The prosperous region of Ile-de-France is, of course, dominated by the shimmering wonders of
Paris, that great cultural centre which is constantly changing and updating itself, but which at the same time remains utterly timeless and traditional.
From Louis XIV, through Napoleon, to Nicolas Sarkozy, political power has made its mark on the city of Paris. Its history can be traced through its many architectural monuments, such as the
Eiffel Tower,
Sacre-Cœur, the
Arc de Triomphe and in the works of art at the
Louvre Museum. The culture of Ile-de-France has been shaped by individuals such as Victor Hugo, with his
Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the singer Edith Piaf. You can see Edith Piaf’s tomb at
Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Paris’s most VIP cemetery, where you’ll also find the graves of Molière, Chopin, Proust, Oscar Wilde and even Jim Morrison.
But Ile-de-France is not just Paris: it also contains some well-kept secrets which many a tourist passing through Paris would miss out on. Only a metro ride away you can lose the crowds at the
Chateau de Vincennes and enjoy a stroll through the tranquil Bois de Vincennes.
More in
Ile-de-France Guide