Paris, France

The Paris region is France's centre of economic activity. It produces more than a quarter of France's wealth, with a GDP of %u20AC478.7 billion (US$595.3 billion) in 2005. the Paris urban area (unité urbaine) also hosts the head offices of almost half of the major French companies, as well as the offices of major international firms. Paris is a leading cultural, business and political centre and has an influence in fashion, gastronomy and the arts. It is regarded as one of the major global cities, with the headquarters of international organisations such as UNESCO, the OECD, the ICC, or the informal Paris Club.

The city, which is renowned for its neo-classical architecture, hosts many museums and galleries and has an active nightlife. The symbol of Paris is the 324 metre (1,063 ft) Eiffel Tower on the banks of the Seine. Dubbed "the City of Light" (la Ville Lumière) since the 19th century, Paris is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. It is also the most visited city in the world with more than 30 million foreign visitors per year.

Completed in 1889, this colossal landmark, although initially hated by many Parisians, is now a famous symbol of French civic pride.

Musee du Louvre

Home to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Louvre is considered the world's greatest art museum, with an unparalleled collection of items covering the full spectrum of art through the ages.

Musee d'Orsay

This beautiful museum, once a railroad station, now houses a staggering collection of Impressionist art, as well as other items created from 1848-1914.

Notre Dame Cathedral

This famous cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture on which construction began in the 12th century, stands on the Île de la Cité and is the symbolic heart of the city.

Sacre-Coeur

Sacre-Coeur is amazing, sitting as it does at the highest point in Paris on the hill of Montmartre. As it sits at the very top of the hill, you can get great views of Paris and even better when you...