Introducation of Paris

Paris is France’s capital and largest city, straddling the river Seine in the northern centre of its country. Paris is also capital and one of eight departements of the Ile-de-France administrative region.

As one of the main cultural and political centres in Europe since the High Middle Ages, Paris contains many vestiges from its past including numerous art galleries, museums and theatres. Nicknamed “the City of Light” (la Ville Lumiere) since the 19th century, Paris also has a reputation as a “romantic” city. The most recognisable symbol of Paris is the 324 metre (1,063 ft) brown metal Eiffel Tower located on the banks of the Seine. Paris is also internationally renowned for its defining neo-classical architecture and its influence in fashion and the arts. It is often listed as one of the four major global cities along with New York, London and Tokyo, and is at present the world’s most visited city.

In addition to the head offices of nearly half of all French companies, and offices of many major international firms, Paris hosts the headquarters of many international trade and social organisations, including the OECD, ICC, and UNESCO. Paris is also one of the major financial and business centres of the world, with the largest business district of Europe (La Defense)[1], and the second-largest stock exchange in Europe (Euronext). The Ile-de-France region alone produces over a quarter of France’s wealth, with a GDP of nearly €450 billion in 2003.

The city of Paris within its administrative limits has an estimated mid-2004 population of 2,144,700, but over the last century the city has grown well beyond its administrative boundaries. Today, Paris urban area (the contiguous built-up area) has a population estimated at 9.9 million in 2005, and the population of Paris metropolitan area (including satellite cities) is estimated at 11.6 million people in 2006.

The varied populations within Paris define the city’s atmosphere just as much as its landmarks. The French establishment resides comfortably in the smart 16th arrondissement, while African and Eastern European immigrants live less lavishly in areas such as up-and-coming Belleville and the Goutte d’Or. The Jewish quarters include the shabby Sentier and trendy Marais district; the latter is also Paris’ gay center. Emerging areas include Bercy, where new flats, bars and restaurants are drawing a youthful and moneyed crowd east.

Paris is a city with a varied climate that conjures up its own seasonal delights. In summer, when the mercury rises, the locals flock to the new Paris Plage, where a riverside expressway is converted for a month between July and August into an oasis of swimming pools, sand and deckchairs. The best time to visit is, of course, during the famous Paris Spring between April and June, when the days are sunny but not too hot. The autumn and winter months are another good time to come when there are fewer crowds and snow is a rarity, but there really is no bad time to visit one of the world’s truly great cities.