 Introduction
The town on the Seine originally named Lutetia by the Romans was made capital of France in the tenth century because of its important political and geographic position.
Paris has developed and grown through the ages but it has consistently attracted and inspired many visitors. Any visitor will experience a city that boasts an unparalleled combination of history, beauty and atmosphere. The centre has always been l'île de la Cité, the island in the middle of the Seine, whose imposing Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame is visited by around twelve million people a year. The city centre has a population numbering over two million yet it remains conveniently compact, with a wide array of instantly recogniseable monuments like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde and the Tuileries gardens. It also has an abundance of museums of world renown such as the vast Musée du Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée Rodin.
Then, there is also the character of the city which is just as enchanting, with the differences between the left and right banks and the contrast between the grand boulevards and the smaller side-streets. Venturing off the beaten track can reveal another Paris which is equally captivating, with life revolving around the community within each particular area, or quartier as they are known.
Links
Paris Tourist Office
All the information necessary for a stay in Paris. Includes sights, where to stay and what is going on. In English.
French government tourist office
A full description of the museums of Paris, as well as how to plan a trip to the city. In English
La Tour Eiffel, The Eiffel Tower
Additional information on the Paris landmark, featuring how the tower was the centrepiece for the New Year celebrations. In English.
Le Musée du Louvre, The Louvre
Extra information on the massive Louvre museum, with its collections, layout and access all explained in English.
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