How Detroit Earned the Nickname “Paris of the Midwest”

Story by Bryan Shelmon

“Paris of the Midwest.” “Little Paris.” Before the auto industry solidified Detroit’s reputation as the Motor City, it was an unmistakable Parisian charm that defined our city. All eyes are on the French capital for the 2024 Summer Olympics, which is expected to draw 10+ million visitors for the games. If you want to beat the crowds while still indulging in a Parisian atmosphere, visiting Detroit is the next best thing! This centuries-old nickname is still well-deserved today, and its French character is still evident.

Here’s how you can experience Paris in Detroit!

How Detroit Earned Its Nickname

Did you know that the name “Detroit” is actually a French word? Detroit’s French roots go back to the early 1700s when the Detroit River was called “le détroit du Las Érie,” or “the strait of Lake Erie.” The name stuck, as did French colonization for many years, shaping the area’s French heritage.

Early French settlers set out to establish the area as the “New France,” and Detroit was its bustling hub. The original French fortification, Fort Pontchartrain, was erected as part of the efforts to create the “Paris of New France.” Detroit was chosen for its strategic and economic benefits of being located right on the river as a French Trading Post.

French influences diminished after the French and Indian War, and the British took over Michigan territory. The British built the second major local fort, Fort Lernoult, which stood on the current site of Campus Martius. This site was a focal point in the city’s redevelopment after the 1805 fires. Original city plans had a city layout similar to Paris—and major roads would extend from the Campus Martius location.

To preserve Detroit’s French heritage, several street names are derived from the names of French settlers, explorers, and aristocrats.

What to See

Check out these sites to see remnants of Detroit’s French colonization history:

  • Detroit River at the Riverwalk - where Detroit gets its French name “le détroit du Lac Érie”
  • Campus Martius - the former site of Fort Lernoult and centerpiece for the proposed city layout
  • Fort Pontchartrain, a Wyndham Hotel - the original site of Fort Pontchartrain
  • Fort Pontchartrain Historic Marker - site of the first French settlement
  • City Streets - Gratiot Avenue, Lafayette Boulevard, Cadillac Square, Beaubien Street, Chene Street, Dequindre Road - local streets with French-inspired names

French Architecture Inspiration

The turn of the century saw an economic boom in Detroit with the introduction of automobiles and industry. The population grew drastically, and those who found success in the ‘Motor City’ turned to Detroit’s European counterpart to begin their own renaissance.

French-style architecture was the go-to for local architects designing projects for their wealthy patrons. This architectural renaissance created some of the most stunning buildings and mansions you can still see today. Detroit Skyscrapers inspired by a Parisian Art Deco aesthetic transformed the skyline. Local neighborhoods turned their city dwellings into charming French-inspired chateaus.

What to See

Check out these notable buildings, which show French-style architecture that influenced the city during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

  • The Fisher Building - an Art Deco building built in 1928
  • The Guardian Building - an Art Deco building built in 1929
  • The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) - Beaux-arts style building built in 1927
  • The Mansion - The Whitney - Former French chateau-style home turned upscale restaurant
  • Edsel and Eleanor Ford House - French manor-style home open for tours
  • Ransom Gillis House
  • Boston-Edison Historic District
  • Palmer Woods

Love of Culture & Arts

Detroit’s resemblance to Paris isn’t only tangible evidence. Detroit embodies the same appreciation for culture and the arts as Paris is known for. From art museums to theaters to libraries to concerts, Detroit is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse in the arts.

Do you dream about seeing artworks from some of the world’s greatest artists hanging in the Paris museums? The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) features famous masterpieces from many of the same artists as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay including Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Rembrandt van Rijn, Claude Monet, and Henri Matisse.

Do you want to catch a world-class play in one of the many Parisian theatres? Detroit’s got you covered. Check out famous French plays like Waiting for Godot, performed by local Detroit theatrical troupes, and 19th-century French operas performed by the Detroit Opera House.

What to See

Read more about Detroit’s theatre and performing arts scene.

A Taste of Paris

To truly indulge in Detroit’s French heritage, get ready to experience an authentic taste of Paris. Detroit boasts several French restaurants. Menus feature everything from traditional French menus to French-inspired meals and fusion. Check out a few of the must-try French restaurants in Detroit:

  • Bar Pigalle
  • The Statler
  • Le Suprême
  • Cuisine
  • The French Cow Crepes Shop

Sample fresh pastries, sweets, and, of course, macaroons in Detroit that remind you of the fresh-bake bakeries in Paris:

  • Cannelle by Matt Knio
  • Warda Pâtisserie
  • Cafe Sous Terre
Featured Image
The Statler
Credit: Laura Zarro

Capital of Fashion

It’s undeniable that Detroiters have style! Just like Paris, Detroit also holds the title of a fashion capital. Detroit became a shopping destination in the late 1800s and continues to be a shopper’s haven for anyone who loves retail therapy during their visit.

The landmark J.L. Hudson’s Department Store was located in Downtown Detroit and became the world’s largest department store when it was built in 1881. It revolutionized the fashion industry again with the opening of the Northland Center in the suburb of Detroit, one of the country’s first and largest shopping malls. More recently, Detroit’s Fashion Avenue is resurging with new clothing designer boutiques and specialty shops.

Step aside designer shops in Paris’s Champs Élysées. Strolling down Detroit’s Woodward Avenue features major retailers, including Shinola, Nike, H&M, Lululemon, Bonobos, and Born in Detroit.

What to See

Get the scoop on Detroit’s best spots for shopping here

Direct Flights to Paris

Detroit gives visitors a glimpse of what it’s like in Paris. Experiencing Paris in Detroit will inspire your next trip to the real ‘City of Lights.’ Book direct flights from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) to Paris via Delta Airlines, Air France, and Virgin Atlantic.

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Author

Bryan Shelmon
Bryan Shelmon is a travel writer living the digital nomad lifestyle for more than 5 years to regions including the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and Southeast Asia. While traveling, he enjoys daily writing sessions with his favorite chai latte, making CULTURE art paintings, and discovering trendy thrift shops.