27 Fun Facts About Paris That You Probably Haven’t Heard Before

Paris is by all doubts one of the most intriguing cities to visit in the world. With it being featured in books, movies and splashed across social media, you would be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t have the city on its bucket list.

There are a lot of fun facts about Paris that we discovered when we visited and some a little later. It makes an interesting read and it adds a different facet to your experience when you visit the city because you begin to look at the different places in a different light.

It is no wonder that so many quotes are based on Paris! The city certainly has a way on inspiring a person.

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Fun Facts About Paris

There are so many fun facts about Paris that I thought I would start with the general ones that everyone should know before visiting the city.

1. Paris Is Called The City Of Lights

Did you know that Paris has a number of nicknames. In fact one of the fun facts about Paris is that it is called ‘The City of Lights’. The French will use words like Lutece, Panuche and Paname to describe it. 

The true reason how the city got its name is however the basis of much speculation. A lot of people think that it was because it was the first city in Europe to have street lights installed. Others say that it is because of the boulevards and bridges that are lit up in the night.

Whatever the reason, the nickname stuck and today if you ask anyone which is the city of lights, Paris will be at the tip of their tongue!

2. Paris Has A Network Of Tunnels

When I say that there is a network of tunnels under the city, I am not talking about the metro system. Paris was built upon an old limestone quarry. Fun fact about Paris is that the quarries extend across the entire city but they are currently not in use. 

Oh and another fun fact about Paris is that in addition to the web of tunnels that the catacombs and the subway provide, there are also tunnels for sewers! It does seem like a maze below the city now doesn’t it?

3. Paris Has 20 Districts

The city of Paris is divided into 20 districts. The districts are called Arrondissements. One of the fun facts about Paris is in regards to the placement of these Arrondissements. They are numbered in a spiral manner.

The 1st Arrondissement houses the Louvre and surrounding monuments! The further out of the city, the larger the number! Given how large it is, it should not come as a surprise that there are some really cool (& secret) places in Paris that few have heard about.

4. Paris Has Two Islands!!

When I was first told about islands in Paris, I was taken aback. I mean the city is land locked so where are the islands? Well, the river Seine flows through the city. Two natural islands are formed in the river itself! If you think that these islands are tiny and not notable, then think again. One of the islands is home to Notre Dame.

Hold your breath though. Another fun fact about Paris is that there is a third island in the city namely Ile Aux Cygnes which is man made!

5. The Most Beautiful Avenue In The World Is In Paris

One of the most popularly known fun facts about Paris is in relation to a rather special avenue called Champ Elysee. This is the most beautiful avenue in the world and people flock from all over just to check it out.

It does help that there is a lot to do in the vicinity! Plus the tree lined avenue has a rather irresistible charm. The Champ Elysee is one of those places that you will immediately connect with if you are a person who has watched movies set in the city. So if you are looking for famous streets in Paris then this is one for the books!

6. The River Seine Runs Through The City

The Seine is a 777 km long river and it flows through the city of Light. In fact, you will find that the banks of this river always has something going on. Many of the old buildings are also located on its banks! 

It was one of my favorite places to head to at the end of the day. The cruises in the evening are really popular too!

7. Paris Has One Of The Busiest Transportation Systems In Europe.

There are so many ways to move across the city and I must say that it has one of the best public transportation networks in the world. You can’t spend a day in Paris without encountering one form of transportation or the other. In fact, one of the fun facts about Paris is that it has the busiest transportation system in Europe.

I particularly loved how I did not have to flag down a cab from place to place.

8. Most Of The Underground Stations Don’t Have Escalators Or Elevators.

I was warned the day I left from Amsterdam to Paris. I do wish someone had told me about this before I packed my bags to Europe! If you are headed to the city remember that most of the underground stations don’t have escalators or elevators.

In fact, some stations like the one next to Sacre Coeur have a steep flight of steps that you have to climb. If you have a lot of luggage you will definitely get a workout.

While this was not one of the fun facts about Paris (nothing fun about hauling heavy bags!), it is definitely something to keep in mind before visiting the city.

