Signs of the City: Paris

Take a look at this nostalgic sign from when the <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/topics/paris/index.html">Paris</a> Metro first opened in 1900 for the World's Fair. Today it is the second busiest train system in the world. The official name is Compagnie du chemin de fer metropolitain de Paris. Try saying that fast a couple times.

It's never a good idea to kidnap children, but this sign is posted in Paris just in case there's any doubt.

Heading to the Arc de Triomphe? Walk through the underground tunnel to avoid the hectic traffic on the Champs-Élysées.

Your trip to Paris isn't complete without seeing the Notre Dame Cathedral. You may get a glimpse of the infamous hunchback Quasimodo.

This Champs-Élysées Avenue sign is perfect for shopping aficionados. It's a clear indication that Paris' strip of boutiques and commercial stores, including Nike and Haagen Dazs, are just a few feet ahead.

Are the seeing-impaired or blind really going to notice this crosswalk signal specifically designed for them? Well the likelihood that they'll see it is really slim.

Here's another retro Metro sign, which marks and entrance and exit to Paris' labyrinth of train lines.

As a word of caution or interest, you're strolling through Paris' infamous red-light district or the Pigalle neighborhood if you see several signs like this one.

It's clear! No bikes, motorcycles or mopeds are allowed near the Eiffel Tower, one of Paris' biggest tourist attractions.

Cross the street with caution! Hundreds of cars race through Place Charles de Gaulle aka Place de l'Etoile, a traffic circle and meeting point for 12 avenues, including the Champs-Élysées.

This traffic sign has a universal message no matter where you're traveling around the world. It's a tow-away zone in Paris; so, make sure you avoid parking nearby.

We're puzzled by this 'night and day' sign. So does this mean that there's are no days or nights in Paris. It's confusing, right?

Get your can-can on at the well-renowned Moulin Rouge, located in Pigalle or Paris' red-light district.

We thought that old-school detective offices were a thing of the past, but this 1930s-style neon sign marks the location of the well-known Duluc Detective Agency on the Rue de Louvre. It looks like they're open for business.