From the French baguette to fashion, going thought all the kind of art, this article will gives you an overview of Paris Culture and History.
You will also discover the main things to see in the city and finish with famous examples of French clichés.

Culture & History

Paris was first chosen as a capital city by Clovis. It was just after he kicks Roman Empire out of France in 500 A.D.

But despite of that, Paris as a city is born during the second empire, 50 years after French Revolution of 1789.

This was Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon I, accompanied with the precious help of the government official Haussmann who gives the lead to renew everything.
Indeed, Paris at this time looks more like a dirty medieval village than a capital.
In 1850's was decided a complete new urban plan for the city.
The small medieval houses were replaced by massive building. All the narrow streets were replaced by big avenue with the aim to make a lighter and cleaner city in order to erase the disease due to the filth.
In only 20 years, they had created buildings, roads, shops and train stations to link Paris with the other main city of France.

And guys, as you may remember if you weren't sleeping in classes or chatting with your friends, this period was for Europe the beginning of the biggest economical change: the Industrial Revolution.
Yes, again a revolution to add in French history :D
Those new infrastructures helped the city to profit of that Economical boom. It made a modern and rich city.
By the time people where making more money and have better situation their desire for cultures grows up. It permits of all the artistic expression to develop freely with painting, sculpture, theater…
We were also having lots of cultural exhibition such as the big exhibition in 1889 where the Eiffel Tower was 'temporarily' exposed. Yes I said 'temporarily' but fate decided otherwise…

All those change made that popular city and brings that image through the world.
Let's see what kind of activities brought the lovely image that you have about the city of light ;)

Paris is first the "City of Art"
City's atmosphere attracted lots of artists up to a point that some district where only occupied by artists. I though about Montmartre and Latin's quarter for example.
If Paris is important as an Art City, it's because all the kind of art found there way whatever the period.
From writers like Victor Hugo and his famous Hunchback of Notre Dame to foreign painters like Picasso who found a place to express his creativity freely.
Close to our eyes, Paris spirit is still inspiring filmmaker like Woody Allen and his "Midnight in Paris" or Jean Pierre Jeunet and his "Amelie Poulain".
And not to forget an important part, the City of Lights also inspire music creation, not to mention the successful song and video clip of Adele "Someone Like You".

Apart from being an Artistic city, Paris, by being the capital of France is also recognized as the 'City of Flavor' with the delicious French Cuisine.
So by the time you're here, we can suggest you to try at least once to have a French breakfast with baguette and croissants.
During the afternoon, just give you the permission to have a sweet and soft break and try this typical Parisian Cake called 'Macarons'.

And because eating all those sweet things can make you thirsty, why not try once in you life real Champagne?

For those who want to fit in the personage, you may need some new clothes to appreciate Macarons and Champagne.
Do not worry because here you are in the "City of Fashion".
Ladies, what a French glamour to walk in the City with an Hermes bag and this smell of Coco Chanel?!
Gentleman, just avoid to bring your girlfriend for window shop if you don't wanna run out of money :D

"Mesdemoiselles" to finish your dream we will definitely make you see "la vie en rose".

Because finally you are in the City of Love. Here's now time for you to enjoy that lovely atmosphere with that cultural melting pot and all those flavor of the world.
Get ready to have this felling of romance when you will feel Paris' spirit and, who knows, maybe experience a romantic relation here ;D.

Place to see

Here are the most important places to see in Paris

Behavior

Is this the real behavior of the inhabitant or is this only clichés?
You will tell us what you think after you've discover Parisian's life!