Paris, formerly called "Forks of the Grand", is at the junction of where the Nith River meets the Grand River in southern Ontario. The town was settled by Hiram Capron, who helped establish one of Upper Canada's earliest iron foundries. He moved to Paris in 1829, divided part of his land into town lots and constructed a grist mill in 1830. Capron named the town after the gypsum deposits, used to make plaster of Paris, being mined nearby. Paris is often referred to as the "Cobblestone Capital of Canada" because of many unique cobblestone buildings throughout town

Downtown Paris is a Grand experience of shopping, dining and play; one that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The historic buildings host a varied mix of retail, restaurants, financial and professional services, overlooking the Grand River as it winds it's way through town. Great for sport fishing along the banks of the Grand, or for fashion, fresh homemade treats, local cuisine or just to pass the time by foot, bicycle or by canoe, Paris delivers.