City of Light

The City of Light, also known as Paris, is a city famous for its romantic atmosphere, historic landmarks, and…well, that’s pretty much it. But fear not, dear reader, for we have uncovered some lesser-known facts about this enchanting city.

Eiffel Tower

Of course, we must start with the most recognizable landmark – the Eiffel Tower. Did you know that it was originally designed as a giant pastry? Yes, Gustave Eiffel was a pastry chef before he became an engineer. The French government rejected his idea of a 300-foot croissant, but they eventually came around to his tower idea.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is home to many famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa. However, what many people don’t know is that the Mona Lisa is actually a self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci in drag. It was a common practice among Renaissance artists to depict themselves in their own paintings.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral is currently undergoing renovations after a devastating fire in 2019. But did you know that the original builders of the cathedral had a bet on who could build the tallest spire? One builder, Pierre, had a sneaky trick up his sleeve – he built a secret staircase inside his spire to make it appear taller. He won the bet but was later caught and banished from the city.

Seine River

The Seine River flows through Paris and is a popular spot for romantic boat rides. But did you know that the river is also home to a legendary sea monster? The creature, known as the Seine Serpent, has reportedly been spotted by locals for centuries. It’s said to be the size of a bus and only appears during a full moon.

French Cuisine

French cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavors and elegant presentation. But did you know that some of the most famous French dishes were actually mistakes? The croissant was invented when a distracted baker accidentally rolled out the dough too thin, and French fries were created when someone mistakenly left a batch of potatoes in hot oil for too long.