31 Fun Facts About Paris

Do you want to know some fun facts about Paris, France?

Paris is a romantic city and considered the cultural capital of Europe, known all over the world for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. It is also never short of gastronomic delights.

RELATED READ: Is Paris Expensive? What You Need To Know (2023)

There’s no doubt that the French capital is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It has been attracting visitors since they lit the streets with gas a few hundred years ago, making it the “City of Light.”

Read on to find out more fun facts about Paris you probably didn’t know.

31 Fun Facts About Paris

1. Paris is dubbed the “City of Light” (“La Ville Lumière”) for two reasons

The French capital is often referred to as the “La Ville Lumière” or the “City of Light” for a couple of reasons.

First is because of its leading role in the arts and sciences during the Age of Enlightenment, an intellectual and philosophical movement in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries that affected and influenced the world. At the time, Paris was the center of an explosion of philosophic and scientific activity.

The second reason is more literal. Because the city was one of the first in the continent to use the early system of street lighting on a grand scale. Paris used gas to light its boulevards and monuments.

2. Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world

Between 30 and 40 million visitors, both French and foreign, come to Paris every year. The top 5 foreign nationalities who visit the French capital are Americans, British, Germans, Chinese, and Spanish.

3. Paris’ former name was “Lutèce”

Founded by a Gallic tribe called “Parisii” in around the middle of the 3rd century BCE, the town of Lutèce – Lutetia Parisiorum in Latin, or simply Lutetia – was the predecessor of the modern-day Paris. It was at the intersection of land and water trade routes on the River Seine, conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BCE who rebuilt into a Roman city.

It was in the 5th century that Lutèce or Lutetia became the capital of the dynasty of French kings, and from there it became known as “Parisius” or “Paris.” The city has kept the name since.

4. There are around 130 museums within the city limits of Paris

Did you know how just many museums you can explore in Paris? Around 130, including those within the “Grand Paris” area. The most famous of these are the Louvre, Orsay, Rodin, and Picasso Museums – all are must-visit in Paris.

5. The world’s largest museum is in Paris

The Louvre is the world’s biggest museum and art gallery, housing over 38,000 pieces of art within its walls. These include da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the most famous painting ever.

The Louvre Museum is so big that if you spent 10 seconds on each piece showcased there, you would be staying there for over a month before you’re done.

The Louvre is also the most visited museum in the world, with an average of around 10 million visitors coming and going every year.

6. Various street names in the 14th-century Paris were inspired by the French word for “shit”

During the early 14th century, Paris and other European cities had collected so much filth that Paris started naming streets after human waste. Several Parisian street names were named after the French word merde, which means “shit.” Some of these streets were rue Merdeux, rue Merdusson, rue Merdiere, rue Merdelet, and rue des Merdons.

7. The Bloody Mary cocktail was invented in Paris.

Did you know that the famous “Bloody Mary” cocktail was invented in Paris? At the Paris Ritz Hotel, specifically.

According to legend, the cocktail that sounds British was made for the famous American novelist Ernest Hemingway, who requested for an alcoholic drink that didn’t smell like one. And guess what? He got vodka mixed with tomato juice, and – voila! – Bloody Mary was born.

8. Tourists whose expectations Paris could not meet develop a syndrome

It’s an extreme form of culture shock called “Paris Syndrome.” It is that sense of extreme disappointment felt by some individuals visiting Paris, who think that the city did not meet their (most probably unrealistic) expectations.

While having inappropriate expectations of Paris is fairly common, the chances of suffering from Paris Syndrome are very small. Only an average of 20 cases are reported per year, Japanese tourists being the most affected. In Japan, it’s called “Pari shōkōgun.”

Paris Syndrome is characterized by a set of symptoms which include delusions and hallucinations, derealization, depersonalization, anxiety, and feelings of persecution, as well as vomiting, sweating, dizziness, and tachycardia.

9. Paris said “no” to Tom Cruise

When Hollywood A-lister Tom Cruise requested to become an honorary citizen of Paris in 2005, the city government passed a resolution to block the move due to the American actor’s affiliation with Scientology. France has classified the controversial religious organization as a cult and cults are not acceptable for the French government.

10. Paris Metro is Europe’s second busiest underground network

About 5 million commuters use Paris Metro, the city’s underground train, every day. This is the easiest and most popular way for locals to get around the city.

In Europe, the Paris Metro tails behind the busiest underground network – the Moscow Metro in Russia which serves from 7 to over 9 million passengers daily.

11. Paris is such a great dog-lover that there is one dog for every seven Parisians

… and they are allowed in most establishments.

Dog population in Paris is over 300,000 and humans 2.1 million. That’s one pooch for every seven Parisians.

These dogs are allowed entry in places normally reserved for humans only such as shops (except food stores and open-air markets), bars, restaurants, and public transport, as well as offices and salons.

