A Wanderer in Paris Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What was the original name of Paris?

• Parisea Civitas
• Lutetia
• Ville de Paris
• Cité de Paris

Correct Answer: Lutetia

Correct Answer Explanation: The original name of Paris, which was a Roman settlement, was Lutetia. It was later changed to Parisea Civitas during the reign of Julian the Apostate, a Roman Emperor.

Which famous landmark was originally crowned with horses taken from St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice?

• The Eiffel Tower
• The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
• The Arc de Triomphe
• The Louvre

Correct Answer: The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel

Correct Answer Explanation: The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, built by Napoleon I, was originally adorned with horses from St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. These horses were later returned to Venice after Napoleon’s fall.

What was the original purpose of the Place de la Concorde?

• A market square
• A military parade ground
• A royal garden
• A monument to Louis XV

Correct Answer: A monument to Louis XV

Correct Answer Explanation: The Place de la Concorde was originally built to commemorate Louis XV. However, it later became a site of public executions during the French Revolution, particularly during the Reign of Terror.

What is the name of the central market in Paris?

• The Grands Boulevards
• The Halles
• The Louvre Market
• The Rue des Halles

Correct Answer: The Halles

Correct Answer Explanation: The Halles is the central market of Paris, known for its bustling atmosphere and a variety of goods, including fresh produce, meats, and cheeses.

Which iconic Parisian avenue was originally planned by Marie de Médicis?

• The Champs-Elysees
• The Grands Boulevards
• The Rue de Rivoli
• The Rue Saint-Honoré

Correct Answer: The Champs-Elysees

Correct Answer Explanation: The Champs-Elysees, one of the most famous avenues in the world, was originally planned by Marie de Médicis, the Queen Mother of France, in the 17th century. It was later expanded and transformed by Napoleon I.

What is the name of the ancient inn in Rue Montorgeuil that offers a glimpse into the past with its stables, carts, and bustling courtyard?

• The Compas d’Or
• The Hôtel de Ville
• The Café de la Paix
• The Grand Hotel

Correct Answer: The Compas d’Or

Correct Answer Explanation: The Compas d’Or, an ancient inn located in Rue Montorgeuil, provides a fascinating glimpse into the past with its stables, carts, and lively courtyard. It is a testament to the enduring character of Paris, where history and modernity coexist.

What is the name of the former royal prison that now serves as a museum, evoking the chilling events of the French Revolution, particularly the imprisonment of Marie Antoinette?

• The Conciergerie
• The Bastille
• The Louvre
• The Bastille Prison

Correct Answer: The Conciergerie

Correct Answer Explanation: The Conciergerie, a former royal prison located on the Ile de la Cité, now serves as a museum, offering a chilling glimpse into the events of the French Revolution. It was the site of the imprisonment of many prominent figures, including Marie Antoinette.

What is the name of the free zoo and botanical garden in Paris, particularly known for its impressive peacock population?

• The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
• The Bois de Boulogne
• The Jardin des Plantes
• The Jardin d’Acclimatation

Correct Answer: The Jardin des Plantes

Correct Answer Explanation: The Jardin des Plantes is a free zoo and botanical garden located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. It is particularly known for its impressive peacock population, a testament to the French love for nature.

What is the name of the beautiful park in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, a haven for the city’s aristocracy?

• The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
• The Bois de Boulogne
• The Jardin des Plantes
• The Parc Monceau

Correct Answer: The Parc Monceau

Correct Answer Explanation: The Parc Monceau is a beautiful park located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, known for its elegant atmosphere and its popularity among the city’s aristocracy.

What is the name of the square in Paris that was originally built to commemorate Louis XV but later became the site of the guillotine during the French Revolution?

• The Place des Vosges
• The Place de la Concorde
• The Place de la Bastille
• The Place Vendôme

Correct Answer: The Place de la Concorde

Correct Answer Explanation: The Place de la Concorde, a square located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, was originally built to commemorate Louis XV. However, during the French Revolution, it became the site of the guillotine, where many prominent figures, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, were executed.

What is the name of the church in Paris that is believed to have been the origin of the signal for the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre?

• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• The Sainte-Chapelle
• The church of St. Germain l’Auxerrois
• The Panthéon

Correct Answer: The church of St. Germain l’Auxerrois

Correct Answer Explanation: The church of St. Germain l’Auxerrois, located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, is believed to have been the origin of the signal for the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, a violent religious persecution that occurred in 1572.

What is the name of the former royal palace that is now a largely deserted park, once a hub of Parisian life?

• The Palais Royal
• The Louvre
• The Tuileries Palace
• The Château de Versailles

Correct Answer: The Palais Royal

Correct Answer Explanation: The Palais Royal, located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, was once a royal palace and a hub of Parisian life. It is now a largely deserted park, a testament to the changing fortunes of French royalty.

What is the name of the oldest exposed timepiece in France?

• The Tour de l’Horloge
• The Eiffel Tower
• The clock on Notre-Dame Cathedral
• The Arc de Triomphe

Correct Answer: The Tour de l’Horloge

Correct Answer Explanation: The Tour de l’Horloge, located in the heart of Paris, is the oldest exposed timepiece in France. It dates back to 1299 and has been restored several times throughout its history.

What is the name of the Paris stock exchange?

• The Bourse
• The Louvre
• The Chambre de Commerce
• The Banque de France

Correct Answer: The Bourse

Correct Answer Explanation: The Bourse, located in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, is the Paris stock exchange. It is a lively and chaotic space where traders buy and sell stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments.

What is the name of the vast library in Paris that contains important historical documents, including the manuscript of Pascal’s Pensées?

• The Bibliothèque Nationale
• The Sorbonne
• The Collège de France
• The Institut de France

Correct Answer: The Bibliothèque Nationale

Correct Answer Explanation: The Bibliothèque Nationale, located in the heart of Paris, is a vast library that contains important historical documents, including the manuscript of Pascal’s Pensées. It is one of the largest and most important libraries in the world.

What is the name of the cemetery in Paris that houses the graves of many notable French figures, including Chopin, Balzac, and Delacroix?

• Père Lachaise
• Montparnasse Cemetery
• The Cimetière du Père Lachaise
• The cemetery at Montmartre

Correct Answer: Père Lachaise

Correct Answer Explanation: Père Lachaise Cemetery, located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world. It houses the graves of many notable French figures, including Chopin, Balzac, and Delacroix.

What is the name of the canal that runs through Paris?

• The Seine
• The Canal Saint-Martin
• The Canal de l’Ourcq
• The Canal de la Marne

Correct Answer: The Canal Saint-Martin

Correct Answer Explanation: The Canal Saint-Martin, a canal in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, flows through the city, connecting the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Seine River. It is a popular place for walks and boat trips.

What is the name of the former military hospital in Paris that is now a museum and a site for Napoleon’s tomb?

• The Invalides
• The Hôtel des Invalides
• The Hôtel de Ville
• The Palais Royal

Correct Answer: The Invalides

Correct Answer Explanation: The Invalides, located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, was originally a military hospital. It is now a museum and a site for Napoleon’s tomb. It is a testament to the military history of France.

What is the name of the square in Paris that marks the site of the notorious Bastille prison?

• The Place des Vosges
• The Place de la Concorde
• The Place de la Bastille
• The Place Vendôme

Correct Answer: The Place de la Bastille

Correct Answer Explanation: The Place de la Bastille, located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, marks the site of the notorious Bastille prison. It was stormed by the people of Paris in 1789, marking a significant moment in the French Revolution.

What is the name of the group of hired applauders in theaters in Paris?

• The Claque
• The Bouquinistes
• The Gamins
• The Ouvriers

Correct Answer: The Claque

Correct Answer Explanation: The Claque is a group of hired applauders in theaters in Paris. They are paid to clap, cheer, and sometimes even boo, to create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm for a performance.

What is the name of the street urchins in Paris, especially young boys?

• The Bouquinistes
• The Gamins
• The Ouvriers
• The Concierges

Correct Answer: The Gamins

Correct Answer Explanation: The Gamins are street urchins in Paris, especially young boys. They often wander the streets, selling newspapers, shining shoes, or begging for money.

