Like all the world's great capitals, PARIS lives at a fast pace, by day, by night and especially at rush hours. or those who wish to quench their thirst for knowledge or have an explorer's spirit in their bones, there are ample opportunities for any type of adventure. The Paris Ile-de-France Region is a veritable cultural gold mine with its châteaux, museums, unusual sites, artist's homes and natural parks. Paris and its region throw open the doors to its rich heritage.

Area: 86.9 000 km²
Population: 2,144,700 people

Eiffel Tower: This is one of the world's most recognizable monuments (and the best-known monument in all of Europe), and it is breathtaking to behold. Be sure to take the lift for a view of the city.
Louvre Museum: Arguably the world's most famous art museum, the Louvre's most popular piece is Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa." It was established in 1793, and is one of the oldest museums in Europe. Its collections spans from the birth of great civilizations up to the 19th century.
Arc de Triomphe: Climb to the top for one of the best views of Paris. No, it doesn't go as high as the Eiffel Tower. But since the city is relatively flat, the vantage point at this height is actually better.
Centre Pompidou: The funky and hip Centre Pompidou features a wonderful collection of modern art within its creatively designed building. It also features a cinema, concerts and children's activities.
Musee d'Orsa: This museum may not be the massive size of Louvre, but its Impressionist collection is among the best in the world. The museum is housed in a former rail station, and has the atmosphere and personality to match.
Notre Dame Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture on a huge scale;founded in the 12th century by Bishop Maurice de Sully, bishop of Paris. It took about 200 years to complete and is considered to be the center of paris and even France
Place de la Concorde:  At the end of the Champs-élysées, place de la Concorde is where over 1300 met the Revolutionary guillotine between 1793 and 1795 including Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette. 

(Source: gofrance.about.com)