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Paris
Capital of France

Paris, the capital of France, is an important European city and a world center of art, fashion, gastronomy and culture.


 Its 19th century urban landscape is intersected by wide boulevards and the River Seine. Apart from these landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame from the 12th century, the city is famous for its café culture and designer designer shops along rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

The famous Louvre Museum houses the "Mona Lisa" by Da Vinci. The Musée d'Orsay has Impressionist works by Monet, Degas and Renoir. On the right bank of the Seine, in the neighborhood of Montmartre, is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the top of the hill, with a panoramic view. In the Marais, the clubs are located between restored mansions of the 17th century. On the left bank, there is the Latin Quarter, full of students from the Sorbonne, and the historic bohemian neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The city's outdoor cafes are an institution for casual food and people watching. Gourmet restaurants, bistros, markets and bakeries reflect other aspects of France's famous culinary heritage.

THE BEST TIME TO GO.

Paris is a year-round destination, but a common time to visit is in summer (May to July), when the weather is warmer. In June, the streets are lit with concerts for the Music Festival, and there are parades, dances and fireworks for the National Day (Bastille Day) on July 13 and 14. Many shops and restaurants close in Aug. when local residents travel on vacation. Many museums offer free tickets at the Heritage Days (Sep.). Paris also has a lot of activity during Fashion Week (Tues. to Sep.) and the World Motor Show (Oct.). Winters can be cold and wet, even snowy.