What is the name of the caretaker of a Parisian building?

• The Bouquinistes
• The Gamins
• The Ouvriers
• The Concierges

Correct Answer: The Concierges

Correct Answer Explanation: The Concierge is the caretaker of a Parisian building. They are responsible for managing the building’s day-to-day operations, including security, maintenance, and dealing with residents.

What is the name of the small, open-air newsstand or stall in Paris?

• The Kiosque
• The Bouquinistes
• The Gamins
• The Ouvriers

Correct Answer: The Kiosque

Correct Answer Explanation: The Kiosque is a small, open-air newsstand or stall in Paris. They are often found on street corners, selling newspapers, magazines, and other items.

What is the name of the type of horse-drawn cab in Paris?

• The Fiacre
• The Kiosque
• The Gamins
• The Ouvriers

Correct Answer: The Fiacre

Correct Answer Explanation: The Fiacre is a type of horse-drawn cab in Paris. It was a popular mode of transportation in the 19th century, particularly for people who could not afford private carriages.

What is the name of the booksellers on the Seine’s quais in Paris?

• The Bouquinistes
• The Gamins
• The Ouvriers
• The Concierges

Correct Answer: The Bouquinistes

Correct Answer Explanation: The Bouquinistes are booksellers who set up their stalls along the banks of the Seine in Paris. They sell a variety of books, including rare editions, first editions, and secondhand books.

What is the name of the underground subway system in Paris?

• The Métro
• The RER
• The Tramway
• The Bus

Correct Answer: The Métro

Correct Answer Explanation: The Métro is the underground subway system in Paris. It is a fast and efficient way to get around the city.

What is the name of the type of lap dog, often small and fashionable, in Paris?

• The Lou-lou
• The Tou-tou
• The Mouton
• The Créations de Frédéric

Correct Answer: The Lou-lou

Correct Answer Explanation: The Lou-lou is a type of lap dog, often small and fashionable, in Paris. They are often seen being walked by their owners in the city’s parks and squares.

What is the name of the type of small lap dog, often a terrier, in Paris?

• The Lou-lou
• The Tou-tou
• The Mouton
• The Créations de Frédéric

Correct Answer: The Tou-tou

Correct Answer Explanation: The Tou-tou is a type of small lap dog, often a terrier, in Paris. They are known for their playful personalities and their loyalty to their owners.

What is the name of the dishes created by Chef Frédéric Delair at the Tour d’Argent restaurant in Paris?

• The Créations de Frédéric
• The Lou-lou
• The Tou-tou
• The Mouton

Correct Answer: The Créations de Frédéric

Correct Answer Explanation: The Créations de Frédéric are dishes created by Chef Frédéric Delair at the Tour d’Argent restaurant in Paris. They are known for their innovative and sophisticated flavors.

What is the name of the women who knit while attending public executions in Paris?

• The Tricoteuses
• The Bouquinistes
• The Gamins
• The Ouvriers

Correct Answer: The Tricoteuses

Correct Answer Explanation: The Tricoteuses were women who knit while attending public executions in Paris during the French Revolution. They were often seen knitting or crocheting as they watched people being guillotined.

What is the name of the grocer in Paris?

• The Épicier
• The Bouquinistes
• The Gamins
• The Ouvriers

Correct Answer: The Épicier

Correct Answer Explanation: The Épicier is the grocer in Paris. They own and run small grocery stores, selling a variety of food items, including fresh produce, meats, and cheeses.

What is the name of the worker in Paris, often used to refer to a factory worker or a member of the working class?

• The Ouvrier/Ouvrière
• The Bouquinistes
• The Gamins
• The Concierges

Correct Answer: The Ouvrier/Ouvrière

Correct Answer Explanation: The Ouvrier/Ouvrière is the worker in Paris. They are often used to refer to a factory worker or a member of the working class. They are an important part of the city’s economic life.

What is the name of the series of wide boulevards that circle Paris?

