History - activities

Christmas in Paris: discover the history of the legendary Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Christmas tree

Every year, Galeries Lafayette delights the holiday season with its iconic Christmas tree. A tradition that goes back a long way! We take a look back at the history of this essential part of Parisian Christmas!

French history and traditions: behind the scenes of the Christmas windows in Paris

Christmas window displays in Paris are a veritable part of our heritage! Every year during the festive season, passers-by flock to the windows to admire the decorations and displays designed to enchant young and old alike.

Why is Saint Nicholas Day celebrated on December 6? History and origin of this holiday

While the month of December brings dreams to all little children thanks to the arrival of Santa Claus, the beginning of the month is marked by Saint-Nicolas. Celebrated every December 6, this holiday is above all a tradition scrupulously respected in several French regions such as Lorraine and Alsace. So, who is Saint-Nicolas, and what is the history of this holiday? We tell you all about it.

La Cité de l'Histoire, our test of the immersive French History experience at La Défense

Ready to plunge into the great History of France? The first Cité de l'Histoire is opening its doors in La Défense's Grande Arche, with a fun, immersive tour of our shared past.

La Cité Immersive Viking: the historical experience arrives at Westfield Carré Sénart (77)

Immerse yourself in the Viking era in France with an immersive, sensory experience, starting December 20, 2024, at the Westfield Carré Sénart, featuring sound and light shows, sets and artifact displays.

Did you know? Why are the Champs-Elysées so named?

Do you know the origin of the name of the Champs-Elysées, the famous Parisian avenue? Created in 1674 by André le Nôtre and officially named in 1698, this royal thoroughfare takes its name from Greek mythology, we tell you.

Why is November 11 a public holiday in France? History and origins

Every year, France holds one tribute or commemoration after another on the occasion of November 11th. But do you know why this date is so historic in France? And why November 11 has become a public holiday in France? We tell you.

The Musée de la Grande Guerre recreates an 800 m² open-air educational trench!

Strolling through an 800m2 trench is now possible in Ile de France, at the Musée de la Grande Guerre. The tour will give visitors a better understanding of this emblematic element of the First World War: the complex system of trenches!

Les Impériales de Fontainebleau: rock opera, ball, plunge into the Ier Empire era

On the weekend of November 16 and 17, 2024, Les Impériales de Fontainebleau invites you to discover Napoleon's First Empire era as if you were there, through lectures, a rock opera, a ball and a family exhibition!

Why is November 1st a public holiday? The history and origins of All Saints' Day

As in many other countries, November 1st is a public holiday in France. But do you know exactly why All Saints' Day is a holiday? And do you know its history and origins? We tell you.

Did you know? This is the oldest clock in Paris and its fascinating history.

Do you know the oldest public clock in Paris, still in operation? Mounted on the walls of the Conciergerie in the heart of the Ïle de la Cité, this clock has been telling the time since 1371. Commissioned by Charles V, the clock marks the king's time. This public clock, still in operation today, embodies six centuries of history and impressive mechanics, we tell you.

Did you know? The ring road, once inhabited by the poorest of the poor, was called the Zone.

Before it became a huge thoroughfare around the capital for motorists, the Paris ring road had a less than glorious past. At the edge of the city, between Paris and the suburbs, this space was long nicknamed the Zone, the only place where the poorest could find housing.

Heritage Days: history, origins and dates 2025 of this key cultural event

The European Heritage Days return on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21, 2025, with a new theme. Although the cultural event is celebrating its 42nd edition this year, few people actually know the origins of this not-to-be-missed back-to-school event. We'd like to tell you about the history of the Journées du Patrimoine, created in 1984 by the French Ministry of Culture.

Ephemeris of September 28 in Paris: Fire at Le Printemps department store

On the morning of September 28, 1921, 40 years after the first fire, Le Printemps department store was the scene of a fire that ravaged the interior of the second building under construction.

Ephemeris of September 23 in Paris: The first flight of the balloon Le Neptune during the Siege of Paris

On September 23, 1870, with Paris under siege from the Prussian army, the first balloon took off from Place Saint-Pierre. Christened Le Neptune, the aircraft took off carrying 125 kilos of official dispatches for members of the government who had retreated to Tours.

Ephemeris of September 17 in Paris: Bomb attack in front of Tati, rue de Rennes

On September 17, 1986, Paris was once again the target of a terrorist attack on the rue de Rennes. For two weeks, the capital had been the scene of a series of attacks, claimed by a pro-Iranian terrorist network working on behalf of the Lebanese Hezbollah. The bomb, planted in front of the Tati store, killed 7 people and wounded 55, putting an end to this "black September".

Ephemeris for September 15 in Paris: Attack on the Publicis drugstore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

On September 15, 1974, a grenade exploded in the Saint-Germain drugstore, killing 2 people and wounding 34 others. The attack was blamed on the revolutionary terrorist Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, known as Carlos.

September 10th Paris Ephemeris: Tornado wreaks havoc in the heart of Paris

On September 10, 1896, a tornado formed in the heart of Paris, just a stone's throw from Place Saint-Sulpice. In just a few minutes, the phenomenon swept across the capital, ravaging everything in its path.

Ephemeris of September 7 in Paris: The requisitioning of Parisian cabs, the "cabs de la Marne".

On September 6 and 7, 1914, 1,300 Parisian cabs were requisitioned by the French army to send reinforcements to the front line of the Battle of the Marne. The "Taxis de la Marne" carried 6,000 infantrymen, helping to halt the advance of German troops towards Paris.

Did you know? Why is there an old safe in the basement of the Monoprix on the Champs-Elysées?

Did you know that the basement of the Monoprix on the Champs-Élysées hid an enormous safe door? We tell you the story.