Town of Paris, Maine
Source: Paris Maine Facebook
Paris, Maine Town Office
Believe it or not, Northern New England has a high percentage of people claiming French ancestry, higher than Louisana. Nouvelle-France (New France) started along the banks of the St. Lawerence River and gradually expanded into Maine territory. Early settlers picked familiar names and paid homage to their homelands—hence, Paris is named after Paris, France.
Paris, located in the western foothills, has stunning views of Mount Washington and Mount Chocorua in the White Mountains. The picturesque and fertile land is productive—apple orchards and dairy and livestock farms are some of the state’s best. The Little Androscoggin River meanders through the area and provided the power for mills that were instrumental in the area’s settlement.
Source: The Cultural Landscape Foundation
Paris Hill Commons
Exploring Paris Maine
Often you’ll hear locals refer to Paris and South Paris as the same community, and the post office doesn’t differentiate between the two. Before we explore what makes Paris unique, let’s clarify the difference between Paris and South Paris.
Technically, Paris and South Paris are the same: South Paris is the original manufacturing and commercial hub within Paris. And then there’s Paris Hill, the historic district, which is also within the town. The US Post office, perhaps to keep things simple, merged all three and called the entire area South Paris.
Paris Hill (also known as the commons) was where in 1799, the village was established. It became the county seat, and structures were built to support the community. Because there was no close power source, the town’s center shifted towards South Paris, and a second courthouse was built there in 1895. Many of the original buildings still survive and are on the National Registry of Historic Places. Today Paris Hill is a popular tourist destination spot.
Hiking and Walking in Paris
Voted Maine’s “Favorite Garden Public Garden,” the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead, an 1840s homestead that is a renowned historic garden and home to the largest collection of lilacs (over 100 varieties) in the state. Besides roaming the beautiful grounds, the Homesteads offers lectures, courses, and events for all ages.
Cornwell Nature Preserve is on historic Paris Hill and is a peaceful woodland sanctuary with three miles of trail that the entire family will enjoy. The preserve used to have barns, orchards, a pond, and an ice house but has since returned to its natural state after being gifted to the town. For more information on the preserve and other hikes in the area, check this out.
For a more challenging hike with spectacular panoramic views of nearby rugged Streaked Mountain and the White Mountains in New Hampshire, head to the top of Singepole Mountain along the Singepole Trail. There is an abandoned quarry near the top and incredible overlooking views of the nearby Hall pond.
When wandering around South Paris, be sure not to miss the Elisha F. Stone House, an excellent example of a Gothic Revival house built in 1854. And, on Paris Hill, visit the Hamlin Memorial Library & Museum, originally the Oxford County Jail, built in 1822 from granite blocks quarried in the nearby town of Oxford—indeed an interesting (and colorful) building for the town library.
Perusing the Paris Dining Scene
It’s hard to know where to begin with the eateries; there are so many excellent ones to choose from, everything from French cuisine to authentic style street tacos. If you are looking for a romantic getaway Maurice Restaurant is just the place and offers specialty French dishes (escargot) along with regional favorites (New England Pot Roast). For something a little casual, and for the entire family, there’s The Square, formerly Bean’s (established in 1942). They are cooking up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a heaping of friendly service (and generous portions) that makes you feel like you are a local (even if you aren’t).
For a modern American food experience, head on over to xVault Pub & Provisions. Formerly a bank (South Paris Savings Bank built in 1899), the bank vault was repurposed as the tap system for the bar (pretty cool)—the menu and drink list equally innovative.
And there’s a taco joint in Paris—Luchador Tacos—serving up “authentic Los Angeles street-style tacos.” And because Taco Tuesdays are for amateurs, every day of the week is Taco Tuesday.
This is just a “taste” of what’s unique about Paris (or the Paris’s of Maine)—we wish we had more space to cover all of what makes living and visiting this area memorable. There’s good news, though—we have one more to cover—keep your eyes peeled for what’s happening in West Paris.
