Why is Paris the City of Love (the real story)

Last updated on November 7th, 2024 at 09:57 am

How did Paris become the city of love?

It’s known for being one of the most romantic cities in the world, but what is the true story behind it, and why is Paris the city of love?

Sure, there have been many Hollywood rom-com movies set in Paris, and the city has an abundance of romantic places to propose.

The French Romanticism art movement flourished here, the Bohemian writers of Montmatre wrote about tortured lovers, and there is even a Wall of Love, but is there more to it than that?

You bet there is. There’s a whole history behind how Paris got the reputation for being the city of love, and it has nothing to do with movies, books or art. Let’s dive in.

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Paris City of Love, Fact or Fiction?

I’m the first to admit how wonderfully romantic the Eiffel Tower looks when it sparkles at night. 

I’m a sucker for the romance of Opera Garnier, home to the most famous love story in Paris, the Phantom of the Opera.

And Midnight in Paris was one of my favourite movies set in this romantic city.

But all of these are modern-day stories we’ve conjured up over the years, feeding into the hype behind Paris being the city of love.

The Real Story Behind Why Paris is the City of Love

Put away your romance novels and pull out your history books because the real story isn’t one of undying love, it’s one of desire, passion and prostitutes.

In 19th century Paris, it was a world of debauchery, where prostitutes ruled the bedroom, and wives ran the house.

It was the time of the Third Empire, and Paris was undergoing significant social and urban transformations.

In this era, there was a clear societal divide between the roles of wives and prostitutes, and there was room for both in a marriage. 

Wives were expected to be virtuous, and their role was to manage the household, look good on the arms of their husbands and provide a man with heirs. They weren’t thought of as being desirable or even in a sexual manner at all.

Prostitutes, on the other hand, were the ones with whom men sought sexual pleasure and passionate love. It was a time when men could have their cake and eat it.

Now, this wasn’t unique to Paris. It was similar in New York, Berlin, and other cities around the world. 

The difference was that in Paris, it wasn’t hidden. It was out there in the open for all to see and perfectly acceptable.

And this is where Paris’ reputation as the city of love originated. It might not be the kind of love we think of, but it was love in a more erotic sense than romantic.

The Evolution of Love in Paris

In 19th-century Paris, disease was rife, and the backstreets of the city were dirty with no proper sewerage. Napoleon III, influenced by his experiences in London and a desire to modernise Paris, embarked on a grand scheme to overhaul the city.

In 1853, he commissioned Georges-Eugène Haussmann to begin an extensive urban renewal program. 

This included the construction of wide boulevards, parks, a new sewage system, new bridges, and the refurbishment of many of Paris’s buildings, dramatically altering the landscape of Paris.

And that’s not the only thing it altered. The slums of Paris were being wiped out slowly but surely, and the underworld, including the prostitutes, left in their droves.

They migrated to other parts of the city to find new places to sell their bodies. 

These women became known as “asphalteuses” from the asphalt, or, as we would say, women of the streets. 

An increasing number of brothels appeared in some surprising places. Behind the new grand boulevards Haussmann had built, a roaring trade in prostitution emerged.

From the cafes and restaurants to the ballrooms and concert halls, gentlemen of means met women of the night.

The works and transformation of Paris continued for seventeen years, during which time, many migrant workers came to the city. As their numbers swelled, so did the need for prostitutes. 

At the end of a hard day’s work, men wanted to relax and enjoy themselves, and sex was a form of entertainment.

Love was in high demand, and it was here that Paris first got the reputation for being the city of love.

The Surge in Sex Tourism in Paris during the World Fairs

Before Paris was the city of love, it was known as the brothel of Europe, and for good reason. The World Fairs at the start of the 1900s, particularly the Paris Exposit

ion Universelle of 1900, played a significant role in shaping the culture of sex tourism in Paris. 

These events, celebrated for showcasing technological and cultural achievements, also attracted a vast number of visitors from around the world. 

Paris, already renowned for its bohemian lifestyle and liberal attitudes towards sexuality, became a magnet for those seeking experiences beyond the cultural and technological exhibitions of the fairs.

Guidebooks were published that were essentially directories of prostitution services available in the city.

These books, sometimes referred to as “guides to the pleasures of Paris,” provided information on where to find brothels, the cost of services, and even descriptions of the types of women available.

As you can imagine, the brothels, known as “maisons closes”, which were legal and regulated in France at the time, saw a surge in business during the World Fairs.

But it wasn’t without its problems, as disease spread like wildfire.

5 Famous Paris Brothels

Paris was home to many famous brothels, all catering to a wide range of clientele, from the wealthy and elite to the more modest. These establishments were known for their opulence, variety, and the specific experiences they offered.

No 1 Le Sphinx Pigalle in Montparnasse area

Le Sphinx was known for being more than just a brothel. It was a social club where intellectuals and artists often gathered, with a salon where guests could engage in conversations, a bar, a dance floor, and even a small cinema. 

It attracted a mix of artists, writers, and intellectuals, in addition to the usual clientele seeking sexual services.

