A Quick Orientation of Paris
Paris is divided in two by the River Seine, which winds its way through the city. To the north is the right bank (Rive Droite), where some of the city's most famous landmarks can be found including the Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. A picturesque Parisian square with a fascinating history, La Place de la Concorde lies at the opposite end of the Champs Élysées, while to the east are the Louvre art gallery and the Centre George Pompidou. South of here and situated on Ile de la Cité - from where the city sprang nearly 2000 years ago - is the imposing cathedral of Notre Dame, an architectural gem located on a small island in the heart of Paris.
South of the River Seine is the left bank (rive gauche), home to the world-famous Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of France. The left bank's Latin Quarter has many lively cafés, bars and bistros, and is ideal for exploration on foot.
MontMatre, with its distinctive Sacre Coer Basilica, is to the Northeast of the city centre and at its foot is the famed Moulin Rouge - where Paris' tame nightlife is mostly on display for visitors.
East, beyond the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Élysées continues to the modern business district where another arch is clearly visible - La Defense, an extraordinary piece of modern architecture which has a hole in its centre - mimicking the original Arc.
France Map
Paris Map
Useful Paris Links
Guide to Paris - detailed travel guide to Paris, France
Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) - Guide to Paris (CDG) Airport
Paris Orly Airport (ORY) - Guide to Paris (ORY) Airport