Paris is located in Logan County (of which it is the county seat), east of Fort Smith, between Ozark and Danville at the 22, 309 & 109 Hwy intersection. Also situated just south of the Arkansas River and west of Lake Dardanelle.

Paris was named for Paris, France, in 1874 and was incorporated on February 18, 1879. Coal mining flourished and in the 1890s, Paris was a bustling city of 800 people. Citizens in this town had two newspapers, a bottling works company, nine general stores and the Paris Academy. Mining was the community's main industry by 1917, but in 1945 sooty miners deserted their tunnels.

Paris is the gateway to magnificent Mount Magazine, the highest point between the Rockies and the Appalachians. Mount Magazine has long been a favorite spot for rappelling and hang gliding. Beautiful mountains, lakes and streams form the backdrop for this lovely city.

Manufacturing and agriculture are Paris's main economic wellbeing.