The Basics
City Name: Paris
Where is it located?: Paris is located in the northern third of France, in the center of the country.
Why do people go there?: Who doesn’t go to Paris? Eiffel Tower, fabulous French food, Notre Dame, Louve, Fashion…you name it, Paris has it. The golden child of Europe packs it in at a price almost everyone is willing to spring for, no matter how expensive.
How do travelers get there?: Flights from around the world are numerous. The chunnel from England and the train from Brussels or elsewhere in France is also common.
Currency: Euro
City Code: 1
Population: 2.1 million
Languages: French. And only French. Especially if you speak English.
Travel Information
Neighborhoods: The Halles-Beaubourg, The MaraisRepublique/Canal St Martin, The Tuileries, St. Germain-des-PresIle de la Cité – Ile Saint-Louis, The Latin Quarter, The Champs-Elysées, Trocadéro, The Opera district, Montmartre, Bastille, Belleville – Ménilmontant, Oberkampf
Attractions: Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louve, Fashion, Fun, Food, Shopping, Wine
Accommodations: Paris Hostels, Paris Hotels
Tourist Office: Office de Tourisme et des Congres de Paris – Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, 127, avenue des Champs-Elysees, 75008 Paris, Telephone: +33 8 36 68 31 12 (2,23 FFR/min), Fax: +33 1 49 52 5300, Web site: http://www.paris-touristoffice.com
Off-the-beaten-path: The Montmartre vineyards, Old books market, Cours Saint Emilion, The Arsenal Marina
Health Issues: There are no vaccinations officially required to enter Paris.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: During the summer, Paris is hot, crowded and uncomfortable. March and October are generally very nice months, free from the heat and the crowds that overwhelm the large cities.
Common Phrases: Yes = Oui, No = Non, Please = S’il vous plaît , Thank you = Merci, Do you speak English? = Parlez-vous l’anglais?
City Specific Events: French Holiday Fair, Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, International Women’s Film Festival, Foire de Paris, Annual Jazz Festival
How to get around?: The metro subway system will get you where you want to go, although it can be confusing at points, especially after some of that infamous French wine.
Good to know: Paris is known for its nickname, The City of Lights.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The airports mainly serving Paris are the Charles de Gaulle International Airport, Orly International Airport and Beauvais Airport. Choose the airport that is near your trip destination to obtain a cheaper flight.
Need more information?: Check out the Paris travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
