Paris facts

Paris facts: Paris, the capital of France

Paris is the capital of France, the largest country of Europe with 550 000 km2 (65 millions inhabitants).

Paris has 2.234 million inhabitants end 2011. She is the core of the Paris metropolitan area, officially known as Ile de France region (12 million people).

Founded more than 2000 years ago, Paris is a modern and vibrant city with significant commercial, cultural, academic, scientific, administrative, business activity.

Paris facts: Paris history

From the Romans to today's Vth Republic, Paris has a rich 2000 year history. See details of Paris history.

The French Kings, who governed France, from 448 until 1848, commissioned many beautiful monuments, such as Versailles Palace and the Louvre Museum.

The Catholic Church and Parisians built many great churches, including Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle.

Paris facts: Paris, a world city

Paris is a world capital city of shopping and fashion, with Chanel, Dior, Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent among many other top french fashion brands.

The French tradition of good food still prevails in many restaurants, including gastronomic restaurants and excellent family style places.

All of this turns Paris into a unique tourist city.

Paris facts: Paris, number one tourist city

Each year, 44 million tourists visit Paris and the surrounding Ile de France region. Paris is year after year the most visited city in the world.

The top Paris attractions are Disneyland Paris (15 million visitors each year), Notre Dame Catheral (13.6), Sacre Coeur (10,5), the Louvre Museum (8,8), Eiffel Tower (7), Versailles Palace (6), Centre Pompidou (5), Cite des Sciences (3).

Paris facts: geographical facts about paris

Continent: Europe
Country: France
Region: Ile de France
Coordinates: 48:51:17N 2:20:12E
Altitude: 34 meters
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: French
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET)
Paris weather

Paris facts: topography of Paris

Paris is 9 miles east to west and 6 miles north to south, giving it an area of 33.5 square miles, 86.7 square kilometers. Paris is 34 meters above sea level.

The Seine river flows through Paris from the south-east to the south-west. The north side of the river is the Right Bank, la Rive Droite, and the south side is the Left Bank, la Rive Gauche.

Paris facts: administration of Paris

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements numbered 1 to 20. The first arrondissement contains the Ile de la Cite, the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens.

The other arrondissements spiral from there in a clockwise direction. A zip code such as 75004 indicates Paris, 4th arrondissement. See map of Paris Arrondissements. Paris has one main City Hall and 20 arrondissement city halls.

Paris facts: the capital of France in history

Under the Romans, the capital of France was the city of Lyon. Paris first became the capital of France in 508 under King Clovis. After centuries with no unique capital of France, Paris retrieved its status of capital of France under King Philippe Auguste, who reigned between 1180 and 1223. You can see remains of the Philippe August Paris walls in the passageway between the Louvre parking and Louvre Museum

Paris remained the capital of France until today, with one four year interruption. During German occupation (WW2 , 1940-1944), the capital of France was Vichy.