They call it the City of Light, the City of Love, and it is no simple coincidence that this city attracts almost 25 million tourists every year. Of course, we are talking about Paris, the capital of France and the dream of every traveler eager to have a good time while enjoying the arts and nature. If you are planning to head to the magical city on the banks of the Seine this summer, here are five interesting facts about Paris.
1. Many know it as City of Light, but they don’t know why
The main reason why Paris is called the City of Light is quite logical – Paris was among the first cities in Europe to begin using street lighting in the mid-19th century. Moreover, during the 18th century’s Enlightenment, the French capital was a hub for many intellectuals of the time, such as philosophers Voltaire and Rousseau, making Paris a home to many enlightened minds of the period even before the emergence of streetlights.
2. Okay, but why City of Love?
Paris is said to have always been tailored for lovers. This city is the central character in many love novels, movies, and songs. Is there any better place in the world for lovers to circle around and enjoy their romance than the Eiffel Tower? By the way, visitors to the Eiffel Tower have to take 1,665 steps to reach the top – thankfully, there is also an elevator, so don’t worry!
3. Is that main reason why millions of people rush to Paris?
No, of course, the French capital offers much more than kisses by the Seine and at the Eiffel Tower. Paris has always been a retreat for artists like the great Pablo Picasso. Paris is home to the Mona Lisa, exhibited in the famous Louvre. Moreover, Paris offers as many as 35,000 masterpieces to be seen. It is also called the fashion capital. From the Arc de Triomphe, through Montmartre, to the Champs-Élysées, every step a traveler takes means witnessing history.
The Louvre, on the Right Bank of the Seine in Paris, [Editorial credit: George Wirt / Shutterstock.com]## 4. Incredible underground Paris!
Fascinating on its surface, Paris is equally amazing underground. Beneath the surface of the entire city, there are the catacombs, stretching along about 270 kilometres. A very small part of them is accessible to visitors.
5. Paris by figures
The most famous museum in the world, the Louvre, possesses 35,000 exhibits available for visitors to see, as well as 615,000 various pieces of art in its archives—a truly priceless treasure of global cultural heritage. Paris, among other things, has 6,100 streets, 37 bridges connecting the two parts of the city, and as many as 450 parks and botanical gardens.
Probably no person has been born yet who visited Paris without enjoying it. The advice is, though, never travel to the City of Love alone! If you travel to Paris from Serbia, before setting out, be sure you take out your insurance policy, at travel insurance-Dunav insurance company.
So pack your bags, unpack your worries, and climb the Eiffel with confidence.
And of course – Bon Voyage!
