Paris is the capital of France, located in northern central France along a northward-bending arc of the River Seine, which includes two islands: Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité. The mouth of the Seine River is 375 kilometers downstream from the city on the English Channel. Paris spans both banks of the river, with its lowest point at 35 meters above sea level. The city is relatively flat, with some prominent hills, the highest being Montmartre at 130 meters. Paris is the second most expensive city in the world, driven by high salaries and real estate prices.
Founded in 259 BC by the Celtic tribe Parisi, the city was originally settled on the banks of the Seine. In 52 BC, the Romans established a Gallo-Roman town called Lutetia, which was renamed Paris in the fourth century. Today, Paris is a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture, featuring landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
Paris has a population of 2.2 million and is divided into two main areas: the Urban area, covering 2,853 square kilometers, and the Metro area, covering 18,940 square kilometers. The current mayor is Anne Hidalgo. The French national flag, featuring red, blue, and white, symbolizes the monarchy. Known as “the City of Love” for its romantic atmosphere, Paris is also nicknamed “the City of Light” due to its pivotal role during the Age of Enlightenment and its literal illumination.
Paris is generally a safe city to visit, though tourists should be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas. Major attractions include the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Seine River, the Arc de Triomphe, and the city’s renowned fashion scene. The official language is French, and the currency is the Euro.
The city is served by two international airports: Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Charles de Gaulle is the second busiest airport in Europe, accommodating international flights from airlines such as Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Emirates, Kuwait Airways, and Etihad Airways. Notable neighborhoods in Paris include Montmartre, Belleville, Haut Marais, Montorgueil, and Canal Saint-Martin.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Paris, with cycling, rugby, and tennis also being widely enjoyed. The city has hosted numerous international sports events throughout its history.
Weather in Paris
Paris enjoys mostly mild weather throughout the year, experiencing four distinct seasons. July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 19.8°C, while January is the coldest, averaging 4.3°C. October sees temperatures around 11°C. During summer, temperatures can reach up to 25°C, whereas winter temperatures average around 8°C. Light showers are common during the day but typically clear up quickly.
December is the rainiest month in Paris, though snowfall is rare, with the city typically experiencing about 15 snow days per year. The best times to visit Paris are from June to August and September to October, with the period from June to August being particularly ideal due to the warm and pleasant weather.
Nightlife in Paris
Paris is very safe at night, allowing people to enjoy its vibrant nightlife. The city’s nightlife is among the best in the world, offering a variety of experiences from Pigalle to the Latin Quarter. Parisian nightlife features an array of attractions including restaurants, movies, theaters, concerts, and unique excursions like riverboat tours and Eiffel Tower visits.
Popular nighttime activities include strolling along the Seine River, watching a cabaret show, admiring the Eiffel Tower light show, taking a classic Seine River cruise, and enjoying a glass of wine in a cozy wine bar. Le Marais is a popular area for nightlife, especially among the younger generation of Parisians.
However, some areas are best avoided, particularly for women and solo travelers. These include Les Halles, Pigalle, Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, and Jaurès. Despite these precautions, Paris remains a wonderful city to explore after dark, with plenty of safe and exciting options.