No 2 Aux Belles Poules in the 2nd arrondissement

Famous for its Art Deco style and erotic tiled mosaics, Aux Belles Poules offered a more artistic and visually stimulating environment. The decor itself was a significant draw.

No 3 Maison Souveraine in the fashionable area of Champs-Élysées

Known for its opulent and regal setting, Maison Souveraine catered to an upscale experience with beautifully decorated rooms and high-end amenities.

No 4 One-Two-Two, Rue de Provence in the 9th arrondissement

This brothel was famous for its luxurious and eclectic decor, which included a Moorish room, a medieval room, and a baroque room. 

It also had a restaurant and a dance hall and was popular among wealthy businessmen, high-ranking officials, and even members of the French Resistance during World War II.

No 5 Le Chabanais near the Louvre in the 2nd arrondissement

Le Chabanais was one of the most luxurious and famous brothels in Paris. It was known for its lavish decor, which included expensive artwork, gold-encrusted furniture, and themed rooms. 

One of the most famous rooms was a Japanese-themed room with a copper bathtub. 

King Edward VII of England was a notable patron, and the brothel even had a custom-made chair designed to accommodate his visits.

How did Paris go from the Brothel of Europe to the City of Love?

The city’s nightlife, cabarets, and brothels continued to thrive at the start of the 20th century. However, alongside this, there was a growing appreciation for the artistic and romantic aspects of Paris. 

The interwar years, particularly the 1920s and 1930s, saw Paris as a hub of artistic and intellectual innovation, with movements like Surrealism, Cubism, and Existentialism taking root.

This era, known as the Années Folles (Crazy Years), was characterised by a vibrant cultural life that celebrated creativity and freedom. 

Paris’ image as a centre for art, literature, and philosophy grew, attracting artists, writers, and thinkers from around the world. Their hangouts included Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore, and Shakespeare & Company Bookstore.

In the immediate aftermath of World War II, a significant shift occurred with the 1946 closure of brothels, as mandated by the Marthe Richard Law. 

This move, reflective of changing attitudes towards sex work and morality, dramatically reduced the visibility of the commercial sex industry in Paris. 

It was a critical step in reshaping the city’s identity, moving away from its reputation associated with legalised prostitution.

Cinema played a crucial role in rebranding Paris as the City of Love. During the 1950s and 1960s, numerous romantic films set in Paris were produced, both in France and internationally.

These films often depicted Paris as an idyllic, romantic city, ideal for love and escapades. Iconic movies like “An American in Paris” (1951) and “Funny Face” (1957) showcased the city’s romantic allure to global audiences.

Finally, the city’s culinary scene, fashion industry, and quaint, picturesque streets have consistently provided a backdrop for romantic experiences. 

Whether it’s dining in a cosy bistro, walking hand in hand along the Seine, or enjoying the view from Montmartre, the city offers countless opportunities for romantic moments.

3 Romantic Things to Do in the City of Love

It doesn’t matter whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day in Paris or are simply visiting with the one you love, there are plenty of romantic things to do.

No 1 A Romantic Dinner Cruise on the Seine

Is there anything more romantic than sipping champagne as you sail along the Seine River at night? With 4,000+ 5-star reviews, it’s the ultimate romantic thing to do in Paris.

BOOK YOUR ROMANTIC DINNER CRUISE IN PARIS >>>

No 2 A Couple’s Photo Shoot in Paris

Selfies are great, but there is nothing like professional photos taken in the most romantic city in the world. Enjoy a private tour of Paris, stopping off to take photos as you go. 

BOOK YOUR COUPLE’S PARIS PHOTO SHOOT >>>

No 3 A Horse & Carriage Ride in Paris

Just as they do in the movies, you can take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride with your partner in Paris. Travel down the Champs Elysee in style in a beautiful open-air carriage.

BOOK YOUR HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDE IN PARIS >>>

Is Paris the City of Love or Lights?

Before it became the City of Love, Paris was known as the City of Light (La Ville Lumière).

There were two reasons for this, its role as a centre of education and ideas during the Age of Enlightenment, and more literally, because it was one of the first major European cities to use street lighting.

During the Enlightenment, Paris became a hub for writers, philosophers, and intellectuals, contributing significantly to the era’s new ideas and ways of thinking.

This period of intellectual flourishing helped Paris gain a reputation as a city of light, metaphorically representing knowledge and enlightenment.

The literal aspect of this nickname comes from Paris’s history of street lighting. In the late 17th century, King Louis XIV commanded the streets of Paris to be lit at night, a pioneering move at the time which was intended to improve safety by deterring crime. 

Then, in the 19th century, Paris was among the first cities to adopt widespread gas street lighting, turning it into a place that truly sparkled at night.

FAQS: Paris The City of Love

Final thoughts on why Paris is the City of Love

Now you know the real story behind The City of Love, and how it’s evolved over the decades, are you ready to visit Paris and discover for yourself? 

It’s the perfect city for a weekend getaway with a massive range of hotels to stay in with breathtaking views over the city.

It’s time for you to find out why Paris is one of the best cities in the world, no matter what time of year you visit or who you visit with.