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Introduction
Paris is the capital of France, the second largest and most populous city in Europe (after London), as well as the world's fashion capital. With over 30 million foreign visitors per year, it is the world's most visited city.
The population of Paris is approximately of 2,153,600 within city limits (20 arrondissements), and 9.93 million for the Greater Paris. The metropolitan area exceeds 12 million inhabitants, giving it a larger population than 36 of Europe's 45 countries.
The city contributes to a quarter of France's GDP. The district of La Défense is the largest purpose-built business district in Europe, and hosts the head offices of almost half of the major French companies, including 10 of the world's 100 largest companies.
Paris also hosts many international organizations such as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), or the Paris Club (an informal group of the 19 richest IMF members).
Interesting Facts about Paris
| Fun Facts about Paris |
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History
| History of Paris |
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Main Attractions
=> See all sights & attractions in Paris
Top Museums
Paris is renowned for its world-class museums, offering visitors an unparalleled cultural experience. Here are some of the top museums in the French capital:
The Louvre
The Louvre is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Parisian museums. As the world's largest and most visited art museum, it houses over 380,000 objects, including the famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and the Venus de Milo sculpture. The museum's stunning architecture, with its iconic glass pyramid, is a work of art in itself.
Musée d'Orsay
Housed in a former railway station, the Musée d'Orsay boasts the world's largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Visitors can admire works by renowned artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Renoir in this beautifully renovated Beaux-Arts building.
Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is a cultural complex that houses the Musée National d'Art Moderne, Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art. Its distinctive inside-out architecture makes it a landmark in itself, showcasing works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Warhol, among others.
Musée de l'Orangerie
Located in the Tuileries Gardens, the Musée de l'Orangerie is famous for its permanent display of Claude Monet's Water Lilies series. The museum also features works by other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists, offering a more intimate experience compared to larger museums.
Musée Rodin
Dedicated to the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin, this museum is set in a beautiful 18th-century mansion and its surrounding gardens. Visitors can admire Rodin's famous sculptures, including "The Thinker" and "The Kiss," in a serene and contemplative setting.
Petit Palais
The Petit Palais, built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. It offers a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from antiquity to the early 20th century, all within a stunning Beaux-Arts building.
Musée Picasso
Located in the historic Marais district, the Musée Picasso is dedicated to the works of Pablo Picasso. The museum's collection spans the artist's entire career, showcasing his paintings, sculptures, prints, and personal archives.
These museums represent just a fraction of Paris's rich cultural offerings. Each provides a unique perspective on art, history, and culture, making Paris a true paradise for museum enthusiasts.
Local Cuisine
Paris stands as a gastronomic paradise where traditional French cuisine meets modern culinary artistry. The city's bistros and brasseries serve iconic dishes such as steak-frites, featuring perfectly cooked entrecôte with crispy chips, and the beloved croque-monsieur, a sophisticated grilled cheese sandwich that originated in Paris in 1910. Local specialities include the hearty hachis Parmentier, a French shepherd's pie invented by Antoine-Augustin Parmentier to combat famine, and the classic French onion soup topped with melted cheese. The city is equally renowned for its exceptional pastries, with delicacies such as the Saint-Honoré cake, Paris-Brest, and the classic Parisian flan gracing the windows of countless pâtisseries. For those seeking authentic Parisian dining experiences, traditional bistros like La Poule au Pot serve quintessential French dishes including foie gras and escargot, whilst establishments such as Le Relais de Venise have become institutions famous for perfecting single dishes.
Shopping
Paris stands as one of the world's premier shopping destinations, offering an extraordinary blend of haute couture, department stores and charming boutiques. The city's shopping landscape centres around several distinct areas, each with its unique character. The Golden Triangle, formed by Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V and the Champs-Élysées, houses prestigious fashion houses like Dior, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. For a grand Parisian shopping experience, the Opéra district boasts the iconic department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, complete with stunning Art Nouveau architecture. The trendy Le Marais quarter presents a delightful mix of vintage shops, concept stores and unique boutiques, whilst Saint-Germain-des-Prés combines high-end shopping with artistic flair. For those seeking more affordable options, Rue du Commerce in the 15th arrondissement offers over 100 shops with popular brands and local boutiques, making it a favourite amongst Parisians for finding the latest trends without the hefty price tags.
Nature in and around Paris
Paris and its surrounding region offer an impressive array of natural attractions, from the vast 42,000-acre Forest of Fontainebleau with its scenic ravines and rock formations to the city's 421 municipal parks containing more than 250,000 trees. The region boasts four natural parks, which comprise 20% of the Paris Region across 270,000 hectares of plains and woodland. Within the city proper, the Bois de Vincennes stands out as a verdant haven spanning 995 hectares and housing more than 500 species of plants. The Bois de Boulogne, inspired by London's Hyde Park, offers 845 hectares of informal landscaping on Paris's western edge. For those seeking more structured natural spaces, the Luxembourg Gardens and Jardin des Plantes provide beautifully manicured environments, whilst the four regional nature parks (Vexin Français, Gâtinais Français, Oise-Pays de France, and Haute Vallée de Chevreuse) offer excellent opportunities for walking and experiencing the French countryside.
Getting Around
Paris boasts an extensive and efficient public transport network that makes navigating the French capital remarkably straightforward. The system comprises 16 Metro lines with over 300 stations serving the city proper, complemented by five RER (Regional Express Network) lines that connect Paris to the wider Île-de-France region. The transport network also features 13 tram lines operating primarily along the city's outskirts, alongside a comprehensive bus service that runs from 7am until 12:30pm on weekdays and Saturdays, with reduced service on Sundays. For late-night travel, the Noctilien night bus service operates from 12:30am to 5:30am, ensuring round-the-clock mobility. The entire network operates on an integrated ticketing system, with options ranging from single-journey tickets to the Paris Visite Pass, which offers unlimited travel for periods of 1 to 5 days. The system is particularly tourist-friendly, with colour-coded lines and clear signage throughout, though it's advisable to avoid peak hours between 8am-9:30am and 5:30pm-7pm for a more comfortable journey.
Cycling in Paris has become increasingly popular and accessible, with the city boasting over 1,000 kilometres of bike paths and lanes. The French capital is making strides to become the world's cycling capital by 2024, with plans to double its cycling infrastructure. Visitors can easily explore the city's iconic landmarks and hidden gems on two wheels, with numerous rental options available, including the popular Vélib' bike-sharing system. For those seeking a more structured experience, guided bike tours offer an excellent way to discover the city's charm. When cycling in Paris, it's essential to follow traffic rules, stay vigilant, and use designated bike lanes where possible. With its relatively flat terrain and expanding network of cycle paths, Paris offers a delightful way to experience the City of Light, whether you're a casual rider or an avid cyclist.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Paris is during the spring months of April and May or the autumn months of September and October. During these shoulder seasons, you'll encounter pleasant temperatures ranging from 16-21°C, fewer tourist crowds, and the city at its most picturesque. Spring brings cherry blossoms and flowering window boxes that add splashes of colour to the Haussmann-era facades, whilst autumn treats visitors to gorgeous fall colours and enhanced cultural offerings. These periods strike a perfect balance between comfortable weather and reasonable accommodation prices, though it's still essential to book well in advance. Whilst summer (June to August) offers long, sunny days ideal for picnicking along the Seine, it tends to be crowded and more expensive, and many establishments close in August as locals escape the city heat.