Paris
Paris, the City of Light, is France's capital and one of the world's most romantic and culturally rich cities. Known for its art, fashion, cuisine, and landmarks, it's the most visited city in the world.
History
Paris began as a Celtic settlement on the Ile de la Cité. It became the capital of France in the 10th century and grew into a center of art, philosophy, and revolution. The city was redesigned by Haussmann in the 19th century, creating its characteristic boulevards and uniform architecture.
Famous for
How to reach
By air: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Orly Airport (ORY). By rail: Gare du Nord (Eurostar from London), Gare de Lyon (from Marseille/Lyon).
Nearby attractions
Emergency contacts
About
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts) spiraling from the center. The Louvre is the world's largest museum. The Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair, remains the city's symbol. Montmartre is the historic artist quarter with Sacre-Coeur basilica offering panoramic views.
The Latin Quarter houses the Sorbonne university and narrow medieval streets. Le Marais is a trendy area with boutiques and the Picasso Museum. The city's cafe culture is legendary, with sidewalk cafes serving espresso, wine, and people-watching.
Paris is also a gastronomic capital. From Michelin-starred restaurants to neighborhood bistros, patisseries with perfect croissants, and fromageries with hundreds of cheeses, the food scene is extraordinary. The metro system is one of the best in the world.