History & heritage - activities

History of French pastry: everything you need to know about the Yule log

Chestnut, chocolate, fruit, iced or rolled, large or small: the Yule log is the ultimate holiday dessert! But where does it come from, and what's its history?

Notre-Dame de Paris: what is the cathedral treasure and where is it kept?

Like many religious sites, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral is home to a special treasure trove. Discover the precious and sacred objects preserved in the heart of the monument.

Contes et Histoires 2024: a magical Christmas at Château de Maisons, Maisons-Laffitte

The Château de Maisons in Maisons-Laffitte is offering workshops and entertaining shows in this new edition of Contes et Histoires, to be experienced from December 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025. A program that should delight families during the Christmas vacations!

Contes et Histoires 2024: storytelling and playful investigation at the Villa Savoye in Poissy (78)

For the 2024 edition of Contes et Histoires dans les monuments nationaux, the Villa Savoye in Poissy is offering a host of family activities over the Christmas vacations! See you from December 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025.

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.

Contes et Histoires 2024: discover the secrets of the Sainte-Chapelle

In Paris, the Christmas vacations are synonymous with discoveries: on December 21 and 29, 2024, the Sainte-Chapelle invites us to take part in the new edition of Contes et Histoires. On the program: unusual and fascinating visits!

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!

Contes et Histoires 2024: create your own board game at the Maison des Jardies

For the 2024 Christmas vacations, the Maison de Jardies, located in Sèvres (92), is offering creative workshops for the whole family, as part of Contes et Histoires, an event organized within the Monuments Nationaux, from December 21, 2024 to January 4, 2025.

Contes et Histoires 2024 in Paris: a creative and colorful Christmas at the Hôtel de la Marine

Once again this year, the Hôtel de la Marine is taking part in the Contes et Histoires event. From December 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025, the monument will be offering a wide range of family activities during the Christmas vacations.

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.

Nuit des Châteaux 2024: illumination and exhibition at Château de Rosa Bonheur in Seine-et-Marne

For its next participation in the Nuit des Châteaux, Rosa Bonheur invites you to experience a special nocturnal program to discover its treasures, with a monumental projection on its façade and the discovery of its exhibition, this October 18, 2024.

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.

Did you know? The Palais de l'Elysée houses an hourglass that will take a thousand years to run down.

It's an original and fascinating work of art, created by French artist Benoît Pype: the millennial hourglass should take 1,000 years to run down. It is installed in the office of the French President.

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.

Ephemeris of September 4 in Paris: Gambetta proclaims the Third Republic

On September 4, 1870, Léon Gambetta proclaimed the Third Republic in the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, following the fall of the Second Empire after Napoleon III's defeat at Sedan, and in the face of the obstinacy of the Parisian people.