Paris, the capital of France, is the fourth-largest city in the European Union. A global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture, the city is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine. Beyond such historic landmarks as the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral, the city is also known for its cafe culture and designer boutiques.

Paris has a rich history that dates back to the 3 ^rd century BC when it was a small Celtic settlement known as Lutetia. The city grew significantly during the Roman Empire and later became the capital of the Frankish kingdom in the 5 ^th century. Throughout the Middle Ages, Paris flourished as a centre of education, with the founding of the University of Paris in the 12 ^th century. The city played a crucial role during the French Revolution in the late 18 ^th century and continued to grow and modernize during the 19 ^th and 20 ^th centuries. Today, Paris is renowned for its historical and cultural heritage, attracting millions of visitors each year.