Ten fun facts about Paris

1. The City of Light

Paris is renowned for its nickname, 'The City of Light', which was first coined during the Age of Enlightenment due to its progressive ideas. However, it wasn't until the 1860's that the nickname became literal when Napoleon III ordered the installation of 56,000 gas lamps to light up the streets of the city. This revolutionary move made Paris the first city in the world to be illuminated by gas lighting, and it has since become a symbol of the city's innovation and progress.

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2. The City with a Long and Storied History

The city of Paris has a long and storied history, dating back to pre-Roman times when it was known as Lutetia. This ancient settlement is considered to be the ancestor of the modern city, and was located on the banks of the Seine River in what is now the Île-de-France region of France. Lutetia was an important trading hub in the Roman Empire, and its strategic location helped it to become the bustling metropolis that it is today.

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3. Paris Tourism Down, But Still Popular

Paris, the City of Lights, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In 2014, it was the third most visited city, with over 15 million visitors. Unfortunately, this was a decrease from 2013, when it was the second most visited city with over 16 million visitors. Despite this, Paris remains a top destination for travelers from all over the world, and its iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame, continue to draw millions of visitors each year.

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4. Paris has only one stop sign!

The city of Paris is known for its romantic atmosphere and iconic landmarks, but did you know that it has only one stop sign within its city limits? This is a testament to the city's commitment to safety, as Paris has implemented a variety of other traffic control measures to ensure the safety of its citizens. These measures include traffic lights, speed bumps, and pedestrian crossings, all of which help to keep the streets of Paris safe and orderly.

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5. Home Away From Home for Strangers

For the past 35 years, Jim Haynes has been inviting strangers to his home in Paris for dinner. This remarkable act of hospitality has been made possible through his website, where people can sign up to attend. Jim's generosity has been a source of joy and connection for thousands of people over the years, and continues to be a unique and special experience for those lucky enough to be invited.

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6. Paris' Gold-Leaf Flame Replica is a Stunning Sight

As a symbol of the strong bond between France and the United States, Paris is home to a full-sized, gold-leaf covered replica of the iconic flame that is carried by the Statue of Liberty. This replica is a stunning sight to behold, standing at an impressive height of 3.5 meters and weighing in at a hefty 1.5 tons. The flame is a reminder of the friendship between the two countries, and is a popular tourist attraction in the city.

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7. The Eiffel Tower: One of the Most Visited Monuments in the World

The iconic Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and one of the most recognizable monuments in the world, was constructed in 1889 and stands as the tallest structure in the city. It is also the most-visited paid monument in the world, with an astonishing 6.98 million people ascending it in 2011 alone.

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8. The Mona Lisa in Paris

The world-famous Mona Lisa, a masterpiece of Renaissance art, has been housed in the Louvre museum in Paris since 1797. It is the most renowned, most visited, most written about, most sung about and most parodied work of art in the world, and has been an iconic symbol of the city of Paris for centuries. It is estimated that over 6 million people visit the Louvre each year, with the majority of them coming to see the Mona Lisa.

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9. Paris, the City of Light

Paris, the City of Light, is the largest city in France and the capital of the Ile de France region. As of 2011, it had a population of 2.234 million people, but when combined with the 12 million people living in the Ile de France region, it is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in Europe. Paris is renowned for its culture, art, fashion, cuisine, and architecture, and is one of the most visited cities in the world.

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10. The City of Art and Culture

For over 1500 years, Paris has been the capital of France, with its first recorded mention as the capital of the country dating back to 508 A.D. During this time, the city has grown to become one of the most iconic and beloved cities in the world, renowned for its art, culture, and cuisine. It is home to some of the world's most famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral, and is a popular destination for tourists from all over the globe.

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