Paris is a city that captivates the heart of every traveler, with its romantic atmosphere, iconic landmarks, and rich history. From the majestic Eiffel Tower to the charming cafés, Paris offers an endless array of experiences. But beyond its famous attractions lies a treasure trove of hidden stories and fascinating facts that make this city even more enchanting. Whether you’re planning your first visit or are a seasoned traveler, here are 20 interesting facts about Paris that will surprise and delight you.
1. The 1976 Paris Wine Tasting: A Shocking Outcome
In 1976, Paris hosted a blind wine tasting event that would change the world of wine. The event, known as the “Judgment of Paris,” pitted Californian wines against French wines in a blind comparison. To the surprise of many, the Californian wines triumphed, winning over some of France’s finest. The reporter covering the event, who dared to write about the outcome, was blacklisted by the French wine industry for reporting this shocking result.
2. Paris Syndrome: A Culture Shock
Although Paris is a dream destination for many, some Japanese tourists experience what is known as “Paris Syndrome.” This rare condition is characterized by severe shock and disappointment when tourists realize that the reality of Paris doesn’t live up to their idealized image. The combination of overcrowding, language barriers, and the bustling city life can lead to feelings of disillusionment for those expecting a more serene and picturesque experience. If you’re planning to visit, you can book Paris to begin your journey with ease.
3. Tom Cruise and Paris’ Ban
It’s hard to imagine a city like Paris rejecting a celebrity, but in 2005, the Paris municipal government banned Tom Cruise from becoming an honorary citizen. This decision was rooted in the controversial nature of his affiliation with the Church of Scientology, a stance that didn’t sit well with many in the French government.
4. Guy de Maupassant and the Eiffel Tower
One of the most iconic symbols of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, wasn’t beloved by all. In fact, the famous French writer Guy de Maupassant despised the structure. He found it ugly and would sit at the base of the Eiffel Tower every day for lunch, not to admire it but to avoid looking at it. Ironically, the Eiffel Tower was the one place where he couldn’t see its looming presence.
5. A Dinner Party Tradition
In a charming and unusual tradition, a man in Paris has been inviting strangers into his home for dinner parties every week for over 30 years. The idea is simple: bring people from all walks of life together over a shared meal and conversation, helping to build a sense of community in the bustling city. It’s a testament to Paris’ ability to bring people together, even in the most unexpected ways.
6. James Bond’s Real-Life Inspiration
Paris is known for espionage and intrigue, and it turns out that the character of James Bond was inspired by a real MI6 spy named Wilfrid “Biffy” Dunderdale. Dunderdale, who worked in Paris during World War II, reportedly had stories that were later incorporated into Ian Fleming’s Bond novels.
7. Eiffel Tower Sabotage During WWII
During World War II, the French Resistance made a bold move to prevent Hitler from visiting Paris. The Resistance cut the elevator cables of the Eiffel Tower, forcing anyone who wanted to reach the top to climb all 1,500 stairs. As a result, Hitler abandoned his plan to visit, and the Tower’s symbolic defiance stood tall.
8. The Great Mosque of Paris and Its Heroic History
During the Holocaust, the Great Mosque of Paris played a vital role in sheltering Jewish refugees. The mosque’s leaders issued Muslim identity certificates to Jewish people, allowing them to escape Nazi persecution. This act of bravery and solidarity remains a remarkable part of Paris’ history.
9. Jules Verne’s “Paris in the 20th Century”
Long before the futuristic visions of films and novels, Jules Verne’s unpublished work, Paris in the 20th Century, predicted many innovations that we now take for granted, such as glass skyscrapers, feminist movements, and rising illegitimate births. However, his publisher rejected the novel in 1863, calling its visions “unbelievable.”
10. A Locked Apartment and a $2 Million Painting
In 2010, an apartment in Paris was unlocked after being left untouched for 70 years, with its rent always paid on time. Inside, an astonishing discovery was made: a priceless painting by a renowned artist worth over 2 million euros. It was a truly mysterious find that added another layer to Paris’ intrigue.
11. Lost in the Catacombs
The Paris Catacombs, an underground maze beneath the city, are steeped in history and legend. In 1793, a hospital doorkeeper mysteriously vanished inside the catacombs, and it wasn’t until 11 years later that his remains were discovered. His disappearance remains one of the many unsolved mysteries associated with this eerie subterranean world.
12. The Count of Monte Cristo
The legendary story of The Count of Monte Cristo was inspired by a real man, Edmond Dantès, who was wrongfully imprisoned, discovered a hidden treasure, and returned to Paris seeking revenge. The tale is a thrilling testament to the human spirit and the vibrant history of Paris.
13. Joyce, Hemingway, and the Parisian Streets
The literary greats James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway shared a bond over their time in Paris. The two authors, both living in the city during the 1920s, were known for their boisterous personalities, often engaging in spirited arguments with larger men in cafés and bars. Their adventures through the city added to Paris’ mystique as a haven for artists and writers.
14. Paris and Rome: A Rivalry Like No Other
Paris and Rome have long been viewed as twin cities, with a rivalry that is as fierce as it is storied. The two cities proudly proclaim, “Only Paris is worthy of Rome; only Rome is worthy of Paris.” This motto symbolizes their mutual respect and competition for cultural supremacy in Europe.
15. WWI and the Fake Paris
During World War I, France built a “Fake Paris” near the capital to confuse German pilots. This cleverly disguised replica of the city included dummy buildings and fake streets, making it difficult for enemy forces to accurately target the real Paris.
16. Louvre’s Secret During WWII
Before the Nazi invasion, the Louvre Museum took drastic measures to protect its priceless art. The museum’s works were secretly removed and hidden in private homes across France, ensuring that masterpieces like the Mona Lisa were kept safe from the hands of Nazi looters.
17. The Paris Zoo of Humans
In the early 1900s, Paris hosted a “zoo” that displayed humans from French colonies. Over a million people visited this controversial attraction, where people from various colonies were exhibited as exotic curiosities. The zoo was closed after public outcry, but it remains a disturbing chapter in the city’s history.
18. The 1926 Ukrainian Assassination
In 1926, a Ukrainian head of state was assassinated in Paris. When the police arrived at the scene, a calm officer asked the assassin, “Is that enough?” His casual response in the face of such a violent act only added to the intrigue surrounding the event.
19. Ramesses II’s Passport
In 1974, the mummy of Ramesses II, one of ancient Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, was issued a passport when it was transported to France for preservation. The passport humorously listed his occupation as “King (deceased),” showcasing Paris’ unique blend of history and modernity.
20. Zidane’s Statue and Parisian Sport
Paris has a statue commemorating the infamous 2006 World Cup incident, where French footballer Zinedine Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi. The statue, a tribute to Zidane’s dramatic action, is an unusual but amusing part of the city’s sporting history.
