Paris
The City of Light, capital of France, and a global hub of culture, history, and international organisations.
Paris is the capital and largest city of France, with an estimated city population of 2.04 million in an area of 105.4 km2, and a metropolitan population of 13.2 million. Located on the river Seine in the centre of the Île-de-France region, it is the largest metropolitan area and fourth-most populous city in the European Union (EU). Paris is nicknamed the "City of Light", partly because of its role in the Age of Enlightenment.
- Role
- Central hub and mission location
- Affiliation
- Cooper Gang
- First appears
- *Sly 2: Band of Thieves*
- Status
- Active (as of *Sly 4: Thieves in Time*)
Lore & Background
The ancient oppidum that corresponds to the modern city of Paris was first mentioned in the mid-1st century BC by Julius Caesar as Lutetia Parisiorum. The name Paris is derived from its early inhabitants, the Parisii, a Gallic tribe. The Parisii people inhabited the Paris area from around the middle of the 3rd century BC. Julius Caesar conquered the Paris Basin for the Roman Republic in 52 BC. Clovis the Frank made the city his capital from 508. By the end of the 12th century, Paris had become the political, economic, religious, and cultural capital of France. The city has hosted the Summer Olympics three times, in 1900, 1924 and 2024.
In Their Own Story
The rain-slicked cobblestones of Montmartre glistened under a crescent moon as Sly balanced on a gargoyle's shoulder, peering through the cracked glass of a clockmaker's shop. Inside, a single candle flickered, illuminating a map of the city's sewer entrances—a map that held the key to the Klaww Gang's next move. With a flick of his cane, Sly swung into the shadows, the soft thud of his landing lost beneath the distant chime of Notre-Dame’s bells, leaving only the faint click of a lock behind.
Reader's Guide
Administratively, Paris is divided into twenty arrondissements (districts), each having their own cultural identity. Paris is a major railway, motorway, and air-transport hub; in 2024 Charles de Gaulle Airport was the EU's busiest airport. Paris has one of the most sustainable transportation systems in the world. Its Art Nouveau-decorated Métro has become a symbol of the city. Paris is known for its museums and architectural landmarks: the Musée d'Orsay, Musée Marmottan Monet, and Musée de l'Orangerie are noted for their collections of French Impressionist art, while the Musée Rodin and Musée Picasso are noted for their collections of modern and contemporary art. Parts of the city along the Seine have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Did You Know?
- Paris is nicknamed the "City of Light", partly because of its role in the Age of Enlightenment.
- The city has hosted the Summer Olympics three times: in 1900, 1924 and 2024.
- Paris is home to several United Nations organisations, including UNESCO, as well as other international organisations such as the OECD and the European Space Agency.
- The name Paris is derived from the Parisii, a Gallic tribe from the Iron Age and the Roman period.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Paris first appear in the series?
The City of Lights debuted as a playable stage in Sly 2: Band of Thieves, serving as a central hub for the Cooper Gang's heists. It remains one of the most iconic settings throughout the franchise's history.
Why is Paris important to Sly's family history?
This location holds deep ancestral ties, as Slytunkhamen Cooper once operated within its streets centuries ago. Additionally, it was the site where Dr. M conducted his experiments before disappearing.
What makes Paris a key mission location?
The level features iconic landmarks like cathedrals and sprawling rooftops that facilitate stealth gameplay. Players also navigate through the city's underground sewer systems to complete various missions.
Is Paris still featured in recent games?
Yes, the location remains active and recognizable as recently as Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. It continues to serve as a nostalgic backdrop for the crew during their time-traveling adventures.
Which gang uses Paris as their base?
It functions as a major base of operations where the gang plans and executes their pursuit of rival thieves like the Klaww Gang. The city provides a sprawling playground for thievery that defines the gameplay experience.
More in World & Locations
Elsewhere in the Sly Cooper universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record