Paris, the City of Light, has long captured the imagination of travelers, artists, and dreamers alike. With its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder why millions flock to its streets every year. But beyond the well-known attractions, Paris holds a wealth of fascinating stories and lesser-known facts that add depth to its timeless charm. In this article, we explore 30 captivating facts and tales that reveal the hidden layers of Paris, from its medieval past to its modern-day allure. Whether you're a seasoned visitor or a first-time explorer, these insights will offer a new perspective on one of the world’s most beloved cities.
Nowadays, nobody can imagine Paris without Eiffel Tower. But when the Eiffel Tower was first constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, it faced significant opposition from many prominent artists, intellectuals, and Parisians. They viewed it as an eyesore, criticizing its industrial design as an affront to the city’s classical architectural beauty. A group of influential figures, including writer Guy de Maupassant and composer Charles Gounod, even signed a petition condemning the tower, calling it a "gigantic black factory chimney" that would ruin the elegance of Paris. Despite these early protests, the Eiffel Tower gradually won over the public and is now one of the most beloved and iconic landmarks in the world.
The Fontaines Wallace are iconic public drinking fountains scattered throughout Paris, known for their distinctive green cast-iron design. These fountains were introduced in the late 19th century, thanks to the philanthropy of Sir Richard Wallace, a Scottish art collector and philanthropist. After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, many Parisians faced water shortages, and Wallace funded these fountains to provide free, clean drinking water to the city’s residents. The design, created by the French sculptor Charles-Auguste Lebourg, features four graceful female figures symbolizing kindness, simplicity, charity, and sobriety. Standing at just over 2.7 meters tall, the Wallace fountains blend function and beauty, becoming an integral part of the Parisian landscape. Today, there are around 100 of these fountains across the city, providing free water to both locals and visitors.
The Statue of Liberty (La Statue de la Liberté) symbolizes freedom, democracy, and the strong historical ties between France and the United States. The Statue was created by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor and gifted by France to the U.S for its centennial in 1886. The statue’s internal structure, including its iron framework, was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the engineer best known for the Eiffel Tower. Did you know that Paris has several replicas of the Statue of Liberty? The biggest one is located on the Île aux Cygnes in the Seine River. It's about one-fourth the size of the New York version (12 meters). This statue was a gift from the American community in Paris to France in 1889, to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution. It faces west, toward its larger counterpart in New York, symbolizing the friendship between France and the United States. A smaller replica was created by the statue's original sculptor, inside the Musée d’Orsay. In the Musée des Arts et Métiers, you can also see the original plaster models Bartholdi created while designing the Statue of Liberty, giving insight into the statue's development.
Les Nounours des Gobelins is a unique and whimsical public art project that started in Paris in 2018, initiated by a local bookseller. It features large, plush teddy bears (called "nounours" in French) placed around the Gobelins neighborhood in the 13th arrondissement. These teddy bears, often posed in playful or everyday human situations, are positioned in various public places (inside shop windows, sitting at cafés, lounging in chairs, or even appearing to engage in activities like reading or playing music). They are frequently dressed up for the seasons or holidays. Local shop owners and residents have embraced the project, contributing by lending spaces for the bears or helping to arrange them. The bears help bring the community together and add a sense of warmth and cheer to the area.
37 bridges cross the Seine River. despite its name meaning "New Bridge," Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge in Paris, completed in 1607. Spanning the Seine River and connecting the Right and Left Banks via the Île de la Cité, it was commissioned by King Henri IV in 1578 and became a symbol of modernization for the city. Unlike earlier bridges, Pont Neuf was revolutionary in its design, with wide sidewalks for pedestrians and no buildings on top, allowing for better movement and a clearer view of the river.
Gratte-chaussures, or "boot scrapers," are small, often ornate metal fixtures found at the entrance of many older Parisian buildings. These were used in the 19th and early 20th centuries for people to scrape mud, dirt, and grime off their shoes before entering a home or building. Placed next to doorsteps or built into the sides of stairways, they were essential in an era when Paris’s streets were much muddier and unpaved compared to today. These boot scrapers were both practical and decorative, often crafted in intricate designs that matched the style of the building. While they are no longer in common use, many can still be seen across Paris, especially in older neighborhoods, serving as charming historical reminders of daily life in the city’s past.
