L’Isle-de-France is a very compact region encircling the capital of France and its suburbs with a population reaching 12 millions inhabitants. It stands in a plain drained by the Seine river and its two main tributaries, The Marne and the Oise rivers.
Urban development has taken over a very fertile plain where agriculture is still booming outside the metropolis. Farms are large and highly mechanized; they yield excellent production and use a small amount of workers.
Many attempts to decentralize the economy have encouraged many businesses to move elsewhere without being very successful. The region remains a major hub of employment as much in the private sector than in the public one. Many worldwide companies have chosen their headquarters in the center of Paris in the new area of La Defense.
A very active network of communication is constantly in development with motorways, rails, the underground metro in the center of the capital, the “Reseau Express Regional”, known as RER to reach the suburbs and 2 major airports in Orly and Roissy.
Originally the region was known as Francia, with the small city of Leticia built on the two Islands of the River Seine. It slowly developed under the various dynasties of the KIngs of France, the Merovingians, the Carolingiens, then the Capetiens.
Hugues Capet, Count of Paris and Duke of the Franks was elected King of the Franks in 987. It was the start of long-lasting prosperity. It is mostly under this dynasty that France grew up annexing other Provinces to the crown. Through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and up to the French Revolution and today, Paris prospered as the capital of the country. With different names, such as province, region, or department, each French administrative section was governed by various types of leaders who always had to report to a central government located in Paris or Ile de France.
Paris and Ile de France are definitely one of the top tourist attractions in the world. 23.6 millions visitors were accounted for in 2017, making it the 3rd most visited destination after Bangkok and London. Among the main attractions are Disneyland, Notre Dame Cathedral, The Basilica of the “Sacre-Coeur” of Montmartre, the Palace of Versailles, the Chateau of Fontainebleau, Vaux-le-Vicomte and the Basilica of Saint-Denis where the Kings of France were crowned before the Revolution.
Besides these major landmarks, there are many ways to plan a visit which could take a couple of days or a couple of weeks or more. Celestial Voyagers has organized hundreds of various cultural stays in Paris, each of them being carefully prepared to correspond with your own taste and hobbies, including sites, museums, promenades, events which will fulfill your interests.
To just to name a few, you could consider visiting Paris under many different topics:
King Louis XIV was the creator of the Palace of Versailles. He chose the best people to achieve a Palace and gardens which would be the symbol of his power and would impress all the great monarchs of his time
He is also known as the Sun KIng. He wanted to radiate and govern away from the city of Paris, wishing to protect the monarchy from the conspiracies and agitation of the capital. He gathered around him a large “court” of courtiers and ministers who lived in Versailles with him that he could control and who had to follow an imposed “Etiquette”. Life in Versailles in these days was carefully orchestrated.
In the rooms and in the gardens, details have been thoughtfully selected to project a glorious light on the ruling Majesty. Order, balance and symmetry are present all around bringing an ambiance which glorifies the monarch.
Besides the Palace the town is worth visiting. Take a walk in the historic area among the Antique stores where more than 50 antique dealers are displaying collections of jewelry, silverware, old paintings, old books, engravings, weapons, porcelain or earthenware. There you will find Notre Dame Market and The Lambinet Museum
As you walk around you will see The Bailiwick, a beautiful XVIII century building which was the first prison in Versailles. It is now a famous place where you can find antique dealers and art galleries.
In the Village is the Picardy Hotel, where you’ll be amazed by the tiny houses built around the well; it has the shape of an iron horse. From a picturesque stairway you can join other exhibitors and also the Notre Dame market and the very pleasant rue de la Pourvoirie.
The Passage is situated in the former place where the prisoners from “La Geôle” were going for a walk. Samson, who executed Louis XVI, was also the executioner of the prison until 1788. Madame du Barry, the last “Maîtresse-en-titre” of Louis XV of France was imprisoned during the French Revolution. By now it is possible to admire jewelry, potteries or stylish furniture.
“Le Carré” (Square) of the antiquarians was originally the stables of the Bailiwick, transformed into sheds during the XIX century to shelter wines and liquors intended for the Notre Dame market. By now, you can see the antiquarian galeries or craftsman shops that show the richness of creation and of the lifestyle from the past century.
Montbauron district is delimited by the different avenues of Versailles and looks like a tiny village of cobblestone lanes around a main square, Charost square.
Montreuil district was developed around the Saint-Symphorien church. It is a great example of the neoclassical style, and keeps the charm of a village. In this part of the town, under the reign of Louis XIV, the Italian musicians settled down, to join the Music of the Royal Chapel.
Important court ladies in the XVIII century lived here, in estates away from the Royal Court, such as Madame Elisabeth, King Louis XVI’s sister. You will enjoy its beautiful garden.!
In the 12th century the Capetian Kings built a hunting lodge drawn by the abundant game which thrived in the vast forest. It was to become a vast and majestic palace and park listed as a World Heritage site.
The woodland covers 62,000 acres, mostly high forest of oaks, Norway pines and beeches. Since 1669 and the Forestry Ordinance it has been carefully managed to ensure its long term survival. Francis 1st started its reputation by replacing the medieval building and decorating the building with works of Art from Italian artists known as the First School of Fontainebleau. Other monarchs including Henri II, Catherine de Medici, and Charles IX, carried on the work of Francis I. Henri IV enlarged the Palace. There was a change of style and the Second School of Fontainebleau looked to Flanders for artistic inspiration. Louis XIII completed the Farewell Court; it is from the famous horse-shoe staircase that Napoleon bade his farewell in 1814 following his abdication.
In the 19th century the town became a military base, notably for cavalry, and between 1947 and 1967 it was home to the headquarters of NATO
This chateau is considered as one of the masterpieces of the XVII century. It lies at the heart of the French plain of Brie.
Nicolas Fouquet had been Superintendent of Finances under Mazarin and Louis XIII. He had built a huge personal fortune and in 1656 he started to build Vaux a Palace to symbolize his success. Louis Le Vau, architect, Charles Le Brun Interior decorator and Andre Le Notre, landscaper were selected to conduct the construction. Fouquet, a man of lavish taste was sadly lacking in political judgment, and unfortunately alienated important people. Hoping to impress the king he threw the most sumptuous festivities but his unprecedented extravagance only succeeded to offend the Sun King who shortly after ordered his arrest and the confiscation of his properties. His brilliant team of designers were immediately put to work in Versailles.
This ancient fortified city sits atop a ridge overlooking the Seine Valley. With its 11th and 12th century ramparts and city walls, winding streets and half-timbered houses it is one of the best preserved medieval towns in France.
The skyline of Provins was made famous by a painting of Turner. It is dominated by a tower (Tour de cesar) and the dome of Eglise Saint Quiriace. It was a very important commercial center in the 12th century when it became one of the two capitals of the powerful Counts of Champagne. Thanks to the counts’ protection and its strategic position, it participated in the early development of international trade fairs and the wool industry in Europe from the 9th to 18th centuries.
Walking around Provins is like a step back in time! The town is surrounded by impressive walls and the medieval architecture of half-timbered houses is beautiful to see. Its unique underground galleries are quite worth visiting.
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