• The Grands Boulevards
• The Bouquinistes
• The Gamins
• The Ouvriers

Correct Answer: The Grands Boulevards

Correct Answer Explanation: The Grands Boulevards are a series of wide boulevards that circle Paris. They are known for their elegant shops, theaters, and cafes.

What is the name of the train station in Paris?

• The Gare
• The Métro
• The Tramway
• The Bus

Correct Answer: The Gare

Correct Answer Explanation: The Gare is the train station in Paris. They are often bustling with passengers and offer a wide variety of destinations.

What is the name of the sheep in Paris, often used to refer to a simple, gullible person?

• The Mouton
• The Lou-lou
• The Tou-tou
• The Créations de Frédéric

Correct Answer: The Mouton

Correct Answer Explanation: The Mouton is the sheep in Paris, often used to refer to a simple, gullible person. They are often the target of scams and pranks.

What is the name of the palace or grand building in Paris?

• The Palais
• The Gare
• The Kiosque
• The Bouquinistes

Correct Answer: The Palais

Correct Answer Explanation: The Palais is the palace or grand building in Paris. They are often historical monuments and are a significant part of the city’s architecture.

What is the name of the former church in Paris that now serves as a monument to famous French citizens?

• The Panthéon
• The Gare
• The Kiosque
• The Bouquinistes

Correct Answer: The Panthéon

Correct Answer Explanation: The Panthéon is a former church in Paris that now serves as a monument to famous French citizens. It is a place where great figures of French history are honored.

What is the name of the square or plaza in Paris?

• The Place
• The Gare
• The Kiosque
• The Bouquinistes

Correct Answer: The Place

Correct Answer Explanation: The Place is the square or plaza in Paris. They are often bustling with activity and are a focal point for social gatherings.

What is the name of the bridge in Paris?

• The Pont
• The Gare
• The Kiosque
• The Bouquinistes

Correct Answer: The Pont

Correct Answer Explanation: The Pont is the bridge in Paris. They are a significant part of the city’s infrastructure and offer stunning views of the Seine River.

What is the name of the riverside embankment in Paris?

• The Quai
• The Gare
• The Kiosque
• The Bouquinistes

Correct Answer: The Quai

Correct Answer Explanation: The Quai is the riverside embankment in Paris. They are popular places for walks, bike rides, and picnicking.

What is the name of the New Year’s Eve celebration in Paris?

• The Réveillon
• The Gare
• The Kiosque
• The Bouquinistes

Correct Answer: The Réveillon

Correct Answer Explanation: The Réveillon is the New Year’s Eve celebration in Paris. It is a time of festive gatherings and celebrations.

What is the name of the street in Paris?

• The Rue
• The Gare
• The Kiosque
• The Bouquinistes

Correct Answer: The Rue

Correct Answer Explanation: The Rue is the street in Paris. They are a network of roads that crisscross the city and offer a variety of sights and experiences.

What is the name of the tower in Paris?

• The Tour
• The Gare
• The Kiosque
• The Bouquinistes

Correct Answer: The Tour

Correct Answer Explanation: The Tour is the tower in Paris. They are often historical monuments and offer stunning views of the city.

What is the name of the headquarters of the Paris police force?

• The Préfecture de Police
• The Gare
• The Kiosque
• The Bouquinistes

Correct Answer: The Préfecture de Police

Correct Answer Explanation: The Préfecture de Police is the headquarters of the Paris police force. It is located in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris.

In what year was the Eiffel Tower built?

• 1889
• 1909
• 1871
• 1920

Correct Answer: 1889

Correct Answer Explanation: The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution and the World’s Fair.

According to E.V. Lucas, what is a unique feature of Parisian apartment living?

• The presence of a housekeeper
• The use of a central courtyard
• The role of the concierge
• The emphasis on privacy

Correct Answer: The role of the concierge

Correct Answer Explanation: Lucas highlights the role of the concierge as a unique feature of Parisian apartment living, emphasizing their power and influence over the lives of residents. This contrasts with English culture’s emphasis on personal privacy.

What is the “green hour” in Paris?