La Bièvre is a small river that once flowed openly through Paris but is now mostly hidden underground. Originating in the Île-de-France region, it stretches for about 36 kilometers and once played a vital role in the city’s industrial history. During the Middle Ages, the Bièvre supplied water to tanners, dyers, and other artisans, particularly in the southern part of Paris, including the Gobelins district, which became famous for its tapestry workshops. However, due to increasing pollution from these industries and the city's growing population, the Bièvre became heavily contaminated. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Paris modernized, the decision was made to cover the Bièvre for sanitary reasons. There are several signs and plaques indicating the former path of La Bièvre as it runs underground through the city. These markers are often discreet, placed on buildings or along streets that were once part of the river’s route, particularly in the 13th and 5th arrondissements.
The Colonne Morris is an iconic feature of the Parisian urban landscape, consisting of cylindrical kiosks found along streets and boulevards. These columns, introduced in 1868 by a printer named Gabriel Morris, are primarily used to display posters advertising theater performances, movies, cultural events, and various public announcements. Standing at about three meters tall, the Colonne Morris has become a symbol of Parisian street culture and advertising. Made of cast iron and painted in the city's signature dark green, these columns are elegantly designed with a round, decorative top. Their presence in Paris serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose, blending seamlessly into the city’s historical architecture while promoting the vibrant arts and entertainment scene.
The Cimetière des Animaux in Paris, located in the suburb of Asnières-sur-Seine, is one of the world’s oldest pet cemeteries, offering a unique glimpse into the relationship between Parisians and their beloved animals. Opened in 1899, the cemetery was established to provide a dignified resting place for pets, following a law that required animals to be buried in proper graves. This peaceful and beautifully landscaped cemetery is home to the remains of thousands of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and even more exotic creatures like horses and monkeys.
Throughout its history, Paris was encircled by various defensive walls, built in different periods to safeguard the growing city from invaders. Today, remnants of these ancient walls can still be seen in a few locations. One of the most significant examples is the Wall of Philippe Auguste, built between 1190 and 1215. This wall is considered the oldest surviving city fortification, and sections of it can still be found in the Marais district, particularly along Rue des Jardins-Saint-Paul, where a large stretch of the wall is preserved within a schoolyard. Another fragment is visible near the Rue Clovis in the Latin Quarter.
Paris Point Zéro is a small but significant marker located in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral, on the square known as Parvis Notre-Dame. Installed in 1924, This bronze and stone plaque marks the official geographic center of Paris: from this point, all distances to and from the city are measured, making it the symbolic starting point of Paris. Over time, it has become something of a lucky charm; many visitors touch it, spin around on it, or toss coins on it for good fortune, adding to its cultural lore. While it might seem like a simple marker, Point Zéro holds deep symbolic meaning, representing not just the physical center of Paris but also the heart of France, from which all roads figuratively radiate. It’s a hidden gem for those who enjoy discovering the historical and symbolic layers of the city.
The bouquinistes of Paris are an iconic and charming feature of the city, known for their green, metal bookstalls that line the banks of the Seine River. These riverside booksellers have been a part of Parisian life since the 5 centuries, offering a unique mix of secondhand books, rare editions, vintage postcards, posters, and prints. During 16th century, book peddlers began selling secondhand books along the bridges and streets of Paris. Originally, these itinerant booksellers carried their wares in baskets or carts. By the 17th century, these booksellers became a more common sight, often setting up temporary stands along the Pont Neuf and other key locations. In the 19th century, the bouquinistes became more organized and were officially permitted to operate along the banks of the Seine. Under the reign of Napoleon III and the modernization of Paris by Baron Haussmann, the city introduced permanent green metal stalls for the bouquinistes. Today, they are recognized as an integral part of the city's identity, with their green boxes extending along the Right Bank, from the Pont Marie to the Louvre, and on the Left Bank, from the Pont de Sully to the Quai Voltaire. In 1991, they were honored as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site designation for the Seine River, acknowledging their cultural and historical significance. Around 230 bouquinistes are operating more than 900 stalls, making them one of the largest open-air book markets in the world.
