Le saviez vous guide - activities

Did you know: why is it always windy in Paris metro stations?

Draughts in the corridors of the Paris metro are commonplace. But why is there so much wind in the capital's basements? We explain.

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.

Did you know? A terrible story lies behind this cursed house near Pigalle

Terrible tales are not lacking in such an ancient capital... Discover the macabre tale that inhabits number 1 Avenue Frochot, in the Pigalle district, where there seems to be a real haunted house...

6 mysterious and esoteric anecdotes about Parisian monuments

Paris is a mysterious capital... Between alchemy, astrology and witchcraft, the city and its monuments hide many esoteric anecdotes, for a magical and historic stroll through three Parisian arrondissements!

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.

Did you know? Passage Jouffroy hides a gold ingot and Paris's first fast-food restaurant!

The Passage Jouffroy, located between the Grands Boulevards and rue de la Grange-Batelière, is a place rich in surprises and historical anecdotes. Built in 1846, it is famous for its metal architecture and glass roof, which have inspired many other Parisian passages. This emblematic site is home to unique boutiques and an unusual story revolving around a mysterious gold ingot that caused a sensation in the 19th century. To get there, you can enter either from Boulevard Montmartre at the Musée Grévin, or from Rue de la Grange-Batelière, each entrance offering a different perspective on this space steeped in history.

Did you know? The ring road, once inhabited by the poorest of the poor, was called the Zone.

Before it became a huge thoroughfare around the capital for motorists, the Paris ring road had a less than glorious past. At the edge of the city, between Paris and the suburbs, this space was long nicknamed the Zone, the only place where the poorest could find housing.

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.

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.

Paris: do you know these 21 sculptures in the Parc de Bercy?

Parc de Bercy may be appreciated for its tranquility and greenery, but it's also known for its 21 large sculptures. So, what are they all about? And which artist is behind these bronze pieces that take us on a journey? We tell you all about it!

Did you know? An upside-down car sits on a lamppost in La Défense!

Since 2019, a car has been parked right next to La Défense's Grande Arche. But it's not parked properly, as it's sitting on top of a lamppost, upside down! This work by Benedetto Bufalino was intended to be temporary, but has now been installed permanently.

Did you know? Paralympic medals contain a piece of the Eiffel Tower!

In February 2024, the medals for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games were unveiled, with an impressive feature: each one contains a piece of the Eiffel Tower!

Did you know? This small cannon in the garden of the Palais-Royal was used as a clock in the 18th century.

The capital really is full of little curiosities, not least in the gardens of the Palais-Royal, where a small cannon takes pride of place. Between 1786 and 1911, it was used not as a weapon, but as a clock! Find out how.

Did you know? 3 anecdotes about the Pont des Arts aka Pont d'Aya

The Pont des Arts, illuminated for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, with the performance of Aya Nakamura and the Garde Républicaine, is the source of much ink and buzz on the networks. We take a look back at this emblematic building and its memorable anecdotes, now joined by Aya's song.

Did you know? The Olympic mascot is a French invention? The story of Schuss à Phryge

While we're seeing Phrygians on every street corner for the Paris 2024 Olympics, we're taking you back through the history of Olympic mascots. Often mocked, but always acclaimed, did you know that we were the first to integrate a mascot into the Olympic Games?

Paris 2024 Olympics: who was the rider on the silver horse at the opening ceremony?

Goddess Sequana's fantastic ride across the Seine for the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics left a lasting impression. Were you wondering who the goddess Sequana was behind the hood of this incredible crossing? We tell you all about it.

Did you know? Who was the Quasimodo at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics?

During the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a tribute to Quasimodo was broadcast, with a scene of him hanging from the brand-new spire of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Wondering who took on the role of Victor Hugo's iconic character for a brief appearance 90 meters above the ground, offering this memorable sequence? We tell you all about it.

Did you know? What were the craziest Olympic opening ceremonies in history?

The Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is approaching. A ceremony that promises to be unique in the world since, for the first time, it will be held not in a stadium, but in the very heart of the capital. This is an opportunity to look back at some of the most beautiful and wildest Olympic opening ceremonies in history.

Did you know? Villa Windsor, the former home of English royalty, is about to be unveiled to the public

The former residence of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, located in the Bois de Boulogne, is to be refurbished and opened to the public by 2025. Perfect for a dive into the history of English royalty, among other things!

Did you know? Why is it called the Fountain of the Innocents?

The Fontaine des Innocents, the jewel in the crown of Paris's Les Halles district, is back in full view and freshly restored, just ahead of the Olympic Games. Do you know the history of this emblematic monument, witness to Parisian history since the 16th century, and why it bears its name? We tell you.