Ile de France
Île-de-France is one of the 26 régions of France. It was created as the "District of the Paris Region" in 1961 and, with borders unchanged, was transformed into the Île-de-France région in 1976. Despite the name change, Île-de-France is still popularly referred to by French people as the Région Parisienne ("Paris Region") or RP.
Île-de-France is the most populated région of France, having more residents than Belgium, Greece, or Sweden, and a comparable population to the U.S. state of Ohio. It is the fourth most populous subnational entity in the European Union after England, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria.
Ile-de-France Location
Paris is a the centre of the Ile-de-France region so you probably have a good idea of its location! Located in Northern France and surrounded by the regions of Picardy, to the north, with Champagne-Ardenne and Burgundy to the east and south. On the western flank Centre and Upper Normandy. The departments are Essonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Paris, Seine-Saint-Denis, Seine-et-Marne, Val-de-Marne, Val-d´Oise, Yvelines.
Ile-de-France Landscape
Most of the Île-de-France is covered by the Paris metropolitan area encompassing the Paris urban area and its commuter belt. 88% of the Île-de-France´s population lives in the Paris urban area. The region covers 1.2 million hectares, of which 239,000 ha are built-up urban areas, and there are 687,000 ha of natural areas / farmland and 280,000 ha of forests.
Ile-de-France Attractions
Of course, Paris dominates the region and the delights of Paris will enthral you every time you visit - there is so much to see and enjoy, you will always be discovering new gems. From the dominating Eiffel Tower to the historic alleys, there is something for everybody to enjoy.
Outside Paris you will find forests and many historic homes and chateaux.
Ile-de-France Weather
From Spring onwards the weather is very pleasant with summer temperatures reaching 75°F / 23°C. Plenty of sunshine in the summer months, and sharp rain showers.
