Paris serves as the capital and largest city of France, situated on the river Seine in the centre of the Île-de-France region. It functions as a major administrative hub where the president of France and both houses of the French Parliament are seated. The city is also home to numerous international organisations, including UNESCO, the OECD, and various European bodies such as the European Space Agency. As the fourth-most populous city in the European Union, it stands as one of the largest metropolitan areas in Europe, with a wider metropolitan population reaching 13.2 million as of January 2026.

The area was first inhabited by the Parisii people around the middle of the 3rd century BC. Julius Caesar conquered the region in 52 BC, establishing a Roman settlement originally known as Lutetia Parisiorum. The name evolved to Parisius by the end of the Western Roman Empire before becoming Paris in French. Significant historical developments include the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral starting in 1163 and Haussmann's renovation which created modern boulevards. Parts of the city along the Seine have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.

Administratively, Paris is divided into twenty arrondissements, each possessing its own cultural identity and unique character. The city is renowned for its architectural landmarks and museums, including the Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre, and the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. Iconic structures such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe define its skyline. The Art Nouveau-decorated Métro system has become a symbol of the city, while the 12th and 16th arrondissements feature large parks like the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne.

Paris has been a major centre of finance, diplomacy, commerce, culture, fashion, and gastronomy since the 17th century. It hosts many sporting events, such as the French Open, and is home to the association football club Paris Saint-Germain. The city has hosted the Summer Olympics three times, in 1900, 1924, and 2024. With around 14 million visitors annually, it remains one of the most popular international tourist destinations in the world, attracting people for its historic associations and influence in art and design.

The city has an estimated population of 2,103,778 as of 2023 within an area of 105.4 km2. Paris is a major railway, motorway, and air-transport hub, with Charles de Gaulle Airport being the EU's busiest airport in 2024. The city boasts one of the most sustainable transportation systems in the world, having received the Sustainable Transport Award twice. Its economy and infrastructure support its role as a global capital, drawing millions who come to experience its museums, landmarks, and vibrant urban life.