Paris, France

Paris, France

The Seine, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean, frames the geography and history of the French capital.

The metropolitan area of Paris is located in the province and region of Île-de-France, and is the headquarters of the French State powers.

Paris City is the most visited city in the world, according to the World Tourism Organisation, Paris is the paradigm of a city in terms of aesthetic norms and a destination which no self respecting traveler can afford to miss. There are cities of such beauty and with such high standards of living that it is difficult to bring to mind one significant building or monument. The French capital, however, has probably the most international urban symbol in the world, the Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower

Designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel for the Paris International Exposition of 1889, for 40 years the Eiffel Tower held the title of tallest construction in the world and is the symbol of the city today. 

Notre Dame

Located in the heart of the Cite island and begun in 1163, this cathedral, with its high naves, towers, supports and flying buttresses, is the most famous Gothic temple in the world.

Arc de Triomphe

Napoleon promised his army that they would return home 'under triumphal arches' if they were victorious in the battle of Austerlitz. The Emperor fulfilled his promise and ordered the construction of this Neoclassical archway.

The Louvre

Opened during the middle of the French Revolution, the Louvre houses the most important art collection in the world, including works such as La Gioconda (The Mona Lisa), by Leonardo da Vinci. It is located in the old Louvre place.