Paris was born from a village 2000 years ago. It spread and grew rich during the centuries. Today it is full with historical memories.
For centuries generation after generation of people from all over the world have gravitated to its narrow alleys and wide boulevards. For Paris is not just a city, it is a world.
Eiffel Tower is the emblem of Paris. It is a fine blend of the art of engineering and architecture. It was created for the International Exhibition in 1889.
In 1885 various projects for a tower of 320m in height were compared. Eiffel`s project was taken into consideration. The final decision raised numerous protests, but nevertheless the enormous project was started. It has played an important role in the field of communications since World War II.
Illuminated from the ground upwards, at night, the tower shines dominating the other monuments. By day it gives a marvelous view of the whole of Paris.
The Louvre was originally founded at the end of the 12th century to protect the western part of Paris. Over the centuries it has been a fortress, an arsenal, a royal treasury and a royal residence.
During the reign of Louis XV "the elite" decided to open a small museum at the Louvre. On 10 August 1793 paintings and ancient works of art were presented to the public.
Today the Louvre museum is one of the richest in the world. It is visited by millions of tourists every year. Masterpieces of Italian, Dutch, Flemish and French painters can be seen there. The sculptures are a living book of history - from the first civilizations up to modern times. You can even carry a piece of the Louvre riches home. Buy one of the reproductions of famous paintings that are sold in the shop.
Many cities are compared to Paris, but Paris stands out marvelous and extraordinary. Its ancient streets, the sidewalk cafes, the fine shops, the lovely gardens and parks, the crowds, unite to form a colorful mosaic of human warmth and culture. Most charming of all, however, are the Parisian themselves. Shop girl, professor, top model, artist or subway conductor, no matter what their profession, they are a special blend of irony and joy, passion and apathy, elegance and etiquette - a unique combination of endless fascination.
