Point zéro des routes de France

Point Zéro des Routes de France - Zero point of the roads of France - is the symbolic starting point for measuring distances from Paris to all corners of the country. This significant landmark is situated just outside the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.

It has become a cherished spot for both locals and tourists, who often indulge in the tradition of standing on the marker for good luck and to feel connected to the vast network of French roads.

Many of the customs practiced at the site are centered around wish fulfillment, whether it’s spinning in a circle on one foot atop the marker to achieve your heart’s desire or kissing a loved one above it to secure eternal devotion. At times, the slightly concave marker is even filled with coins, following the popular tradition of using the spot as a kind of wishing well.

The marker itself is a simple bronze plaque embedded in the cobblestones and is often overlooked by passersby. But Point Zéro is a reminder of the country’s rich past and the many journeys that have started from this very place.

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Photo: Jpbazard, Wikimedia Commons