Paris, France
- This is about the city in France. For other uses, see Paris (disambiguation)
A view of Paris from the Arc de Triomphe, with the Eiffel Tower in the background
Paris is the capital of France, and the cultural centre of the French-speaking world. Instantly recognisable worldwide through such landmarks as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the world-class Louvre museum, Paris is a popular holiday destination despite Parisians' legendary, but mistaken, reputation for rudeness. A city that has seen revolution and civil strife, the capture of Paris has been the goal of many a military ruler - the capitulation of the city being seen as the equivalent to the defeat of a continent.
Paris forms its own commune, one of tens of thousands of administrative divisions that the country is divided into. Within the commune, the city divides itself into 20 arrondissements municipaux, or 'municipal boroughs'. Each of these has its own distinct character, unlike for instance the centre of London, which is mostly home to shops and government buildings. Diverse communities inhabit the heart of Paris: there is a Chinatown in the central 3rd arrondissement and a popular gay village in the 4th. This area is also where visitors will find the Ile St Louis, one of two islands in the River Seine that divides the city; the island is often regarded as a separate 'village', with some in its own little community viewing Paris as another place altogether.[1]
Paris is an international city. Peoples of many nations call it home, and the country's government buildings are there, such as the Palais de l'Élysée (Elysée Palace), official residence of the President of the French Republic. The Mayor of Paris is a highly influential position, with the office holder usually hosting visiting heads of state at the Hotel de Ville (City Hall).[2] Since March 2001, Bertrand Delanoë has served as Mayor, the first Socialist incumbent since 1971.[3]
Footnotes
- ↑ Daily Telegraph: 'Capital island'. 25th April 2005.
- ↑ Paris.fr: 'Heads of state and celebrities received at the Hotel de Ville'.
- ↑ Paris.fr: 'The Mayor of Paris'.
External links
- paris.fr - official English website of the city, including tourist information and pages on municipal government
- The Mayor of Paris - official web page on Paris's mayor