Paris, France

Paris is the capital of France, and the cultural centre of all that is French-speaking. 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.