The Beauty of Paris, and its Country

600 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Essays about paris

Paris, France is more than 2000 years old. Memories of the Parisii tribe settled there some time between 250 and 200 B.C. The members founded a fishing village on an island near the river that is the present day location of Ile de la Cite; the center point of which Paris is built around. In ancient times, Paris was once known as Lutetia. Paris was conquered in 52 B.C. by Julius Caesar and was a center point under the Roman Empire through the early Middle Ages. Count of Paris, Hugh Capet, became king of France in 987 and helped Paris position its name as the nation’s capital. Paris played major roles in the revolutions of 1830 and 1848, and during the Franco-Prussian war, the city was besieged for four months until France surrendered. Germany occupied the city during World War II from 1940 to 1944. Today, Paris maintains its importance and character through its appearance. Structures such as the Beaubourg and the Grands Projects add to this effect. Paris is a fantastic city. History aside, Paris’ culture and surrounding geography play a big role in the beauty of the area (Sommers 1) Most people associate French culture with Paris, a center of fashion, cuisine, art and architecture. Life outside the vibrant city is very different and often varies based on region. The country has approximately 65.4 million residents who dominantly speak French. Around 3 percent of the population speaks German, predominantly in the eastern provinces. Those living near the border of Italy often speak Italian as a second language. The predominant religion of France is Roman Catholic. 80 percent of the population identifies themselves as such. The vast majority of those who claim the religion do not attend mass regularly. Other religions of France incl... ... middle of paper ... ...ill only grow. From old fisherman and settlers to Julius Caesar, from Vincent Van Gogh to romance, and from blood red merlots to crystal clear rivers; Paris and its country sure have a lot to offer. The history, scenery and people offer so much to the extravagance of it all. Paris and all that goes with it surely shows why it is such a popular destination for travelers everywhere. Works Cited “France's Geography.” ThinkQuest. Oracle Foundation, n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2014. . Summers, Lawrence M. "History of Paris, France." History of Paris, France. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Jan. 2014. . Zimmerman, Kim A. "French Culture: Customs & Traditions." LiveScience.com. N.p., 23 Aug. 2013. Web. 07 Jan. 2014. .

Show More
Related

  • Summary Of Harvey's 'The State Of Paris In 1850'

    769 Words  | 2 Pages

    Paris was becoming increasingly incompatible with the complexity of capitalist economy in its organization of production and consumption. Streets were overcrowded and obstructed with barriers that made it practically impossible to efficiently run the circulation of goods. Harvey argues that this, in addition to the political and economic circumstances, not only caused confusion and fear that threatened the capitalist system, but also triggered a socialist sentiment that frightened the bourgeoisie. Thus, many of them fled Paris in fear of communist revolution. Harvey claims that in order to ease the social tensions that threatened the city, the Emperor adopted, with the Haussmann’s support, the goal to ameliorate the efficiency of the commerce in Paris and to appease the working classes through the construction of new physical infrastructures. Through the building of a new Paris, the Emperor hoped to gain the favour of both the working class and the bourgeoisie, while also contributing to the improvement of the economic

    Read More

  • Gustave Caillebotte Paris Street; Rainy Day,1877

    1742 Words  | 4 Pages

    called the New Paris, or the modern capital of Europe. The streets , buildings and the services

    Read More

  • Catacombs Myths

    1103 Words  | 3 Pages

    While Paris at the surface has a rich culture and its own intriguing history, the city below holds the souls of millions, many of which are still present today. The catacombs of Paris play a major part in Paris’s history, contribute horrifying myths and legends to the Parisian culture, and continue to be relevant and offer stories and adventures to the modern day explorer. If you ever find yourself in the “City of Light” always remember you are standing over the empire of the

    Read More

  • Impressionist Paintings as Documents of Paris Capital of Modernity

    1962 Words  | 4 Pages

    The phrase Paris capital of modernity refers to the time in the second half of the nineteenth century when Paris was considered one of the most innovative cities in the world. This was largely a result of Haussmann’s renovation of the city between 1851 and 1869. A Prefect of Paris under Napoleon III, he transformed Paris into a city with wide streets, new shops and cafes, and a unified architecture.

    Read More

  • Lacome Lucien a Film by Louis Malle

    933 Words  | 2 Pages

    Altman, Charles F. “ Lacombe Lucien: Laughter as Collaboration,” The French Review, Vol. 49, No. 4, American Association of Teachers of French, (March1976), pp. 549-558.

    Read More

  • Baron Haussmann and the redesign of Paris

    739 Words  | 2 Pages

    The redesign of Paris was one of the greatest ambitions for Napoleon III. He wanted to create another London, with large parks and open spaces. It also came out of the need for more efficient housing, wider streets to prevent riots and the building of a sewer system to stop the spread of diseases. The master behind Napoleon’s visions was Baron Von Haussmann, prefect of the Seine. He created the Paris we know today with spacious boulevards and beautiful sights.

