Culture - activities

History fact, October 22 in Paris: dramatic rail accident at the Montparnasse railway station

On October 22, 1895, a dramatic rail accident occurred at the Montparnasse railway station. The Paris-Granville train could not brake in time and ends us down the railway station which façade is mostly destroyed because of the violence of the impact.

Ephemeris of October 18 in Paris: The Closet Affair

On the night of October 18, 1534, Protestants plastered the streets of Paris with posters violently criticizing the Catholic mass. The Affaire des Placards marked a turning point in the confrontations between Catholics and Protestants, and signaled the end of Francis I's conciliation with the reformers.

Ephemeris of October 17: The massacre of Algerians thrown into the Seine

On October 17, 1961, a peaceful demonstration organized by the Front de Libération Nationale in support of Algerian independence was put down in bloodshed. In one night, between 30 and 250 Algerians were killed and thrown into the Seine.

Ephemeris for October 16 in Paris: Consecration of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre

On October 16, 1919, the Sacré-Coeur church in Montmartre was consecrated by Cardinal Vico and elevated to the rank of basilica, after 44 years of construction. Erected on the heights of the Butte Montmartre, this Romanesque-Byzantine religious edifice still fascinates as much as it horrifies some Parisians, who consider it to have been "built on the blood of the Communards".

Mimosa, Jean-François Piège’s restaurant at the Hôtel de la Marine opens

Mimosa is Jean-François Piège’s restaurant opening very soon at the Hôtel de la Marine serving a never-before-seen food concept in Paris: a deviled egg (English for “oeuf mimosa” in French) bar but not only. Go and discover this unique place with majestic decor while enjoying the chef's dishes.

Ephemeris of October 15 in Paris: Mata Hari's execution in the Bois de Vincennes

On October 15, 1917, Mata Hari was shot by the French authorities in the Bois de Vincennes. Successively courtesan, oriental dancer, spy and double agent, she was sentenced to death for intelligence with the enemy at the end of a summary trial.

The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée du Quai Branly…: 5 Paris museums listed as the best in France

Which place will be named best museum, best landmark or most remarkable venue in France this year? While waiting to discover the winners this November 10, the Tiqets website – behind this contest – shares the nominees of the 2021 edition. And at least 5 museums in Paris are listed. Here they are.

Ephemeris for October 9 in Paris: The opening of the Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne

On Tuesday, October 9, 1860, the Jardin d'Acclimatation opened its doors in the Bois de Boulogne. This immense green space, with its scientific, entertaining and educational vocation, quickly became a favorite haunt of Parisians, who came to marvel at exotic animals and plants, as well as tribes from faraway lands. The Jardin d'Acclimatation suffered many setbacks during the various wars, and later became an amusement park where families still enjoy having fun today.

White Night – Nuit Blanche 2021 at Paris Museum of Modern Art

For the White Night 2021, Paris Museum of Modern Art shines a light on 5 pieces of work that won the support action to art creation by the City of Paris. Come and discover the achievements of these artists for an exclusive late-night opening on Saturday October 2, 2021.

Nuit Blanche 2021: Kontakt, Nicolas Paolozzi's installation at the Grande Halle de la Villette

To mark the 20th Nuit Blanche, the Grande Halle de La Villette invites night owls to explore a sound, music and interactive installation by artist Nicolas Paolozzi, on the night of October 2 to 3, 2021.

Queen Symphonic returns to Paris' Grand Rex - postponed until January 2023

Queen fans were due to attend "Queen Symphonic: A Rock & Orchestra Experience" at the Grand Rex in Paris on November 3, 2020. Due to the coronavirus epidemic, this symphonic concert has been postponed until January 11, 2023.

History of French Pastry: the Saint-Honoré

A veritable star of Parisian patisserie, the Saint-Honoré is a favorite among gourmets. But how did it all begin? We take you through the history of the Saint-Honoré.

History of French Pastry: Paris-Brest

A gourmet creation par excellence, today the Paris-Brest can be found in most French bakeries and pastry shops. We tell you more about the history of this cake.

Georgia O’Keeffe: first retrospective in France at Centre Pompidou - Our pictures

For the first time, Georgia O’Keeffe’s work is gathered for a retrospective in France. This is an event you do not want to miss! Head to Centre Pompidou in Paris from September 8 to December 6, 2021 to discover the paintings of this American abstraction leader.

Paris: the Place de l’Etoile goes car-free for 3 weekends in September for Christo’s installation

The Place Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile will go car-free for 3 weekends in September, from Saturday September 18 to Sunday October 3, 2021, so Parisians and tourists can fully enjoy the wrapped Arc de Triomphe, as designed by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Over 300 mediators will come and meet visitors and give a sample of fabric to those who would like one.

August 31st Paris Ephemeris: Lady Diana's fatal accident in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel

On August 31, 1997, after a frantic chase through the streets of Paris with paparazzi, Princess Lady Diana died in a tragic car accident in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel.

Liberation of Paris: a tribute reading on the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville, Everything begins again in Paris

To mark the 77th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris, the Mairie de Paris has chosen to pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed themselves for Freedom, with a poetry reading by actors Philippe Torrenton, Marion Isvi and Nicolas Evrard, accompanied by musicians. Together, they have planned an evocation of seven "episodes" of the Liberation, with texts, archive images and current photos.

Ephemeris for August 21 in Paris: First deadly Resistance attack on the Barbès metro station

On August 21, 1941, the Resistance carried out the first murderous attack in Paris against the German forces that had occupied the capital for over a year. Pierre Georges, who was to become Colonel Fabien, shot a Kriegsmarine soldier twice in the Barbès-Rochechouart metro station.

Olympic Party #2: Pop-rock concerts and skate and breakdance initiations at the Bercy Skatepark

As part of the Hyper Festival 2021, the La Grande Party springboard is organizing its 2nd edition of L'Olympic Party, dubbed "Le Grand Bowl d'Air", on Sunday August 29, 2021 at the Centre Philippe Auguste. On the program for this free, festive event, at the crossroads of sport and music: skateboarding and breakdancing initiations, two disciplines invited to the Paris 2024 Olympics program, as well as pop and rock concerts provided by promising artists. Don't you just love it?

Ephemeris of August 19 in Paris: The Liberation of Paris

From August 19 to 25, 1944, Paris was finally liberated from German occupation. It was the triumph of the Allies and fighting France, and the establishment of General de Gaulle as leader of a liberated and victorious France.