Anecdote paris

Did you know? Sacré-Coeur cleans itself! Here's the secret to its whiteness

The Sacré-Coeur, the emblematic monument that dominates Paris from the top of the Butte-Montmartre, is distinguished by its astonishing architecture and dazzling white stones. And do you know the secret behind the Basilica's whiteness?

Did you know? The Château de Bagatelle in Paris was built on a bet

Did you know that a simple bet between Marie-Antoinette and her brother-in-law, the Comte d'Artois, led to the creation of the Château de Bagatelle? We tell you the story of this crazy anecdote!

Did you know? An airport was almost built on the Ile aux Cygnes, in the heart of Paris.

In the 1930s, plans were made to build an airport right in the middle of the capital, in front of the Eiffel Tower! It would have made a great landing spot, but for logistical reasons, the project was quickly abandoned.

Did you know? Visit an apartment designed by Le Corbusier, at the Cité de l'Architecture

In the permanent collections, enter a life-size reproduction of an apartment designed by architect Le Corbusier.

Did you know? The expression "Il y a du monde au balcon" originated at the Opéra Garnier.

This famous French expression, which subtly alludes to a generous bosom put on display, has its roots in 19thᵉ century Paris, and more precisely in the refined ambience of the Opéra Garnier. A look back at a history where seduction and propriety mingled in the salons of high society. We tell you all about it.

Did you know? A terrible story lies behind this cursed house near Pigalle

Terrible tales are not lacking in such an ancient capital... Discover the macabre tale that inhabits number 1 Avenue Frochot, in the Pigalle district, where there seems to be a real haunted house...

Did you know? Margaret Thatcher had a little misadventure at La Défense in the 80s.

La Défense, Paris's business district, is home to many companies, schools and a large shopping mall... And some public figures have had misadventures in the heart of the district... Such was the case of Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, who had a funny adventure in 1989. We tell you all about it!

Did you know? An upside-down car sits on a lamppost in La Défense!

Since 2019, a car has been parked right next to La Défense's Grande Arche. But it's not parked properly, as it's sitting on top of a lamppost, upside down! This work by Benedetto Bufalino was intended to be temporary, but has now been installed permanently.

Did you know? The Cabaret de l'Enfer livened up the nights of the Belle Époque in Paris.

With its "gateway to hell", the Cabaret de l'Enfer was a mecca of nightlife during the Belle Époque in Paris. We tell you the story of this atypical cabaret, which played host to a number of Surrealist artists.

Did you know? This small cannon in the garden of the Palais-Royal was used as a clock in the 18th century.

The capital really is full of little curiosities, not least in the gardens of the Palais-Royal, where a small cannon takes pride of place. Between 1786 and 1911, it was used not as a weapon, but as a clock! Find out how.

Did you know? A Nile crocodile once lived in the Paris sewers.

Yes, there's nothing legendary about it: a crocodile once lived in the sewers of Paris. Captured in 1984, the reptile was later taken in by an aquarium in Brittany. Discover the story of Éléonore, the crocodile of the Paris sewers.

Paris Insolite: where is the city's last lift bridge?

Located at the intersection of the Bassin de la Villette and the Canal de l'Ourcq, the Rue de Crimée bridge is almost invisible in the 19th arrondissement. However, it has a special feature that is unique in Paris.

Did you know? There's an abandoned "ghost" water park in the Yvelines department.

There's no shortage of amazing sites in the Paris region. Such is the case of this "ghost" water park in the Yvelines department. Abandoned for more than 20 years and listed as a Monument Historique in 2009, the former leisure center was a popular spot for families from its inauguration in 1935, and remained so for several decades. Here's the story.

Did you know? The statue of a famous Roman she-wolf is hidden in a Parisian square.

In front of the Sorbonne lies a sculpture with a strong symbolic link between Paris and Rome: a she-wolf. A replica of the Capitoline She-Wolf, it was donated to the French capital as part of the twinning agreement between the two cities, a reminder of the legend of Remus and Romulus.

Did you know? How many replicas of the Statue of Liberty are there in Paris?

Although the best-known Statue of Liberty is in the USA, there are several reproductions around the world, including in the French capital. So where are these statues located in Paris?

Did you know? This Art Deco theater is the only one in Paris with blue decorations!

All Parisian theaters are dressed in red... except one! The Art Deco-style Théâtre Daunou, located next to the Opéra de Paris, is the only one in the capital to be decorated in blue. Find out why!

Did you know? Soon to be transformed, the Main Jaune was a major roller disco venue in the 80's.

Have you heard of the Yellow Hand? If so, you probably grew up in the 80s. Back then, the Main Jaune was a legendary discotheque in western Paris. Better still, the Main Jaune was France's first and best-known roller disco. Closed since the early 2000s, the Main Jaune is soon to be rehabilitated and transformed as part of the "Réinventer Paris" call for projects.

Did you know? A metro ticket originally cost 15 centimes! A look back at its history

As you know, the Paris metro ticket is due to disappear. We take you on a journey through the history of this piece of cardboard, whose price has risen steadily over the years, until it will soon reach €4 for the Olympic Games. A look back at the history of the Paris metro ticket, from its creation in 1900 to its scheduled demise.

Paris: we visited the capital's largest underground organic urban farm

Did you know? Paris's 18th arrondissement is home to an atypical organic urban farm. Hidden away in the basement of an abandoned parking lot in the Porte de la Chapelle district, it's the largest organic urban farm in Paris. Would you like a tour?

Paris: what is this monumental tower erected in front of a fire station?

At 11 meters high, this monumental steel tower doesn't go unnoticed. Erected opposite a fire station in Paris's 17th arrondissement, the sculpture is a real eye-catcher. So what is it, and where exactly is it located? We tell you all about it.