!!!Paris

by Stanislav Sedov and Dmitry Moiseenko,
members of the [AirPano Team|Geography/About/Consortium/AirPano,_Team] that is a member of the [global-geography Consortium|Geography/About/Consortium]. \\

4 October 2012

with kind permission of [AirPano|http://www.AirPano.com]

France is one of the most famous countries in Europe, and Paris is
probably the most famous city in the world. Paris is rightfully called
"the city of light". It is not because of its extensive illumination —
otherwise any major city would claim the title — but because the capital
of France has been a center of education, arts and philosophy for many
centuries.

The word "Paris" originated from Latin "Civitas Parisiorum" and means
"the city of Parisia", a Celtic settlement on Cite Island (Ile de la
Cité). Today Ile de la Cité is one of two existing islands on Siene
River located right in the historical center of the French capital. The
island has been populated since ancient times, so this is when Parisian
history has really begun.

[{Image src='01_Louvre, Paris.jpg' caption='Louvre, Paris' alt='' width='900' popup='false' height='456'}]

Paris has not always been the magnificent city. In Medieval times Ccity
of Kiev played much more important role than Paris. For example, in XI
century, Anna Yaroslavna (daughter of Yaroslav the Wise) married King of
France and was greatly disappointed by the city. XIII century was a
prime time for Paris, which continued up till modern days. This is the
reason why there are so many famous attractions in Paris: Notre Dame de
Paris, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, Moulin Rouge, La Défense district, Centre
Pompidou, Eifel Tower, the Pont Alexandre III, the Grand Palace, Nursing
Home Cathedral, the Tuileries Garden, Musée d'Orsay, Place de la
Concorde, Opera House, Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, and many more. All these
landmarks decorate the capital of France making it one of a kind.

[{Image src='02_Basilique du Sacré-Cœur.jpg' caption='Basilique du Sacré-Cœur' alt='' width='900' popup='false' height='621'}]

Each Paris landmark has its own story that would take pages and pages!
So let us tell you a few amusing facts instead. For example, Moulin
Rouge is not only the famous classical cabaret and one of the must-see
places in Paris. It is also a place where they performed striptease
dance for the first time in world history. Before the incident in 1894
showgirls danced fully clothed.

[{Image src='03_Mouline Rouge.jpg' caption='Moulin Rouge' alt='' width='900' popup='false' height='569'}]

Notre Dame de Paris is another example. The reason for its gigantic size
(35m high, 130m long, and 48m wide) was the idea to fit all citizens of
Paris inside the Cathedral. However, the construction took one and half
centuries, and so by the time they put a finishing touch to interior
decoration, the population of Paris grew considerably making the
original idea irrelevant. Nevertheless it doesn't stop Notre Dame de
Paris from being geographical and spiritual heart of Paris.

[{Image src='04_Notre Dame de Paris.jpg' caption='Notre Dame de Paris' alt='' width='900' popup='false' height='575'}]

Louvre is one of the largest museums in the world. It is located in the
old King's Palace, which, in turn, was built as a castle capable of
withstanding Viking's attacks. Famous Champs-Élysées in Paris have
nothing to do with fields. This is a huge (1915m long and 70m wide)
street. Back in XVI century it was a swamp, where French kings went
hunting ducks. Champs-Élysées got its name during French Revolution. In
Greek mythology "Champs Élysées" were beautiful fields on the bank of
Ocean River, where loved-by-Gods heroes went at the end of their
glorious lives. The only thing that "beautifies" Champs Élysées today is
a string of luxury boutiques and entertainment places. Also, one more
Paris landmark is located here — Arc de Triomphe, built in Roman style.
The Arch symbolizes the victory of great army of Napoleon I.

[{Image src='05_Arc de Triomphe.jpg' caption='Arc de Triomphe' alt='' width='900' popup='false' height='664'}]

By the way, modern city of Paris was designed for war or, to be exact,
for its "strategic purposes", as Napoleon III put it. This is why in the
middle of XIX century the city's layout was altered to serve the
purpose: being "ready for battle and beautiful" at the same time. As a
result, many charming narrow Parisian streets were widened and
straightened, remaining this way up till now.

[{Image src='06_La Defance.jpg' caption='La Defance' alt='' width='900' popup='false' height='464'}]

"Paris is a holiday, which is always with you!" — these poetical words
belong to Ernest Hemingway, famous American novelist. Probably everybody
would agree with these words, no matter if one visited Paris or not.
Paris is a symbol of romance and a cradle of European culture. From
childhood we learn about the city from movies; from books by Victor
Hugo, Alexandre Dumas and George Simenon; and from history lessons:
Napoleon, taking of the Bastille, the Paris Commune... There is no
tourist, who would not dream of walking the legendary streets and taking
home a picture of Eifel Tower...

[{Image src='07_Eiffel Tower.jpg' caption='Eiffel Tower' alt='' width='900' popup='false' height='599'}]

We invite you to look at the capital of France from the bird's eye view.
Perhaps, it will add something new to your own impression of Paris.

\\ \\
[29 Panoramas of Paris|Geography/Europe/France/Pictures/Panoramas_of_Paris]










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