Did you know….

Creepy Paris Fact – hidden beneath the streets of Paris are over 3000 kilometres of catacombs housing the remains of 6 million Parisians. Over 200 years ago, the public burial pits of Paris were full to the brim and over flowing so the city chiefs had the bright idea of constructing miles and miles of tunnels to re house the City’s deceased. The bones of these people now lie in beautifully arranged patterns creating a macabre and haunting design.   For those not concerned about these ghoulish surroundings there is a guided tour available lasting about 45 minutes – watch out for the spooky sign: “ STOP! This is the Empire of Death.”

How Far From Paris? – Point Zero – outside the stunningly beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral is a small brass compass star set in the floor, just in front of the main entrance. It is from this point that all distances from Paris are measured. Tradition dictates that visitors must act out a little ritual to bring themselves good luck. Most people place one foot on the hexagonal marker and spin around whilst making a wish, couples can be seen kissing for love and luck.

Alarming Paris Fact – just so that you don’t jump out of your skin here is a warning! On the first Wednesday of every month, the Civil Defence Warning alarm is sounded at midday. The Parisians are cool about this as they are used to it, but for unsuspecting tourists it might be a little unsettling to hear if you don’t know what is happening. It’s nothing to worry about – unless that is, you hear it on a day other than Wednesday!!

Yukkiest Paris Fact – so we all know that the Parisians love their petits chiens (that’s dogs to you and me), but the Paris authorities have had enough and have been getting tough on doggie doo. A staggering 650 unlucky Parisians used to end up in hospital every year after a slippery encounter with the offending mess. So now if a pampered pooch is caught short, the red faced owner has to bag it and bin it – or face a hefty fine. The result – Paris is now virtually free of nasty doggie droppings so you can safely sightsee keeping your eyes on the architecture, not the street!

Chocolate Fact  – If you have been smart enough to book a budget busting apartment such as those found at Loving Apartments, you might have enough left in the bank to splash out on an unusual massage at the famous George V hotel’s health spa. The chocoholic option scrubs your skin, and then wraps you up in a smooth chocolate coating, culminating in a richly nourishing cocoa shea butter massage. Not only can you be covered in this gorgeous confectionery, you can eat chocolates at the same time. Bliss!