Paris is the capital and most populous city of France. With an official estimated population of 2,102,650 residents as of 1 January 2023 in an area of more than 105 km2 (41 sq mi), Paris is the fourth-most populated city in the European Union and the 30th most densely populated city in the world in 2022. Since the 17th century, Paris has been one of the world’s major centres of finance, diplomacy, commerce, culture, fashion, and gastronomy. For its leading role in the arts and sciences, as well as its early and extensive system of street lighting, in the 19th century, it became known as the City of Light.

The City of Paris is the centre of the Île-de-France region, or Paris Region, with an official estimated population of 12,271,794 inhabitants on 1 January 2023, or about 19% of the population of France.

Paris is a major railway, highway, and air-transport hub served by two international airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (the third-busiest airport in Europe) and Orly Airport. Opened in 1900, the city’s subway system, the Paris Métro, serves 5.23 million passengers daily; it is the second-busiest metro system in Europe after the Moscow Metro. Gare du Nord is the 24th-busiest railway station in the world and the busiest outside Japan. Paris has one of the most sustainable transportation systems and is one of only two cities in the world that received the Sustainable Transport Award twice.

Time zone

 

GMT + 2

10 hours behind New Zealand

 

Languages

 

The official language in Paris and the rest of France is French. Contrary to other counties, English isn’t widely spoken. Although Parisians do not generally speak or like to speak English, tourists won’t have any problems communicating in this language in most hotels, restaurants and shops.

Climate

 

Paris has an oceanic climate, typical of western Europe. This climate type features cool winters that have frequent rain and overcast skies, and mild to warm summers. Very hot and very cold temperatures and weather extremes are rare in this type of climate.

Summer days are usually mild and pleasant with average temperatures between 15 and 25 °C, and a fair amount of sunshine. Each year, however, there are a few days when the temperature rises above 32 °C.

Electricity (Plugs/ Sockets)

 

Power in Paralympic Village apartments is supplied at a nominal voltage of 230V and at a frequency of 50Hz with 16A outlets. Socket type E will be used in all buildings (see images). Be aware of socket’s ground pin. The plug must be compatible with it. Also, sockets are compatible with plug type C.

 

Driving

 

As a visitor, you can drive for up to one year in France on a current, valid New Zealand driver licence under the following conditions:

You must have a full driver licence with no restrictions and it should be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation in French. An IDP is not a driver licence; it is a translation of your licence to be carried with your original, valid driver licence.

 

Drinking / Smoking

 

Legal drinking age in France

The legal drinking age in France is 18 years old. This means individuals must be at least 18 years of age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer and spirits. This age limit is strictly enforced, and establishments serving alcohol are required to verify proof of age. Always be prepared to show your identification (especially if you are close to the legal drinking age) to ensure compliance with the law. The legal drinking age in Paris or in all areas in France is the same.

Smoking in France

The legal smoking age in France is 18 years old, mirroring the legal drinking age. This means that individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase and smoke tobacco products, including cigarettes and cigars. Smoking is prohibited in public places (museums, monuments, cinemas) or on public transport. Restaurants are all non-smoking. This ban applies both indoor and covered outdoors areas. Many establishments offer designated smoking areas, usually in open ai sections, so be sure to check for signage indicating where smoking is permitted.