History - activities

Attend the rekindling of the flame at the tomb of the unknown soldier under the Arc de Triomphe

Every evening, under the Arc de Triomphe, you can attend a free, silent ceremony in tribute to the soldiers who died for France. At 6.30pm, the Flamme de la Nation, on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is rekindled to burn endlessly.

In the footsteps of Jeanne du Barry, King Louis XV's favorite, from Versailles to Louveciennes

Did you enjoy the film Jeanne du Barry, starring Johnny Depp and Maïwenn? Let us take you on a tour of the places where King Louis XV's favorite courtesan spent her life in the Île-de-France region!

Did you know that a sublime and unusual Parisian façade is hidden in Cité Malesherbes?

Among the most beautiful facades and buildings in Paris is the one designed by the architect Anatole Jal, made for and by the painter Pierre-Jules Jollivet. Nestled in the peaceful and hidden Cité Malesherbes, this marvel with biblical scenes is worth a visit. We tell you its history.

Did you know that? The ring road was once called the Zone, a space inhabited by the poorest people

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

Paris: discovery of the remains of the Lutetia necropolis thanks to the RER B construction site

Incredible! About fifty exceptional Gallo-Roman tombs were discovered during excavations in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, during the construction of the Port-Royal station on the RER B train.

Why do we eat chocolate at Easter?

It's a fact: gourmands and gourmets feast on kilos of chocolates during Easter 2023. But exactly where does this tradition come from?

Did you know that? Discover the history of the Journal du Soir - La France building - rue Montmartre

Immerse yourself in the history of journalism in Paris by visiting the façade of the Journal du Soir - La France, located at 144 rue Montmartre, a witness to a bygone era.

The Renaissance at the Château de Vincennes, the historical event of the Easter weekend

Theatrical performances, court dances, reenactment of a medieval camp, armored battles, culinary demonstrations, so many fun activities organized by the Château de Vincennes, from April 8 to 10, for a 100% historical event!

April Fool's Day: why do we celebrate Joke Day on April 1?

Every April 1st, the more or less successful hoaxes make their return on the occasion of the April Fools' Day. But why do we celebrate this day and why do we make jokes every April 1st? We reveal the history and origins of April Fool's Day.

Did you know? What is the history of the Au Planteur façade in Paris that is being debated?

Discover the Au Planteur facade in Paris, Montorgueil district, classified as a historical monument since 1984. Located at 10-12 rue des Petits-Carreaux in the 2nd district, this facade and colonial fresco is still being debated, we tell you its history.

Did you know that? A Parisian street on the Île de la Cité is paved with tombstones

The rue Chanoinesse, on the Île de la Cité, conceals many mysteries, some of them terrifying. If you go to number 26, you may well step on some graves!

Hanami: history and origin of the cherry blossom festival

True tradition in Japan, the Hanami custom is starting to take place in France. During this ritual, many people gather with friends or family to contemplate the cherry blossoms and celebrate spring. But do you know the history and the origin of the cherry blossom festival? We answer you.

3 anecdotes about the Jardin du Luxembourg, discover the secrets of the Parisian garden

The Jardin du Luxembourg, considered by tourists as "the most beautiful garden in Europe", located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, hides some little secrets, only known by the regulars of the area. Ready to discover them?

The Château de Versailles, a witness to French history just a stone's throw from Paris

Located southwest of Paris, in the Yvelines department, the Château de Versailles is one of the region's most visited tourist sites. With 7 million visitors a year (approximately), the estate offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in history - history with a capital H - and in the daily life of the court between the 17th and 18th centuries.

Fêtes Galantes 2024, a sumptuous costumed evening at the Château de Versailles

The Fêtes Galantes return to the Château de Versailles! For one evening, on Monday May 22, 2023, slip into the shoes of a marquis or princess, and take part in the dances and games of this wild celebration, which concludes in style with a fireworks display!

Notre-Dame de Paris: archaeological relics including a sarcophagus found

The Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral has still lots of surprise and treasures to be discovered! As work to consolidate the building goes on and the renovation leg is beginning, a team of archaeologists entrusted with searching the spire site has discovered vestiges including an old sarcophagus made of lead likely to date from the 14th century.

Ephemeris for October 25 in Paris: Installation of the Luxor Obelisk on Place de la Concorde

On October 25, 1836, the Luxor Obelisk was erected in the center of the Place de la Concorde by order of King Louis-Philippe. Offered to France by the Viceroy of Egypt as a token of goodwill, the monolith arrived in Paris in 1833 after an incredible epic voyage on the waves.

Ephemeris of October 21 in Paris: The birth of the Comédie-Française

On October 21, 1680, the Comédie-Française was founded by order of King Louis XIV, the result of a merger between Molière's troupe and that of the Hôtel de Bourgogne. The sovereign's idea was simple: to put an end to the quarrels between the two rival troupes, while reaffirming royalty by promoting classical French theater, at a time when the Comédie-Italienne was very much in vogue.

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.