From the ancient Lutetia, a centre of Exchange between the two Gauls founded by the Parisii, to the Merovingian dynasty and Charlemagne’s Holy Roman Empire.
From Philip II‘s counterworks to the building of Notre-Dame.
The Louvre in the Renaissance and the Enlightenment of the Sun King, who gave the capital’s artistic life a new life.
The French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule and Haussman’s demolitions.
From the Belle Epoque to the architectural plans of the Fifth Republic.
Explore the history of Paris
The main dates in the history of Paris:
530
Reunification of the Frankish nation by king Clodoveus of the Merovingian dynasty. Paris is proclaimed capital.
1300
Paris grows rapidly. Early in the 14th century it has more than 200,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into three main parts: Ile de la Cité, the seat of the political and religious powers; the Ville; and the Université.
1530
Francis I becomes king of France. He will be responsible for the transformation of the Musée du Louvre. Under his reign the Company of Jesus is established by Ignatius of Loyola in 1543.
1643
Louis XIV, that is to become the Sun King, ascends the throne, with his chief minister cardinal Mazarin. The Court moves to Versailles.
1789
On July 14 the Storming of the Bastille takes place: it is the beginning of the French Revolution. The monarchy is defeated and the Terror starts.
1852
Charles Louis Bonaparte becomes emperor under the name of Napoleon III. Paris is given the urban texture it still has.
1944
There are tanks in Paris, the Germans surrender and General De Gaulle enters the Hotel de Ville.
1968
The student revolt reaches its climax on May 2 with the occupation of the Sorbonne.
1981
Francois Mitterrand is the first Socialist president of the Fifth Republic.
