Hello bonjour, my friends, history and culture lovers out there! Pour yourself a glass of coffee but ensure that you are ready to explore the history of this beautiful city with me which is Paris for history enthusiasts.
While walking in this enchanting city, the cobblestone streets of Paris make me wonder all the time, why is Paris called the city of love? This too, is a history of this beautiful city, and trust me, the answer is as fascinating as the history of this place itself.
Paris has a rich and varied history indeed, from its medieval beginnings to the part it plays in the numerous revolutions. Recently, I undertook a historical walk-around the city and I must admit, the sculptures and buildings were brimming with stories that piqued my interest.
Yes, Paris will always amaze you as a history fan, so let me take you on a trip around Paris, showing off its gorgeous landscapes and rich culture.
My Experiences: A Great History Time
Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris: A Gothic Masterpiece
I kick started my adventure at the eye-catching Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris. When I arrived at the site, the first thing that caught my attention was the high vaulted gables of the structure.
Standing under the Catholic Cathedral, I could somehow feel strange faint sounds of voices brewing around the building. Every Gothic revival style with its statues, sculptures, and other monuments holds aloft the story of the time, right from the French Revolution.
Nostalgia hit me hard as I stood staring at the marvelous outline of the building. After all, this Cathedral has seen it all, right from a royal wedding to a revolution. As I walked in, I noticed strong opaque lights reflecting tidily on the cut glass windows and forming perfect shapes across the floors. I guess it’s the affection of every other visitor regardless of his or her status, who has been here, to link up with the times of old.
Palace of Versailles: A House fit For Kings And Queens
Then I made an attempt to go outside to the Palace of Versailles Versailles, which is easily reachable with a short train ride from the central parts of the city. The Holy Family Executed in Paris, France presents this royal venue in such magnificence.
As I strolled through the large suites, striking gardens and numerous art pieces, I began to picture the extravagant balls that took place within these walls, where history was born.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Hall of Mirrors. It was incredibly overwhelming to imagine that I was in a room that was key in the signing of the Versailles treaty; effectively ending World War 1. All the tales of monarchs, revolutionaries and of empires flooded through my consciousness which bear witness to the glorious past of France.
The Bastille: A Revolutionary Structure
My next stop was The Bastille. Though most of the structures around Bastille don’t exist now, the importance of the place can still be felt. This marks the beginning of the French Revolution, and ever since it happened became a symbol of revolt against oppression.
When I was standing at the Place de la Bastille, I realized there was a monument there and I could almost feel the revolutionaries’ energies around me. Then I met a local historian, which was even better, she had quite a few interesting stories about the storming of the Bastille in 1789.
I never knew that the French Republic was born from such events. The people around there, whom I encountered, were enthusiasts regarding their heritage, and were quite ready to educate other people about it.
Sainte-Chapelle: Beautiful Chapel in Paris
Embracing that revolutionary atmosphere, I then head to Sainte-Chapelle. This medieval chapel is renowned for its beautiful rose windows with many colors and figures that narrate stories from the Christian Bible.
The moment I stepped into the building, I was greeted with an awe-inspiring view – the light shining through the glass windows scattered throughout made the stone walls a living canvas of color mosaics.
It was awe in all its form to be able to stand in this chapel. A true and living marvel – the amount of labor and artistry that went into crafting these windows shows what kind of a maker built it. I almost could not resist but hear aged voices sounding in resonance as though the chapel itself was revealing some untold stories to me.
Louvre Museum: History and Art in One Building
Naturally, a trip to Paris lacks soul if the Louvre Museum isn’t on your itinerary. Assemblage of severs and thousands of relics, the Louvre is a godsend for one who is interested in history.
For hours, I roamed the halls of the gallery looking at artwork such as the Mona Lisa and ancient Egyptian artifacts, among others. What every display contains is a narrative, and that explains the development of art with time.
When I finally arrived at the Mona Lisa, I felt lucky as it is a painting that has attracted millions to view it, and that’s such a privilege to have. Whenever I get the chance to visit ancient artifacts or any art for that matter, the size of the museum or its grandeur doesn’t bother me much.
For the next few hours, I decided to spend time immersing myself in the pieces of history.
