Where is Paris?

So where exactly is Paris? Located strategically, the city is in northern central France, surrounded by lush natural beauty and fantastic historical cities. It lies on the Seine River, which runs in a curve between Paris, and divides it into two parts. Paris is the centre of one of France’s most important region, the Île-de-France. It was originally called the région parisienne but the name was changed to Île-de-France. The climate of Paris is mild, since it is affected by the North Atlantic Current.



Paris isn’t the only city in the region. Other departments include Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-et-Marne, Val-d'Oise, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, and Yvelines; however, Paris is easily the most prominent of these. The river plays a large part in Parisian culture and architecture. There are also two islands located within the city limits, Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis. The city is divided into twenty arrondissements. Paris is very important but it is not a large city when talking about the area as it is only the 13th largest municipality in France.



Once you are in Paris, you will not have a hard time navigating the city. Remember one thing though. When someone mentions left side of the Seine or right side, they mean when you are facing downriver. The Eiffel Tower is located in Champ de Mars. In front of the Eiffel Tower is a bridge, upon crossing which you will be at Jardins Du Trocadero (Trocadero Gardens). In the gardens there are more Paris attractions, such as Palais de Chaillot, Librairie boutique du musée national de la Marine, Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine, Homme Museum, and much more. If you want to have a good time at a club, go to the Champs-Elysées area. Some of the most famous Parisian bars and clubs are located here.



Paris is close to some other important cities of France. Versailles is the closest such city, being just 24 kilometers away by road. Chartres is the next closest city, at a distance of around 90km by road. Reims is another important city, and is 144.2 km away from Paris by road. The two huge parks Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne are also officially annexed to Paris. Paris is said to be located in the Paris Basin segment of the Seine River, and the sediments left behind by the river were used for construction of the city. Paris can be reached on road, train, boat, or airplane.

