Paris History and Culture
Paris Maps Present and Past
A gallery showing maps of Paris, France in the present day and in history. The gallery, which is in reverse chronological order, demonstrates the shifting contours of Paris as its population ballooned and social and political revolutions drastically altered the city's layout.
Paris Historical Origins and Key Events
A brief description of Paris' historical origins, from the pre-Roman era to World War II.
Top Ten Myths about France and French People
Dispel the myths! The French do not hate Americans and enjoy hot showers as much as the rest of us. About France for Visitors Guide Kelby Carr debunks 10 common myths about France and its people.
Top Paris Cathedrals and Churches
Paris houses many of history's more stunning spiritual relics-- cathedrals and chuches that stand today as breathtaking testimonials to a complex heritage of Christianity that dominated in Paris from the fall of the Roman Empire to the French Revolution. Many of these majestic cathedrals and churches fell into near-ruin in the wake of the Revolution, but revived interest in the 19th century broug…
Celebrating Bastille Day in Paris
A guide to celebrating Bastille Day in Paris (Fête de la Bastille), which falls every year on July 14th and marks the beginning of the 1789 French Revolution and France's first steps toward becoming a Republic.
Dada: An Artistic Movement Born in Paris
A gallery of paintings and other art forms created by the Dadaists, Parisian artists who shook up convention between the First and Second World Wars. See why Paris gained its reputation for being one of the most fertile places for avant-garde, experimental art. From the About Art History Page.
Map of Medieval Paris
Check out this map of Paris to see how the city was laid out at a point in the Middle Ages. From About Medieval History.
Portrait of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Famous French Painter
A portrait of one of Paris' best-loved painters, poster designers, and night owls. From About Painting.
Artist Profile: Jacques-Louis David
A portrait of neoclassical painter Jacques-Louis David, best known for his 1784 work, "The Oath of the Horatii". From About Art History.
Top Quotations About Paris
Need some cultural inspiration? Go through our list of famous quotations about Paris from great thinkers such as Ernest Hemingway and Oscar Wilde.
Great Parisian Women of the 20th Century
As a center of intellectual history, Paris has been home to some of the world's most extraordinary women: thinkers, writers, artists or leaders who bravely pushed the envelope and changed the world with their ideas and talents. This gallery highlighting a few great Parisian women of the 20th century pays tribute to extraordinary thinkers and...
Bio For Gus Turner, Contributor
Gus Turner is a Contributor to About.com Paris Travel
Paris Restaurant Vocabulary
Need help understanding common words and phrases used in Paris restaurants, or help with vocabulary to order food or ask for the check in French? Bookmark this handy guide to Paris restaurant vocabulary