8 Interesting Facts About Paris

Let's take a look at the main attractions of Paris, France, which have a history and some interesting facts that will surprise you. Paris does not need a cover letter: it is the number one destination for travelers around the world. But behind the icons of the French capital, there are some curiosities or interesting facts that we will reveal in the next few lines.

The Eiffel Tower could have been demolished

Seine in Paris with Eiffel Tower during sunrise

Erected in 1889 on the occasion of the Universal Exhibition in Paris, the Eiffel Tower was the subject of controversy at the time due to its imposing and contrasting figure in the physiognomy of the French capital. For this reason, at the end of the event, the possibility of its destruction was raised, not knowing that over the years, this iron structure of 300 m. height, created by Gustave Eiffel, would become the most visited monument in the world.

Notre Dame has witnessed relevant historical events

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Built between 1163 and 1245, Notre Dame Cathedral was the scene of important historical events, such as the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte and Henry VI of England, as well as the beatification of Joan of Arc. In 2019, it suffered a spectacular fire that destroyed some of its main parts. City consultants have assured that its reconstruction will take 5 years due to the need for specialized and complex machinery and labor.

The Louvre, one of the largest museums in the world

The Louvre in Paris

The Louvre's vast collections, renowned for their masterpieces, are the result of centuries of collecting by the French monarchy, the Age of Enlightenment, military victories in the Napoleonic Wars, and archaeological campaigns and purchases promoted throughout the 19th century. The Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa, the Coronation of Napoleon, the Raft of the Medusa, and Liberty Leading the People are some of the works not to be missed.

The Shakespeare and Company bookstore has been the location for several films.

Bookstore "Shakespeare and Company"

"Midnight in Paris" or "Before Sunset" were two films that used the Shakespeare & Company bookstore for their stories. This corner of Paris is located on Rue de la Bucherie, a bohemian neighborhood on the famous Left Bank. The Shakespeare & Company bookstore is located on Rue de la Bucherie in Paris.

Montmartre, the artists' district

View from the top of the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France, towards Montmartre and Sacre Coeur

Known as the “artists’ quarter,” the steep streets of Montmartre were once home to Pablo Picasso and Amedeo Modigliani. Both artists lived and worked in the commune, a building called the Bateau-Lavoir, between 1904 and 1909. Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Maurice Utrillo, and Toulouse-Lautrec were among those who created some of their masterpieces in the neighborhood.

The triumphal arch is inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome.

Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France

Another icon of the city is the Arc de Triomphe, a 50-metre-tall monument built by order of Napoleon Bonaparte after his victory at Austerlitz (1805), when he promised his men that "they would return home under triumphal arches". Inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome, it is located at the end of the Av. on the Champs-Elysees.

Legendary figures have passed through the Moulin Rouge

Le_Moulin_Rouge_Paris

In the red Pigalle district, on the Boulevard de Clichy, is the Moulin Rouge, a traditional cabaret opened in 1889. This small establishment with an imitation red windmill on its façade gradually became the most famous music hall of the Belle Époque and one of the great entertainment venues of Parisian life, partly thanks to the famous dance of its dancers: the can-can. The Moulin Rouge is a cabaret opened in 1889 and has become one of the best entertainment venues in Parisian life. Entering its premises means traveling back to a time of artistic splendor in Paris and to a place where such names as Edith Piaf, Ginger Rogers, Frank Sinatra, Charles Aznavour, Josephine Baker, Bing Crosby and Sacha Distel, among many others, have passed through. others.

Fashion capital

Parisian fashion

Those interested in the “fashion capital” aspect of Paris can tour the districts that are home to major department stores, international designer mansions and small local boutiques. You can start in the Madeleine district, passing through the Opera, Place Vendôme and Rue de Rivoli to get a general idea of all the options that Paris offers for an afternoon of shopping. On the other hand, the famous Galeries Lafayette, located on Boulevard Haussmann or opposite Place Montparnasse, are worth a visit to get to know them, stroll around them and buy some high-end products.