Paris

Paris
Name	Paris
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	France
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Île-de-France
Subdivision type2	Department
Subdivision name2	Paris
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Anne Hidalgo
Area total km2	105.4
Population total	2,145,906
Population metro	13,064,617

Paris. The capital and most populous city of France, it is situated on the Seine river in the northern part of the country within the Île-de-France region. Often called the "City of Light," it is a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, science, and the arts contributes to its status as one of the world's major global cities. The city is also a leading hub for finance, diplomacy, commerce, tourism, and high-end manufacturing.

History

The area was originally settled by the Parisii, a Gallic tribe, before being conquered by the Roman Empire in 52 BC and becoming the town of Lutetia. It emerged as a major European power under the Capetian dynasty, with Philip II fortifying the city and founding the University of Paris. The city was a focal point during the French Revolution, with key events like the Storming of the Bastille and the Reign of Terror. Major transformations occurred under Baron Haussmann in the 19th century, who directed its modern architectural layout. The city endured significant events in the 20th century, including the German occupation during World War II and the liberation by the Allies and the French Resistance. More recent history includes the May 1968 events and the 2015 Paris attacks.

Geography

Located in the north-central part of France, the city is built on a bend in the Seine, which divides it into the Rive Gauche and Rive Droite. The city's topography is relatively flat, with the highest point being Montmartre, home to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur. The Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis are two natural islands in the river that form the historic heart. The city is the core of the Île-de-France region and is surrounded by the Petite Couronne and the Grande Couronne rings of suburbs. The Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes are major parks on its western and eastern edges.

Government and politics

The city is both a commune and a department, governed by the Council of Paris presided over by the Mayor of Paris, an office held by Anne Hidalgo of the Socialist Party. The city is divided into 20 arrondissements, each with its own town hall and mayor. It is the seat of the national government, hosting the official residence of the President at the Élysée Palace, the office of the Prime Minister at the Hôtel Matignon, and both houses of the French Parliament—the Senate at the Palais du Luxembourg and the National Assembly at the Palais Bourbon. Major international organizations like UNESCO and the OECD are headquartered here.

Economy

As a leading global city, it boasts a highly diversified economy dominated by services and commerce. It is a major hub for finance and insurance, centered on the La Défense business district, home to corporations like BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and AXA. The city is a global center for luxury goods and fashion, with flagship houses including LVMH, Kering, and Chanel. Tourism is a vital sector, supported by iconic landmarks, museums, and events like Paris Fashion Week. Other key industries include publishing, with the presence of Hachette, and aerospace, anchored by the headquarters of Airbus and Safran. The city hosts the Paris Stock Exchange, part of Euronext.

Culture and society

The city has been a world center for arts and ideas for centuries, fostering movements like Impressionism, Cubism, and Existentialism. Institutions like the Académie Française and the Collège de France uphold intellectual life. It is renowned for its culinary scene, from classic bistros to restaurants led by chefs like Alain Ducasse, and its café culture. The city's literary heritage is associated with figures like Victor Hugo, Honoré de Balzac, and Simone de Beauvoir. It is a major film production center, hosting the annual Cannes Film Festival (though held in Cannes) and the Cinémathèque Française. Music and performing arts thrive at venues like the Opéra Garnier, Philharmonie de Paris, and Olympia.

Landmarks and tourism

The city's skyline is defined by the Eiffel Tower, constructed for the 1889 World's Fair. Other iconic monuments include the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon, and the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. The Louvre Museum, housed in the Louvre Palace, is the world's most-visited museum and home to the Mona Lisa. The Musée d'Orsay holds a major collection of Impressionist works. The Champs-Élysées is a famed avenue, and the Moulin Rouge is a historic cabaret. Other major sites include the Centre Pompidou, the Sainte-Chapelle, and the Palais Garnier.

Category:Capitals in Europe Category:Paris Category:Communes in Paris (department)