Paris in Bloom: A Symphony of Art, Romance and Revolution

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When thinking of Paris, what’s not to love? The sites, the food, the romance, it’s all captured in one city. There is so much to explore (and so much to eat), that it might feel nearly impossible to do it all. But with so much going on in the “City of Lights,” consider a free walking tour in Paris to soak up all there is to love about this French capital. 

While it’s so beautiful now, Paris faced many highs and lows throughout its time in history. During the 1st century CE, the city (before it was known as Paris) spread to the left bank of the Seine River, and took the name Paris as we know it today in the early 4th century. Through its time, it withstood several Viking sieges, becoming the capital of France in 987.

It first started with the Enlightenment, a period of intellectual development in Europe between the late 17th to early 18th centuries. This movement inspired the French Revolution to occur towards the end of this period, having been inspired by ideas from thinkers like Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau.

These ideas sparked more controversy in Paris, leading to various stressors such as economic strife, social inequalities, and a desire for political reform, leading to the French Revolution, beginning in Paris on May 5th, 1789, and lasting for over a decade and ending on November 9, 1799. 

Paris also had a hand in both World Wars. First, It was the site of the Paris Peace Conference, ending World War I. However, German troops occupied the city during World War II. 

It has since come a long way, as Paris is now the financial, commercial, transportation, artistic, and intellectual centre of France. It even recently hosted the 2024 Summer Olympics!

What to see and do in Paris

Now that you’re aware of Paris’ vast history, you can visit while understanding their great feats, and see a lot of what made Paris mold into what it is today. Along with their many periods of history, they’ve crafted stunning architecture to go along with it. 

Paris may have a lot of nicknames, but one of its most common ones is the “City of Love,” because of its long history of being associated with love and romance. The city has also been the backdrop for endless romantic novels, films,  shows, and songs, making it a must-stop destination for couples. 

One of the city’s major attractions is the Eiffel Tower, not only representing the distinct character of Paris but also being a symbol of love and romance. Paris also holds a “Love Lock Bridge,” where couples go and place a padlock on the railings and throw the key into the Seine River. 

The Arc de Triomphe represents Romantic Classicism you can find in Paris, as it stands at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle. It was initiated by French Revolution leader Napoleon Bonaparte, who served as first the consul of France and then later the first Emperor, which is why you can find decorative relief sculptures of him celebrating his victorious military campaigns executed on the arch.

No matter your religion, visitors would want to stop and see the gorgeous Notre Dame de Paris, a medieval Catholic cathedral that had a terrible fire in 2019. While it is currently not open to the public, it will be in December 2024, which is the five-year goal French President Emmanuel Macron set out. 

For art lovers, stop in at the Louvre, one of the most iconic museums in the world. You may be familiar with their most famous artwork, the Mona Lisa. Maybe you’ll be able to determine if she is smiling in her painting or not. 

Let’s not forget the cuisine in Paris that has inspired culinary art around the world. For those with a savory side, you have options like fresh baguettes, escargot, beef bourguignon, quiche, or croque monsieur. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy French pastries such as macaron, madeleine, éclair, or pain au chocolat.

No matter what you see, do, or eat in Paris, you’re sure to have the most magical experience endeavoring in a rich culture.