Tucked away in the heart of the 5th arrondissement, Place de l'Estrapade is a charming, historical square that captures the quintessential spirit of Paris’s Latin Quarter. Located near the prestigious Panthéon and Sorbonne University, this quiet, picturesque spot offers a peaceful escape from the lively student energy that permeates the area. This square recently gained international attention as a key filming location in the popular series Emily in Paris, where it served as the fictional home of the protagonist. Despite this glamourous image, the history of this Place is quite dark: it takes its name from a former execution method, “estrapade,” which was once carried out in the square during the 17th century.
The tags and Graffiti culture is nothing new! In 1764, a man named Nicolas left a historic mark at the Place des Vosges, specifically under the arcades that line the iconic square. The inscription "1764 NICOLAS" is one of the most famous examples of historical graffiti in Paris, carved in stone. Making graffiti took much long time in that era!
The Garde Républicaine is a prestigious branch of the French National Gendarmerie, and one of its most iconic and admired units is the cavalry regiment, often referred to as the Horse Guards. This unit is responsible for maintaining a tradition of excellence in equestrianism while playing a crucial role in state ceremonies, national security, and public duties. Founded in 1848, the Garde Républicaine has a long history of protecting key institutions and providing ceremonial honor guards. The cavalry unit’s primary responsibility is to provide mounted honor guards during state functions, such as welcoming foreign dignitaries, presidential parades, and national events like Bastille Day. They also patrol key areas of Paris, including parks and ceremonial routes, ensuring public safety.
The Invalides Rabbits are a charming and somewhat quirky part of the landscape around Les Invalides, the grand military complex in Paris known for housing Napoleon Bonaparte's tomb and the Musée de l’Armée. Over the years, a small colony of wild rabbits has made the expansive lawns and gardens of the Invalides their home, delighting both locals and tourists who come across them. These rabbits are most commonly seen on the lawns surrounding the Esplanade des Invalides, especially early in the morning or late in the evening. They have adapted to the urban environment and live in burrows they have dug in the grassy areas. Despite being in the heart of Paris, these wild rabbits coexist with the hustle and bustle of the city, creating a unique and picturesque contrast to the historical grandeur of Les Invalides.
You might have heard about Nicolas Flamel from movies or books like Harry Potter series, but he actually really existed. A successful scribe and manuscript-seller by trade, Nicolas Flamel (1330–1418) was a prominent figure in medieval Paris, but his name became legendary after his death due to myths surrounding his supposed involvement in alchemy. According to myth, Flamel discovered the secrets of the Philosopher's Stone, which could turn base metals into gold and grant immortality. Although there’s no historical proof that Flamel practiced alchemy, his name became synonymous with the pursuit of this mystical substance. The “House of Nicolas Flamel”, located at 51 Rue de Montmorency in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city. Built in 1407 by Nicolas Flamel, the house was originally constructed as a charitable gesture to accommodate the needy (Flamel never lived there).
Though Paris is famous for its grand monuments and bustling city streets, it once had many windmills spread across the city's higher elevations, particularly in the Buttes-Chaumont and Montmartre neighborhoods, where the natural hills made wind power an effective tool for grinding grain. However, most of these windmills were dismantled in the 19th century to make way for urban development. Apart from the iconic Red windmill atop of Moulin Rouge cabaret (not a functioning windmill, an homage to the many real windmills that once dotted the area), there are still windmills in Montmartre! One is the Moulin Radet Dating back to the early 18th century (he now houses the restaurant “le Moulin de la Galette”). Another on is the Blute-Fin Windmill (also called Moulin de la Galette), not far from Moulin Radet. Built in 1622, the Moulin was originally used to grind grain, and later In the 19th century, the windmill was transformed into a popular dance hall and cabaret (immortalized in paintings by Renoir).
Notre-Dame de Paris was built for nearly two centuries (12th century to 14th century). However, the Cathedral is slightly different now than the original medieval construction: Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, a 19th-century French architect and restorer, made significant modifications to the Cathedral during his restoration work, which lasted from 1844 to 1864. Viollet-le-Duc added many of the gargoyles and chimeras that are now associated with Notre Dame's appearance. While there had always been gargoyles, he designed new ones to fit his vision of medieval Gothic architecture, some of which were more imaginative than historical. He also added the iconic spire that stood atop Notre Dame (the one that collapsed during the 2019 fire). The original spire had been removed in the 18th century due to its deteriorated condition. His new spire, which was a more elaborate and gothic-inspired version, became a defining feature of the cathedral.
