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Welcome to Paris Region !

Enjoying a leading economic position in Europe with more than 500,000 firms, 29 Fortune Global 500 company headquarters, and 150,000 researchers, Paris Region, also called in France "Region Île-de-France" ranks among the most competitive regions for research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

This exceptional R&D potential goes hand in hand with a remarkable higher education system, praised for its quality and opening. Seventeen universities among the most prestigious in the world, like the Sorbonne,along with more than 300 engineering, health, management, architecture, and art schools in Ile de France offer a internationally renowned education, providing each and everyone with the best adapted training curriculum. With one student out of four being trained in Paris Region, university life also benefits from a rich and effusive offer in terms of culture and entertainment.

Paris Region also stands on the highest step of the podium of the most visited destinations worldwide. Each year, 42 million tourists stay in the region to enjoy its exceptional concentration of cultural and architectural treasures, with four of them being listed as UNESCO World Heritage: the Banks of the Seine, the castle of Fontainebleau, the castle of Versailles, and the medieval city of Provins…

Paris Region relies on high-quality infrastructures, whether it be care facilities, educational institutions, or cultural equipments. Already among the vastest in the world, the public transport network shall be completed by 2030 with 205km of new subway lines – that is the size of the current network of the RATP – and 72 new stations.

Everything is done to welcome you, to allow you to fulfill your hopes, achieve your goals, and live well !

Valérie Pécresse . Graduated from both HEC and ENA, Valérie Pécresse was first a Judge (Maître des Requêtes) at the Conseil d’Etat, the highest administrative jurisdiction. She was appointed at the French Presidency in 1998 by Jacques Chirac as advisor for new technologies and the Internet. She was elected member of the National Assembly in June 2002, re-elected in 2007 and 2012. She was appointed Minister for Higher Education and Research by President Nicolas Sarkozy in May 2007. In 2011, she became Minister of Budget and Government spokesperson. From June 2012 to December 2015, she acted as Member of Parliament, member of the Finance Commission, leader of the opposition group at the Regional assembly of the Paris region. In November 2015, Valérie Pécresse resigned from the Conseil d’Etat to focus on the Paris Region. In December 13th 2015, she won the regional elections and was officially elected at the region’s presidency in December 18th. In January 19th, 2016, she resigned from her seat at the National Assembly, in accordance with her campaign promise to concentrate on her term of President exclusively.

Key figures

Surface area : 12,012 km 2

12 million inhabitants 999 inhabitants per km 2

Universities

646,000 students

Research and development

R&D jobs : 155,000 R&D expenditure : €18.7b

6.1 million jobs (salaried and non-salaried)

944,000 companies 1,048,000 sites

Office space

52.6 million m 2

Exhibition surface: 711,000 m 2

Exports - Imports

Exports : €77b Imports : €129b

GDP €642b GDP per capita : €53,617

Air traffic

95.4 million passengers 3 international airports

19 million passengers 7 high-speed train station

At a glance

Land of History

The vast diversity in the Paris Region is due first and foremost to its more than 1,000 years of history. From the Château de Versailles (78) to the cities of Fontainebleau (77), Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78) and Etampes (91), not to mention the Medieval center of Provins (77) and the Basilica of Saint-Denis (93), there is no forgetting the royal past of Île-de-France.

Source of inspiration

Throughout the years, many artists and writers have been captivated by Paris, only to settle in Île-de-France! A muse for numerous painters and a haven of peace for writers, the Paris Region is filled with estates and iconic settings where these illustrious men and women lived or worked. Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise (95), Millet in Barbizon (77), Rosa Bonheur in By (77), Monet, Renoir and Degas on the banks of the Seine in Chatou and Bougival (78). These spots will forever be associated with Impressionist painters.

Île-de-France also provided a source of inspiration for Emile Zola in Médan (78), Elsa Triolet and Louis Aragon in Saint-Arnoult (78), Jean-Jacques Rousseau in Montmorency (95) and of course Jean Cocteau in Milly-la-Forêt (91). Today, their creations remain vivid in our minds as so many tributes to their territory of choice.

Île-de-France is indeed fertile ground for art, such as Jean Tinguely's Cyclop, deep in the forest in Milly (91) and Dubuffet's Chaufferie avec cheminée, located in a center of a crossroads in Vitry-sur-Seine (94). Art also flourishes in the street itself, with the many sculptures in the La Défense business district (92): César's Le Pouce, Calder's Araignée rouge, etc.

Acutely architectural

Another side to the beauty of the Paris Region's cultural heritage: architecture, abundant and eclectic! From Villa Savoye in Poissy (78) designed by Le Corbusier, to the omnipresent influence of André Lurçat in Saint-Denis (93), not to mention Mario Botta's cathedral in Evry (91), Île-de-France stands out as a choice setting for contemporary architecture.

This diversity also includes the region's industrial legacy, particularly the Menier chocolate factory in Noisiel (77), the flour mills of Pantin (93) and the Manufacture des Œillets in Ivry-sur-Seine (94).

