Paris, the capital city of France, is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. Known for its stunning architecture, world-renowned museums, and delicious cuisine, Paris is a city that attracts millions of visitors every year.
But did you know that there are also some fascinating facts about Paris that are sure to surprise you? Here are some fun facts about Paris that you may not have known before:
The Eiffel Tower Was Meant to be a Temporary Structure
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. It was built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair and was originally intended to be a temporary structure. However, it quickly became a beloved symbol of the city and has remained standing ever since.
Paris Was Once a Roman City
Before it became known as Paris, the city was actually called Lutetia and was a Roman city. The Romans established a settlement on the banks of the Seine River in the 1st century BC.
The Louvre Museum Used to Be a Palace
The Louvre Museum is one of the largest museums in the world and houses some of the most famous works of art including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. But did you know that before it became a museum it was actually a palace? The Louvre Palace was built in 1190 and served as a royal residence until Louis XIV moved his court to Versailles.
Paris Has Its Own Beach
Every summer, Parisians can enjoy their very own beach right in the heart of the city. The “Paris Plages” or Paris Beaches program brings sand, palm trees, deck chairs, and even swimming pools to various locations along the Seine River.
There Are More Dogs Than Children in Paris
Paris is known for being a dog-friendly city and it’s not hard to see why. There are over 300,000 registered dogs in Paris, which is actually more than the number of children in the city.
The Mona Lisa Has Its Own Mailbox
The Mona Lisa is undoubtedly one of the most famous paintings in the world and it resides at the Louvre Museum in Paris. But did you know that it also has its own mailbox? Visitors can send postcards to themselves or their loved ones with a special Mona Lisa-themed stamp and postmark.
Paris Has 20 Districts
Paris is divided into 20 districts or “arrondissements”. Each district has its own unique character and charm, but they all come together to form the beautiful city of Paris that we know and love today.
The City’s Name Has an Interesting Origin
The name “Paris” actually comes from a Celtic tribe called the “Parisii” who lived in the region before it became a Roman city. Over time, the name evolved into “Lutetia Parisiorum” which eventually became just “Paris”.
Overall, Paris is a city full of surprises and fascinating facts. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve been there many times before, there’s always something new to discover about this beautiful city.