Paris & Île-de-France

Paris, the most popular tourist destination in the world, city of romance, culture and history. The river Seine is the main point of reference in the city, almost every notable building in Paris is situated on the river or a short distance from it. The Eiffel Tower for one. The river is almost as busy today as it has always been, with huge pleasure boats for sightseers and commercial barges. On the east bank of the Seine is the historical heart of Paris. The Louvre, the worlds greatest museum, and home to the Mona Lisa lies on the banks of the river. At its centre lies the Ile de la Cite, a boat shaped island on the Seine, containing many of Paris’s most historical buildings, most notable of all, Notre-Dame, a superb example of French medieval architecture, this magnificent building has witnessed all the great events of French history, ever since 1422. In a crypt beneath lies the museum of archaeology, containing streets and houses from the Gallo-Roman period.

The Ile-de-France, home to Versailles, one of the most visited sites in France, with its sumptuous apartments, exquisite gardens and sculptured fountains. The resort of Disneyland Paris is situated in the region. Many stunning Chateau’s, Abbey’s, churches and museums to numerous to mention abound in this fascinating region.

The Ile-de-France is the most populated region of France, having more inhabitants than Belgium, Greece or Sweden.

The Ile-de-France is the wealthiest region in France, and consequently its property prices are reflected in this fact. Its closeness to Paris is obviously the reason, the opportunity for work, the convenience of theatres, operas, museums and transport etc., all add to its obvious attractions. The largest foreign population in France, means that a wide range of multi-cultural foods and other goods are available.

The Ile-de-France region is made up of eight departments centered around its innermost department and capital, Paris. Around the Paris department, urbanization fils a first concentric ring of three departments commonly known as the petite couronne (“small ring”), and extends into a second outer ring of four departments known as the grande couronne (“large ring”).

The temperate climate of Paris is very similar to that of southern England, the winters are gloomy and damp and the summers hot and sunny, with some rain.

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