Paris

Paris is an abandoned village on Kiritimati (Christmas Island) in the Northern Line Islands of Kiribati. It was established by Father Emmanuel Rougier, a French priest who leased the island from 1917 to 1939 and named the village after the French capital. Rougier's own house, known as the Paris house, was located at Benson Point across the Burgle Channel from London. Paris was once a small but active plantation settlement, but it has been uninhabited for many decades and no longer appears in census reports. Only small ruins remain — the foundations of the Paris house and a few other structures, now overgrown with vegetation. The site is located on the southern peninsula of Kiritimati, across the Burgle Channel (the main lagoon entrance) from London. Kiritimati has an equatorial dry climate with low rainfall (averaging 873 mm annually) and steady temperatures of 24–30°C year-round.

By Plane

Cassidy International Airport (CXI) is the nearest airport, about 30 km northeast of Paris by road. Fiji Airways operates weekly flights from Nadi (Fiji). From the airport, a 4WD vehicle is needed to reach Paris as the tracks are very rough.

By Car / Road

Paris is accessible only by a rough 4WD track that crosses the southern part of the atoll. The track is often overgrown and may be impassable after rain. Most visitors reach the site by boat from London across Burgle Channel, then walk from Benson Point.

The Paris site is small and can be walked in a few minutes. The surrounding area — Benson Point and the Burgle Channel — is best explored on foot. A 4WD vehicle or boat is necessary to get there.

• Ruins of the Paris house: Small stone and concrete foundations of Father Rougier's residence, now overgrown. A historic site from the plantation era.

• Benson Point: The scenic headland at the western entrance to Burgle Channel, with views across the channel to London and the open ocean.

• Burgle Channel: The main entrance to Kiritimati's huge lagoon. Strong tidal currents flow through this channel, and it is popular for fishing.

• Photograph the ruins: The Paris house remains are a poignant reminder of Kiritimati's colonial history.

• Birdwatching: The remote southern peninsula is home to seabirds and shorebirds.

• Fishing: Burgle Channel is known for excellent fishing for giant trevally, bonefish, and other species.

• Picnic at Benson Point: A remote and peaceful spot for a picnic with panoramic ocean views.

No food is available at Paris. Bring a packed meal.

Bring ample drinking water — there is no fresh water source at Paris.

No accommodation exists at Paris. The nearest lodging is in London or Tabwakea.

There is nothing to buy at Paris — it is a deserted site. Bring all food, water, and supplies from London or Tabwakea.

• London (across Burgle Channel, accessible by boat) — The historic port village with jetty, shops, and the Captain Cook Hotel.
• Tabwakea (about 30 km northeast by road) — The largest settlement on Kiritimati.
• Poland (south coast, about 20 km east by boat or 4WD) — A small village with a Catholic church.
• Bay of Wrecks (further east along the south coast) — A remote area with shipwreck relics and abundant birdlife.