Paris- The City of Lights?

France, one of the most visited countries in Europe is home to the beautiful city of Paris. Paris is the most romantic destination in the world and a true honeymooners’ paradise. The Eiffel Tower stands tall in the city, and of course, the Louvre Museum where Mona Lisa resides is automatically added to your itinerary. Another interesting fact to note is that there are almost three replicas of the Statue of Liberty in Paris. French locals living in the United States of America gifted the replica to France to commemorate the French Revolution. Before you read any further, you must be wondering why there is a question mark alongside the title. Well, that is the whole idea behind this article. Read on to find out more!

What we know

We consider Paris to be the City of Lights because of the illuminated bridges and also the majestic way in which the Eiffel Tower lights up with thousands of bulbs every evening. As a tradition, many of the streets and buildings in Paris remain illuminated during the evening amidst the gleaming sunset. But is it really a result of the Eiffel Tower and the numerous lit up attractions, that Paris has been called the City of Lights?

What it actually is

Right before the onset of the French Revolution, the then King Louis the XIV of the Bourbon dynasty had just begun his resolve to regain public faith after a prolonged period of war. One of the major ideas was to increase the police force in the city and reduce the crime rates by keeping anti-social elements at bay.

A major change had to be brought about for spreading positivity in the minds of the French people. King Louis the XIV deemed it right to install street lights in every abbey and every street and also urged people to keep their homes lit up after the sun had set. The practice of street lighting had begun in only a few parts of the world and interestingly France was one of the first countries in Europe to adopt this practice.

A while later in the year 1789, after the death of Louis the XIV, the French Revolution broke out which then went on for ten years. In the year 1889, the Eiffel Tower was built by Gustave Eiffel, a French architect, to commemorate the centenary celebrations of the French revolution. These turn of events is what resulted in Paris being called the ‘City of Lights.’

The next time someone tells you that Paris is the City of Lights because of the Eiffel Tower or the boulevards, make sure you tell them the truth behind it. Although the events of the French Revolution remain a harsh memory in the minds of people who survived it, France needs to be given credit for bouncing back so quickly from one of the most destructive revolutions in Modern History.

On that note, have you started planning your France vacation yet? Apart from the Eiffel Tower, there are numerous other attractions to visit in this beautiful country. You ought to show some love to all places in France and appreciate the pride with which she carries her History. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book your France tour package with Pickyourtrail. Log onto pickyourtrail.com for some amazing deals and customize your own itineraries!