Lent begins on February 18, 2026, with Ash Wednesday. What do these observances signify, and where did these important traditions for Christians originate? Here's the story.
Colors, music, costumes, and food... The Paris Carnival has long been a grand celebration that lit up the city for decades. But do you know the history behind this festive event?
In Paris’s 2nd arrondissement, the Galerie Colbert has just completed a three-year restoration project spanning from 2022 to 2025. Join us as we revisit this cultural jewel and delve into the fascinating story behind its unique heritage.
Gone are the days when children woke up on Christmas morning to a beautiful blanket of snow to admire from their windows... The last time December saw snow was more than ten years ago!
In Christmas markets, on Christmas trees, on wrapping paper, or as decorations in homes: Nutcrackers are everywhere during the holiday season. But where does this special character come from? Let us tell you.
With chestnuts, chocolate, fruit, ice cream or rolled, small or large: the Yule log is the ultimate holiday dessert! But where does it come from, and what is its history? Let us tell you.
With the arrival of winter and sub-zero temperatures, snow may once again make an appearance in France, bringing with it fun activities such as sledding, snowball fights, and snowman building. But where does the tradition of building snowmen come from?
A festive Christmas market in the heart of Paris? From November 22 to December 21, 2025, Place Richard Baret in Paris's 17th arrondissement will host its Christmas market with an ice rink, rides, and shows to celebrate the magic of the holidays with your family.
In Paris, the Christmas holidays are synonymous with discovery: the Sainte-Chapelle invites us to join them on December 20 and 21, 2025, for the latest edition of Contes et Histoires. On the program: unusual and exciting tours for young and old alike!
The Château de Maisons in Maisons-Laffitte is offering workshops and fun activities during this new edition of Contes et Histoires, running from December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026. This program is sure to delight families during the Christmas holidays in the Yvelines!
For the 2025 edition of Tales and Stories in National Monuments, head to the Villa Savoye in Poissy: this cultural venue offers wonderful family activities during the Christmas holidays! Take part on December 20 and 21, 2025, and January 2 and 4, 2026.
Once again this year, the Hôtel de la Marine is participating in the Contes et Histoires event. From December 19, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the monument will be hosting a range of family activities during the Christmas holidays.
For the 2025 Christmas holidays, the Maison de Jardies, located in Sèvres (92), is offering original tours for families from January 2 to 4, 2026, as part of the new edition of the Contes et Histoires event, organized within the Monuments Nationaux.
On August 22, 1911, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa disappeared from the Musée du Louvre, under the noses of the guards. It was a shock. It would be another two years before Mona Lisa's smile could be seen again in sunny Florence.
Since 1866, the 16th arrondissement has been home to the Passy Reservoir, a vast hydraulic structure perched on the Chaillot hill. Designed by engineer Eugène Belgrand during the Second Empire, this discreet site still supplies non-drinking water to gardens and fountains in western Paris.
In the heart of Sèvres, discover the Maison Hetzel! A small troupe struggles to bring to life the history of this place where the family of this renowned publisher, who published Jules Verne and his Voyages extraordinaires, lived.
Among the most beautiful facades and buildings in Paris is the one designed by architect Anatole Jal, for and by painter Pierre-Jules Jollivet. Nestled in the peaceful, hidden Cité Malesherbes, this marvel of biblical scenes is well worth a visit. We tell you all about it.
Between secret tours, little-known architecture and immersive experiences, this autumn reveals a different face of Paris Region's heritage. Here are five original ideas for exploring the region in a different way, between history and hidden curiosities.
There are 37 Maisons des Illustres in Paris and the Île-de-France region, celebrating personalities who have left a lasting mark on the world of culture or science. Discover their history, and where to find them in the Paris region.