The zoo at the Jardin des Plantes, known as the Ménagerie, which still exists nowadays, was created in 1794, during the French Revolution. It was one of the first public zoos in the world, established after the animals from the Versailles Royal Menagerie were moved to Paris. During the Siege of Paris in the winter of 1870–1871, when the city was surrounded by Prussian forces during the Franco-Prussian War, food shortages became severe. As a result, Parisians were forced to eat animals that would typically be considered taboo, such as pigeons, rats, cats, dogs, horses…. And even animals from the Jardin des Plantes Zoo! Large, exotic animals that had been displayed in the zoo were slaughtered and eaten (2 elephants, camels, antelopes, kangaroos, zebras…).
Le Procope is the oldest operating cafe in Paris, and arguably one of the oldest in the world, with a history that stretches back to 1686. Over time, it evolved into a restaurant that became a cornerstone of Parisian intellectual and cultural life. Le Procope's location, near important institutions like the Sorbonne, made it a natural gathering place for scholars, writers, philosophers, and revolutionaries. The café attracted luminaries such as Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Denis Diderot. Benjamin Franklin also walked through its doors, engaging in spirited debates and sharing revolutionary ideas. Le Procope’s interior has retained much of its 18th-century charm, with chandeliers, mirrors, and a distinctly old-world ambiance.
The covered passages are a collection of charming, historic arcades that were built mostly in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These glass-roofed corridors, lined with shops, cafés, and galleries, were designed to shield pedestrians from the weather while offering an elegant shopping experience. Before large department stores and the transformation of Paris by Baron Haussmann, these covered passages represented urban innovation in terms of convenience and luxury. There were up to 60 of them in Paris, of which only 15 are remaining now, the most notable ones being Passage Jouffroy, Galerie Vivienne and Passage du Panorama.
The Paris Catacombs hold the remains of over 6 million people! The tunnels were originally part of limestone quarries, dating back to Roman times. In the 18th century, Paris faced a serious problem with its cemeteries. They were overcrowding, with corpses piled upon one another, causing sanitation issues and the risk of disease. In 1786, the quarries were transformed into an ossuary, and the remains from Paris’s cemeteries were gradually moved underground. The Paris Catacombs are located 20 meters below ground and stretch for over 300 kilometers: only a small portion (2km) is open to the public. The Catacombs have long attracted urban explorers, who venture into the restricted and dangerous sections of the tunnels. These explorers often navigate the labyrinthine passages illegally, sometimes organizing underground parties. The vast, unmapped sections of the Catacombs are said to contain hidden chambers, abandoned bunkers, and even underground lakes!
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (municipal districts), and their numbering follows a distinctive spiral pattern, often referred to as the "snail" or “escargot” shape. This unusual arrangement starts in the heart of the city at the 1st arrondissement, which contains iconic landmarks like the Louvre and Palais Royal, and then spirals outward in a clockwise direction, ending with the 20th arrondissement in the city's northeastern part. When you are not sure in which arrondissement you are, just have a look at the street name sign: the number of the arrondissement is usually mentioned in the upper part.
The first Department stores (Grand Magasins in French) appeared in France. The concept emerged during the mid-19th century, a period of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and social change in France. The first one was Au bon Marché, developed in 1852 by Aristide Boucicaut, which revolutionized retail by introducing fixed prices, advertising, home delivery, and the possibility of returns. The department stores created during the 19th century were not only commercial centers but also architectural wonders. The grand magasins of Paris were designed to reflect the grandeur of the Belle Époque, with ironwork, glass domes, and intricate facades that conveyed luxury and modernity. The best example is Galeries Lafayette (opened in 1893) with its stained-glass dome, designed by architect Ferdinand Chanut and artist Jacques Grüber, a symbol of luxury, culture, and the Parisian art of living.