    Read More

  • Jean-Baptiste Lully

    1771 Words  | 4 Pages

    Lewis, W. H., The Splendid Century: Life in the France of Louis XIV. Waveland Press, 1997

    Read More

  • The American Cultural Invasion of Canada

    1308 Words  | 3 Pages

    From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. “ Culture of Quebec.” Online at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Quebec , consulted on February 9, 2004.

    Read More

  • Teaching Children How to Discriminate

    667 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...rtatious, and mainly associated with food. Even the character names such as "Cherie and Lumiere" of "Beauty and the Beast" promotes the romantic nature that the French are stereotyped for. Through the representation of this culture, children would only learn to associate the mentioned stereotypes toward the French and only that. They would not consider other characteristics that the French are also known for, not necessarily the romance and the great French cuisine that we already know of. Having said this, what Disney produced as a harmless depiction of the French, could furthermore fuel of what could be viewed as a limiting representation of the French culture.

    Read More

  • France

    1077 Words  | 3 Pages

    Services are a large part of the composition of France’s gross domestic product. It accounts for 70.6% of the GDP and a whopping 71% of the work force (“CIA 2001”. 1). Tourism has a lot to do with the very large chunk services take up in France’s gross domestic product. People make their way to France for many different reasons. Some people come for the great food, wines, and pastries. Others come for the beautiful scenery of the French Riviera, Eiffel Tower, and fun festivals such as the gypsy festival which is known for its extravagant singing and dancing. Others come for art and entertainment which they can take in at any one of France’s many museums such as the Louvre. The Cannes Film Festival is another event that makes France an attractive destination for those who love the arts. The festival brings film stars together from all over the world to promote their new summer movies.

    Read More

  • Haussmann's Paris

    1610 Words  | 4 Pages

    Georges-Eugene Haussmann was born in Paris on the 27th of March 1809. He studied Law at the College Henri IV located in the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank. In 1831 he entered the French civil service and became Prefect of the Seine on the 29th of June 1853. He was hand chosen to carry out the social plans of Napoleon III, who wished to improve Paris after a trip to London inspired him. This "led to a substantial rebuilding of large areas of the city between 1850 and 1870" (Smith 70). Because of this Haussmann lived a life of prestige, never before seen by a prefect of the Seine. During his post he saw the Emperor almost every day. He remained Prefect until his removal seventeen years later, after his excessive spending put Napoleon III under political scrutiny. "Haussmann's great contribution to the transformation of Paris was the resolute accomplishment of the Emperor's plans" (Pinkney 44). This however was not entirely the case, as he greatly elaborated Napoleon's plans, and "made numerous and important additions to them" (Pinkney 44). He did this by adding new streets, lots of green spaces and public buildings.

    Read More

  • Taking a Look at the Palace of Versailles

    1325 Words  | 3 Pages

    It is a very reflective place for the French and shows a basis of culture for the people. The small structure became the base on which was constructed into one of the most extravagant buildings in the world. The Palace of Versailles is a famous French landmark due to its elaborate construction, its role as a center of government, and its influence on French culture. The architecture of Versailles makes it one of the most elaborate and detailed structures in history. Its amazing detail gives it the royal feeling that it sends to people every day. "

    Read More

  • Cultural Influence Of The French Culture

    1084 Words  | 3 Pages

    The French culture is known worldwide by its arts and lifestyle. There are many countries in Europe, South America and African are influence by the French culture not just the US. First we have artists like Nicolas Poussin and Louise Moillon who develop a more advance art style. Next is Michel de Montaigne a French philosopher that made essays and writes about the brain advances literature worldwide. They have beautiful architecture and garden, for example The Palace of Versailles and Hall of Mirrors. Third haute couture talk about the high fashion of France spread through Europe and change fashion. Finally, cuisine the evolutionary of food in France and food we still eat today. These are the people and art we owe the French from its culture

    Read More

  • The Fashion Revolution in France

    1465 Words  | 3 Pages

    Fashion in France was an always popular, ever changing aspect of society. Fashion changed back then just as rapidly as it does now. This facet of culture blossomed during the nineteenth century. Even still today, fashion plays a huge part in lives of everyone across the world and Paris still stands to be one of the major fashion hubs of the world.

    Read More

  • French Culture

    1283 Words  | 3 Pages

    Gofen, Ethel and Reymann, Blandine. Cultures of the World: France. New York: Times Media Private Limited, © 2003.

    Read More

More about The Beauty of Paris, and its Country

Open Document