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Paris Geography
Famous capital city of France, Paris is located in northern France, in the heart of the Ile-de-France region. The river Seine runs through the city, which has two islands, the Ile Saint Louis and the Ile de la Cite. Paris has a population of over 2 million within the city proper, but with its population of almost 12 million, the Paris urban area is one the most populated areas in Europe.
Paris History
Paris is proud of its over 2,000 year old History, as it grew from a small town to one of the most attractive global cities in the world.
Formerly known as Lutetia (Lut»ce), Paris was conquered by the Romans in 52 BC, becoming a regional centre in the Roman Empire. Hence a very rich architectural heritage: Roman baths, forums, theatres and amphitheatres, Ar»nes de Lut»ce, which you can still visit today.
Thereafter, the French monarchy period proved very tumultuous, but undoubtedly contributed to the grandeur of Paris, as kings gradually established the city as the capital of France and fostered its development. In particular, they ordered the construction of the cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris and the Louvre Palace.
The streets there are marked by history, by improvements brought by great visionaries such as nineteenth century civic planner Baron Haussmann, and by the impetuous character of the people of Paris. The city witnessed central events such as the French Revolution, the German occupation during World War II, the May 1968 demonstrations.
This bustling History and the indefinable charm of the city have attracted artists and intellectuals throughout the ages. As a matter of fact, Paris has always been famous for its cultural and artistic communities and its very particular character.
Car Hire Paris
Get a car from Auto Reservation Plus and explore the wide avenues of the City of Lights. Or you can lease a cheap rental car and have a nice trip to the forest of Fontainebleau. Hire a luxury car to go to Versailles, where the Palace and the gardens will amaze you. And how about taking the kids to Disneyland Paris? Rent an MPV or an estate car for the weekend and enjoy the attractions. With Auto Reservation Plus, all these magical places are at your fingertips.
Practical information about Paris
Getting to Paris
By air
France's main international airport Roissy Charles de Gaulle is well connected to central Paris, as the urban rail network, the Regional Express Network (RER), services it. There is also a coach and bus station at the airport.
Paris second biggest airport, Orly Airport is situated in the South of Paris. Flights that arrive there are mainly domestic and European flights. This airport is closer and well linked to the city. You can either use train transfer with an Orlyval shuttle, which is a cheap way to go to Paris, or use an airport shuttle that will get you downtown.
By train
The Gare Montparnasse is the Paris train station for trains that come from the West and of France. You can go to Bordeaux or Nantes from there with the French high-speed train TGV. The station is located in the XVe arrondissement of Paris and is served by the Paris Metro.
Trains in the Gare du Nord mainly go to the North of France, but you can also get on the London Eurostar or the Thalys, which services Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. The Gare du Nord is also connected to the Paris Metro and RER networks. In terms of traffic, it is the busiest train station of Europe.
The Gare de Lyon is the train station for trains that go to the South of France, but also to Italy, Switzerland and Greece. The station is famous for Le Train Bleu, a restaurant located on the first floor of the station, which has kept its typical interior from the Belle »poque since its opening in 1901. The Gare de Lyon is situated in the XIIe arrondissement of Paris, near the Bastille. The Paris Metro and the RER serve it.
Trains in the Gare d'Austerlitz leave for the South West of France, Spain and Portugal. The train station is located in the XIIIe arrondissement of Paris and is connected to Metro and RER lines.
Located in the VIIIe arrondissement of Paris, the Gare Saint Lazare is linked to a suburban and intercity railway network. The station is served by the Paris Metro and the RER as well. It was the first Paris train station, as it was built in 1837.
From the Gare de l'Est, you can take a train to the East of France, or to Switzerland, Germany or even Austria. Near the Gare du Nord, this train station is located in the Xe arrondissement of Paris. It is linked to the Metro network.
Paris places/events not to be missed
There is so much to see in the City of Lights! If you go to Paris, you must go to the Eiffel Tower, the cathedral Notre Dame de Paris or drive down the famous tree lined Avenue des Champs Elysees.
As a cultural city, Paris is full of various museums, but you will definitely want to visit the Louvre Museum, because of the famous art galleries and the architecture of this former royal palace. Not far from the Louvre Museum, you can also find modern art at the Centre George Pompidou, with works of Picasso, Matisse and Kandinsky.
As for places to see, visit the area of the Sacre Coeur Basilica, and discover the typical paved streets of Paris. Drive through the Latin Quarter, where you will find the historic Sorbonne University, the Luxembourg area with its great gardens and its palace, and also the Pantheon, which was formerly a church but has been turned into a famous burial place. Explore the Pere Lachaise cemetery, where Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and other famous people are buried.
Have a classic French lunch in a "bistro", where you will find simple and inexpensive food and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a cup of coffee in a terrace caf», where French people like to sit down and chat while sipping their drinks.
For shopping, go to the Boulevard Haussmann, where you will find the famous Galeries Lafayette and the Printemps Haussmann. Parisians also like to shop on the Rue de Rivoli and in the Forum des Halles, because of the numerous shops.
Paris is also well known for its nightlife, so if you want to be part of the madness, go to the centre of Paris for a cabaret show at the Lido, or drive to the North of Paris for the Moulin Rouge. If you prefer opera or ballet, go to the Opera Garnier or the Opera de la Bastille for a show full of emotions.
Outside Paris, you can visit many places of interest such as Versailles or France Miniature, a park that shows scale models of French monuments, some of them even being animated. As for amusement parks, you can drive North for the Parc Asterix, or East for Disneyland Paris.
Events in Paris
February: Chinese New Year.
May: Tennis French Open Roland Garros, one of the four World Grand Slams.
June: Fete de la Musique on June 21, a music festival in all major places in the city;
Gay Pride.
July: National Day on July 14, with a parade on the Champs Elysees and fireworks at night.
August: Paris Plage transforms the city into an urban beach;
Rock en Seine, a rock music festival with musicians from all over the world;
Cinema au Clair de Lune, an open air cinema festival
September: Techno Parade, with musicians and DJs from all over the world, entertaining the crowds in the streets.
October: Nuit Blanche, a cultural sleepless night on the first weekend of October, with people gathering in the streets of Paris to discover arts in a friendly atmosphere;
Salon du Chocolat, a European chocolate show.
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