History & heritage - activities

Ephemeris of August 12 in Paris: Creation of the Gaumont film company

On August 12, 1895, Gaumont was founded by Léon Gaumont, who had no idea that he had just created the oldest film production company in history.

Ephemeris for August 8: Signing of the Saint-Germain-en-Laye peace edict

Signed on August 8, 1570, the Treaty of Peace of Saint-Germain-en-Laye put an end to the third French War of Religion, then in progress for two years, and granted Protestants freedom of worship within a territorial limit, as well as four cities of safety. However, the peace was short-lived, culminating in the resumption of conflicts between Catholics and Protestants two years later, on the night of St. Bartholomew's Day.

Ephemeris of August 10 in Paris: Sans-Culottes seize the Tuileries Palace

On August 10, 1792, the Sans-Culottes stormed the Tuileries Palace in a bloody day that sounded the death knell for royalty and monarchy in France.

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.

Ephemeris for August 7 in Paris: Aviator Charles Godefroy flies under the Arc de Triomphe

On August 7, 1919, French aviator Charles Godefroy achieved the feat of flying under the Arc de Triomphe, to the astonishment of Parisians.

History of Paris: the Cloître des Billettes, the last medieval cloister in Paris

We take you on a tour of the Cloître des Billettes, the last medieval cloister in Paris, now a showcase for young talent. A little-known Parisian landmark well worth a visit!