The Battle Over Emily: What Paris and Rome’s Rivalry Really Reveals
An unexpected spat uncovers a deeper story about two cities bound by history and culture.
I’ve never been a fan of Emily in Paris.
In fact, I haven’t watched a single episode.
But something in the news recently made me do a double take.
Picture this: Emmanuel Macron, President of France, declaring that he will “fight hard” to keep Emily in Paris... in Paris.
His target? Not a political opponent or a foreign leader, but Netflix.
Yes, you read that right—Macron is standing his ground over a TV show potentially shifting its setting from Paris to Rome for the next season.
It’s the kind of story you’d expect to see on a satirical website, but no, this was real.
Macron, who is apparently quite fond of the series, even made a point of how proud he was of his wife, Brigitte, who had a cameo appearance in the latest season.
He went as far as to say that Emily in Paris was “super positive” for the country’s image.
So, when rumours started swirling that Emily might trade the Eiffel Tower for the Colosseum, Macron was ready to step in.
Meanwhile, in Rome, Mayor Roberto Gualtieri was baffled—and amused.
His response? A cheeky tweet inviting Macron to “relax,” saying that Emily in Rome would be just as perfect.
I couldn’t help but chuckle too.
It’s not every day you see two world politicians casually sparring over a Netflix show.
But the whole episode got me thinking. Behind this light-hearted exchange lies something far more meaningful—a unique relationship that goes beyond politics or TV dramas.
It’s about the exclusive and historical bond between Paris and Rome.
You may have heard the famous phrase: "Only Paris is worthy of Rome, and only Rome is worthy of Paris."
This isn’t just a catchy line—it’s a reflection of a deep cultural connection forged over centuries and formalised in a very special partnership.
And that’s where our story really begins.
A Walk Through Paris and... a Roman Wolf?
To understand this connection, let’s take a stroll through the heart of Paris, in the Latin Quarter, just a stone’s throw from the Sorbonne.
You find yourself in the quiet, often overlooked Square Samuel-Paty.
It’s a small, peaceful spot tucked away from the usual hustle and bustle of Boulevard Saint-Michel.
And right there, amid the greenery, stands something you wouldn’t expect to find in Paris—a bronze statue of a wolf nursing two infants. Romulus and Remus.
Yes, that Romulus and Remus.
It feels out of place, doesn’t it?
A Roman icon in the middle of Paris?
But that’s exactly where things start to get interesting.
This statue isn’t just an ornament or a random gift.
It holds deep significance.
In 1962, the city of Rome presented this statue to Paris as a symbol of their enduring bond.
Why a wolf? Well, it all ties back to the very foundation of Rome itself.
According to Roman mythology, Romulus and Remus, the city's founders, were abandoned as infants and saved by a she-wolf, who nursed and protected them.
This powerful image of survival, protection, and legacy is as Roman as it gets.
So, why place it here, in the heart of the French capital?
It’s not just about mythology.
It’s a nod to something much more modern—the unique, exclusive relationship between these two cities.
Paris and Rome, twin cities, chose each other above all others.
And this statue, a gift from one to the other, is a constant reminder of that unbreakable link.
Today, as you walk through this small square, the wolf watches over Paris, just as she once watched over Rome.
A One-of-a-Kind Partnership
On 30 January 1956, Paris and Rome, two of the most iconic cities in the world, made history.
While most major cities have multiple sister cities—New York, for example, has over a dozen—Paris and Rome did something radical.
They chose each other, and only each other.
That’s right. No other cities would be part of this exclusive club.
Paris and Rome decided they’d be twins for life.
"Only Paris is worthy of Rome, and only Rome is worthy of Paris."
It’s a bold statement, almost grandiose.
But when you pause to think about it, it starts to make perfect sense.
Paris, the City of Light. Rome, the Eternal City.
Both are more than just capitals. They are beacons of culture, art, and history.
Paris, with its elegant boulevards, grand museums, and its unparalleled influence on fashion and intellectual life.
Rome, with its ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and the Vatican, the spiritual heart of Catholicism.
Both cities have shaped the course of civilisation in ways that few others have.
The partnership between these two cities wasn’t just about a friendly exchange of courtesies—it was a celebration of their shared grandeur.
This twinning was a unique declaration of mutual respect, not just in words but in actions.
It symbolised the idea that no other city could truly match Paris or Rome's cultural and historical significance.
Both cities saw themselves as heirs to grand civilisations—Paris, the heart of the Enlightenment and the birthplace of the modern republic, and Rome, the cradle of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance.
They were not just cities; they were symbols of human achievement.
And this bond isn’t just a thing of the past.
It’s still going strong today, with both cities continuing to collaborate in cultural, scientific, and educational fields.
From exhibitions and concerts to scientific conferences and student exchanges, the partnership is alive and well.
It’s as if these two cities are saying to the world, “Borders may separate us, but we share a legacy that transcends time.”
In a world where many cities have numerous sister cities, the exclusivity of the Paris-Rome partnership stands out as something truly special.
What’s in It for Parisians and Romans?
The twinning of Paris and Rome comes with some real, tangible perks—especially if you’re lucky enough to live in either of these two iconic cities.
Let’s get practical for a moment.
Imagine this: you’re a Parisian, and want to dive into the city’s rich cultural heritage: just flash your ID showing your Parisian address, and suddenly, the doors of Rome’s most prestigious museums swing open for you—free of charge.
We’re not talking about small, obscure galleries here.
We’re talking about big names like the Museo di Roma in the heart of Palazzo Braschi or the stunning Galleria d’Arte Moderna.
These are places that hold centuries of art and history, and you can walk right in without paying a cent.
But it’s not just one-sided.
Romans enjoy the same privilege when they visit Paris.
If you live in Rome, you can enjoy free entry to the museums run by the City of Paris. Imagine wandering through the Musée Carnavalet, learning about the history of Paris, or exploring the Musée d'Art Moderne near the Seine—all without reaching for your wallet.
Granted, these museums are free for everyone anyway - but Romans can visit the temporary exhibitions that usually come with a price tag.
It’s more than just museums, though.
The twinning brings with it a spirit of exchange—cultural, educational, even scientific.
There are school exchange programs, collaborative exhibitions, and shared festivals, all designed to keep this partnership alive and meaningful.
So, Have You Been to Rome?
I have to admit I’ve never been to Rome (yet)!
But for those of you who’ve already been—what was it like?
Did you feel the connection between Paris and Rome as you wandered through the streets, explored the museums, or sat at a café sipping espresso?
It seems that there’s something about the atmosphere in both cities that feels intertwined.
Perhaps it’s the history, the art, or the sense of being surrounded by beauty at every turn.
Or maybe it’s the knowledge that these two cities, despite their differences, have chosen to stand together as cultural twins.
So, what did Rome leave you with? Was it a new favourite spot, an unforgettable meal, or maybe just a sense of awe at the sheer depth of its history?
Let me know in the comments!
Thank you for reading this far, and I’ll be back in a week with another French moment!
Don't ask me to choose between these two cities; Rome is as magical as Paris in its own, inimitable way, a controlled chaos that shouldn't really work at all but somehow does. Go Pierre, you will indeed love it.
My two favourite cities (indeed countries) for all the reasons you outline and now another inspiring connection. And YES YES as TJE says—“Go Pierre”—soon 😀