Paris Flashcards

What is the nickname of Paris shown in the slides?

Paris is called "La Ville de Lumière," which means "City of Lights" in English.

How is Paris divided administratively?

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements that are arranged into the shape of a snail.

What does "arrondissement" mean in English?

The exact equivalent of "arrondissement" does not exist in English, but it is somewhat like a neighborhood.

What is the Seine?

The Seine is the major river that runs through Paris.

How does the Seine affect Paris's layout?

It divides Paris into two parts, and there are two islands found in the very center: Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint-Louis.

What are the two sides of the Seine called?

On the two sides of the river, you have La Rive Droite (the Right Bank) and La Rive Gauche (the Left Bank).

What is La Rive Droite?

La Rive Droite is the north half of the city, also known as the Right Bank.

What is La Rive Gauche known for historically?

La Rive Gauche is the Left Bank, where historically one would find intellectuals, artists, professors and students (in the Quartier Latin with la Sorbonne), and politicians (from the left).

What is Ile de la Cité?

Ile de la Cité is the birthplace of modern Paris, was originally called Lutèce, and Notre-Dame de Paris is found here.

What is Ile Saint-Louis?

Ile Saint-Louis is mostly residential, with hôtels particuliers (which are NOT hotels but luxurious private homes).

What is Notre-Dame de Paris?

Notre-Dame de Paris is a cathedral in Paris, known for its Gothic architecture, created during the Middle Ages.

When was construction on Notre-Dame begun and largely completed?

Construction on Notre-Dame began in 1163 and was largely completed by 1345.

What architectural features is Notre-Dame famous for?

Notre-Dame is famous for its flying buttresses, gargoyles, and stunning rose windows.

How many tourists visit Notre-Dame each year?

Every year, millions of tourists from across the globe flock to Notre-Dame.

What major event happened to Notre-Dame in 2019 and 2024?

Notre-Dame suffered a devastating fire in 2019 but reopened in December 2024 after extensive restoration.

What is special about Notre-Dame's rose windows?

One of the three great rose windows has original glass still there from the 13th century.

What does "Notre-Dame de Paris" mean?

"Notre-Dame de Paris" means "Our Lady of Paris" and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

What historical event involving Napoleon happened at Notre-Dame?

In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte had his coronation for becoming emperor at Notre-Dame.

What relic does Notre-Dame house?

Notre-Dame houses the "Holy Crown of Thorns.

What unique event happened at Notre-Dame in 2025?

In 2025, Notre-Dame had its first wedding in 30 years for a carpenter who helped restore it.

How was Notre-Dame used during the French Revolution?

During the French Revolution, Notre-Dame was used as a warehouse and renamed the "Temple of Reason."

What is Point Zéro?

Point Zéro is the location chosen in a city that all distances are measured from. It marks the exact spot from which all distances throughout France are measured (in relation to Paris).