Fun Facts About Paris: History

I don’t know about you but I love reading up on the history of the location that I’m traveling to. Reading about Paris was a virtual rabbit hole. There is so much that the city has been through and so many monuments that you see in the present day that can be linked to the past. That’s why I made a separate section on the fun facts about Paris which are linked to history.

9. Paris Was Originally Lutetia

Did you know that Paris was originally a Roman city? 

Way back in 52 BC, Paris was a Roman city called Lutetia. It was a city that was built by the Romans as a base for their soldiers. In fact, the Latin word Luta which means swamp is believed to be the origin of the city’s historic name.

One of the fun facts about Paris way back then, was that Caesar himself had described the marsh area which later became Paris. Back then, the left bank of the Seine was less prone to flooding. That was where the city took roots.

10. Paris Is One Of The Oldest Cities In Europe

The city started out way back in 52 BC as we mentioned before. This was at a time when Europe was not as populated as it is today. 

In fact, Paris is not only one of the oldest cities in Europe but also the world. In the middle ages it was also the largest city in Europe. Quite a lot of fun facts about Paris packed into this piece of history isn’t it?

11. Paris Has Catacombs

Remember we talked about the underground network of tunnels? Well some of the limestone quarries that were abandoned were used as catacombs. They house the remains of more than six million people! 

This isn’t exactly one of the fun facts about Paris. In fact, some may even consider this a part of dark tourism. Me, I was intrigued and if you are headed to the city (and have time!) give the catacombs a visit.

Fun Facts About Paris: The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel tower is iconic. When you talk about the city, people immediately think about it. There are quite a number of fun facts about Paris that are linked to it. Let’s take a peek at them shall we?

12. The Eiffel Tower Was Not Designed By Gustave Eiffel

Yes! The Eiffel Tower was named after Gustave Eiffel but it wasn’t designed by him. Shocked? Don’t be. The original design of the tower was drawn up by two men named Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier. They worked for Mr. Eiffel’s company and that is how he got naming rights! Definitely one of the obscure and yet fun facts about Paris.

13. The Eiffel Tower Was Supposed To Be A Temporary Structure

The Eiffel tower was never built to last. It was built to last just for 20 years and then be torn down. One of the fun facts about Paris is that the Eiffel tower was supposed to be a symbol that showed off the prowess of France in the industrial revolution. It however turned out to be an iconic landmark in the city and has been there ever since. Why even Hitler couldn’t take the Eiffel away from Paris.

14. Many Parisians Considered The Eiffel Tower Ugly

One of the fun facts about Paris that caught my attention was the fact that most Parisians did not want the Eiffel tower in the city because they considered it ugly! They felt that it did not fit with the feel of the city and in a way I have to agree with them.

Eventually the city’s perspective of the Eiffel changed and it is still standing as an iconic landmark till date.

15. The Night Show Patent At The Eiffel Tower

You will almost never find a video of the night show at the Eiffel tower online. Do you know why? Well according to the European copyright law, the night show is protected for the lifetime of the creator plus another 70 years. The 70 years have still not lapsed. So make sure that you don’t take photographs or videos for distribution. Definitely one of the fun facts about Paris that you need to pay attention to.

16. The Eiffel Tower Is Rusting!

The Eiffel tower requires a lot of maintenance. It is a big job because the tower is rusting. In fact, a lot of sources say that the job requires the tower to be scraped down to the metal and then repainted. It is a big time consuming job and it is estimated to cost somewhere in the ballpark of 6 million euros!

Fun Facts About Paris: Museums

You can’t visit the city without stepping into one of the many museums. There are so many fun facts about Paris that revolve around museums that I thought talking about them separately was wise!

17. Paris Is Home To 130 Museums

I don’t think that I have ever visited a city that has quite as many museums in Paris. With 130 museums within the city limits alone, you will find that it is hard to choose where you want to spend your day.

Another great fun fact about Paris is that many of the museums have one day a month where the entrance fees are waived for the general public. If you don’t have time constraints I would highly recommend checking them out.

18. Paris Has The Louvre!

Paris has the world famous Louvre! Need I say more? The Louvre is by far one of the largest museums in the world. You could spend days wandering around the museum and still not see everything! 

