History - activities

Ephemeris for September 1st in Paris: The founding of the Sorbonne

On September 1, 1257, the Sorbonne was founded by Robert de Sorbon, chaplain and confessor to King Louis IX. Initially dedicated to destitute students, the school quickly became Europe's leading cultural and scientific center, thanks to the quality and wealth of its teaching.

Ephemeris of August 28 in Paris: The Black Death epidemic

In August 1348, Paris faced a terrible disease that spared neither women, children, nobles nor the poor. Within 4 years, the Black Death epidemic would decimate a third of the Parisian population.

Ephemeris for August 26 in Paris: Opening of the first railway line from Paris

On August 26, 1837, the first railroad line out of Paris was inaugurated. This new railway line, which was also the first in France to be built solely for passenger transport, linked the capital's 8th arrondissement to Le Pecq station in the Yvelines.

Ephemeris of August 25 in Paris: General de Gaulle's speech at the Hôtel de Ville

On August 25, 1944, back in Paris, Charles de Gaulle gave his famous speech "Paris outragé! Paris brisé! Paris martyrisé! mais Paris libéré!" at the Hôtel de Ville. An impromptu speech celebrating the city's liberation and calling for national unity.

Ephemeris of August 24 in Paris: The St Bartholomew's Day Massacre

On August 24, 1572, 4,000 Huguenots were brutally murdered in Paris during the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, the culmination of the Wars of Religion between Catholics and Protestants.

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.

Why is August 15 a public holiday in France? The Assumption: history and origins

This August 15, it's the Assumption. Alongside other feasts such as Christmas, Ascension and All Saints' Day, Assumption Day is celebrated by many Catholics every year. But do you know the history and origins of this holiday in France? We tell you all about it.

French flag: who created it and why blue, white and red? The history of the national emblem

It's well known that the French flag is the national emblem of France, but do you know its history? What stories lie behind its distinctive blue-white-red colors?

80th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris: popular ball, swing initiations and concert

2024 celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris on August 25, 1944. To mark the occasion, Paris is organizing a large-scale free public ball, with a wide range of entertainment on the program.

Place de l'Hôtel de Ville: one of Paris's most historic squares

The Place de l'Hôtel de Ville hasn't always been the lively, cheerful spot in the heart of Paris. Indeed, it was here that many public executions took place over the centuries. You'll never see the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville in the same light again!

Salon du Roman Historique de Levallois 2024: meetings, debates and musical readings

Once again this year, the Levallois Historical Novel Fair returns to the Parc de la Planchette on July 6 and 7, 2024, to tell the story of history to children and adults alike, with book signings, shows and literary round tables.

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.

Warning siren on the 1st Wednesday of the month: do you know what this signal is for?

Every first Wednesday of the month, at midday, an alarm sounds in France's major cities. Where does this particular warning siren come from, and what does it mean?

The Nuit Blanche in Paris, history and origins

What exactly is the Nuit Blanche in Paris? This not-to-be-missed event returns to Paris this Saturday, June 1, 2024 with a slew of artistic programs accessible free of charge for an entire night. But do you know what it stands for, and when and how this event dedicated to contemporary creation was born? Here's the history and origins of the famous Nuit Blanche in Paris.

Résistants: our test of the immersive historical experience at Montparnasse

Résistants is the new immersive creation from Sculpteurs de Rêves! Located in the former Musée de la Libération de Paris, this experience plunges you into the heart of the heroic actions of the French Resistance from October 14, 2023. Walk in the footsteps of these emblematic figures and relive key moments from 1939 to 1945... An experience extended to June 29, 2024, with two discounted dates to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and General De Gaulle's June 18 Appeal. We've tested it, we'll tell you about it!

Why is Ascension Day a public holiday in France? History and origins

The Ascension is one of the great religious feasts for Christians. But do you know its history and origin, and do you know why this day is a holiday in France? We tell you.

Why is May 8 a public holiday in France?

One week after May 1st, May 8th arrives. But do you remember why this day is also a public holiday in France? We tell you.

May 1st: why are lilies of the valley offered on this day? History and origins

On May 1st, a plant is on display everywhere in France: the famous lily of the valley. But why do we offer a sprig of lily of the valley every May 1st? We explain the history and origins of this tradition.

Why is May 1st a public holiday in France? History and origins of Labor Day

May 1st is a public holiday in France, when we celebrate Labor Day. But do you know exactly why, and do you know the history of May 1st? We tell you.

La Hublotière, Hector Guimard's Art Nouveau villa opens this summer in Le Vésinet (78)

Have you heard of La Hublotière? This Art Nouveau villa, designed by Hector Guimard, is hidden away in the heart of Le Vésinet, in the Yvelines department. Exceptionally, it's opening its doors to the public this summer - a golden opportunity to discover our heritage!