The capital of France is Paris. It has been the capital since its liberation in 1944 and is also the largest city in the country
. Paris is situated on the Seine River in the north-central part of France and serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of the nation
. It hosts the national government, including the President's residence at the Élysée Palace and the French Parliament buildings
. Paris is also known as a major global center for finance, diplomacy, commerce, culture, fashion, and gastronomy