Paris is the capital of France. Widely considered to be one of the most cultured cities in Europe, Paris is the largest city in France; the metropolitan area around and including the city limits has almost 12 million inhabitants.
Paris is located on the river Seine and features over a dozen bridges that cross the river. Tourists staying in Paris holiday homes can have a very pleasant day's stroll just wandering through the city on a route that takes them across all the bridges. Indeed, this is one of the very best ways to get to know Paris.
The city features a wealth of famous landmarks that are essential attractions for any visitor. The Place de la Bastille is the site of the ancient fortress torn down during the French Revolution and today serves as the site of significant political demonstrations. Even more historic, perhaps, is the Place de la Concorde, where the infamous guillotine once stood. Today, it is the home of an obelisk imported from ancient Egypt.
The Champs-lyses is the main shopping street in Paris. Because it connects the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, it is a way for tourist to shop their way from one monument to another. Also not to be missed is the Louvre, France's most famous art museum. Here, tourists can view the Mona Lisa up close and see ancient Greek statues such as the Nike of Samothrace, better known as "Winged Victory."