It is the commercial and industrial focus of France and a cultural and intellectual centre of international renown. 

The city possesses an indefinable unity of atmosphere that has fascinated writers, poets, and painters for centuries. 

Paris is sometimes called the City of Light in tribute to its intellectual pre-eminence as well as to its beautiful appearance.

On all sorts of levels Paris  is a  historical, architectural and  cultural place which makes it a fascinating city.  

Tourists enjoy the view of the colossal landmark,  the Eiffel Tower which is now a famous symbol of French civic pride. Paris is one of the world's great cities and is easy to negotiate even on the first visit.

There are more than 80 museums and perhaps 200 art galleries in Paris. The ring roads roughly follow the line of the 19th-century city walls and within them are most of the well-known sights, shops and entertainments. 

Beyond the ring roads is an industrial and commercial belt, then a broad ring of suburbs, mostly of recent construction. Paris cannot be approached without expectations and preconceptions.

For some, it represents a city of romance. The history of Paris can be uncovered throughout its distinctive districts. The varied populations within Paris define the city’s atmosphere just as much as its landmarks. 

The city handles a great volume of shipping and there are now 16 principle metro lines and a high-speed express subway system servicing the suburbs. Paris is also the hub of the national rail system, with high-speed trains connecting it to most major European cities.

Paris is the centre of many major newspapers and periodicals, as well as all the major French radio and television stations. Elegant stores and hotels, lavish night-clubs, theatres, and gourmet restaurants help make tourism the biggest industry in Paris. 

Other leading industries manufacture luxury articles, high-fashion clothing, perfume, and jewellery. Heavy industry, notably automobile manufacture, is located in the suburbs. 

About one quarter of the French labor force is concentrated in the Paris area.