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Paris, the capital of France
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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, 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
23:19:17

Hotels in Paris

Paris offers a wide range of hotels to suit every traveler. From elegant properties like Hôtel de Varenne and Hôtel du Palais Bourbon to distinctive boutique options such as Le Bellechasse Saint-Germain, you'll find quality accommodations throughout the city's most desirable neighborhoods. 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 air facilities, including Aéroport de Paris-Orly and Aéroport de Paris - Le Bourget, along with smaller aerodromes and military bases that support aviation across the region. 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 a range of car hire options for visitors and locals alike. Major providers such as Hertz, SIXT, Goselftours, and Globe Location Autos & Camions operate throughout the city, providing convenient access to vehicles for exploring the capital and beyond. 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 exceptional range of attractions for visitors. From historic chapels like the Chapelle des Catéchismes to cultural institutions such as the Musée social, the city provides countless ways to experience its rich heritage and vibrant character. 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 Hana's Japanese cuisine to traditional spots like Le Basilic and Café des Ministères, 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 pools for residents and visitors, from recreational facilities like Bassin-école Grange-aux-Belles and Pateaugeoire to dedicated Olympic and diving pools. Whether you're looking for a casual swim or specialized training facilities, the city's aquatic centers provide options across different neighborhoods. 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 range of luxurious spas where visitors can unwind and rejuvenate. Notable establishments include Spa Belle Juliette and Les Jardins Suspendus, providing wellness experiences in the heart of the city. See all spas →

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

Nightlife in Paris

Paris comes alive after dark with a diverse nightlife scene featuring everything from intimate bars to energetic clubs. Venues like Castel, Ava Club, La Nuit, Jangal, and La Peña offer distinct atmospheres for an unforgettable evening in the City of Light. 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 for every taste, from casual cafés to sophisticated cocktail lounges. Venues like Le Drop Café, Café Concorde, HÔme Bar, and La Demesure Sur Seine showcase the city's vibrant nightlife and social scene. 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 offers a wonderful selection of cafes where you can experience the city's café culture. From traditional establishments like Le Solférino and Au Petit Palais to speciality venues such as Le Café Suédois and Creperie Saladerie, there are plenty of options to enjoy a coffee, meal, or light refreshment. 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 diverse shopping experiences, from grand department stores like Le Bon Marché and the Carrousel du Louvre to charming local markets such as Saint-Honore Market. Whether you seek luxury fashion on prestigious streets or unique finds at specialist shops like Deyrolle and Beaupassage, the city caters to every taste and budget. See all shopping →

Nature & Wildlife in Paris

Paris offers numerous natural retreats amidst urban life, from peaceful squares like Square Samuel Rousseau and Square d'Ajaccio to verdant spaces such as Jardin de l'Abondance. These parks and gardens provide respite and opportunities to experience the city's connection to 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 four distinct seasons with mild to cool temperatures throughout the year. Winters are cool and damp, while summers are warm and pleasant, with spring and autumn offering comfortable transitional weather ideal for sightseeing.

Interesting Facts About Paris — Weird & Wonderful

  • Paris is nicknamed the 'City of Light' partly because of its role in the Age of Enlightenment.
  • Bastille Day on 14 July features the Patrouille de France performing a flypast over the Champs-Élysées.
  • The Carnaval de Paris, one of the oldest festivals in the city, dates back to the Middle Ages.
  • Paris-Plages transforms the Right Bank of the Seine into a temporary beach during summer.
  • The metropolitan area of Paris has a population of 13.2 million as of January 2026.

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, a parade of military units and equipment, and evening fireworks displays, with the most spectacular at the Eiffel Tower.
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 Paris's heritage and cultural sites.
Fête de la Musique
An annual celebration of music held throughout Paris.
Carnaval de Paris
One of the oldest festivals in Paris, dating back to the Middle Ages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paris

What currency is used in Paris?

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency used in Paris, as France is a member of the Eurozone.

What language is spoken in Paris?

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

What is Paris's population?

Paris has a city 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 on the river Seine.

Why is Paris called the 'City of Light'?

Paris is nicknamed the 'City of Light' partly because of its role in the Age of Enlightenment and its significance as a global centre of culture and learning.

Map of Paris

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