+10Paris is the capital and most populous city of France, situated in the north-central part of the country within the Île-de-France region. It is a major global metropolis and a leading center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. The city is internationally renowned for its architectural landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, and its role as a hub for European history and diplomacy.
The city's core, the Île de la Cité, was settled in the 3rd century BC by the Parisii, a Celtic tribe. Paris is characterized by its distinctive 19th-century Haussmannian architecture, with buildings made of cream-colored Lutetian limestone. The city's banks of the Seine are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its current purpose is as the political, economic, and cultural capital of France, hosting national government institutions, corporate headquarters, and world-famous museums.
Paris is a major international transportation hub. It is served by two international airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, and is a central node in the European high-speed rail network. The city has an extensive and dense public transportation system, including the Metro, buses, and RER commuter trains. Road access is provided by a comprehensive network of highways. Tourist infrastructure is highly developed, with numerous information centers, well-maintained paths, and signage. The city is accessible year-round, though some attractions may have limited hours or require advance booking.
Paris features a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and warm summers. The landscape is predominantly urban and man-made, centered around the River Seine which flows through the city. The city's natural elements are primarily curated, such as the formal gardens of the Tuileries and the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes woodlands on its outskirts. The level of human influence on the environment is absolute, with the natural topography having been extensively modified over centuries of development.
Originally a Celtic settlement known as Lutetia, it was conquered by the Romans in 52 BC and later renamed Paris. It became the capital of the Frankish Kingdom under Clovis I in 508. The city grew in importance throughout the Middle Ages and became a center of European learning and art. Paris was the epicenter of the French Revolution in the late 18th century. The city underwent a massive transformation in the mid-19th century under Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann, who created the wide boulevards and modern urban plan that define it today.