Paris Unveiled: 10 Facts That May Surprise You
The City of Light holds a trove of surprising and lesser-known facts that add depth and intrigue to its character. In this exploration, we delve into ten remarkable and unexpected facets of Paris, unveiling the city's hidden stories and quirky traditions that may just change the way you see this iconic metropolis.
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The Iron Lady's Secret: The Eiffel Tower, one of the world's most iconic structures, stands proud at 330 meters. But did you know that its height varies with temperature? When it's hot, the iron expands, making the tower grow by up to 15 centimetres! In case you want to buy tickets and enjoy Paris city view from the heights, follow this link.
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Love-Locked No More: For years, tourists declared their love by attaching padlocks to the Pont des Arts bridge. However, in 2015, the weight of these locks, estimated at 45 tons, became too much for the bridge, leading to their removal. Now, love declarations take more eco-friendly forms in the City of Love.
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Secret Underground Movie Theater: Deep beneath the Trocadéro Gardens, a hidden gem exists – a private cinema for the French president. This cinematic hideaway is equipped with the latest technology, and its existence is relatively unknown to the public.
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Time-Traveling Sundial: The Panthéon in Paris is not just a famous mausoleum; it's also a giant sundial. On sunny days, a beam of sunlight passes through a small opening in the dome, marking the passage of time on the floor below. But tickets for Pantheon here.
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Phantom Metro Stations: Beneath the streets of Paris, there are several abandoned and "phantom" metro stations that no longer serve any purpose. Some of them, like Haxo station, have even been used for secret parties and events.
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Strangely Unique Street Names: Paris boasts some peculiar street names. You can stroll down "Rue de la Veuve" (Widow Street), "Rue de la Vieille Échelle" (Old Ladder Street), or even "Rue de la Pente Raide" (Steep Slope Street). Each has a story to tell.
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The City of Lights by Law: Paris is often referred to as the "City of Light." But the name actually comes from the 18th-century Enlightenment era when the city was a hub for education, ideas, and philosophy.
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The Catacombs' Dark Past: Beneath the charming streets of Paris lie the Catacombs, a network of tunnels filled with human remains. Originally created to address the overcrowded cemeteries of the city, these catacombs are a haunting reminder of Paris's history. A part of the Catacombs can be visited. Buy tickets using this link.
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A Theater of Phantoms: The Opéra Garnier is said to be haunted by a ghost, which served as the inspiration for Gaston Leroux's "The Phantom of the Opera." The ghost, known as the "Phantom of the Opéra," is said to make rare appearances during performances.
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Smiley-Faced History: The world-famous smiley face was first created in France. In 1963, graphic designer Franklin Loufrani trademarked the smiley face, which has since become a universal symbol of happiness.