Paris, Idaho

Paris was settled in 1863 by a group of Mormon pioneers led by LDS Apostle Charles C. Rich, who settled down in Paris and died there 10 years later. The pioneers chose a place on the western side of Bear River Valley, up the hill on dry land above Dingle Swamp. The first few years were very hard because the higher altitude and north-south valley orientation meant colder winters and mild summers. Eventually, they got it figured out and the farming and cattle ranching turned out to be pretty good.

The largest building in town is the newly refurbished (2005-2006) Bear Lake Stake Tabernacle, built large enough to seat 4 times the present population of Paris. This impressive sandstone structure was built by the pioneers in 1889. Arthur Taylor built his house in Paris in 1890, and both constructions were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

US Highway 89 through Paris is part of the Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway.