French history condensed version.

We are at the Bastille, the site of the French prison that was stormed at the start of the French Revolution in 1789. The commoners came to protest the lack of food and gain the attention of the king. Now there is a statue and the French celebrate Bastille Day on July 14 in their version of a Independence Day 

At the Bastille, Stephane gave us a condensed French history in how Paris was constantly invaded. The first tribe to live in Paris was the Parisii and the Gaulois.  We learned about why Paris started on an island - for food and defense. The Romans conquer the tribe and being in the forum, the hot baths and city organization. After the fall of the Romans we have the Huns and then the Francs who bring the first french king, Claudus. Next invasion is the Vikings along the rivers who raid and pillage the town for 200 years. Then William the Conqueror from England invades as part of the 100 years war. After the French Revolution we hear about Napolean and his fall in the early 1800s. More European conflicts ensue through the World Wars.  The last invasion - the tourist invasion. More than 40 million a year visit - the number one city!