Ile de France (literally the island of France) is the greater metropolitan area of Paris which has a population of around 9 million. It is Europe’s largest city and an economic and cultural powerhouse. Few countries are so dominated by their capital as Paris does France. Using the Eiffel Tower as a vantage point, Ile (pronounced ‘eel’) de France sprawls past the horizon in every direction. It is not all urban however and contains many beautiful parks and gardens and semi rural areas. For those wishing to spend some time exploring Paris it may work out well to chose one of the less congested and less expensive outlying areas of Ile de France and make forays into the city by train (avoiding rush hours). Paris is a lot more expensive than other areas of France so it pays to be organised. | | 
Ile de France Quick Facts Population: 11,694,000 Departments: Essonne (91), Hauts-de-Seine (92), Paris (75), Seine-Saint-Denis (93), Seine-et-Marne (77), Val-de-Marne (94), Val-d'Oise (95) and Yvelines (78) Main Centres: Paris, VersaillesWhat to do and see: What to eat: What to drink: Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Paris Beauvais ariports Region Official Tourism Site Region Wikipedia Site |