Ironically, however, majority of parks and green spaces in Paris prohibit them. But they are allowed in the Parc Montsouris – on a leash – as well as the south end of Luxembourg Gardens, the north end of the Tuileries, and the paved paths of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. At Champ de Mars, they can roam everywhere except the grass.

Dogs are allowed only in the café terraces only the Louvre. And no, they can’t go to the Eiffel Tower unless they’re with their disabled humans.

12. There are 5 replicas of the Statue of Liberty in Paris

Hundreds of replicas of New York City’s famous Statue of Liberty are found all over the world. In France, they can be found in different locations – in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, Bordeaux, Poitiers, Chaumont, Lunel, Roybon, Nice, Barentin, Châteauneuf-la-Forêt, Colmar, and of course – Paris.

The most famous replica of the Statue of Liberty in France is in the city center of Paris, near the Grenelle Bridge on the Île aux Cygnes in the River Seine. It was a gift from America to France in 1889, to commemorate 100 years since the French Revolution.

In 1900, a smaller replica of the statue was created and now stands in the entrance hall to the Musée d’Orsay. There is a bronze replica of this particular model in the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Another Statue of Liberty is housed in an industrial museum in the Rue Réaumur in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, called Musée des Arts et Métiers (Museum of Arts and Crafts).

The Flame of Liberty, a life-size copy of the Statue of Liberty’s torch, is on the entrance to the Pont de l’Alma tunnel. Since 1997, it has become a memorial to Princess Diana, who died in a car crash in the tunnel that year.

13. There is an Underground City in Paris

One of the most interesting facts about Paris is that there is an Underground City in it, the Catacombs, a network of underground passageways and ossuaries.

The Catacombs, situated beneath the streets of Paris, are a glimpse into the city’s past and an eyewitness account of the thousands of people who have spent their lives there throughout the years.

Hidden limestone quarries stretching back centuries underneath the city, centered on the south bank of the Seine, provided the stone for Paris’ renowned monuments such as Notre Dame.

14. There Isn’t a Single “Stop Sign” in Paris

The French capital, unlike many other French cities, doesn’t have a stop sign. There’s no need to wander the streets of Paris looking for one; the city removed them all in 2016. Instead, there are several traffic signals that control the flow of traffic.

Vehicles in Paris are not allowed to come to a full stop at an intersection that does not have a traffic light. At all intersections, particularly traffic circles, cars on the right side of the highway have the right of way. Although there are many traffic signs in Paris, there are no stop signs.

15. Paris has 421 Municipal Parks

Today, Paris boasts over 421 municipal parks and gardens spanning over 3000 hectares and housing over 265,000 trees.

Paris’s various parks and gardens, whether regal, hidden, places to wander or picnic, provide a wide range of options and may be found across the city!

16. Paris is the World’s Fashion Capital

There’s no denying that Paris is the most glamorous city in the world. There is a prominent fashion institute, renowned fashion schools, outstanding fashion firms and ateliers, and exhibits in this fashion center. King Louis XIV’s reign heralded the start of Paris’ fashion power.

For the last three centuries, Paris has ruled the high seas of fashion. During this period, it has drawn the world’s top designers and appears to have instilled in its residents an instinctive sense of style.

17. The Most Visited Place in Paris is the Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame de Paris was founded in the 12th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, together with the Paris Banks of the Seine, and is one of the most beloved landmarks in the world, with over 12 million visitors each year prior to the fire.

Despite its difficulties, Notre Dame continues to represent the soul of Paris. The majesty and timeless presence of the cathedral evoke admiration and awe in all who see it.

18. There are more than 6100 Streets in Paris

Because there are in fact more than 6,100 streets in Paris, it is quite easy to become disoriented. The streets are not necessarily the same length; some are short, while others are wide.

Even numbers will always appear on the right side of the street on Paris streets parallel to the river, as the passer-by turn their backs on the river and walk away from it. Odd numbers, on the other hand, are positioned on the left side of the roadway.

19. The First Taken Picture of a Human Being Was in Paris

Louis Daguerre’s snapshot of a Paris street scene, taken in 1838, depicts a guy standing in the Boulevard du Temple having his shoes cleaned. It is usually thought to be the oldest surviving image of human individuals.

If the motions were too quick for the daguerreotype to capture, a recognizable human figure remained immobile enough to be immortalized. A guy may be seen cleaning his shoes to the left of the image. The shoe-shine boy appears as well, albeit he is indistinct.

20. Paris’ Point Zero is the Notre Dame

This is the exact location of Paris’s center. The distance to other locations in France may be calculated precisely from Le Point Zéro. This is where you put your marker if you’d like to get an idea of how far Montpellier is from Paris.

A little geographic marker placed in the concrete of the public area outside Notre Dame Cathedral is used to calculate the distance from Paris to all other locations.

However, rather than being a dry sign of measurement, the location popularly referred to as Paris Point Zero has attracted an unexpected number of local customs.

