In the early seventeenth century, Paris, like other European capitals, was still trapped in the shackles of the medieval past. Yet in just a hundred years it transformed into the legendary, beautiful, and thrilling city we know today. Over the centuries, Paris underwent many changes: it got rid of fortress walls, became the first city that welcomed guests instead of shutting itself away from them. It was in Paris that the first boulevards and public gardens appeared, as well as sidewalks and convenient promenade bridges. The Parisians were the first to appreciate the advantages of public transport and street lighting.
The most romantic city in the world, the capital of fashion and beauty, fine cuisine and entertainment for every taste—Paris, as before, continues to lure people from all over the globe. So what is the secret of its attraction?