Many people know the city of Paris as the City of Light but they may have never heard of Paris being referred to as Lutèce. This is what Paris was formally called as this expression Lutèce, which is the French form of Lutetia, the Roman city where Paris now stands.

This was a town in pre-Roman and Roman Gaul. The Gallo-Roman city was a forerunner of the re-established Merovingian town that is the ancestor of present-day Paris. Lutetia and Paris have little in common save their position where an island, the Île de la Cité, created a convenient ford of the Seine. The name comes from the Latin, meaning Midwater-dwelling.

Paris is a popular tourist destination along with being a rich metropolitan city. It is the largest city in France and also the capital. The city counts on innumerable historical avenues, monuments and museums and therefore considered to be an architectural wonder and boasts an exquisite eighteenth century heritage full of buildings and palaces. Paris was not always as large as it is today. When railway lines were laid out in the 1840’s it allowed migrants to enter into the city. Paris, like other major cities around the globe has always been perceived as a city of opportunities and continues to attract tourists and immigrants alike seeking their fortune.

After having been witness to two severe bouts of cholera that affected the city enormously, Paris continued to grow quite quickly. Although the city of Paris is densely populated it has a relatively small metropolitan area. Paris is served by three airports and has a comprehensive rail and motorway network. Its rich artistic backdrop is attributed to the humble nature of French noblemen of earlier generations. A considerable number of these noble men and women were patrons of art. This prompted them to support art to such an extent that the city of Paris now prides itself with internationally renowned museums such as the Louvre.

The city of Paris rests on the banks of the river Seine and has a population of around 2.15 million in the city and 10.5 million in the Île de France (the suburban area around Paris) Paris is rated very high among the most famous fashion houses in the world and enjoys a fast and exciting nightlife. Estimates suggest that Paris plays host to more than thirty million visitors a year.

One of the best and most exciting ways to visit Paris whether it’s for a weekend break with the family a romantic getaway for two or a few days on business why not try an apartment in Paris. You’ll find it more homely than a hotel and much cheaper, too. This is also one of the best ways to enjoy the city and live like a true Parisian.