Did You Know?

Did you know that Paris is home to the Louvre Museum, one of the largest and most visited art museums in the world? However, the Louvre wasn't always a museum. It was initially built as a fortress in the 12th century, then transformed into a royal palace before being opened to the public as a museum in 1793.

Did you know that the Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, was initially built as a temporary structure for the 1889 World's Fair? It was intended to stand for just 20 years before being dismantled. However, it gained immense popularity and was saved from demolition, eventually becoming a beloved symbol of the city.

Did you know that Paris is known for its café culture? The city is famous for its numerous charming sidewalk cafes where people can relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and soak in the atmosphere. The café culture in Paris has been an integral part of the city's social life and has inspired many famous writers, artists, and intellectuals throughout history.

Did you know that Paris is known as the "City of Light"? This nickname doesn't refer to the city's abundance of streetlights but instead to its historical status as a center of enlightenment and education during the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century.

Did you know that Paris has an extensive underground tunnel network known as the Catacombs? These tunnels house the remains of approximately six million people. The Catacombs were created in the late 18th century to address the issue of overcrowded cemeteries in the city.

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The Eiffel Tower: An Iconic Symbol Of Romance, Beauty, And Innovation

Majestic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France during the daytime with a blue sky backdrop

A true icon of Paris, the Eiffel Tower almost got torn down soon after it was built. The Parisians hated the ugly structure, made of dull old iron. Once the 1900 Paris World Exposition was over, locals felt the structure, built the year before by Gustav Eiffel, should be ripped down and disposed of, out of sight, s’il vous plait!

Can you imagine Paris, or the Paris skyline without it? Virtually every visitor to the city at least goes to see the Eiffel Tower; most go up it, even if not to the top platform. It’s a Paris must-do.

Since its threat of removal the Eiffel Tower has hosted millions of tourists and in order to keep it in good working order, it has seen a great deal of retrofitting. It is a safe tower to ascend (adhering to the rules as posted). There are several observation platforms at varying levels. These days, the more modernized Tower from which Paris can be seen in all directions, utilizes solar power from its new solar panels. A relic that has morphed into the new age.