Paris Uncovered: From Lutetia to Paname

If you’ve recently moved to or travelled to Paris, chances are you already know it as the “City of Light” or the romantic “City of Love.” To really feel the heartbeat of this beautiful city, take a moment to look beyond the chic Haussmann facades and Grand Boulevards. 

In this blog, our resident contributor Benoit shares two names for their city that Parisians are fond of: the ancient “Lutèce” and the cheeky, more streetwise “Paname”. Let’s take a step back in time to uncover some historical facts about the capital of France.

The Origins of Paris: from the Parisii to the Romans

Around 250 BC, a Celtic (Gaulish) tribe known as the Parisii settled along the Seine, possibly residing on the Île de la Cité, though this remains unconfirmed over the centuries. Skilled traders and boatmen, they used the river as their main route. 

The Parisii managed the transportation of grain, furs, and pottery across Europe. Their likely name for their homeland was something like “Luto-hekia,” where “luto” meant “marsh” or “swamp” in their language. The name wasn’t very glamorous; it simply meant “the place of the mud.” However, the water provided natural protection. 

The Romans arrived in 52 BC with Julius Caesar. After winning the Battle of Lutetia, they transformed the muddy Celtic settlement into a real city. While the original name remained, it was given a Latin touch: Lutetia. The Parisii mainly occupied the riverbanks, but the Romans favoured the dry hillside, where the Latin Quarter now stands. They constructed an advanced town equipped with amenities typical of the period, including a forum (located beneath Rue Soufflot), large thermal baths, and the Arènes of Lutetia (Lutèce in French).

This large arena could host 15,000 spectators, nearly twice the city’s population at the time, they can still be visited today. Watching locals play pétanque where gladiators once fought offers an authentic Parisian experience. For a more in-depth look, the Musée de Cluny features the Frigidarium (cold baths), with arches that have lasted for 2,000 years. 

How Lutetia Became Paris

Lutetia didn’t simply vanish; it developed as the Roman Empire declined. Between the 3rd and 5th centuries, Germanic tribes threatened the area, trade slowed, and safety became a top concern. The large, open villas on the Left Bank were no longer defensible. Fearing invasions, residents moved back to the Île de la Cité, using the Seine as a natural barrier. They repurposed Roman temples, baths, and the forum, recycling stones for defensive walls, the first churches, and bridges.

Lutetia, the open Roman city, was literally transformed into the foundation of Paris, the fortress. Throughout Gaul, cities started to revive their local identities. Lutetia was officially renamed Civitas Parisiorum, the “City of the Parisii,” a name that was shortened to Paris by the early Middle Ages. Historical records confirm this change around 500 AD.

Paname: The Street Slang that Defines Paris

Paris, known for elegance, revolution, innovation and timeless charm, has long been a cultural hub. During the Belle Époque (1880s–1910s), the city thrived with artistic energy, avant-garde cabarets, and innovative architecture. The Eiffel Tower, a daring engineering feat, dominated the skyline, and the métro aimed to transform urban transit. 

A new nickname, “Paname,” appeared in songs, poetry, and cafés, symbolising the city’s grandeur and complexities, though its exact origin remains debated. The adoption of “Paname” as a colloquial moniker for Paris is as intriguing as it is multifaceted. While no single theory has been definitively proven, three compelling narratives offer insight into how this slang term came to symbolise the city.

One prominent theory ties “Paname” to the Panama Scandal of the 1890s, a financial debacle that shook France to its core. Ferdinand de Lesseps, the renowned engineer behind the Suez Canal, spearheaded an ill-fated attempt to build the Panama Canal, which ended in catastrophic financial collapse. Thousands of French citizens lost their life savings, and the scandal implicated numerous politicians in corruption. In a biting display of Parisian wit, residents began referring to their city as “Paname,” a sarcastic nod to the fraudulent schemes unfolding within its borders.

