The City of Paris
Paris is the capital city of France situated on the
banks of the river Seine in north-central France, it is also the capital of the
Île-de-France région in France (also known as "Paris Region"), which encompasses
Paris and its suburbs .
Paris is a leading cultural, business and political
centre and has an influence in fashion, gastronomy and the arts. It is regarded
as one of the major global cities with the headquarters of international
organisations such as UNESCO, the OECD and Development, the International
Chamber of Commerce, or the informal Paris Club.
The city, which is renowned for its defining
neo-classical architecture, hosts many museums and galleries and has an active
nightlife. The most recognisable symbol of Paris is the 324 metre Eiffel Tower
on the banks of the Seine. Dubbed "the City of Light" (la Ville Lumière) since
the 19th Century, Paris is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful and
romantic cities in the world. It is also the most visited city in the world with
more than 30 million foreign visitors per year.
Paris is home to an estimated population of 2,144,700.
with the Paris metropolitan area (including satellite towns) standing at
approximately 12 million and is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in
Europe.
The Paris region is France's most dynamic centre of
economic activity. It produces more than a quarter of France's wealth, with a
gross domestic
product of €478.7 billion in 2005. With La Défense, the largest
purpose-built business district in Europe, the Paris urban area also hosts the
head offices of almost half of the major French companies, as well as the
offices of major international firms.
For detailed information on all aspects of your visit
to Paris the offical website offers entertainment (Whats on) and tour details,
practical information on Paris including maps and guides to restaurants,
shopping and transport.
