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Paris

Paris is the capital and largest city of France, located on the river Seine in the centre of the Île-de-France region. Nicknamed the "City of Light", it has been one of the world's major centres of finance, diplomacy, commerce, culture, fashion, and gastronomy since the 17th century.

Photo: Yann Caradec from Paris, France (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Quick facts

Population
2,133,111 (city, 2021)
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
French
Timezone
CEST (UTC+2)
Local time now
19:13:39

Hotels in Paris

Paris offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. From classic establishments like Bourgogne et Montana Hôtel and Hôtel de Varenne to boutique properties such as Le Bellechasse Saint-Germain, visitors can find hotels throughout the city's distinctive neighbourhoods. See all hotels →

4 ★
Bourgogne et Montana Hôtel
189 m from centre
Hôtel d'Orsay
281 m from centre
Hôtel de Varenne
294 m from centre

Airports in Paris

Paris is served by several airports and aviation facilities. Major airports include Aéroport de Paris-Orly and Aéroport de Paris - Le Bourget, alongside military and specialist aviation sites such as Base aérienne 107 Villacoublay and Aérodrome de Saint-Cyr-l'École. See all airports →

Base aérienne 107 Villacoublay - Sous-lieutenant René Dorme
13.2 km from centre
Aéroport de Paris - Le Bourget
14.1 km from centre
Aéroport de Paris-Orly
14.6 km from centre

Car Hire in Paris

Paris offers several car hire options for visitors and residents alike. Major providers such as Hertz, SIXT, Goselftours, and Globe Location Autos & Camions are available to suit different travel needs and budgets. See all car hire →

Hertz
1.2 km from centre
SIXT
1.4 km from centre
Goselftours
1.5 km from centre
Sixt
1.5 km from centre

Things to Do in Paris

Paris offers an endless array of activities for visitors, from exploring historic chapels like Chapelle des Catéchismes to discovering cultural institutions such as Musée social. Whether you're interested in architecture, art, or simply wandering the charming streets, Paris has something to captivate every traveler. See all things to do →

César Franck
16 m from centre
Hôtel de Broglie
122 m from centre
Chapelle des Catéchismes
126 m from centre
Musée social
173 m from centre
Dix Solférino
246 m from centre
Flood Marking
257 m from centre

Restaurants in Paris

Paris offers diverse dining experiences across its neighborhoods. From Japanese cuisine at Hana to traditional French bistros like Le Basilic and Club des Poètes, the city's restaurant scene caters to every palate and occasion. See all restaurants →

Mon Square
french · 24 m from centre
Hana (resto & épices japonaises)
145 m from centre
Le Basilic
french · 159 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Paris

Paris offers a variety of swimming facilities for residents and visitors, from public pools like Bassin-école Grange-aux-Belles and Pateaugeoire to specialized venues including an Olympic 50m pool and dedicated diving pool. Whether you're looking for recreational swimming or competitive facilities, Paris has options to suit different needs. See all swimming pools →

Bassin-école Grange-aux-Belles
4.1 km from centre
Pateaugeoire
6.3 km from centre
Olympic 50m pool
7.6 km from centre

Spas in Paris

Paris offers a variety of spa experiences for visitors seeking relaxation and wellness. From established venues like Spa Belle Juliette to unique retreats such as Les Jardins Suspendus, the city provides options for rejuvenation and self-care. See all spas →

Spa Belle Juliette
1.3 km from centre
Les Jardins Suspendus
4.8 km from centre

Nightlife in Paris

Paris offers a dynamic nightlife scene with a diverse range of venues catering to different tastes and atmospheres. From intimate bars to popular clubs, establishments like Jangal, La Peña, Ava Club, Castel, and La Nuit represent the variety of evening entertainment available throughout the city. See all nightlife →

Jangal
1.2 km from centre
La Peña
1.3 km from centre
Ava Club
1.3 km from centre

Bars in Paris

Paris offers a diverse selection of bars where you can enjoy a drink in the heart of the city. Whether you're looking for a casual spot like Le Drop Café or Café Concorde, or seeking a more upscale experience at HÔme Bar or La Demesure Sur Seine - Ouest, Paris has something for every taste. See all bars →

Le Drop Café
209 m from centre
Café Concorde
261 m from centre
HÔme Bar
324 m from centre

Cafes in Paris

Paris is renowned for its vibrant cafe culture, offering everything from classic French bistros to cosy neighbourhood spots. Whether you're seeking a traditional creperie, a quiet corner for coffee, or a lively atmosphere, Paris cafes like Le Café Suédois, Creperie Saladerie, Au Petit Palais, Le Solférino, and Rollet Pradier showcase the city's diverse dining scene. See all cafes →

Le Café Suédois
143 m from centre
Creperie Saladerie
196 m from centre
Au Petit Palais
198 m from centre

Shopping in Paris

Paris offers world-class shopping across iconic department stores and charming markets. From the historic Le Bon Marché and Carrousel du Louvre to specialized shops like Deyrolle and vibrant street markets such as Saint-Honore Market, the city provides diverse retail experiences for every taste. See all shopping →

Nature & Wildlife in Paris

Paris offers numerous green spaces and natural areas where visitors can escape the urban landscape. From the peaceful squares like Square Samuel Rousseau and Square d'Ajaccio to verdant gardens such as Jardin de l'Abondance and Potager, the city provides plenty of opportunities to connect with nature. See all nature & wildlife →

Square Samuel Rousseau
29 m from centre
Square d'Ajaccio
429 m from centre
Place Gabriel García Márquez
586 m from centre
Potager
614 m from centre
Jardin de l'Abondance
682 m from centre
Square Santiago du Chili
693 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Paris experiences a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and warm summers. Spring and autumn are pleasant seasons with moderate temperatures, while winter months can be cold and rainy.

Interesting Facts About Paris — Weird & Wonderful

  • Paris is nicknamed the 'City of Light', partly because of its role in the Age of Enlightenment.
  • The city is the fourth-most populous city in the European Union.
  • Bastille Day on 14 July features a flypast over the Champs-Élysées by the Patrouille de France, a military parade, and fireworks displays including a spectacular show at the Eiffel Tower.
  • Paris-Plages transforms the Right Bank of the Seine into a temporary beach during summer.
  • The Carnaval de Paris is one of the oldest festivals in the city, dating back to the Middle Ages.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Paris

14 July
Bastille Day
A celebration of the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the biggest festival in the city. Features a military parade on the Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde, a flypast by the Patrouille de France, and evening fireworks displays.
Paris-Plages
A festive summertime event when the Right Bank of the Seine is converted into a temporary beach.
Journées du Patrimoine
A yearly festival celebrating heritage and culture in Paris.
Fête de la Musique
A yearly music festival celebrated across Paris.
Carnaval de Paris
One of the oldest festivals in Paris, dating back to the Middle Ages.
Nuit Blanche
A yearly festival featuring all-night cultural events and art installations throughout the city.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paris

What currency is used in Paris?

The Euro (€) is the official currency of Paris, as France is part of the European Union.

What language is spoken in Paris?

French is the official language spoken in Paris and throughout France.

What is the population of Paris?

The city of Paris has a population of approximately 2.04 million, with a metropolitan population of 13.2 million as of January 2026.

What region is Paris located in?

Paris is located in the centre of the Île-de-France region and sits on the river Seine.

What is Paris known for?

Paris is a world-renowned centre of finance, diplomacy, commerce, culture, fashion, and gastronomy, earning it the nickname 'City of Light'.

Map of Paris

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