Interesting Facts About Paris and the Views From the Arc de Triomphe
“Paris is always a good idea,” says Audrey Hepburn. And I couldn’t agree more. Yes, Paris is very very touristy but its charm is timeless and appealing to all types of travelers. Whether you are a backpacker, a flashpacker, or a luxurious jet setter, Paris has got something to offer.
Yes, Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world and it may bankrupt you. 😀 But if you know your way on how to budget, you’ll still get the same experience as the ones who travel in luxury. Well, of course, the difference would be the kind of transport and the number of stars where you’re staying in.
Travel Saving Tip. Before arriving, you’ve got to list down the places you want to see and the things you want to do. This list would be very helpful, especially if you’re on a budget and can’t afford to stay long – just like me. 😀 There’s no shame in doing what the usual tourists do but make sure you experience something that’s unique. Without the list, you’d be left in a quandary – where to start in a city where there’s so much to do?
Related: At Arc the Triomphe, Twelve Avenues Meet
Interesting Facts About Paris and the Views From Arc de Triomphe
A Roman City. Do you know that Paris was originally a Roman City named Lutetia? I didn’t know until I visited and read my guidebook!
Paris Nicknames. Two of the most well-known epithets of Paris are The City of Lights and The City of Love. The latter is the reason why newlyweds dream of a honeymoon in Paris.
Why the City of Lights? You and I might be thinking the same thing about why the city is called such. Well, it has nothing to do with the flickering lights from the Eiffel Tower every night. Nor does it have something to do with the thousands of street lights that lined up the avenues. It is called the City of Lights because of its high concentration of thinkers/intellectuals who used to live in the city. Or maybe until now. What do you think Picasso, Van Gogh, Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, Dali, and Hemingway have in common? All these writers, artists, and many more – lived in Paris! You should watch the movie, “Midnight in Paris,” by Woody Allen.
Statue of Liberty Sisters
Do you know that the Statue of Liberty in New York City has three other replicas in Paris? I tried to find one on foot along the River Seine and then I got tired that I decided to give it up. It was getting dark already and I had to get back to Louvre Museum to see it at night.
Where is the Statue of Liberty? You can find it on the island of River Seine. You can google for the images. When you see it, remember that this statue is facing in the direction where New York City is.
Experience This. Eat, drink or sit at the open terrace cafes or restaurants. It’s a truly Parisian experience. Take an espresso and a croissant – and enjoy it while reading the dailies or just watching people go by. But, you deserve better – pamper yourself with cheese and wine. 😉
One-Stop Sign. Our driver on our way to Chateau de Versailles told us that there was only one stop sign in Paris. Hmmm… That means that when crossing streets, you have to look both ways – and then run as fast as you can.
The Eiffel Tower. It was built as a temporary structure to last for 20 years during the World Fair. But, guess what, it still stands today! In fact, the Eiffel Tower is a national icon/treasure.
Museums in Paris
Paris has 173 museums. You have to live there for two months if you wanna see three museums a day. But, of course, with the exception of the Louvre Museum which would take you almost a day.
No Tom Cruise. Okay, this is a kinda weird fact. The City Government of Paris had passed a resolution barring Tom Cruise to be a French citizen. Why – because he’s a famed member of Scientology, a religion that the government considers a cult.
Paris Metro Stations. The city has more than 300 stations and it is the world’s 4th largest transportation system.
Libraries. In a city adored by writers of all genres, Paris has a total of 830 libraries. If you visit one library in a day, you might have to live there for more than two years!
Shakespeare and Company
This bookstore is the city’s most visited bookstore. It has graced authors, writers, poets, musicians, etc. They also have a cafe. In summer, it’s nice to meet up with friends and sit at one of the tables outside.
Haute Couture. Did you know that Paris is the only city in the world that presents a haute couture show? I didn’t know, too, until I came here. 😀
The Most Visited Place in Paris. No, it’s not the Eiffel Tower. It’s the Notre Dame Cathedral – at least – according to the 2014 survey.
Streets. Do you know how many streets are there in Paris? There are 6,100 streets! The shortest one is called Rue des Degres which is only 5.75 meters long.
Really? So, there are 470,000 trees in Paris! Yes, they counted them! If that’s not dedication, I don’t know what that is. 😀
Where to Stay in Paris
This is a medium-priced hostel that’s a few steps from the Gare Du Nord metro stop. The hostel is reachable to a lot of cafes, restaurants, and grocery shops. The hostel itself has a fantastic bar with bulging security guards. 😉 The rooms are sizeable, clean, and well-ventilated. The bunk beds are comfy with electrical pugs and lamps.
How to Save Time and Money in Paris
Paris has an excellent transport system. There’s nothing to worry about getting from one tourist attraction to another. If you have more time in Paris, then, you can do it all on your own. And it would be cheaper and less time-consuming if you are on the Hop-On and Hop-Off Bus. However, if you only have a short time staying in the city and you want hassle-free preparation (especially avoiding long queues), then joining a Paris Tour is always a good idea!
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