Overview:
Paris is the capital and most-populous city of France (pop. 2,241,346 in 2014). Situated on the Seine River, in the north of the country, it is has an area of 40.7 square miles.
Paris is the home of the most visited art museum in the world, the Louvre, as well as the Musée d'Orsay, noted for its collection of French Impressionist art, and the Musée National d'Art Moderne, a museum of modern and contemporary art. The notable architectural landmarks of Paris include Notre Dame Cathedral (12th century); the Sainte-Chapelle (13th century); the Eiffel Tower (1889); and the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur on Montmartre (1914).
What to Experience:
- Museums: Paris is home of some of the world's most amazing museums, including Musee d'Orsay, Musee Rodin, and Musee du Louvre
- Landmarks: Iconic landmarks and structure include the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Palace of Versaille
- Food: There are more than 9000 restaurants in Paris, including 9 Michelin 3-star restaurants, as well as hundreds of cafes, bistros, and brasseries (see Top Restaurants in France)
- Shopping: Stroll along the Champs-Elysees, window shop on Rue Saint-Honore, and peruse the Marche Aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
Insider Tips:
- Museum Pass: A Paris Pass provides access to over 60 world famous museums, art galleries, and monuments - available for 2, 4, or 6 day durations
- Metro: The métro (subway) goes just about everywhere for €1.70 a ride (a carnet, or "pack" of 10 tickets, is €13.70); tickets also work on buses and trams and the RER train line within Paris
- Museums: National museums are free the first Sunday of each month