Paris is the capital and largest city of France; it is located on the Seine River and includes two islands, the Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité. The estimated population in Paris proper is 2.2 million, but it is closer to 10 million in the metropolitan area. It is one of the world’s major global cities with top business and cultural centers. It is nicknamed the light city and is one of the most popular tourist attractions with over 45 million visitors a year.

 

 

History

The city was named Luteti Parisiorum during the Roman rule in the first through sixth century, but it was renamed to Paris when Julian the Apostate ruled from 360-363. Since the early 20th century, Paris has been called Paname, a French slang word used by many young people. Paris’ greatest developments were brought by the Industrial Revolution, the French Second Empire, and the Belle Époque in the 19th century. It also hosted the famous Universal Expositions of the late nineteenth century.

 

Art & Museums

Paris’ museums and monuments are very popular attractions. The Eiffel Tower is Paris’ most well known landmark, other famous landmarks are the 12th century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The top three museums famous for architecture and art: Musee du Louvre, Musee du Orsay, and Centre Pompidou. There are other small museums as well as famous operas houses, ballets, theatres, and several yearly music festivals.

 

Nightlife

Paris’ nightlife is very exciting and there are many things for tourists to do to enjoy themselves. There are 8 nightlife districts that include relaxed bar-cafes, dance clubs, jazz clubs, music places, and cabaret venues. The districts are: Oberkampf, Bastille, Marais, Champs-Elysées, Montmartre and Pigalle, Saint-Germain-des-Près, and Belleville. The districts offer many different attractions; there is something for everyone to do in Paris’ nightlife.

 

How to get there

There are many ways to get to Paris, as it is an international trade centre and has a well-developed transportation system with a train system, light rail system, bicycle sharing system, motorway network, and a new ferry service. Paris is a central hub for the national rail network with 6 major railway stations and the Métro is Paris' most important train transportation system. Paris has three orbital freeways, the Périphérique, the A86, and the Francilienne motorways. Paris also has two major airports, the Orly Airport and Charles de Gaulle International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in the world.