Created from scratch in 1800 by the first President of the United States on the swampy plains between the northern and southern states, the City of Washington District of Columbia has much more to offer than just being the federal capital. It is the administrative city, home of the President of the United States (the White House), the seat of the American Congress (the Capitol) and the Defense (the Pentagon), and is also home to many embassies and major international organizations such as the IMF and the World Bank. Less hectic than New York, less historic than Boston, less sunny than L.A. or Miami, the American capital still knows how to seduce its visitors, especially during the national holiday and the great parade on July 4 that celebrates the country's birth.
An appointment with History
In 1787, the members of the Constitutional Convention meeting in Philadelphia decided to create a federal capital whose exclusive jurisdiction would be vested in Congress. The southern states advocate the creation of a site next to the Potomac River, while the northern states see it more towards the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. Finally, on July 17, 1790, President George Washington decided to create the capital next to the Potomac. While Washington D.C. is under construction, Congress meets in Philadelphia, the provisional capital, for ten years. Washington himself chose the site, in collaboration with the French architect Charles L'Enfant and the self-taught mathematician Benjamin Banneker, but died before its construction. After the civil war, Washington expanded, and Georgetown and the surrounding rural areas were added to the original plan.
Today, the history of the American city is written on the National Mall, the long rectangle between Lincoln Memorial (along the Potomac River) and the Capitol (via the Washington Monument). Originally intended to be the heart of the city, it is now a district dedicated to museums and monuments. And it is on the lawn in front of the Capitol that many historic gatherings were held (mobilization against the Vietnam War, speeches by Martin Luther King or Barack Obama to take the oath and officially become the 44th President of the United States in particular)
A little further away, in Virginia, you can also touch on the history of a nation under construction with the historic cities of Williamsburg and Yorktown, where time seems to have stood still at the time of the founding of the 13 colonies that would become the United States of America. Some preserved battlefields also recall the dark days of the Civil War
A cultural destination...
Here, more than anywhere else in the country, the visitor will be delighted with a plethora of cultural activities. Washington has priceless treasures in its many museums, the most famous of which belong to the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian museums are located on both sides of the Mall. This institution was created in 1846 thanks to the legacy of the English scientist James Smithson (who had never been to the United States before) with the aim of promoting and disseminating knowledge and culture. Today, it has 19 museums and 7 research centres located in Washington D.C. and its surroundings. The administrative headquarters of the Smithsonian Institution is also located on the Mall (since 1855), in the Smithsonian Institution Building also called The Castle because it looks like a castle. It also acts as an information centre for visitors. The number of exhibits in all these museums now exceeds... 142 million! Some of the must-see museums include the National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of American Indian. In addition, the vast majority of them are free, which is a highlight of the capital whether you travel alone, with a partner or with children.
Of course, we will also have to go for a ride in Downtown. The highlight of the visit is of course a tour in front of the White House. A small selfie to do like all the tourists from all over the world who crowd in front of the gates and we can then walk at the back in the large Ellipse park. A visit to museums and other buildings near the White House is also worth a visit. And who knows, perhaps you will have the chance to see the American President..
... and eclectic
In this part of the United States, there is no risk of getting bored! Thus, the eclecticism of the districts of D.C. will allow you to stroll between the very chic and university Georgetown, the African-American district of U Street with its multiple jazz clubs or Columbia Heights and its Latin accents. Similarly, if you move a little further away from the capital, you will discover the sumptuous bay of Chesapeake and its immense estuary; or Virginia's national parks, less than an hour's drive away. In short, it is the ideal place to combine a cultural and city getaway with a more nature-oriented break
Happy 4th July!
The July 4th celebrations are an event not to be missed if you are planning to pack your bags in Washington this summer. To celebrate the declaration of independence of the 13 North American colonies on July 4, 1776, a spectacular parade was organized on Constitution Avenue, between 7th Street and 17th Street. This colourful and musical celebration, with its warm and family atmosphere and joyful patriotism, is obviously a very important event for all Americans. Parades of bands, military vehicles, politicians and red, blue and white flags everywhere, it is in a joyful hubbub that all this small world passes by in front of the great monuments of American history before finishing at the Lincoln Memorial. After reading the declaration of Independence at Union Station, a concert and a fireworks display are scheduled for the night. An unmissable event!
Smart info
When? When? Of course, you can visit the American capital all year round. The most pleasant periods to visit the city are undoubtedly spring and September/October when the Indian summer rages. On the other hand, these are the most tourist seasons. Unfortunately, prices are suffering and rising disproportionately. To celebrate Independence Day, see you on July 4th. Here too, prices are skyrocketing.
Getting there. Average price of a Paris-Washington flight: between €650 and €1,000. Count between 8am and 8.30am with a direct flight.
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Useful. To prepare your trip as well as possible.
PARADE OFFICIAL SITE - More information on the website
WASHINGTON D.C. TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the website
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