History paris - activities

The Maison de Balzac, home of the famous writer, and its secret garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower

The Maison de Balzac, one of the famous writer's homes, is one of the capital's literary gems, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. This house-museum also boasts an incredible garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower, as well as a café.

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.

The Hôtel de Soubise, a remarkable setting for the French National Archives

In the heart of the Marais district, discover a private mansion and its hidden garden, home to the Archives nationales and a free museum open to all. A chance to admire the sublime architecture of the Hôtel de Soubise!

Place de l'Hôtel de Ville: one of Paris's most historic squares

The Place de l'Hôtel de Ville hasn't always been the lively, cheerful spot in the heart of Paris. Indeed, it was here that many public executions took place over the centuries. You'll never see the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville in the same light again!

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? 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?

Paris: rediscover in pictures the last time the Seine froze over

These days, it's hard to imagine the river that flows through the capital frozen solid after days of bitter cold. Yet the last time the Seine was decked out in ice was back in 1956! Take a look at the pictures.

Napoleon in Paris: in the Emperor's footsteps

Napoleon I's reign was short, but intense: in just a few years, the Emperor managed to leave a lasting imprint on France. In Paris, this legacy is clearly visible. Hôtel des Invalides, Arc de Triomphe, Eglise de la Madeleine, rue de Rivoli... Let's take an imperial stroll through the streets of the capital.

Did you know? The RER A could have been named MERDE (SHIT)

Did you know? In 1970, the iconic RER A, a fixture of Parisian transport, narrowly missed being christened "MERDE". A surprising anecdote thanks to the RATP and a vigilant painter.

Did you know that a sublime and unusual Parisian façade is hidden in Cité Malesherbes?

Among the most beautiful facades and buildings in Paris is the one designed by the architect Anatole Jal, made for and by the painter Pierre-Jules Jollivet. Nestled in the peaceful and hidden Cité Malesherbes, this marvel with biblical scenes is worth a visit. We tell you its history.

Did you know that? Discover the history of the Journal du Soir - La France building - rue Montmartre

Immerse yourself in the history of journalism in Paris by visiting the façade of the Journal du Soir - La France, located at 144 rue Montmartre, a witness to a bygone era.

Did you know? What is the history of the Au Planteur façade in Paris that is being debated?

Discover the Au Planteur facade in Paris, Montorgueil district, classified as a historical monument since 1984. Located at 10-12 rue des Petits-Carreaux in the 2nd district, this facade and colonial fresco is still being debated, we tell you its history.

Did you know that? At the Tortues, why does the Paul Haussmann have an unusual façade?

Discover the history of the Maison Aux Tortues, a former store specializing in ivory and tortoiseshell objects, whose historic façade is now preserved by a branch of Paul's Bakery.

Republican Guard: why do we sometimes see the gendarmerie on horseback in Paris?

It's not unusual to see gendarmes on horses roaming the streets of Paris. They are officers of the Garde républicaine, an armed force that originated in the capital in the 13th century and now resides in the Célestins district.

History: why did Louis XIV move out the Louvre in Paris to go to Versailles?

Everyone knows there was a time the City of Versailles was almost the capital of France, instead of Paris, and we owe so to King Louis XIV who preferred moving out of the Louvre palace to go to his Versailles palace.

Fluctuat nec mergitur: what does the City of Paris’ motto mean?

Fluctuat nec mergitur, here is a motto heard in the city after the 2015’s terror attacks. But do you know the story of this Latin locution and what it means to the City of Paris?

History: these WWII bunkers hidden under Paris

Are you ready to discover what is hiding beneath your feet? Before the Second World War, many bunkers were built in the depths of Paris, and can still be visited today for special occasions.

The Obelisk, Paris oldest monument, to be restored for six months

The oldest monument in Paris, the Luxor Obelisk, aka the Obélisque de la Concorde, will be restore this year on the occasion of the bicentenary of the deciphering of the hieroglyphs by Champollion. At 3,300 years old, the Obelisk definitely needs a lift!