Nobody reads in Paris. Too much to see. You got some romance going. Or you almost got some romance going. Everything is expensive. Nobody cares. It’s Paris!
Vikings Demand Ransom
In 360 AD, they changed the name from Lutetia to Paris because it was easier to say. The Vikings sacked it in 845 and held it for ransom. They paid and the Vikings went back to Vikingland.
Joan of Arc
During the Hundred Years’ War, the French were feeling mighty low. Joan of Arc raised morale (and eyebrows) inspiring the French to kick the English back to England, getting Paris back. The English held a grudge against Joan. They captured her, tried her as a witch and burned her at the stake in 1431. Yow.
Storming the Bastille
Paris was really in the news with the Storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the overthrow of the monarchy. They called it the French Revolution. I think the Marquis de Sade started it but I’m not sure.
Revolution Parisian
Things were going well and it looked like France was going to be a world power until Paris was occupied by Russians in 1814. Blame Napoleon for that. It wasn’t until the July Revolution Parisian uprising took place in 1830 that everyone felt better. Louis-Philippe said, “Let’s call France a ‘constitutional monarchy’ in 1848. But,no, the “February Revolution” led to the creation of the Second Republic.
Industrial Revolution
Of all the Revolutions, the biggest one was the Industrial one. They built a network of railways through France and a lot of people took the train to Paris in the 1840s.
Road Renovation
With all these new people, the narrow winding streets of the medieval times needed a serious upgrade. In 1852, Napoleon the III radically changed the city with the new wide avenues. Napoleon the II didn’t really have time since he only ruled for a week and was three-years-old. Did you know there are still a couple Bonaparte’s ready to take the throne, if anyone would ask them? Not Likely.
Was Paris Bombed in World War II?
During the war, Paris was overrun by the Germans. It was liberated in August 1944 by the Americans. Nah, that can’t be right. They don’t seem grateful. Anyway, the Germans didn’t bomb France since they already had it. This left Paris intact. No thanks to Adolf Hitler, who ordered it destroyed during their retreat. They didn’t do it. Too busy blitzkrieg-ing their way back to Germany, they ignored The Fuhrer on that. Yeah, sure, and maybe read Mein Kampf while goose-stepping. Don’t think so.
What is the Weather Like?
With a warm and pleasant summer, Spring and Fall mild with fresh night air, Paris is perfect for romance. Not a lot of sunshine in the winter but usually above freezing and not much snow. You couldn’t call Paris a rainy city, but it is known for some heavy sudden showers.
Sad Note
Diana, Princess of Wales, died at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris on 31 August 1997, after a car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel.
Traveling Your Dream 