History & heritage - activities

Did you know? This Art Deco theater is the only one in Paris with blue decorations!

All Parisian theaters are dressed in red... except one! The Art Deco-style Théâtre Daunou, located next to the Opéra de Paris, is the only one in the capital to be decorated in blue. Find out why!

2024, Year of Hector Guimard: free lectures and events on Art Nouveau in Paris

This year, the city of Paris has decided to highlight the figure of Hector Guimard, a key figure in Art Nouveau in France and in the capital. From January 31, 2024, conferences and free events are planned to celebrate him.

Did you know? Why is the Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre metro so original?

Wondering why the Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre metro exit on Place Colette is so unusual? We tell you the story of the Kiosque des Noctambules, an original work of art designed by Jean-Michel Othoniel.

Did you know? Do you know the origins of the Bistro Parisien?

"Bistro" in Paris: an emblematic term for popular bars, but where does it come from? Between myths and realities, discover the story behind this famous word, which may have come down to us from the Cossacks.

Did you know? Where is the largest caryatid in Paris and what is its history?

Discover the tallest caryatid in Paris, located on rue Turbigo, an intriguing and mysterious 3-storey structure that has been on display since 1859.

Did you know? Why does the McD's in Saint-Lazare have the façade of an Alsatian house?

Does the unusual facade of the McDonald's at 119 rue Saint-Lazare in Paris appeal to you? Discover the history of this Alsatian house that contrasts with the capital's Haussmann-style buildings.

History of Paris Carnival: a medieval tradition still celebrated in the capital

Colors, music, costumes, food: the Carnaval de Paris is a big party, taking place this year on February 11, 2024. By the way, do you know the history of Carnival?

Did you know? The Flame of Liberty on the Pont de l'Alma is not really dedicated to Lady Diana.

At the entrance to the Pont de l'Alma stands a beautiful golden flame, often associated with Lady Diana since her death in an accident. Although it is now an unofficial memorial, the Flame of Liberty is first and foremost a symbol of Franco-American friendship!

Mysteries and history of the Galerie Colbert, next door to the Galerie Vivienne

Discover the Galerie Colbert, an architectural masterpiece in Paris's 2nd arrondissement, set against its neighbor, the Galerie Vivienne. Between history and renewal, it lies between rue des Petits-Champs and rue Vivienne.

Did you know? The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte made the Sun King jealous.

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is certainly one of the most beautiful in the Paris region, and when it was built, it aroused a great deal of jealousy! King Louis XIV even punished its owner, Nicolas Fouquet, because of its splendor!

Did you know? A boat travels through the sewers to clean them, several times a year.

Did you think that boats only sailed on the Seine in Paris? Well, no, they also snake under our feet, in the sewers, to clean those huge pipes, several times a year!

Attend the changeover of the Garde Républicaine every first Tuesday of the month in front of the Élysée Palace.

A tradition abandoned 27 years ago is back this Tuesday, November 7, 2023. At 9 a.m., watch the free changing of the Republican Guard in front of the Élysée Palace, every first Tuesday of the month.

Climb into the attic of the Sainte-Chapelle at Château de Vincennes for a privileged visit

Within the fortified walls of Château de Vincennes, don't miss the Sainte-Chapelle, a marvel of Gothic art, and take advantage of a privileged visit to climb into the attic and observe the skills of craftsmen of yesteryear.

The sublime Mines Paris library, a hidden treasure in the Jardin du Luxembourg

The sublime Bibliothèque des Mines Paris (PSL), nestled in the historic Hôtel de Vendôme in the Luxembourg Gardens, invites you to take a trip back in time to the 18th century. With over 200,000 documents, the library is open to all.

Théâtre des Champs-Élysées : Paris's architectural and scenic jewel

Discover the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, a renowned architectural monument and the epicenter of Parisian cultural life.

Immeuble Lavirotte: Art Nouveau jewel on Avenue Rapp in Paris

The Immeuble Lavirotte is a masterpiece of Parisian Art Nouveau, located on Avenue Rapp in the 7th arrondissement. Erected between 1900 and 1901 by Jules Lavirotte, this award-winning building's dreamlike facade is particularly appealing if you're walking near the Eiffel Tower.

La Pagode de Paris - the unique and unusual Maison Loo in Paris

The Pagode de Paris - Maison Loo, located in the heart of the Plaine Monceau between the 8th and 17th arrondissements, is an unusual architectural treasure. Revamped in 1926, this former residence now stands like a private museum, a building of one man's love for his native China, right in the heart of Paris.

Art and heritage: where do the statues on the Musée d'Orsay forecourt come from?

Large animal statues have long adorned the square surrounding the Musée d'Orsay. But do you know where they come from and what they represent? We tell you.

Discover the unusual Lion Fountain in the Jardin des Plantes : History and curiosities

Do you know the Lion Fountain in the Jardin des Plantes? Located near the entrance on rue Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, this work of art dating from 1863 awaits you at the foot of Buffon's labyrinth. We tell you all about it.

Did you know? The Gloriette de Buffon is the oldest metal structure in Paris.

In the heart of Paris's 5th arrondissement, the Jardin des Plantes is home to the mysterious and historic Gloriette de Buffon, dating from 1786. Discover a hidden treasure.