Paris Tourism

While in Paris, stroll down the Champs-Elysees.

As the world's most popular tourist destination, Paris, France sees more than 45 million tourists every year, according to France's Institut d'Aménagement et d'Urbanisme (IAU). The city's rich history, breathtaking architecture and cultural richness make it the center of European travel. From city tours to quaint cafes to massive cathedrals, Paris holds something of interest for nearly every traveler.

Methods of Transport

Transportation is easy and abundant in Paris

Paris houses the Charles de Gaulle International Airport that welcome visitors daily. This, along with the Orly Airport south of Paris, see more than 85 million passengers per year, according to the IAU. Additionally, the city contains 11 business airports, a high-speed train enabling convenient travel throughout Europe and a central port with more than 70 harbors. Its wealth of mobility options make the city a hub for transportation.

Once in Paris, the Metro subway system, with more than 14 lines and 380 stations make inner-city travel simple and convenient. The metro also provides cultural ambiance, as it was designed in the "Art Nouveau" style, which was popular in France at the turn of the 20th century.

Popular Tourist Spots

Notre-Dame de Paris

With a rich history of art and culture, Paris is the home of many of the world's most popular tourist sites. Disneyland Resort, Paris, attracts more visitors than any other site, with more than 14 million per year. The famous Notre-Dame cathedral follows closely with over 13 million tourists. The Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre, The Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower complete the top 5 tourist spots in the City of Lights.

Additionally, the Pompidou Center, a massive library, museum and research center, beckons millions of visitors each year.

Paris for Students

Paris's 17 universities, more than 70 museums, famous catacombs, historical cathedrals and central European history recommend it as a fascinating educational destination. Universities throughout the world offer study abroad programs within the region for programs involving art, language, history and anthropology.

Modern Paris

Paris mixes the old with the new.

While the city holds a heavy cultural and historical significance, Paris tourism has a more modern side. Opening in 1992, Disneyland Paris, or Euro Disney, is the most highly-visited site in the region. According to the Global Attractions Attendance Report, Disneyland Paris saw 15,405,000 visitors in 2009.

The modern Opéra Bastille is the counterpart to Paris's more classic opera houses, dedicated to newer-age performances. Additionally, the Museum of Modern Art features art in the 20th and 21st century.

Accommodations

With more hotel choices than any other city in the world, Paris provides more than 75,000 rooms in over 2,000 hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts, according to Paris.org. As versatile as the city itself, accommodations range from five-star, world-renowned hotels to quaint cottages with only a few rooms. Being the tourist center that it is, Paris has offerings for every itinerary, taste and budget.

References

• Paris City Site: Hotels
• IAU: Paris Region Key Figures 2009
• 2009 Theme Index: The Global Attractions Attendance Report