Paris is built around the Seine, with grand boulevards, historic neighborhoods, and some of Europe’s most recognizable landmarks spread across the city. The Eiffel Tower remains its defining symbol, while the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Arc de Triomphe provide a glimpse into different chapters of French history and architecture. Each neighborhood has its own character, from the artistic streets of Montmartre and the cafés of Saint-Germain-des-Prés to the lively lanes of the Latin Quarter.

Food is an important part of everyday life in Paris, whether it is a morning pastry from a neighborhood bakery, a long lunch at a traditional bistro, or an evening spent exploring the city’s wine bars and restaurants. The Seine provides another way to experience the capital, with riverside walks and boat cruises passing many of its major sights. Outside the central districts, destinations such as the Palace of Versailles, Giverny, and the forests surrounding the city offer easy escapes. Paris also makes a natural starting point for exploring northern France by car, with historic towns, countryside, and the Normandy coast within reach.