Ronda

Well, we have been back a week now. Still suffering from jet lag. I went for 10 days with my two sisters, a friend, and my daughter (for a portion of the time - she didn't think she could take us all for 10 days).

I love Paris; can't get enough of it but one of my sisters was not impressed. She wants to know why they call it the City of Lights anyway (Eiffel Tower for starters) and can't figure out what is the big deal. What would you tell her? I'm at a loss for words.

Nimrod

Actually, it's the <i>City of Light</i> (not Lights) and refers to a place with enlightened thinking.

tondalaya

It's the City of Light. Not Lights.
Tell her to google if she really eants to know.

francophile03

If you've seen the monuments at nighttime they're lighted up hence the name.

cmt

Here's a thread asking about the origin of the expression &quot;City of Light&quot; (not LightS&quot: http://forums.delphiforums.com/PBPro...ges?msg=4441.1

John

Someone correct me if I am wrong but didn't Paris get that title because it was the first European city to get electricity?

cmt

And here's a Fodors thread on the topic: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34555638

cmt

John: See http://forums.delphiforums.com/PBPro...ges?msg=4441.1
for other explanations.

Ronda

Thank you for the informative answers! I will definitely do some research.

Kate

What was it about Paris that left your sister unsatisfied? I take it it's not just a lack of lightbulbs

Margaretlb

Yes, John, you're correct. First European capital to install electricity replacing the gas streetlights.

Ronda

I don't know; we had a really good time. I was able to get them around to all the sights including Geverney and Versailles. We ate in nice restaurants, had good food and wine, our hotel was lovely. The weather was excellent for the end of July although a little hot. She went to Tuscany last year and really liked it so perhaps Paris was too much City.

Statia

Perhaps she just had different expectations. After all, if we all loved all the same places they would all be overcrowded with tourists.

Ronda

Statia, I think you are so right.

richardab

There was a big meeting and they wanted to give the city a slogan... Someone suggested &quot;The City of Shower Curtains&quot; but that was rejectsed as bad marketing as was &quot;City of Washcloths&quot;.

John

MARGARETLB Thank you. I did contact the French embassy via email and they responded with a bevy of answers none of which was my answer. But i believe I read that somewhere in some trivia quiz.

RICHARDAB roflmao

cmt

John, that is just one of many interesting possible explanations in print regarding the origin of the phrase. However, it does not take into account that Paris was called la ville lumi&egrave;re in the 18th century, long before the city became electrified.

John

CMT
Okay, guess that blows my answer right outa da water!!

cmt

If you go to the link I posted on Aug. 8 at 11:08 p.m. you'll see some other interesting comments on the possible origins of this expression.

GoSox

Paris is the City of Light but I understood it to refer to the light quality. Because of its global position, the light is different in Paris giving colors more depth and richness. It is good for artists and is therefore the City of Light.