Arc de Triomphe, Paris

In the centre of the Île de France region is Paris, the capital of France and one of Europe's most beautiful cities. When I think of Paris, I immediately imagine the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dame, and the UNESCO designated banks of the Seine River.

Known by more nicknames than any other major city, Paris is often referred to as the "City of Lights". And it's not surprising, given how stunning it looks when the old-fashioned lamp posts lining the streets are lit up at night. But there's also a more practical reason for the nickname: Paris was one of the first European cities to light up the streets with gas-light lamps. Some also allude to the nickname being associated with the "Age of Enlightenment". No matter its history, Paris is undoubtedly a sight to behold at night, especially when the Eiffel Tower turns on its 20,000 bulbs.

Paris has a long and distinguished history, beginning some 10,000 years ago when the first settlers lived on the banks of the Seine River. Sometime in the 4th century BC, the Celtic tribe Parisii founded a town that was defeated by the Romans in 52 BC. When the Huns, nomadic people from central Asia and Eastern Europe, threatened to invade, Saint Genevieve urged the Parisians not to flee. The Huns went elsewhere, and Saint Genevieve was canonised as the patron saint of Paris. 

Clovis I was the first King of the Franks who negotiated with Saint Genevieve to accede Paris to his authority. Although it took a few years, Clovis I finally succeeded and made the city the capital in the early 6th century AD. 

Paris has since been through the French Revolution, which many believe was a turning point in its history, the fall of the monarchy with the execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. It went through the Hundred Years' War, was at the centre of the bubonic plague, and survived the bombings of the two World Wars.

Through it all, Paris persevered, rebuilt, and is widely known for its mix of architectural styles from Gothic to French Baroque, French Renaissance, and Art Deco. With 20 neighbourhoods referred to as arrondissements, Paris' urban layout is in a spiral pattern starting in the city centre. Aside from famous landmarks and grand buildings, Paris' streets and alleys lead to chic cafés, posh restaurants, and stylish fashion stores. 

I could go on about the depth and breadth of this megacity, but I'd really prefer to get going and see what I can discover on my walks, starting with Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile (Triumphal Arch of the Star).

This Neoclassical landmark structure took 30 years to build and was finally inaugurated in 1836. It honours those who fell during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Its walls are adorned with the names of generals and French victories, while its centre contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is located on a historical axis, a line of significant monuments including Place de Concorde (an obelisk), Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, and Grande Arche de la Defense. Encircled by a vehicular roundabout, the Arc de Triomphe is the meeting point of twelve straight avenues. 

In 1885, Victor Hugo, one of France's greatest writers, had his state funeral at the Arc de Triomphe, which Charles Godefroy flew his biplane through in 1919.