Why visit
Paris needs no introduction. The Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Notre-Dame (rebuilt 2024), Marais boulevards, and a café scene still worth the cliché. Expand to the banlieue for a more layered trip.
Paris at a glance
City population
2.1 million
Metro: 12.3 million
Elevation
35 m
115 ft
Time zone
UTC+1 (UTC+2 DST)
Europe/Paris
Airport
CDG
Charles de Gaulle International
Founded
c. 250 BCE (Parisii)
Getting around
Metro (16 lines) + RER + buses + Vélib bikeshare
Signature dish
Steak-frites, croque-monsieur, pain au chocolat
Neighborhoods for travelers
Le MaraisSaint-GermainMontmartreCanal Saint-Martin
France at a glance
Country center
46.0°, 2.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
551,695 km²
213,011 mi²
Country population
64.8 million
117/km²
Subregion
Western Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+33
Language
French
Demonym
French
Internet
.fr
UN
Member state
ISO code
FR / FRA
Where in the world
46.0° · 2.0°
France
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Did you know
- The Louvre is the most-visited museum in the world with over 8.7 million annual visitors before 2020.
- The Eiffel Tower grows about 15 cm taller in summer because heat expands the iron.
- Paris has only one stop sign in the entire city. Priority to the right handles the rest.
- France is the most-visited country in the world: around 90 million tourists annually.
- The Eiffel Tower was meant to be temporary: built for the 1889 World's Fair and only kept because it made a good radio antenna.
Bordering France
Traveler notes
- Métro pass (Navigo Easy) saves hassle
- Louvre is free first Saturday evenings
- Pastries deserve a tour of their own
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Paris
What currency is used in Paris?
Paris uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in France?
The primary language is French.
What is the international calling code for France?
The calling code is +33.
What airport serves Paris?
Charles de Gaulle International (IATA: CDG).
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