Paris, and capital of , situated in the north-central part of the country. People were living on the site of the present-day city, located along the some 233 miles (375 km) upstream from the river’s mouth on the (La Manche), by about 7600 bce. The modern city has spread from the island (the Île de la Cité) and far beyond both banks of the Seine.Paris(more)Paris occupies a central position in the rich agricultural region known as the , and it constitutes one of eight départements of the administrative region. It is by far the country’s most important centre of commerce and culture. Area city, 41 square miles (105 square km); , 890 square miles (2,300 square km). Pop. (2020 est.) city, 2,145,906; (2020 est.) urban agglomeration, 10,858,874. Character of the city For centuries Paris has been one of the world’s most important and attractive cities. It is appreciated for the opportunities it offers for business and commerce, for study, for culture, and for entertainment; its gastronomy, haute couture, painting, literature, and intellectual community especially enjoy an enviable reputation. Its sobriquet “the City of Light” (“la Ville Lumière”), earned during the , remains appropriate, for Paris has retained its importance as a centre for education and intellectual pursuits. Paris’s site at a crossroads of both water and land routes significant not only to France but also to has had a continuing influence on its growth. Under Roman administration, in the 1st century bce, the original site on the Île de la Cité was designated the capital of the Parisii tribe and territory. The Frankish king had taken Paris from the Gauls by 494 ce and later made his capital there. Under (ruled 987–996) and the the preeminence of Paris was firmly established, and Paris became the political and cultural hub as modern France took shape. France has long been a highly centralized country, and Paris has come to be identified with a powerful central state, drawing to itself much of the talent and vitality of the provinces. Paris,, Paris (French pronunciation: ⓘ) is the capital and largest city of France. With an estimated population of 2,048,472 residents in January 2025 [3] in an area of more than 105 km 2 (41 sq mi), [4] Paris is the fourth-most populous city in the European Union and the 30th most densely populated city in the world in 2022. [5], If you've been dreaming of a visit to the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Moulin Rouge, plan your trip with these expert recommendations for things to do in Paris..