The Pantheon: Toasting Brilliant Souls
After Mona Lisa, the next stop for me was the ‘Pantheon‘, a monument where several of France’s biggest names rest. Walking through its enormous halls, I paid my respect to the sarcophagi of Voltaire, Rousseau and even Marie Curie. All of these people were extremely influential in their fields and simply standing there felt surreal.
It’s hard to describe the Pantheon in any other way than just beautiful. Most importantly, it provides a fitting tribute to the great people it contains. I find solace being able to pause and think about how they not only made an impact on Paris, but the entire world.
Montmartre: Hub of Artistic Heritage
My journey continued from the Pantheon to Montmartre and its historic connections with art are too strong. Venturing these stunning avenues, I effortlessly envisioned the likes of Picasso and Van Gogh wandering the streets.
The captivating charm of the district is contagious and I found myself looking for the small cafes that bristled with imagination.
The next structure which I visited was the Sacré-Cœur Basilica that is situated on the hill top. The view of the city is breathtaking. A great piece of work that the sebastopol herself is the basilica. Parisians such as myself have been seen standing on the same spot and gazing towards the horizon where the city once was and was shaped by artists.
The Latin Quarter: A Center of Learning
After that, I went over towards the Latin Quarter where students had an amazing history to tell regarding their education. There were always books, eateries and even universities making the place ever so lively.
I had the pleasure to go see the Sorbonne University, one of the oldest educational establishments, and was in awe about the educated people that must have trodden those floors.
When I was having coffee in one of the local cafes, I happened to be seated near a student and we went on to discuss histories which excited the student that I thought ought to have been in a textbook back in the day. The responsibility of being a custodian of such knowledge was uplifting to see in such an ancient precinct.
The Arc de Triomphe: A Tribute to French Soldiers’ Sacrifices
Paris is a place where the arc de triomphe is displayed at the center.Appearing to be an archival place that isn’t on most people’s lists I could feel every warrior who risked it all for their brethren and country and stood facing the age of cruel revolutions in the french and napoleonic eras. I paid my respects to those who sacrificed for this nation and stood idle, all while under the stunning structure.
As I reached the summit, I was met with a spectacular beauty of the city. The scope of the fields of the Champs-Élysées underneath me was astonishing and it brought back an imagery of events that had taken place on those streets.
Place de la Concorde: Revolutionary History
The last place I visited was Place de la Concorde, which is full of revolutionary memories. This square is one of the important locations in Paris as it has been the site for the death of King Louis XVI. While walking in the square, I was pondering the revolutions that have swept over this city over the past few centuries.
Centered around it is a glorious obelisk reminding the changes and struggles of the French people throughout emotions. I could not think of a more appropriate location to end my historical tour of Paris.
Pondering back on my escapade I think it’s safe to say that Paris for history buffs is a lifetime experience. Every structure that was built stands to reason and brings to life aspects of this city throughout the ages. From the Medieval Controlled Elegance of the Notre-Dame to the ostentatious grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, history lives on every street in Paris.
But what’s the need for Paris to be known as the city of love? Maybe the love for this city is prompted because of the former, the latter, and the culture enriched in it. I guarantee that other audiences seeking to travel always hit these spots first.
My special Recommendations:
- Enjoy a guided tour, and take a deep dive into the culture of each place.
- Don’t forget to pack good shoes as there are going to be a lot of movements.
- If possible, go very early in the morning since there are a lot of crowds, especially in the Louvre.
- Speak with some residents, as they might have some interesting things to tell you.
Paris is waiting for you, with all its history and charm. So, pack your bags, grab your camera and get ready to fall in love with the city once more!
FAQs:
What are the most popular historical sights in Paris?
Some of the historical landmarks that you must visit include the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Palace of Versai, Louvre Museum and the Pantheon.
Is it possible to walk through history in Paris?
Yes! There are numerous historical walks that help you wander around the enjoyable historic places of the city.
Why is Paris regarded as the romance city?
Paris is considered to be the city of romance due to its romantic environment, beautiful buildings and rich history that is all connected to love and creations.
When is the most ideal time to visit the historical places in Paris?
Visiting early hours of the day or late hours in the afternoon enables one to do away with congestion and have a more personal experience.
Are there any Parisian museums which represent the history of Paris?
Of course, the Musée Carnavalet represents itself as a history of Paris and a considerable source of deeper understanding of the city’s history.
Well, you now have the opportunity to explore the amazing heritage that Paris has!
