Explore the Paris & Ile-de-France Region
The region of Ile de France is the historical heart of France, and it showcases some of the finest examples of the country's culture and creativity. It is like a jewellery box filled with treasures.
Iconic Parisian Landmarks
From
l'Arc de Triomphe (off the Champs Elysées) to the
Tour Eiffel, from the Louvre to the Palais de Versailles, from the
Musée d'Orsay to the
Saint-Denis basilica, from the famous
Château de Fontainebleau to the medieval city of Provins, both listed on the
UNESCO World Heritage register,
Ile-de-France is the most visited
museum in the world, with
Paris at its very heart.
Natural Beauty and Activities
Ile-de-France, situated in north-central France, is renowned for its rich natural heritage and offers visitors a diverse array of activities. The region features several historic gardens, including those designed by Le Nôtre in the 17th century, and grand English-style parks and contemporary landscapes crafted by top gardeners.
Outdoor Fun in Ile de France
In addition, Ile-de-France has three regional nature reserves, with dozens of footpaths and a massive 667,200 acres of forest, providing ample space for numerous sporting activities. There are also thematic circuits perfect for cycling or horse riding and over 700 kilometres of rivers and canals that crisscross the region, providing excellent stroll opportunities.
Numerous Places to Visit
For families with young children,
Disneyland and
Parc Astérix are fantastic places to visit, and they are easily accessible from the capital by tube or motorway. The region is also known for its innovative trends, and Paris is home to numerous groundbreaking architecture and modern art, including the
Arche de la Défense, the
Georges Pompidou Centre, the Louvre Pyramid, the
Grande Bibliothêque François Mitterrand, new towns, and contemporary art galleries.
Exciting Events and Festivities
Ile-de-France is also renowned for its festivities, which include shows and international events that put the region in the spotlight. The unforgettable Football World Cup in 1998, the World Athletics Championships in 2003, the Rugby World Cup in 2023, and the
Olympic Games in 2024 are just some fantastic events visitors can experience.
A Range of Opportunities
Ile-de-France is an exceptional region with plenty of recreational activities, cultural enrichment, and family fun opportunities. So if you're looking for a place with everything you need and much more, Paris Ile-de-France would be an ideal destination.
Facts and Figures about the Region
- Capital City: Paris
- Population: Approx. 12.2 million (around 18% of France's total population)
- Area: 12,012 square kilometres (approx 4,638 square miles), about 2% of France's total area
- Density: About 1,017 inhabitants per sq. kilometre, well above the national average of 106
Tourism Information
- Number of Tourists per Year: Approximately 38 million visitors annually
- Km of Coastline: The region is landlocked and does not have a coastline
- Km of Rivers: Over 2,000 km of rivers, including the Seine, Marne and Oise
- Highest Peak: Butte Montmartre (130 metres)
- Km of Cycling Paths: Over 1,500 kilometres
- Museums: Over 130 museums, including the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Centre Pompidou
- Most Famous Landmark: Eiffel Tower
- Another Notable Landmark: Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
- Golf : Over 50 golf courses, including the Golf National, which hosts the French Open
- Monuments: Over 2,000 historical monuments, including Versailles and the Sainte-Chapelle
Getting to Paris - Île-de-France
The main cities are Paris, Versailles, Boulogne-Billancourt, Saint-Denis, and Argenteuil. They can be accessed using the road network (motorways, national and departmental roads), the train network, or by air. Here's a list of the region's airports and main train stations.
Airports
Train Stations
Regional Tourist Hotspots
National Parks and Forests
- Fontainebleau Forest
- Vexin Français Regional Nature Park
- Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park
UNESCO Sites in the Region
Economic Information about Paris - Île-de-France
- Economic Strength: Paris - Île-de-France is the economic heart of France, with a diverse and robust economy strong in finance, tourism, technology and services
- Key Industries: Finance, tourism, technology, services, fashion and healthcare
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP): approx. €700 billion (2022), around 30% of France's GDP
- Economy: Services approx 85% (finance, tourism, technology and innovation, fashion), Industry approx 10% (manufacturing, aerospace and defense) and agriculture with approx 5% (cereal crops, livestock farming, cheese and vineyards)
- Unemployment Rate: Approximately 7.5% (France’s national rate = 7.2%)
- Universities and Grandes Écoles: Notable institutions include the University of Paris (Sorbonne), École Polytechnique, HEC Paris, Sciences Po, and École Normale Supérieure
- Regional Specialities: Paris - Île-de-France is famous for its gastronomy, it's many cafés, including dishes like escargots, coq au vin, and its diverse range of restaurants and foods from all over the world. The region is also known for its pastries, including croissants, macarons, and éclairs
Paris Real Estate Prices (per Sq. Metre)
The value of real estate in Ile de France keeps increasing, you must be sharp as properties sell fast and competition is fierce. If you are looking to buy or invest in (or near) Paris, then share your plans with us, learn about mortgages and about our bespoke à la Carte service dedicated to busy professionals and investors.
Real Estate Prices and Trends in Paris
- Houses - the average price per sq. metre: €11,574 (source Fnaim - 2025)
- Apartments - average price per sq. metre: €9,721 (source Fnaim - 2025)
- Price trends - average price change over the last 12 months: -0.0 %
Prices and Trends in Ile-de-France
- Houses - the average price per sq. metre: €3,932 (source Fnaim - 2025)
- Apartments - average price per sq. metre: €5,926 (source Fnaim - 2025)
- Price trends - average price change over the last 12 months: -2.4 %
The Heart of France
Paris - Île-de-France is France's economic and cultural heart, offering a unique blend of history, art, and modernity that's influenced the entire country, the continent and beyond. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the historic Palace of Versailles, the region is a must-visit
region for tourists worldwide.
Whether you're interested in art, history, fashion, or gastronomy, the region has something for everyone. For more information, discover our
fun and quirky facts about Paris,
la ville lumiere!