Heritage

Did you know? The Bièvre, a Parisian river, still flows beneath the cobblestones of the capital.

Once upon a time, a river flowed through the 5th and 13th arrondissements of Paris for all to see. It became too polluted in the 19th century, and is now buried beneath the cobblestones of the capital, but continues to flow beneath our feet, deeply hidden.

Notre-Dame de Paris, how to win a piece of the cathedral for a good cause

The Fondation du Patrimoine, one of the main funders of the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris, is launching an exceptional competition. Participants have the unique opportunity to win an authentic stone from the cathedral, taken from the elements that could not be reintegrated after the fire in 2019. The competition, open from March 4 to April 4, 2025, aims to raise funds for religious heritage.

La Chapelle de La Sorbonne: the little-known architectural jewel of Parisian universities

Built in the 17th century in the Latin Quarter, the Sorbonne chapel embodies the elegance of French classicism, houses the tomb of Richelieu, and bears witness to the intellectual and architectural prestige of the ancient University of Paris. Inaccessible for over 25 years, it is due to reopen to the public in a few years' time.

La Nuit des Monuments: a new experience for visiting France's heritage by night

Nuit des Monuments takes place this year from May 1 to 3, 2025. Following on from the Nuit des Châteaux and the Nuit des Musées, this is a new event that you're sure to love, giving you the chance to discover France's heritage by night!

The Louvre, an original guided tour: discover the hidden secrets of the museum's facades!

The Louvre is a veritable open-air history book. While everyone is familiar with its masterpieces, collections and paintings, its famous pyramid and the fabulous Tuileries Gardens, few visitors take the time to look up and decipher the mysteries etched into the stone facades of its pavilions, halls and galleries. Join Cultival on an unusual guided tour of the Louvre's facades, a fascinating journey through eight centuries of history and esoterica.

Did you know? There was a circus on the Champs-Elysées in the 19th century.

Everyone knows Cirque d'Hiver, but did you know that Cirque d'Été existed for a few decades on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, before disappearing forever?

Candlelit evenings at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte 2025: a magical visit with fireworks

The candlelit evenings at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte promise a magical moment to share with loved ones. The program includes a nocturnal visit by the light of 2,000 candles, water games, a romantic stroll through the gardens to the sound of baroque music, and even a fireworks display! An exceptional experience from May 24 to September 27, 2025.

Château de Versailles: several rooms about the Third Republic open - our photos

Novelty alert at the Château de Versailles! Exceptionally, from February 15 to the end of September 2025, the monument will be revealing behind-the-scenes areas of power during the Third Republic, by opening up spaces that are usually closed to the public... Come and discover the Salle du Congrès, still used by the French Assembly and Senate, and the ceremonial apartments of the President of the Congress. We took a sneak preview...

The Parc des Princes, a soccer temple that has been home to Paris-Saint-Germain since 1974

After the Stade de France, the Parc des Princes is the largest soccer stadium in the Paris region, and has been home to Paris-Saint-Germain since the late 1970s. Accessible on guided tours, it is mainly used on match nights.

Meet the Bouglione family: flying trapeze at Cirque d'Hiver, our interview

On the occasion of their new show "Spectaculaire", we met up with Joseph and Louis-Sampion Bouglione to talk about flying trapeze, a skill born at the heart of the Cirque d'Hiver, one of the capital's most historic venues.

Did you know? Why does the Centaur statue have a miniature Statue of Liberty?

César's Centaure, the impressive 5-metre-high sculpture on the Place Michel Debré in Paris's 6ᵉ arrondissement, raises both astonishment and questions. Created between 1983 and 1985 by sculptor César Baldaccini, this half-man, half-horse work pays homage to Pablo Picasso while questioning our relationship with modernity. But what most fascinates the curious is the secret it hides in its breastplate: a miniature reproduction of the Statue of Liberty, an unexpected wink in this sculpture full of symbols.

The Manufacture des Gobelins: go behind the scenes of Mobilier National's know-how

Heir to centuries-old expertise, the Manufacture des Gobelins perpetuates the art of tapestry and exceptional furniture in the heart of Paris. Between tradition and contemporary creation, this place steeped in history can be visited to admire the craftsmen at work and discover the treasures of the Mobilier National.

Roland-Garros 2025: 6 facts and anecdotes about the Paris tennis tournament

Every summer for almost a century, Paris has become the tennis capital of the world, with the Roland-Garros tournament. You may be a keen follower of the tournament, but how much do you really know about it? Here are a few facts and anecdotes to help you shine in the evening.

The Sorbonne Chapel soon to be restored thanks to support from the World Monuments Fund

After 25 years of closure, the Chapelle de La Sorbonne is about to embark on a major restoration to become accessible to the general public once again. This historic treasure has been chosen by the World Monuments Fund, with the aim of safeguarding Parisian heritage.

Mains d'avenir 2025: craftsmen's skills in the spotlight at 19M

Workshops, meetings, round tables: come and discover exceptional craftsmen in the art, fashion and decoration trades, with the Mains d'avenir event, to be experienced at 19M on February 8 and 9, 2025.

Guided tour of Hôtel de la Païva, a mysterious residence with erotic decorations

The Champs-Elysées harbor many secrets, including the home of the Marquise de la Païva, a former courtesan who had an opulent mansion built, also known as the "Louvre of the ass"... Coming for a visit?

Did you know? Why is Avenue de l'Opéra one of the only streets without a single tree?

Avenue de l'Opéra has been completely deserted by greenery, and it's impossible to find a single tree... Why, then, was nature cast aside overnight in the middle of the 19th century?

Did you know? The Théâtre Municipal de Fontainebleau is one of the most beautiful Italian-style theaters in the Ile-de-France region.

Do you know the Théâtre Municipal de Fontainebleau? This jewel in the Seine-et-Marne region boasts one of the few Italian-style theaters in the Ile-de-France region. We take you on a tour of its treasures and history.

La Fabrique de la flèche, immersive tour of the Saint-Denis Basilica reconstruction site

By 2029, the Basilique de Saint-Denis will have regained its spire on the north tower, which has been missing for centuries. But while you're waiting for the work to be completed, you can visit the construction site and discover the know-how involved in the restoration!

Did you know: there is a work by Salvador Dali right in the heart of the Quartier Latin?

Nestled in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the sundial created by Salvador Dali in 1966 is a discreet and symbolic work of art. A tribute to the rue Saint-Jacques and the famous pilgrimage to Compostela, to be discovered in the Latin Quarter.