Think you know all about Paris? There’s more to this iconic city than just art galleries and baguettes. Read our top 10 Paris facts and discover new reasons to plan a Paris city break.
Think you know all about Paris? There’s more to this iconic city than just art galleries and baguettes. Read our top 10 Paris facts and discover new reasons ... more
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1
'Paris’ used to be known as ‘mud city’
Can’t imagine Paris as a muddy river bank? Well hundreds of years ago that’s just what it was. The original name for Paris was Lutetia Parisiorum. Lutetia comes from the Latin for mud.
2
Be a bright spark in the city of lights
Paris’s best known nickname, the ‘City of Lights’ actually refers to its importance during the Age of Enlightenment first and it’s adoption of street lighting second.
If you want to explore the bright lights there are lots of Paris city breaks on offer that can whisk you into the heart of this cultural La Ville-Lumière.
3
Everybody loves Mickey Mouse
You might think that French cultural icons like the Eifel Tower or the Louvre museum would be the most visited attractions in Paris - but no!
In fact Disneyland Paris is the most popular tourist destination in Europe with more than 250 million people passing through its doors since it opened in 1992.
4
The dead beneath the streets
Don’t worry they’re harmless. But don’t go down to the Catacombs in Paris if you’ve got an overactive imagination because over 6 million people are buried down there.
The brave amongst you can explore the labyrinth of corridors and galleries where human bones are laid out in ‘romantico-macabre’ patterns.
5
The almost 200 hundred year building project
To be exact it took 185 years to complete Notre Dame de Paris. The original cathedral was knocked down in 1160 and the final touches were added in 1345.
6
An American (Flag) in Paris
Although not as famous as he perhaps deserves in America the Marquis de La Fayette, hero of the American Revolutionary War, is honoured in his home country with an American flag above his grave in Paris. The flag flew throughout the occupation of Paris by the Germans in World War 2.
7
Replicating icons of liberty
The Statue of Liberty has become an American icon but did you know it was a gift of international friendship from the French Nation?
A replica of the famous dame sits in the middle of the river Seine and a replica of her torch flame is situated above the tunnel at Pont Alma where Princess Diana was killed.
8
The Romans are in ruins
The Romans had a big influence on ancient Paris and the most famous Roman ruins that can still be visited in the city are the Thermes de Cluny in the 5th arrondissement.
9
Share a beer with Jim Morrison
Did you know that despite not being French one of the most famous residents of Paris is Jim Morrison. Unfortunately Jim died in a bathtub in Paris and is buried in Pere Lachaise. You can join the many who share a beer with their hero by pouring half your bottle’s contents onto his grave, rock on Jim.
10
Drink coffee in the shadow of giants
The oldest café in Paris, opened in 1686, is the Procope at 13, rue de l’Ancienna Comedie. You can visit for a hot beverage of your choice and revel in the atmosphere of its previous customers who included Diderot, Voltaire, Danton, Marat and even Robespierre.
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