Paris, often called the “City of Light,” is one of the most visited cities in the world. Known for its romance, history, art, and cuisine, Paris also has its share of unusual and fascinating trivia.

Beyond the Eiffel Tower and croissants, the city is full of quirky facts that reveal its unique character.

Here are 30+ interesting and fun facts about Paris that will make you see the city in a whole new light.

Historical and Cultural Facts

1. The Eiffel Tower was meant to be temporary. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, it was supposed to be dismantled after 20 years. It was saved when it proved useful as a radio tower.
2. Paris was originally a Roman city. Known as Lutetia, it was a small settlement along the Seine in the 1st century BC.
3. The Louvre was once a fortress. Before becoming the world’s most famous museum, it served as a medieval fortress and later as a royal palace.
4. Notre-Dame Cathedral took nearly 200 years to build. Construction began in 1163 and wasn’t completed until 1345.
5. The catacombs hold millions of skeletons. Under Paris, tunnels house the remains of about six million people, transferred there in the late 18th century when cemeteries became overcrowded.

Quirky Parisian Facts

6. There is only one stop sign in Paris. Located near the Seine, it is more of a curiosity than a functional necessity, as Parisian drivers rely heavily on roundabouts and traffic lights.
7. The Statue of Liberty has siblings in Paris. Several replicas can be found throughout the city, a reminder of France’s gift of the original to the United States.
8. There are hidden vineyards. Montmartre is home to the Clos Montmartre vineyard, producing a small quantity of Parisian wine each year.
9. You can rent books from floating libraries. Along the Seine, traditional bouquinistes sell books from green stalls, and some even lend them.
10. The city has a museum dedicated to sewers. The Musée des Égouts takes visitors through the underground sewer system that dates back centuries.

Food and Drink Facts

11. The baguette has rules. A traditional French baguette can only contain flour, water, yeast, and salt.
12. Croissants aren’t originally French. They came from Austria, inspired by the Viennese kipferl, and became popular in Parisian bakeries.
13. Paris has more than 1,000 bakeries. Fresh bread is such an essential part of daily life that bakeries are everywhere.
14. Cheese is a way of life. France produces hundreds of varieties of cheese, many of which can be found in Paris markets.
15. Cafés have their own culture. Sitting at a café isn’t just about coffee—it’s about people-watching, conversation, and relaxation.

Records and Extremes

16. The Eiffel Tower grows in summer. Due to heat expansion, it can rise by about 15 centimeters.
17. Paris is the most visited city in the world. More than 30 million tourists come each year.
18. The Louvre is the largest art museum on Earth. It has more than 35,000 works on display, and visiting everything would take weeks.
19. The Paris Metro is one of the busiest in Europe. It carries more than 4 million passengers daily.
20. Paris has more bridges than you think. There are 37 bridges crossing the Seine within city limits.

Romantic and Unusual Facts

21. The Pont des Arts once groaned under “love locks.” Thousands of padlocks attached by couples made the bridge so heavy they had to be removed in 2015.
22. Paris has ghost metro stations. Some stations, like Arsenal and Saint-Martin, are no longer in use but still exist underground.
23. The city’s nickname, “City of Light,” isn’t just romantic. It originally referred to Paris being one of the first cities in Europe to use street lighting.
24. Oscar Wilde’s tomb has lipstick stains. Fans traditionally kissed his grave at Père Lachaise Cemetery until the practice was banned.
25. Parisians once lived in floating homes. The Seine has long been home to houseboats, many of which are still inhabited today.

Everyday Paris Facts

26. Parisians get fresh bread daily. It’s common for locals to stop by their neighborhood boulangerie every morning.
27. Dogs are everywhere. Paris is known for being dog-friendly, with many cafés and shops allowing pets.
28. The metro stations are decorated with art. Each station has its own style, from classic ceramic tiles to modern murals.
29. Paris has secret gardens. Hidden courtyards and small parks are scattered throughout the city, often unknown to tourists.
30. There is a law that the French president must always have fresh croissants. While not strictly enforced, it’s one of many quirky traditions tied to food and politics in Paris.
31. Paris has more than 400 parks. From the Luxembourg Gardens to tiny hidden squares, green spaces are everywhere.
32. The Seine has UNESCO recognition. The riverbanks are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their cultural importance.

Final Thoughts

Paris may be known for its famous landmarks, but its quirks and hidden stories are just as fascinating. From floating libraries and ghost metro stations to vineyards on city hills, the city offers more than meets the eye.

These 30+ quirky facts about Paris show why it continues to enchant millions of visitors every year.