Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city of France. It sits on the River Seine, in the center of the Île-de-France region. The city covers about 105 square kilometers and has around 2.05 million residents (as of January 2025). The wider Paris area is home to about 13 million people.
Why Paris is famous
Paris is known as a global center for finance, diplomacy, culture, fashion, and food. It’s a very popular destination for visitors from around the world.
What you’ll see and do
- Landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Opéra Garnier.
- Museums: the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, and many others with collections from classical to modern art.
- Classic neighborhoods and streets that tell the city’s history and character.
- Parks and gardens: elegant spots like the Tuileries, Luxembourg Gardens, and many other green spaces.
A quick look at history
- The area started as Lutetia Parisiorum, a settlement of the Parisii, a Celtic tribe.
- It grew into a major city in the Middle Ages and became France’s capital.
- The 19th century brought Haussmann’s big urban redesign: wide boulevards, parks, and new squares.
- Paris played a key role in the French Revolution and in modern art and science.
- The city has hosted world expositions, shaped modern cinema, and remains a center for arts, learning, and culture.
- In 2019, the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire was a major event; it reopened in 2024 after restoration.
How Paris is governed
- The city is divided into 20 districts called arrondissements.
- A unified administration, Paris Centre, covers the heart of the city; the rest keeps its local leaders.
- Paris is the core of the Île-de-France region and works with surrounding towns in the larger Grand Paris project to improve planning, housing, and the environment.
Economy and work
- Paris is a services-led economy with many shops, offices, and businesses.
- It’s home to major business districts like La Défense and central offices for many big companies.
- The city attracts a lot of visitors each year, and tourism is a big part of its economy.
Transport and getting around
- Paris has one of the world’s best public transport networks: the Métro (many lines), the RER regional trains, and an extensive bus system.
- There are six main airports nearby: Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais, along with good train links to the rest of Europe.
- The city is focused on walking and biking, with many bike lanes and bike-sharing (Vélib’).
Education and culture
- Paris is home to famous universities and many cultural institutions. The historic Sorbonne is part of a larger university system today.
- The city has a strong publishing and media scene, with many newspapers, libraries, and archives.
- Paris is renowned for its fashion, cuisine, and a long tradition of cafés, theatres, and music halls.
Parks, the environment, and living in Paris
- Paris has more than 400 parks and gardens, offering green space in the heart of a busy city.
- The city is known for efforts to improve the environment and encourage walking, cycling, and public transport.
People and life
- Paris is very diverse, with people from many countries living in and around the city.
- The city offers a wide range of foods, from traditional French dishes to cuisines from around the world.
- As a cultural capital, Paris hosts numerous festivals, concerts, and performances every year.
A quick checklist
- Capital and largest city of France
- Located on the Seine in Île-de-France
- 20 arrondissements; major cultural and economic hub
- Famous landmarks, world-class museums, and historic neighborhoods
- Highly developed public transport system; major airports nearby
- Rich history, strong educational and cultural traditions, and a vibrant modern life
In short, Paris blends centuries of history with a lively present, making it a city known around the world for its beauty, ideas, and energy.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 05:27 (CET).