Paris is the capital city of France and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. However, there is often confusion about what province Paris is in.
The truth is, Paris is not located in a province like many other cities in France. Instead, it is located within a region known as Île-de-France.
What is Île-de-France?
Île-de-France is a region located in the north-central part of France and includes Paris and its surrounding suburbs. It covers an area of 12,012 square kilometers and has a population of over 12 million people. The region has a rich history and played an important role in French politics, culture, and economy.
Why isn’t Paris located in a province?
In the past, France was divided into provinces that were each governed by an intendant appointed by the king. However, during the French Revolution in the late 18th century, these provinces were abolished and replaced with départements (similar to counties).
Paris was designated as its own département (number 75) and was given special status as the capital city of France. This meant that it would not be included within any other département or province.
What does this mean for travelers to Paris?
For travelers to Paris, this means that they do not need to worry about navigating between different provinces or regions during their trip. They can focus on exploring all that Paris has to offer without having to worry about crossing provincial borders.
- Some popular attractions to visit while exploring Paris include:
- The Eiffel Tower
- The Louvre Museum
- The Notre-Dame Cathedral
- The Champs-Élysées
Conclusion
In summary, while many cities throughout France are located within specific provinces, Paris is not. Instead, it is located within the Île-de-France region and given special status as the capital city of France. This means that travelers to Paris can focus on exploring all that the city has to offer without having to worry about navigating between different provinces or regions.