Paris is in the Paris department of the Paris-Isle-of-France region.

The French historic, political and economic capital, with a population of only 2.5 million is located in the northern part of France.One of the most beautiful cities in the world. Home to historical monuments such as Notre Dame, the Eiffel tower (320m), Bastille, Louvre and many more. Much of the city was re-designed by Haussmann in the 19th century.

Paris has a population of more than 2 million people, and the city is divided into 20 "arrondissements" (districts) which are numbered 1 to 20.

 

The river Seine divides the city into the Rive Gauche on the south and the Rive Droite on the north banks of the river. The river is still very busy with commercial barges transporting cargo in and out.The historical name for the city is Parisii by the Gauls, however the Romans arrived in 52 B.C. and changed the name to Lutetia.

 

Many of the famous boulevards and city centre buildings where transformed by Haussmann and Napolean III (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte). The streets where made much wider, places and squares where built and the buildings completely rebuilt. The atmosphere was totally transformed, space and perspective being main ingredient such as you can see on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, whilst preserving historical buildings such as Notre Dame. This also influenced other French cities to change.

The night life is rich with the famous cabarets such as the Moulin Rouge, Lido and the Crazy Horse. Gastronomic restaurants offering cuisine of the finest are numerous and at all prices.

One of the greatest art museums in the world. Located in the heart of the French capital. The web site offers a very interesting virtual visit of the gallery.

One of the most well know land marks in the world. Built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 for the World Expo, the construction was completed after 2 years, 2 months and 5 days. Reaching a height of 324 meters, built of iron and more than 7,000 tonnes in weight.

 

Once you reach the base of the tower, it is possible to visit the three levels, there is a lift/escalator to take you to each level (but the higher you go the more it costs. If you are more adventurous and would like to avoid the queues, then walk up the metal stair case to level one and or two.