The symbols in short
| Symbol | What it shows | Origin found |
|---|---|---|
| Motto | "Fluctuat nec mergitur", tossed by the waves but never sunk | Appears on a medal of 1581; official motto since 24 November 1853 (Prefect Haussmann's order) |
| Coat of arms | A silver ship, a blue chief with golden fleurs-de-lis | The ship comes from the water merchants; sources differ on the first arms (1190 under Philippe Auguste, or the merchants' seal around 1210) |
| Colours | Blue and red | Traditional colours of the city; the French tricolour combines the king's white with Paris's blue and red, according to one source |
The dates of the arms vary by source: we give both versions rather than choose.
Paris in key dates
- 3rd century BC: the Gaulish Parisii people settle on the Île de la Cité.
- 52 BC: the Romans conquer the region; the Roman town, Lutetia, grows mainly on the Left Bank. See the Arènes de Lutèce.
- 508: Clovis makes Paris his capital.
- Around 1190: Philippe Auguste has a city wall and the Louvre fortress built.
- 1789: the storming of the Bastille begins the Revolution.
- 1853-1870: Haussmann's great works redraw the city.
- 25 August 1944: Liberation of Paris.
Where to see these symbols
The coat of arms and motto can be seen on public buildings, railings, street lamps and at the Hôtel de Ville: see the Hôtel de Ville. After the attacks of November 2015, the motto became a symbol of resilience and solidarity. To follow the city's history on foot, from the Île de la Cité to the Latin Quarter, read the guide to the Île de la Cité; a guided visit is also possible in the Latin Quarter.
