It's sometimes called Paname, the city of love, the capital of fashion or even the most beautiful city in the world. Throughout its history, Paris has accumulated the titles and nicknames that maintain its reputation and reflect its many facets. One of the best-known is Ville Lumière. And do you know why?
It could be attributed to the capital's international cultural influence, or it could be a reference to the Age of Enlightenment. In reality, the title is much more down-to-earth than that: it comes from the day when Paris literally lit up. And with good reason: the capital was one of the first cities to introduceurban lighting.
In fact, the beginnings ofstreet lighting are said to have been invented in Paris itself in 1665 under Louis XIV (yes, the famous Sun King). Within a year, more than 6,000 fixed lanterns had been installed, lighting up the capital at night and making its streets safer. Today, the image of Paris and its monuments illuminated under a night sky by the many street lamps and this warm lighting is one of the most cult representations of the capital. So, did you guess the origins of this flamboyant nickname?