Paris is home to one of the world’s most dynamic street art scenes. Over the past few decades, the city’s walls have become a canvas for artists who challenge, question, and express ideas beyond the confines of galleries and museums. From political messages to pure aesthetics, street art in Paris has evolved into a vital cultural expression. Even though it can be found pretty everywhere, there are Key Areas renowned for Street Art in Paris such as Marais, Montmartre, Belleville, and the 13th arrondissement. While often ephemeral, these works remain an essential part of the city’s cultural landscape, embodying the tension between tradition and modernity, law and rebellion, art and life. One of the most famous street artists in Paris is Invader, known for his distinctive pixelated mosaics inspired by video games.
Did you know that there were up to 100,000 lavandières (whasherwomen) in Paris during the XIXth century? women were responsible for washing and cleaning the clothes of Parisians, often coming from poorer backgrounds and working in harsh conditions. And even though the Seine river was not that clean either at that time, the lavandières were washing the clothes on the banks, scrubbing clothes by hand, beating them against stones, and rinsing them in the river’s cold waters. They were a common sight at large floating public washhouses known as bateaux lavoirs, some of which were open-air. Painters like Honoré Daumier captured their spirit in his works, emphasizing their resilience and strength. Their role declined with the advent of modern laundry technology in the early 20th century.
Paris underwent a massive urban renewal project initiated by Emperor Napoleon III and led by Georges-Eugène Haussmann between 1853 and 1870. This transformative redesign turned Paris into the modern city it is today, with its wide boulevards, parks, and a more rational urban layout. The changes addressed several key issues in the mid-19th century, including overcrowding, poor sanitation, and outdated infrastructure. Before Haussmann’s renovation, Paris was a city of narrow, winding medieval streets, where the lack of proper sanitation, poor ventilation, and frequent cholera outbreaks made life difficult. One of Haussmann's primary objectives was to create wide, straight boulevards that would ease traffic congestion, improve public safety, and also…. facilitate military movement in case of uprisings. Haussmann also introduced regulations for the construction of new buildings, leading to the creation of the iconic Parisian architectural style seen today. These new buildings had uniform facades, with balconies on specific floors, and were built to the same height along the boulevards (7 floors). The floors of Haussmann buildings were originally designed with a clear social hierarchy in mind: the ground floor for shops, the first floors for the upper class, 3rd and 4th for middle classes, and the last floors for lower classes and servants (“chambres de bonnes” attic rooms for domestic servants).
The Marais is one of Paris’s most historic and culturally rich districts, located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. Its history dates back to the 12th century, when it was a swampy area ("marais" means swamp in French) outside the medieval city walls. The Templar Knights played a significant role in the history of the Marais district in Paris: by the mid-12th century, the Templars had built a fortified complex in the Marais, known as the Temple, which served as both a commandery and a treasury for the order. This area, located near today's Rue du Temple and Place de la République, included a massive fortress with a tower, a church, and other buildings. The Templars used this as a center for managing their financial affairs and controlling lands throughout Europe. By the early 14th century, the Templars had accumulated significant wealth and power, which drew the suspicion and greed of King Philip IV of France. In 1307, under pressure from the king, Pope Clement V ordered the arrest of the Templars. On Friday, October 13, 1307, hundreds of Templars, including their leader Jacques de Molay, were arrested in a coordinated operation. Many were tortured, accused of heresy, and later executed. The Temple Tower remained standing and was used by various monarchs. During the French Revolution, the tower gained notoriety when King Louis XVI and his family were imprisoned there after being deposed in 1792. The Temple Tower was destroyed in 1808 under Napoleon’s orders.
Parisians are famous for always rushing, especially in public transportation. L'Heure de tous" ("The Time for Everyone") is an iconic statue created by French sculptor Arman in 1985. Installed near Saint Lazare train station, the sculpture is a large pile of clocks, seemingly stacked upon one another in a chaotic yet harmonious arrangement. These clocks represent various styles and sizes, symbolizing the passage of time and how it governs daily life, especially in a train station where punctuality is critical. It speaks to the universal experience of time, something everyone at the station, whether local or tourist, worker or traveler, must deal with. It's the perfect place to conclude our article, as we hope you make the most of your Time in Paris!
Article: Vincent Sacau
Photos: O'bon Paris team