Beautiful by nature

Finally, the natural landscapes of Île-de-France attract tourists from the four corners of the earth. In addition to château parks like the Domaine de Courson (91), where botanical heritage shines, and Le Nôtre's French gardens in Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte, the region features several remarkable forests (Fontainebleau, Marly, etc.) superb gardens (the Albert Kahn Gardens in Boulogne, among others) and vestiges of agricultural traditions (watercress in Méréville, "peach walls" in Montreuil, etc.). Regional nature parks are ideal locations to discover this scenic beauty, along with local specialties and deep-rooted savoir-faire. And don't forget recreation, with 12 outdoor leisure centers at your disposal throughout the region.

These are just a few of the many good reasons to visit Île-de-France, and especially to discover what it has to offer off the beaten path: by 2CV, boat, bicycle or hot air balloon. You can even take advantage of a local guide thanks to the Greeters program, whereby residents accompany visitors on a tour of their neighborhood or town. The program has been extended from Paris to the départements of Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne.

Capital history

Yes, Île-de-France is Fontainebleau and its palace, where François I established his royal residence and where Napoleon I abdicated. It is the Louvre and its intrigues. It is Versailles, whose majestic splendor embodied the apex of royal authority by divine right. It is the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the royal necropolis of France, and the Port Royal Abby, center of religious rebellion. It is the finest hours of the French Revolution, the first steps of the 1st Republic, and the center of virtually all political power under the Fifth Republic: Elysée Palace, the National Assembly, the Senate, etc.

This glorious history is also rife with confrontations, tragedies and often painful memories: the Charonne metro massacre and the bloody repression of protesters demonstrating against the Secret Army Organization (Organisation de l'Armée Secrète) and the Algerian War; the execution of more than one thousand hostages and Resistance fighters during World War II at Mont Valérien; the Wall of the Confederates (Mur des Fédérés), where 147 members of the Paris Commune were shot; Drancy, where Parisian Jews boarded the trains that were to take them to concentration camps.

A region emerges

In spite of a highly national focus, local affairs have come into their own in the Paris Region, albeit later than in other parts of France. For example, Parisians waited until 1977 before being granted the right to elect their mayor, a long-standing practice in other French cities. Likewise, the Paris Region has managed its public transportation system, via STIF (Syndicat des transports d'Île-de-France), only since 2006. Decentralization has come a long way, but the question of the national government's role in the Paris Region remains a topic of hot debate, such as for the launch and management of the Grand Paris project.

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Our mission

Visit Paris Region, by agreement with the Ile-de-France Conseil régional (regional council), of which it is a public organization partner – promotes the region to tourists as a tourism destination.

Paris Region Destination

For several years the destination "Paris Region" has been the most visited tourist region in the world.

Widely popular for the diversity of its natural, heritage and cultural wealth, our destination offers visitors of all ages, from near and far, a wide choice of holidays – particularly short city breaks – and activities of all types, all year round.

The principal region for French art of living, it promotes the influence of the cultural values for which our country is internationally famous.

"Paris Region" is also one of the youngest and multicultural regions in Europe and its creative energy in many fields ‒ design, fashion, music, etc – is constantly reinvigorated.

Tourism is one of its major business sectors. From an economic point of view, it represents about 600,000 direct and indirect jobs. A dynamic sector, the number of people it employs is also increasing at a rate of growth higher overall than other business sector. By creating employment, tourism also generates a lot of wealth. For instance, it alone generates nearly 10% of the region’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Visit Paris Region

In this context, Visit Paris Region promotes the region to tourists as a tourism destination.

Its role especially includes: - promoting Paris Region’s touristic advantages to its French and foreign visitors; - making the tourism possibilities of Paris and its region clearer (in relation to events, culture, heritage, etc.); - helping ensure the welcome and information provided to tourists is of a quality.

Quality of welcome at the heart of our approach

In order to bring this ambition to life, Visit Paris Region has developed assessment and observation tools designed to better understand the various demands and expectations of its many visitors to the Paris Region… so as to better satisfy them!

Since 2004, in close collaboration with numerous public and private tourism players, it has also been coordinating an important “quality approach”. The main evidence of this approach carried out with the support of a specialist firm is the regular publication of "quality indicators" enabling everyone to identify their strong points and areas for improvement in terms of welcome.

Undertaken with the tourist offices, this approach was gradually extended to taxis, then museums and monuments in 2008. A year which also saw, at the initiative of Visit Paris Region, the "first international meetings of museums’ and monuments’ quality of welcome” take place (for further information: quality site URL).

Visit Paris Region also uses this tool! As part of a special agreement with another regional public organization – the Centres d’accueil régionaux du tourisme (regional tourism welcome centres abbreviated to CaRT), it coordinates "points information tourisme" (tourism information points) located at various terminals within Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.

Wherever you come from, their many multilingual agents will always be there to welcome you, provide you with information and offer a range of tourism products and services from the moment you arrive: transport tickets, museum "passes", cruises, evenings out, etc. Their aim is also to constantly offer you a better welcome!

