History - activities

Ephemeris of August 16 in Paris: Resistance fighters ambushed in the Bois de Boulogne

On August 16, 1944, a few days before the Liberation of Paris, French Resistance fighters were ambushed in the Bois de Boulogne and shot by SS officers and French Gestapo agents.

Ephemeris for August 15 in Paris: Laying the foundation stone of the Arc de Triomphe

On August 15, 1806, the first stone was laid for the Arc de Triomphe, built by order of Napoleon 1st to commemorate the victories of the French armies.

August 9 ephemeris: The last shell fired by Big Bertha on Paris

On August 9, 1918, the Big Bertha fired a final shell at Paris, bringing to an end 4 months of incessant bombardment of the capital. A veritable weapon of psychological warfare, this German army artillery piece had a range of 128km, a record for the time.

History of Place Vendôme

Before it became the luxurious square we know today, Place Vendôme was a resolutely political place. And the beautiful Vendôme column wasn't always in place... Here's a look back at the square's eventful history.

History of Paris City Hall

The Hôtel de Ville is one of the symbols of Paris, and an essential part of your visit. But if you're not lucky enough to get in during the Heritage Days, or if you haven't thought of booking your guided tour in advance, discover its eventful history here.

History of Place des Victoires

Place des Victoires is one of the four royal squares in Paris. Dedicated to the military victories of Louis XIV, this square on the borders of the 1st and 2nd arrondissements is a symbol of the Sun King's power. Here's a look back at the history of this legendary square!

History of the Place de la Concorde

The Place de la Concorde is the capital's largest square. It was here, at the start of the Champs-Elysées, that Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were guillotined. Today, it is one of the most famous squares in Paris, and its famous golden-tipped obelisk still dominates the city.

History of the Place de la Nation

Originally erected in honor of the marriage of Louis XIV and Marie-Thérèse of Austria, the Place de la Nation became the site of countless public executions under the guillotine during the French Revolution. In 2019, the Place de la Nation will take on yet another new look, with a plan by Paris City Hall to green the entire square and reduce car traffic.

History of Place de la République

The Place de la République underwent many architectural and artistic changes before taking on the appearance you know today. Here's a look back at the history of this great historic square.

History of the Place de la Bastille

A symbol of the French Revolution, the Place de la Bastille has had an eventful history. It was here that the famous Bastille Prison stood, destroyed stone by stone during the Revolution. At its center, the beautiful Colonne de Juillet and its golden Génie de la Liberté can be seen from a great distance.

A necropolis from late Antiquity found in Autun

A wide necropolis has been found in Autun, Saône-et-Loire (71). Dating from late Antiquity, the team of archaeologists has found many surprises as they are still working on unearthing all constructions and antique items.

Paris City Vision launches the City Tour in augmented reality

Wanting to visit Paris in a unique way, and go full tourist mode? Paris City Visions has thought about you and provides you with different tours of the city aboard its buses fitted with HistoPad, an interactive visit for an augmented tour. Tourism 2.0 starts January 14, 2020!

“Marie-Antoinette, La Comtesse du Barry: Les diamants de la Révolution” at Paris Chapelle Expiatoire

Paris Chapelle Expiatoire invites you to discover its history from December 8, 2018 for a unique visit about “Marie-Antoinette, La Comtesse du Barry: Les diamants de la Révolution” [Marie Antoinette, Comtesse du Barry: The diamonds of the Revolution]. Historian Evelyne Lever and Le Diamantaire artist, your guides for the day, will tell you about Paris history while connecting to contemporary art exhibition, Des Structures, running to January 5, 2019 at the Chapel.

A Life of Commitment, the exhibition at the Musée de l'Armée

From January 30 to April 1, 2018, the Musée de l'Armée is offering an exhibition focusing on the Compagnons de la Libération in the Great War, entitled Une Vie d'engagement (A Life of Commitment).

Suez Canal epic: the exhibition at Paris Arab World Institute

Institut du Monde Arabe’s [Arab World Institute] new major exhibition is coming from March 27, 2018. It will return on the very big human undertaking: “Suez Canal epic: from the pharaohs to the 21st century”.

Power Plays, the exhibition at Petite Galerie of the Louvre museum

From September 27, 2017 to July 2, 2018, the Petite Galerie of the Louvre Museum offers an exhibition called Power Plays that returns to the connections between art and political power through History.