21. Pont Neuf is the Oldest Bridge in Paris

Surprisingly, despite its name, the Pont Neuf (New Bridge) is the city’s oldest bridge. At the start of its construction, a bridge was the first to span the Seine altogether, the first to be made completely of stone, and the earliest street to propose a pedestrian walkway.

Your pals will love hearing this amusing tidbit about Paris as much as we do!

22. The Famous Painting in Paris was Once Stolen

Have you ever heard a contentious Parisian fact? On August 21, 1911, a guy named Vincenzo Peruggia perpetrated a historic art crime that went down in history.

He stole the world’s most renowned artwork, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, from the museum known as the Louvre in Paris.

23. Paris’ First Café has been in Operation for 90 years!

The first café in Paris was established in 1672, but it was not until nearly 15 years afterward, when LeProcope opened, that the café became something of a cultural landmark in Parisian society.

Le Procope is Paris’s oldest as well as the most cutting-edge café. This historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés café claims to be Paris’s oldest café, as ancient as A La Petite Chais.

24. Travelers will Go to Paris Just for a Discounted Skin Care

One of the most intriguing facts about Paris is that people would fly to the French city in the hopes of saving money on skin care.

Caudalie and many other French cosmetic brands are substantially cheaper in France than in the United States since the firm does not have to pay any import taxes or customs.

25. Tree Counting is an Official Job in Paris

Can’t seem to find work? I believe Paris is the place for you! Yes, you read that correctly; it is one of the most amazing facts about Paris.

The official count currently stands at 490,000 trees, and many more are expected to be planted in the future years! This makes Paris one of Europe’s best-treed cities.

26. Women in Paris were Not Permitted to Wear Pants until 2012

It has been essentially forbidden for a woman to be allowed to wear trousers in Paris while not having a police license since 1800. Women using horses or bicycles were granted exemption a little over a century ago. Otherwise, the bylaw was still in effect.

Women were not permitted to wear pants or any sort of men’s attire unless they obtained permission from the police, according to a Parisian ordinance established in the 1800s.

Throughout the French Revolution, Parisian women demanded the right to wear pants, and working-class rebels were often referred to as “sans-culottes” for wearing trousers rather than the bourgeoisie’s favored silk-knee breeches.

27. 20,000 Light Bulbs of the Eiffel Tower Illuminate the Landmark Every Night

The glittering appearance of Paris’ Eiffel Tower is achieved by no fewer than 20,000 lamps flashing at a very high rate.

Camera flashes inspired this effect! Pierre Bideau, a lighting engineer, devised the monument’s current illumination. Light beams sent from the bottom to the top illuminate the Eiffel Tower from within its framework.

They have been showcasing the exquisite metallic construction of the landmark and illuminating the regions utilized by late-night visitors when they replaced the 1,290 functional projectors that lit the Tower from the outside.

28. Disneyland Paris is not Part of Paris

Doesn’t it sound puzzling? It’s true. That’s why it’s included in our list of Paris Fun Facts! Disneyland Paris is a well-known theme park and resort in Chessy, France. The park is renowned as Europe’s most visited theme park and is located just 40 minutes outside of Paris.

The cost of a Disneyland Paris ticket ranges from $66 to $154. These rates, however, may vary based on the type of ticket you select and – if you want to travel for numerous days – your complete vacation package.

29. Père-Lachaise is the Most Visited Cemetery In The World

Père-Lachaise is a famous tourist attraction in Paris, noted for its tombs of notable personalities, and is sometimes referred to be the world’s most visited cemetery.

At 44 hectares, it is the biggest cemetery in Paris, France. It is the world’s most-traveled necropolis, with over 3.5 million people every year.

Light a candle and place flowers in front of the person you adore. There are other historical sites to examine, with styles spanning three centuries.

30. The Eiffel Tower has a Total of 1,665 Steps from the Ground to the Top

From the bottom of the Eiffel Tower, climb the steps to the second floor. That equates to 674 steps! The Eiffel Tower has 1665 steps from the esplanade to the top, although the stairway from the 2nd floor towards the top is not available to the public.

The tower is divided into three floors with viewing platforms at about 200, 400, and 900 feet, which are linked by elevators and steps. However, there isn’t a single elevator that goes directly to the top. To reach there, use an elevator to the second floor (or climb 775 steps).

31. The First To Use The Camouflage Uniform were the French Soldiers

Camouflage was invented in 1914 in France by designer Lucien-Victor Guirand de Scévola along with others. The subject’s dramatic aspect led artists to take part in efforts to conceal military troops and activity. The Americans arrived later, after the British.

Camouflage for weapons and locations was fully developed for use in the military by the French, and the rest of World War I forces quickly followed suit. Artists had the opportunity to serve as camouflage officers during both World Wars.

Where to stay in Paris

Booking.com