Paris history

Paris is one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world. Part of the fascination Paris exerts on visitors comes from its 2000 year history. Unlike other European cities, Paris has been mostly preserved from destructions, specially during the two 20th century World Wars. It is therefore useful to get some historical background to understand Paris as she stands today. If you plan a trip to Paris, visit Paris History Museum.

Paris history: roman Lutecia

Lutecia, as Paris was then called, became Roman in 52 BC (before Christ). Lutecia was a prosperous town of about 8 000 inhabitants until 280 when Lutecia was first destroyed by Barbarians.

The only remarkable remains of these times are the Roman Baths in the Museum of Middleages. 

Paris history: the middle Ages

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

The Kings had their main Palace on Ile de la Cite (Conciergerie today) and the first fortified Louvre.

The faithfull Kings and Parisians had built Notre-Dame and Sainte Chapelle. The Sorbonne was established as a top university in Europe. Saint Denis was the first gothic cathedral in Europe.

Paris history: the XVIIth century

With 400 000 inhabitants, Paris was the most populous city in the world. Under King Louis XIV, Paris extended herself to Le Marais and Invalides.

Louis XIV built the splendid Palace of Versailles near Paris as the testimony of his glory and power.

Paris then became the prominent European city for luxury, fashion, fine food and wine. She still is.

Paris history: 1789

Paris counted 650 000 inhabitants. The French revolution really started on July 14th with the taking of La Bastille prison near Place des Vosges.

It lead to the fall of the monarchy in 1792, new liberties for the French people, but also tragedies such as wars, mass executions and the beheading of King Louis XVI on Place de la Concorde in 1793.

Paris history: Haussman

In 1866, Paris counted 1 600 000 inhabitants. The rapid rise of activity and population in Paris led Baron Haussman to undertake massive town planning between 1852 and 1870.

Paris train stations, most Paris boulevards, Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes, Opera Garnier, the completion of the Louvre Museum are part of his testimony, visible everywhere today.

Paris history: the metro

At the end of 19th century, Paris grew feverly. The Eiffel Tower was built for 1889 World Exhibition. In 1900, metro line 1 was opened. Most Paris metro lines were completed before World War 1.

The Sacre Coeur Basilica was built between 1876 and 1914. Look at the dates on buildings in Paris. Many of them were built between 1890 and 1914.

Paris history: 1900 world exhibition

The 1900 world exhibition left a great legacy to Paris, a city which then counted 2 600 000 people: the Orsay Museum, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais close to Champs Elysees, Pont Alexandre III.

On the right, the Alexandre III bridge is crossed by elegant Parisians during the 1900 World Exhibition.

Paris history: 2012

Paris has further extended herself. Paris metropolitan area counts 12 million inhabitants.

Centre Pompidou, La Defense business district, Charles de Gaulle Airport, Stade de France and Quai Branly Museum are major contemporary additions to the breathtaking beauty of Paris. Many more spectacular buildings are planned in Paris.