Paris is the capital of France. It is also one of the most beautiful and most famous cities in the world. Paris is called the City of Light. It is also an international fashion center. What stylish women are wearing in Paris will soon be worn by many women in other countries of the world. Paris is also a famous world center of education. For instance , it is the headquarters of UNESCO--- the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. The Seine River divides the city into two parts. Thirty-two bridges cross this scenic river. The oldest and perhaps most well-known one is the Pont Neuf, which was built in the 16 th century. The Sorbonne, a famous university, is located on the left bank (south side) of the river. The beautiful white church Sacre Coeur lies on top of the hill called Montmartre on the right bank( north side) of the Seine. There are many other famous places in Paris, such as the famous museum , the Louvre as well as the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. However, the most famous landmark in this city must be the Eiffel Tower . Paris is named after a group of people called the Parisii. They built a small village on an island in the middle of the Seine River about 2000 years ago. This island, called the IIe de la Cite, is where the Cathedral of Notre-Dame is located . Today around eight million people live in the Paris area.