Paris is capital of France and its largest city, with over 12 million people living in the surrounding metropolitan region. Often called the City of Lights, Paris is the cultural center of France and, arguably, Europe. The earliest signs of human habitation of the area date back to nearly 4,000 BCE. Today, Paris is home to Europe's largest business district, La Défense, and the city is a cultural hub for the arts, entertainment, fashion, cuisine, politics, education, the sciences, and much more.
One of the most memorable, impressive and famous landmarks in the city is the Eiffel Tower, constructed in 1899 and dominating the distinctive Parisian skyline. Based in the 7th arrondissement, tourists can visit the Tower either solo or on an Eiffel Tower tour for sweeping views across the capital and a look through the various exhibitions on offer.