• A period of social interaction in public spaces
• A time for a midday meal
• A designated time for shopping
• A special hour for visiting museums

Correct Answer: A period of social interaction in public spaces

Correct Answer Explanation: The “green hour” refers to the time in the afternoon when Parisians gather in public spaces like parks and cafés, enjoying leisure and social interaction. This contrasts with English culture, where such public gatherings are less common.

What is the name of the famous square in Paris that housed many aristocratic residents?

• Place de la Bastille
• Place de la Concorde
• Place des Vosges
• Place Vendôme

Correct Answer: Place des Vosges

Correct Answer Explanation: Built by Henri IV, the Place des Vosges is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Paris and housed many aristocratic residents during the 17th and 18th centuries.

What significant event occurred on the 14th of July, 1789, marking a turning point in the French Revolution?

• The storming of the Bastille
• The execution of Louis XVI
• The formation of the National Assembly
• The Reign of Terror

Correct Answer: The storming of the Bastille

Correct Answer Explanation: On July 14th, 1789, the people of Paris stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal tyranny, marking a key event in the French Revolution.

Where was Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette originally buried?

• Père Lachaise Cemetery
• The Chapelle Expiatoire
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• The Conciergerie

Correct Answer: The Chapelle Expiatoire

Correct Answer Explanation: The Chapelle Expiatoire, built on the site of the old Madeleine cemetery, was constructed as a memorial to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. They were originally buried there before being moved to the Saint-Denis Basilica.

Which museum in Paris provides a fascinating journey through the city’s evolution, showcasing artifacts, paintings, and drawings?

• The Musée de Cluny
• The Musée Carnavalet
• The Musée d’Orsay
• The Louvre

Correct Answer: The Musée Carnavalet

Correct Answer Explanation: The Musée Carnavalet, housed in a former aristocratic mansion, offers a unique perspective on Parisian history through its vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and drawings, depicting the city’s transformation over centuries.

What is the name of the large shopping center in Paris that features thousands of beds?

• The Maison Dufayel
• The Galeries Lafayette
• The Printemps
• The Bon Marché

Correct Answer: The Maison Dufayel

Correct Answer Explanation: The Maison Dufayel, a renowned department store in Paris, was known for its vast selection of goods, including thousands of beds, showcasing the city’s thriving retail industry.

How many acres does Père Lachaise Cemetery, one of the most famous in the world, span?

• 25 acres
• 50 acres
• 100 acres
• 150 acres

Correct Answer: 100 acres

Correct Answer Explanation: Père Lachaise Cemetery, a significant Parisian landmark, covers over 100 acres, housing the graves of many notable figures from French history and culture.

What is the name of the column erected in the Place de la Concorde, a gift from Mohammed Ali, that once stood before the great temple of Thebes?

• The Colonne de Juillet
• The Luxor Column
• The Vendôme Column
• The Eiffel Tower

Correct Answer: The Luxor Column

Correct Answer Explanation: The Luxor Column, a significant monument in the Place de la Concorde, was a gift from Mohammed Ali, the Viceroy of Egypt, and was originally part of the great temple of Thebes.

What is the name of the monument that commemorates the deaths of 615 citizens during the 1830 revolution?

• The Colonne de Juillet
• The Luxor Column
• The Vendôme Column
• The Arc de Triomphe

Correct Answer: The Colonne de Juillet

Correct Answer Explanation: The Colonne de Juillet, located in the Place de la Bastille, was erected to commemorate the deaths of 615 citizens during the 1830 revolution, known as the “July Revolution.”

What is the approximate length of the canal that runs through Paris?

• 5 miles
• 10 miles
• 12 miles
• 15 miles

Correct Answer: 12 miles

Correct Answer Explanation: The canal that runs through Paris, the Canal Saint-Martin, is approximately 12 miles long, offering a unique perspective of the city from its banks.

How many acres does the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a beautiful park in Paris, encompass?

• 25 acres
• 40 acres
• 60 acres
• 80 acres

Correct Answer: 60 acres

Correct Answer Explanation: The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a significant park in Paris, encompasses 60 acres, providing a peaceful and scenic escape within the city.

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