Library, as well as about 50 libraries of academies, universities, research institutes and scientific societies.

The largest library in Paris is the National Library of France, founded in 1368 by King Charles V from his personal library in the Louvre. At the time of its foundation, the library consisted of only 911 manuscripts, since in those days it was customary to destroy all his documents after the death of the monarch. This custom was violated by Louis XI, from whom the expansion of the fund began. On July 14, 1988, President François Mitterrand announced the construction of a new building for the National Library, which began in December 1990. The building was designed by the architect Dominique Perrault and commissioned on December 20, 1996. Now the library has more than 10 million printed publications.

The National Archives of France, located in the Soubise mansion, in addition to manuscripts and documents of the French kings, contains the most important documents related to the history of France, for example, a letter from Jeanne d'Arc or an order to take Robespierre into custody Paris - these are the most interesting museums in the world - the Louvre Museum, the Museum Carnavalet (History of Paris), Museum of Modern Art, Rodin Museum, National Museum natural history and many other museums.

Opened in 1793 in the former residence of the French kings, the Louvre Museum contains one of the largest and most important collections in the world. The collection consists of 30,000 exhibits from ancient times to the end of the 19th century. The museum building is located in the very center of Paris between the right bank of the Seine and Rivoli Street.

The Musee d'Orsay is located in the building of the former Orsay railway station on the right bank of the Seine opposite the Tuileries Gardens. The station building was designed by Victor Lalu in 1900 for communication between Paris and Orleans, but was closed in 1939 and in 1978 received the status of a historical monument. From 1980 to 1986, under the leadership of Gae Aulenti, the building was converted into a new museum. The Musée d'Orsay is famous for its collection of French Impressionist works. At the same time, paintings, sculptures, photographs and furniture from the period 1848-1914 of all possible directions of art are exhibited here.

Center Georges Pompidou

Built in 1977 and designed by Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers and Gianfranco Franchini, the Georges Pompidou Cultural Center is France's premier center of contemporary art. The building houses not only a museum of modern art, but also a library, cinema halls, bookstores and children's art studios.

The Picasso Museum is one of the most beautiful museums in Paris. The exposition consists of works by Picasso himself, as well as a collection of works by other artists he collected - Georges Braque, Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse and Amedeo Modigliani. The museum is housed in the Salé mansion built in 1656-1659 in the Marais quarter.

The medieval palace of the abbots of Cluny now houses the Museum of the Middle Ages (Cluny Museum) with a collection of medieval art objects.

Interior of the Picasso Museum

For the World Exhibition of 1900, the Great and Small Palaces were designed as exhibition halls. The Grand Palace not only exhibits art, but also hosts various fairs, exhibitions, such as an automobile exhibition. In the Small Palace, they found a place for a collection of French and Italian Renaissance paintings, as well as paintings by Flemish and Dutch masters.

Theatrical Paris is more than 60 theaters - Grand Opera, Comedie Francaise and other theaters.

The Paris Opera plays an important role in the development of opera. Opened in 1875 and named after the architect, the Opéra Garnier is the largest opera house in the world. The "new opera", Opéra Bastille, has been in existence since 1989. She is technically well equipped. Since the opening of the new opera, the Palais Garnier has been used mainly for ballet performances and classical opera performances. Opéra Bastille has its own ballet company and a ballet school.

Medieval Museum

The famous theater Comédie Française, which arose in 1680 as a result of the merger of the former theater of Moliere with several theater companies, is still popular. Such outstanding artists as Sarah Bernhardt and Jean-Louis Barrault played on the stage of the Comédie Francaise. Today the theater performs mainly with the classical repertoire.

The Théâtre des Champs Elysées, built between 1911 and 1913 by Auguste Perret and the Belgian Henri van de Velde, is known for its architecture and sometimes scandalous performances.

For fans of variety shows in Paris, a large number of cabarets are open. The most famous of them are the Moulin Rouge, Lido and Paradise Latin in the Latin Quarter. Parisian cabarets are famous for their cancan.

Rock concerts are most often held in the Zenith concert hall in La Villette park or Bercy park.

The French telecommunications market is located in Paris. The largest concerns in this market include Vivendi Universal, Groupe Lagardere, Groupe TF1. In Paris, there are publishers of the largest daily newspapers Le Figaro, Le Monde, Liberation and many other publishers.

The best time to visit Paris is from April to October (especially the spring and autumn months). In Paris, the coldest month is January and the warmest is July. August in Paris is hot and stuffy, which is why most Parisians take vacations during this time and leave the city. Many establishments are closed during this time. But then the city is flooded with tourists who came from different countries world to explore Parisian sights.

Winter in Paris is mild, it rarely snows. The temperature almost never drops below -10 °C.

More than 300,000 foreigners live in Paris. These are mainly immigrants from Africa, Turkey, Portugal, Spain and Asian countries.

80% of Parisians are baptized and 75% identify themselves as Catholics. Most of them are Catholics of the Latin rite, some are adherents of the Armenian and Ukrainian rites. In total, there are 94 Catholic communities, 15 Orthodox churches, 7 synagogues, 2 mosques in Paris.

Paris is the hometown of many world famous people. However, the history of Paris was made not only by native Parisians, but by thousands of provincials and foreigners who came to Paris and made it their hometown.

Paris has hosted two Summer Olympics, 1900 and 1924. In addition, the city competed for the right to host the 2012 Summer Olympics but lost to London.

The final stage of the Tour de France is traditionally held in Paris: since 1975, the last kilometers of the race have been held along the Champs Elysees. Paris hosts the French Open every year, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. author Yudin Alexander Vasilievich

General information Geography Khakassia is located in the south-west of Eastern Siberia in the left-bank part of the Yenisei basin. The territory of Khakassia (61.9 thousand km?) occupies a significant part of the Minusinsk basin. The length from north to south is 460 km, from west to east in the most