Throughout my life, I always heard Paris, France referenced as the “city of love.” Indeed, it is a spectacular backdrop for romantic strolls and dinner dates, but the concept of “Paris is for lovers” certainly limits the city. An undue limitation this vibrant spot doesn’t deserve.
Paris is for everyone!
Whether you are a history buff, an avid book reader, a fashionista, a foodie, an admirer of fascinating architecture, or just someone who loves a great walking-friendly city, Paris is for you.
In Paris you can discover Napoleon’s tomb in the Hotel des Invalides, the Mona Lisa, and La Grande Pyramida. Find the Da Vinci Code amongst the Musee du Louvre’s art and the Flame of Liberty Memorial in the Place de l’Alma near the sewer tour. You can dine on exquisite French dishes or simply order a delicious charcuterie at the nearest cafe.
Dreaming of a trip to Paris? Use these fun Paris travel facts and photos to inspire you to start planning your visit to the French capital.
Musee du Louvre art travel facts and trivia
Arguably the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci (also known as La Gioconda or La Joconde), is in the Musee du Louvre in Paris.
Other artworks in the Louvre museum include:
- the crown jewels of Louis XV
- Michaelangelo’s The Dying Slave
- Ingres’ The Turkish Bath
- Gericault’s The Raft of Medusa
- famous works by Raphael, Titian, Corot, Delacroix and Botticelli
Designed by Chinese-American architect IM Pei, the famous glass pyramid (La Grande Pyramide) at the entrance to the Louvre is featured in The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.
Paris sewer tour travel facts and trivia
The Musee des Egouts de Paris is perhaps the French capital’s strangest attraction – it is a sewer tour. Underneath the streets of Paris you can discover the history of waste disposal in the city formerly known as Lutetia.
Opposite the sewer tour entrance is the Place de l’Alma. Here you can see the Flame of Liberty Memorial, which is a replica of the flame at the top of the Statue of Liberty in New York. This memorial is popular with fans of Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in the underpass going under the Place de l’Alma.
Paris, France – Eiffel tower history
The Eiffel Tower, designed by Gustav Eiffel, was made for the 1889 World Fair. It wasn’t all that popular with Parisians at the time, even though it was the tallest structure in the world. Due to be torn down in 1909, it was saved as it made an ideal spot to put TV and radio antennas on top of.
Nearly 6 million people climb the Eiffel Tower (or Tour d’Eiffel) every year.
Paris, France – Hotel des Invalides
Louis XIV built The Hotel des Invalides in the 17th century to provide housing for disabled war veterans. Emperor Napoleon’s tomb resides in the Eglise du Dome, which is in the Hotel des Invalides complex.
The Musee de l’Armee (Museum of the Army) is inside the Hotel des Invalides. It is the biggest military museum in France containing huge displays on medieval armor and weaponry. There’s also a large exhibit on the Second World War.
As I’m sure you notice, many of my travel photos focus on architecture. Paris is definitely a walking city.
You can take a tour bus, the metro or even catch a taxi, but do be sure to take time to walk around and enjoy your surroundings.
You’ll be so glad that you paid attention to all the exquisite details!
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