The history of Paris began over 2,000 years ago when the Parisii people settled on an island in the Seine River. It officially became the capital of France in 987 CE. This city grew from a small settlement into a global center for art and light.
Have you ever seen a picture of a HUGE, sparkly iron tower or a pyramid made of glass in a city? Chances are, you’ve seen a glimpse of Paris, the magical capital of France!
Paris is one of the most famous cities in the whole world, known for amazing art, delicious food, and incredible sights! But this beautiful place didn't just pop up overnight. It started way back when people called the Parisii settled on an island in the Seine River more than 2,000 years ago! The Romans took over in 52 BCE and called it Lutetia, but by 987 CE, Paris officially became the capital of France, beginning its long journey to becoming the grand city we know today. Let’s dive into the history of Paris for kids and discover its coolest moments!
Mira says:
"Wow, Finn! Imagine building a tower so tall they thought it was ugly at first! That’s like building a Lego castle higher than your house and having someone say it doesn't match the rug. Paris is full of amazing stories like that!"
What is the Famous Eiffel Tower?
The Eiffel Tower is like the giant steel crown of Paris! It’s an iron lattice tower that stands super tall and lights up at night, which is why Paris is often called the 'City of Light.'
This incredible tower wasn't built to be a permanent landmark, though! It was built for the 1889 World’s Fair (an Exposition Universelle) to celebrate 100 years since the French Revolution.
It was designed by the company of an engineer named Gustave Eiffel, and people were shocked by how modern and different it looked! Some people even protested because they thought it would look like a 'gigantic black smokestack'!
Mind-Blowing Fact!
The Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world from 1889 until 1930, when the Chrysler Building in New York finally passed it!
The Louvre: From Fortress to Famous Art Museum
Next up is the Louvre Museum, which is one of the biggest and most famous art museums on Earth! But it didn't start as a place to see paintings.
The Louvre began way back in the 12th century as a fortress built by King Philip II to protect Paris from invaders. You can still see parts of this old castle in the basement today!
Later, in the 16th century, kings like Francis I turned it into a royal palace. It wasn't until the French Revolution in 1793 that the Louvre opened its doors to *everyone* as a public museum, sharing the nation’s treasures!
(1,083 ft) with antenna
at the Louvre Museum
How did Paris Handle Big Changes?
Paris has seen some huge moments in history, like dramatic revolutions and even wars. It shows how the city and its people are strong and keep bouncing back!
The French Revolution in the late 1700s was a time of big change when the people stood up for fairness. This period brought a lot of action right to the streets of Paris, leading to massive changes in how France was run.
The Story of Notre Dame
The Notre Dame Cathedral is another incredible piece of history. Its construction started in 1163 and took a long time, showing off a new style called Gothic architecture with its huge, pointy arches and colorful stained-glass windows.
It has survived centuries, even being rescued from ruin in the 1800s thanks to the popularity of Victor Hugo’s novel, *The Hunchback of Notre-Dame*! Even after a terrible fire in 2019, the city worked hard to rebuild it, finally reopening in 2024.
💡 Did You Know?
Paris is sometimes called the 'City of Light' not just because of its famous nighttime lighting, but also because it was a center for smart thinkers during the Age of Enlightenment in the 1700s!
🎯 Quick Quiz!
What was the original purpose of the building that is now the Louvre Museum?
Why is Paris Important Today?
Today, Paris is a global center for so much—art, fashion, food, and ideas! It shows how every old stone and new building tells a part of the story of France and the world.
When you see pictures of Paris, remember that you are looking at a city that has been important for thousands of years, surviving as a small settlement, a royal capital, and a stage for world history.
- Paris began on an island in the Seine River called Île de la Cité.
- The Roman town of Lutetia was built on the Left Bank of the river.
- During World War II, German troops occupied Paris from 1940 until 1944.
- The Eiffel Tower was meant to be temporary and was supposed to be taken down after 20 years!
The history of Paris is filled with incredible people, amazing architecture, and big moments that shaped the world we live in, making it a fascinating place to explore for all kids interested in history!
Questions Kids Ask About World History
Keep Exploring the City of Light!
From ancient forts to the world's tallest iron tower, Paris has a history that is anything but boring! We hope you enjoyed this trip through time. Keep learning about amazing cities and what made them famous!