With this in mind, Visit Paris Region is working on developing a “Tourism and disability” certification. The aim of this certification is to encourage access for disabled people to holidays, leisure activities and culture by guaranteeing them a suitable welcome. Museums, sites, accommodation, restaurants, special tours and facilities, equipment, etc. With nearly 200 certified sites, Paris Region is among the most accessible French regions.

As well as this, under the Paris Region Conseil régional’s local cooperation agreements, Visit Paris Region is called on to carry out technical support tasks, undertaken with partner regions in France and abroad. At the Paris Region level, it also supports new projects, linked to the regional local development policy. It therefore coordinates and takes part in the promotion of accommodation networks. While it is carrying out all this work, it is taking the opportunity to invite consideration and action in relation to sustainable tourism development.

Je cherche par mots clefs

Je sais précisément ce que je recherche

L'actu sur la Grand'Place

Ca bouge dans l'événementiel

Les tendances.

Quand l’art rencontre la gastronomie : découverte du 3e Cercle

Where to Find Paris Tourist Information Offices?

And How to Make The Most of Their Resources

Many people feel comfortable navigating a new city using only their wits (and maybe their smartphones). But for other visitors, finding a good tourist information center and seeking some advice from local experts is key to feeling informed and relaxed.

Paris has several tourist "welcome centers" dotted around the city, where you can get free advice and maps, buy special discount cards and passes, and find most other info related to your stay. Here are the main ones you should look out for. We suggest noting down which is closest to your hotel or apartment, and making your way there early on in your stay. 

Armed with plenty of information and advice, including on tours, top attractions and special events, you'll be more likely to enjoy your sojourn to the fullest. 

Main Welcome Center at Pyramides

25, rue des Pyramides 1st arrondissement Metro: Pyramides (line 7 or 14) RER: Auber (line A) Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

June 1st-October 31st: Mon.-Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

November 1st-May 31st: Mon.-Sat, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sundays and bank holidays: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Resources at this branch include: 

• Brochures and information on Paris tourist attractions
• Hotel and attractions bookings
• Paris public transport passes; Paris Museum Pass , and other discount cards
• Center is accessible to visitors with disabilities or limited mobility

Carrousel du Louvre Tourist Welcome Center

This welcome center is especially useful if you want to explore the greater Paris region and take day trips to nearby cities and attractions such as the Palais de Versailles or Disneyland Paris.  

Carrousel du Louvre,  Place de la Pyramide Inversée 99, rue de Rivoli 1st arrondissement Metro: Palais Royal Musée du Louvre (line 1 and 7) Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

This center is open seven days a week, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Resources at this branch include brochures and information on Paris tourist attractions, as well as information on tourist attractions and events in the greater Paris (Ile de France) region.

Gare de Lyon Tourist Welcome Center

20, Boulevard Diderot 12th arrondissement Metro: Gare de Lyon (line 1 or 14) RER: Gare de Lyon (line A) Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

This center is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sunday and bank holidays. Resources here include:

• Paris public transport passes; Paris Museum Pass, and other discount cards

Gare du Nord Tourist Welcome Center

18, rue de Dunkerque 10th arrondissement Look for the "Welcome" kiosque under the glass roof of the Gare du Nord train station, "Ile de France" section. Metro: Gare du Nord (line 2,4, or 5) RER: Gare du Nord (line B, D) Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Dec. 25th, Jan. 1st, and May 1st. Resources at this center include:

Porte de Versailles/Paris Expo Welcome Center

1, Place de la Porte de Versailles 15th arrondissement The Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts many of Paris' most interesting trade fairs. The tourist office here can provide detailed information on trade fairs and special events at Paris Expo. Metro: Porte de Versailles (line 12) Tramway: Porte de Versailles (T3) Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

This center near the southern tip of the city is open from 11 am-7 pm during trade fairs. Resources here include: 

• Bookings for hotels and popular attractions

Montmartre Tourist Office

21, place du Tertre 18th arrondissement Metro: Abbesses (line 12), Anvers (line 2), funicular Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

This center is open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Brochures and information on Paris tourist attractions are among the resources at this branch. 

Anvers Tourist Welcome Center

Located on the median strip facing 72, boulevard Rochechouart 18th arrondissemen t Metro: Anvers (line 2) Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed on December 25th, January 1st and May 1st. Resources at this branch include:

• Bookings for hotels and attractions

Clémenceau Tourist Welcome Center

Located on corner of Avenue des Champs-Elysées and Avenue Marigny 8th arrondissement Metro: Champs-Elysées-Clémenceau (line 1 and 13) Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

April 6th to October 20th, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed July 14th. Resources at this branch include:

Why to Visit in Person? 

For first-time visitors to Paris, the city can feel overwhelming and confusing. If you're unsure about how to spend your time, want to get some information and advice in person from tourism officials, pick up some helpful documentation and even look into buying Paris metro tickets or discount cards such as the Paris Museum pass , you'll find it more than useful to beeline over to one of the city's friendly information centers, conveniently located in several neighborhoods.

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