History & heritage - activities

Ephemeris of September 2 in Paris: The September Massacres

On September 2, 1792, the Sans-Culottes broke into Paris prisons and massacred a thousand inmates suspected of being counter-revolutionaries and in favor of the King's return.

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.

Ephemeris for August 22 in Paris: The theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre Museum

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.

The Château de Monte-Cristo, Alexandre Dumas' hidden and unusual home

Discover the Château de Monte-Cristo, the residence imagined by the writer Alexandre Dumas. Set in an English garden in the heart of the Yvelines, on the Saint-Germain-en-Laye side, you'll find an exuberantly styled 19th-century château and its small Château d'If. We take you on a tour of this hidden heritage, listed as a historic monument.

The Maison Zola, the Dreyfus Museum in Médan, Yvelines

In the heart of the Yvelines region, the Musée Dreyfus, in the grounds of the Maison d'Émile Zola, stands as a place steeped in literary and judicial history. Located in Médan, just an hour's drive from Paris, this historic house and museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the life and work of Émile Zola, as well as the Dreyfus Affair, two major elements of late 19th-century French culture.

Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a Medieval Treasure in Ile-de-France

Available all year round, the Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a medieval jewel in the Ile-de-France region, invites you to immerse yourself in history.

Moret-sur-Loing : Medieval and Impressionist city among the most beautiful detours in France

Discover Moret-sur-Loing, this medieval and impressionist city among the Most Beautiful Detours of France, only one hour from Paris. Visit this charming town, famous for its Sucre d'Orge, its royal city and the landscapes of Alfred Sisley.

JEMA 2024 in Paris: the Opéra Comique introduces us to the art of live performance

The Journées des Métiers d'art is an opportunity to discover a wide range of fascinating professions, as well as to visit some magical places! This April 6, 2024, come to the Opéra Comique to discover the performing arts.

Paris, Coeur de Lumières: take part in the future immersive show at Saint-Sulpice church!

Are you ready for an unforgettable experience? The team behind the immersive show "Paris, Coeur de Lumières: le roman de Saint-Sulpice" is still looking for 150 volunteers to take part in a great adventure. Extras, costume designers, receptionists, a casting call is scheduled for April 2024 to take part in the big show in October 2024 in the church of Saint-Sulpice. Registration now open!

Oscars 2024: by the way, why is the film awards ceremony called that?

It's one of the most important award ceremonies in the world of cinema: the Oscars fascinate stars and lovers of the 7th art alike. But where does the name come from?

Grandma's Day, since when has there been a grandma's day? date and origin

When is Grandmother's Day and where does it come from? Did you know that this celebration, contrary to popular belief, has its origins in a commercial initiative rather than in historical or religious tradition? We tell you all about it...

February 29: why does this special date exist in our calendar?

The year 2024 is a leap year, meaning that the month of February has 29 days instead of 28. Where does this particularity of the calendar come from?

History and tradition: why is the red rose the symbol of love?

Lovers all over the world are celebrating Valentine's Day this February 14. Many will give themselves a bouquet of red roses to mark the day. But why is this flower the symbol of love?

Did you know? The statue of a famous Roman she-wolf is hidden in a Parisian square.

In front of the Sorbonne lies a sculpture with a strong symbolic link between Paris and Rome: a she-wolf. A replica of the Capitoline She-Wolf, it was donated to the French capital as part of the twinning agreement between the two cities, a reminder of the legend of Remus and Romulus.

Lent and Ash Wednesday: dates 2024, meaning and history of these traditions

Lent kicks off on February 14, 2024 with Ash Wednesday. What do these celebrations mean, and what is the origin of these traditions so important to Christians? We tell you all about it.

Did you know? How many replicas of the Statue of Liberty are there in Paris?

Although the best-known Statue of Liberty is in the USA, there are several reproductions around the world, including in the French capital. So where are these statues located in Paris?