I highly recommend not visiting the Louvre as a pit stop. It won’t be time well spent. We had a whole day to see the museum and still came up short. If you are headed to the museum make sure that you buy the tickets online since it helps you skip the long queues.

19. Paris Has The Most Beautiful Painting In World

Everyone has heard of the Mona Lisa. It is considered the most famous and most beautiful painting in the world. It is also located in the Louvre in Paris. Surprised? I thought not. The city is after all famous for its art collection.

A fun fact about Paris in relation to this painting is that you will probably find a huge crowd in front of it at all times. I’m not kidding. We literally realized that the Mona Lisa was in the room because of the way people clamored to see it!

Fun Facts about Paris: Tourism

The city is very famous across the world and that drives a lot of tourism its way. In fact, it is one of the major sources of revenue. Millions of visitors come and spend their time and money here each year.

The revenue can be seen in hotel reservations, restaurants, and tourist sites. There are a lot of fun facts about Paris that revolve around this topic. Let’s take a look at them.

20. Paris Is The Fashion Capital Of The World! 

Not only is the city the fashion capital of the world, one of the fun facts about Paris is that you can find all the big fashion brands in the city. When I say that you’ll find them, I mean you will find outlets and their official headquarters too! Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuiton are just a few examples.

21. The Notre Dame Was The Most Visited Spot In Paris Before The Fire

Another one of the fun facts about Paris is in relation to the Notre Dame. Did you know that the Cathedral of Notre Dame is actually the most visited tourist spot in the city? I was astounded. We visited because we had heard about the architecture. The  book ‘The Hunchback Of Notre Dame’ was another thing that drew us there.

The Notre Dame has been closed for renovations though so it no longer receives the original influx of tourists. It is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France and definitely worth visiting even if just to see the façade.

22. Disneyland Paris Is The Second Visited Location In Paris

Disneyland was something that we added to the itinerary since we had time. It turns out that it is actually the second most visited attraction and I can see this. I mean you come to Paris and it has a Disneyland (which isn’t in every country mind you!). You just feel tempted to visit!

23. The Eiffel Tower Is The Fourth Most Visited Location In Paris!

I thought that the Eiffel tower would be the most visited location in Paris. Apparently not! Turns out that it has been bumped down to place four. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the biggest fan. Though the area around the Eiffel is a great place to kick back and relax. Plus there is always a lot of activity going on!

24. The Most Famous Cabaret In The World Is In Paris.

Did you know that the Moulin Rouge in Paris is the most famous cabaret in the world? The cabaret is named after the iconic red windmill that is hard to miss when you pass by. We never really had a chance to catch a show but we did stop to check it out when we were in the vicinity

25. The City Has Vineyards

Did you know that there are vineyards in the busy city? I haven’t personally been to one but when I was doing my research about fun facts about Paris, this particular nugget cropped up.

After being to Paris and walking through the streets, it is hard to imagine a vineyard nestled in them. In fact, there isn’t just one! There are many! It is at the top of my list for the next time I visit the city. Oh and if you are interested there are some great champagne tours from Paris that you can head out on too!

Fun Facts About Paris: Food

26. Crepes Aren’t Originally From Paris

This one was a total shocker. I mean, the best crepes that I have ever eaten were in Paris! I can still savor the taste of the savory crepes right in front of the Eiffel tower! So forgive me if I drew an audible gasp the moment I heard it!

Crepes come from Brittany. That being said, even though they aren’t from the city, you can get some really good crepes in Paris.

27. The Macaroon Is Italian

Did I hear you hit the floor? Yup! If you are looking for fun facts about Paris related to food, then the fact that macaroons are not French will probably take the cake. Pun intended!

The story about the macaroon will take you to a monastery in Italy. I’m not really sure which. If you know please let me know too! Anyways… When  Queen Catherine de’ Medici of Italy married King Henry II of France, the macaroon made its way to France along with her.

Today few people know that the macaroon originated in Italy!

Have you been to Paris? Do you know any fun facts that we missed? Let us know in the comments below.

If you are headed to the city and are looking for inspiration, check out our guide to a day in Paris and what to do if it rains while you are there.

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