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Interesting Facts
- Monet hobnobbed with other well-known painters like Renoir, Pissaro, and Sisley when in Paris and exhibited with them at the first Impressionist Exhibition in 1874.
- The Eiffel Tower, France's most famous landmark, was built by Gustave Eiffel for the World Exhibition of 1889.
- Paris is a relatively small, decidedly visitor-friendly city, and its attractions are best seen on foot.
- The world's largest triumphal arch, the Arc de Triomphe, was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806. Today, it serves as the marker for the tomb of France's unknown soldier.
- Paris is home to the world's largest museum, the Louvre. Its number one attraction is Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa." But you'll want to recognize the French name, "La Joconde,” when reading signs.
- Paris boasts more than 80,000 hotel rooms, most of which don't provide air-conditioning.
- Lead singer of the Doors, Jim Morrison, is buried in Paris's largest cemetery, Père-Lachaise.
- Parisian museums generally require that visitors check their bags prior to being admitted. To save time, leave extra gear in the hotel and avoid the hassle.
- Construction of Notre-Dame, Paris's most famous cathedral, began in 1163 and was completed in 1345.
- Typically, new fragrances are available in Paris six months to a year before they're introduced in North America, so if you're looking for le parfum, your best bet is to purchase it here at one of the sources.