Another theory points to a more lighthearted origin: the Panama straw hat. Around 1910, these hats surged in popularity, becoming a ubiquitous accessory on the streets of Paris. The city’s association with the fashionable headwear led to the playful adoption of “Panama” as a nickname, a whimsical reflection of the era’s sartorial trends.

A third explanation, rooted in early 20th-century slang, suggests that “Paname” derived from the term “panam,” which described something vast, overwhelming, or confusing. Jean-Paul Colin’s Slang Dictionary notes that soldiers during World War I used the term to evoke the sheer scale and bustling chaos of the capital.

Over time, “Paname” shed its initial connotations of bewilderment and evolved into an affectionate, almost endearing nickname, encapsulating both the city’s immensity and its irresistible charm. Nowadays, you can find references to this popular slang term all over Paris, like at the famous Paname Art Café or in this TV show dedicated to Paname.

The City of Light or Love?

Paris is celebrated as both the City of Light and the City of Love, evoking images of shimmering boulevards and romance. These nicknames are rooted in the city’s history and culture. From Enlightenment ideas to gaslit streets, Paris has been a beacon of illumination. Its reputation as a lovestruck destination has been immortalised through art, literature, and cinema, creating an enduring mythos. But how did these titles come to define Paris, and what do they truly represent?

Paris: The City of Light

The nickname “City of Light” has both literal and symbolic significance. It dates to the 17th century, when Paris was dark and unsafe after sunset. To improve safety and prevent crime, residents were encouraged to display candles in their windows, and street lanterns were introduced.

This made Paris the first European city to be systematically illuminated at night, impressing visitors with its lit streets. The lighting practice expanded in the 1820s as Paris began using gas lamps along its grand boulevards and covered passageways. The warm, golden glow from these lamps created a magical atmosphere, a feeling that endures today as streetlights flicker over the cobblestones.

Paris earned the nickname “City of Light” in the 18th century, not only for its illumination but also for being the heart of the Enlightenment, or Lumières, movement. Thinkers like Voltaire and Rousseau gathered in salons and cafés, promoting reason, science, and human liberty. Their intellectual efforts sought to “enlighten” minds, dispelling ignorance and superstition. Paris became a city of bright streets and a hub of ideas influencing the modern world.

Paris: The City of Love

Paris’s reputation as the City of Love is a relatively recent development, largely shaped by artists, writers, and filmmakers who have romanticised its charm over the centuries. The 19th century represented the peak of the Romantic movement, with Paris at its core. Writers like Victor Hugo and George Sand created passionate stories of love and longing, set against the city’s winding streets and secluded courtyards. 

Simultaneously, artists from around the world flocked to districts such as Montmartre and the Latin Quarter, capturing the beauty of the Seine, the lively flower markets, and the atmosphere of Parisian cafés. Their art turned Paris into a symbol of romance, inspiring generations to dream of love amidst its enduring beauty.

In the 20th century, this image was further solidified by films such as An American in Paris, Funny Face, and Amélie, which depicted the city as a magical setting for love stories, reinforcing its reputation as the ultimate romantic destination. 

Today, this cinematic legacy continues, as seen during the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony, where the Seine River was transformed into a grand stage celebrating love in all its forms. The event, watched by millions worldwide, reaffirmed Paris’s status as the global capital of romance for a new generation.

A Parisian’s Insider Advice

Nowadays, “Lutèce” is considered an old-fashioned term found only in history books, on luxury hotel signs and the iconic Asterix cartoons. “Paris” is the name used on official correspondence with the tax office or on your mobile phone bill. Meanwhile, “Paname” is a colloquial nickname you might use when you’re out at night, drinks in hand, loudly chatting late at night, in a bistrot that seems to never really close.

Three names, one wonderful city.

Thank you, Benoit, for sharing this enlightening piece about the City of Lights. It’s always interesting to learn more about Paris’s history, which I am sure you’ll share with your international clients.

Here’s a fun anecdote: years ago, one of the musicians in our rock band was called Panama, from Paris; he always wears a hat! For more fun facts about France, please visit our popular blog, featuring 100s of articles broken down into categories.

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