Le saviez vous guide - activities

Did you know? Why is the Tuileries metro station green?

Since June 2023, the Tuileries station on line 1 of the Paris metro has been astonishing with its verdant decor, the work of Cyprien Chabert echoing the Jardin des Tuileries. Note that this decoration is ephemeral and will remain in place until 2030.

Did you know? What is the history and origin of Valentine's Day?

February 14 is Lovers' Day, more commonly known as Valentine's Day. But do you know who this Valentine is and why we celebrate this event on February 14? We explain the history and origins of Valentine's Day.

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.

History of Paris: the Cemetery of the Innocents and what remains of it today

Did you know? In the Halles district of Paris, there was once a well-known cemetery in the capital: the Cimetière des Innocents (or Saint Innocents' Cemetery). Discover its fascinating history and the few remaining vestiges.

Paris 2024: the Colline d'Elancourt (78), Olympic mountain bike venue and highest point in the region

At 231m, the Colline d'Élancourt is the highest point in the Ile-de-France region! Located in the Yvelines department, the track will be hosting the mountain bike cycling events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

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?

Les Chouettes restaurant, the hidden bistronomic nugget in an unusual setting

Bye bye the Grand Duc, Les Chouettes restaurant is back in this historic building. In a unique space under an Eiffel glass roof, you'll enjoy finely-crafted, gourmet French brasserie cuisine. Just a stone's throw from the Carreau du Temple.

Did you know? The shapes of the Salle Labrouste, INHA's library, are inspired by dresses.

The Salle Labrouste, home to the Bibliothèque de l'Institut Nationale de l'Histoire de l'Art, is undoubtedly one of the prettiest libraries in Paris, if not the most beautiful. With its unusual architecture, we tell you all about its history and inspiration.

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!

Did you know? Why does Arts et Métiers station look like a submarine?

One of the most captivating stations in Paris, Arts et Métiers surprises with its unique design. Immerse yourself in the history of this transformed station, an architectural enigma in the heart of Paris.

Did you know? The Félix Potin on rue Réaumur hid more than 200 skeletons in its basements.

As you pass the corner of rue Réaumur and Sébastopol, you marvel at the historic facade once built by Félix Potin, a store to which you return, tell the story, but where you also stay, a priori... The former headquarters of the brand that was once Paris' first department store, now a Monoprix, hides a macabre history.

Did you know? The Opéra Garnier houses a hidden artificial lake

An artificial lake hidden in the underground passages of the Opéra Garnier in Paris? No, it's not an urban legend, but reality. So why is it there, and can you visit it? We tell you all about it.

Did you know? The Hôtel Chopin is a hidden treasure of Parisian history.

In the heart of Paris's Passage Jouffroy lies the Hôtel Chopin, one of the city's oldest hotels, if not the oldest. Open since 1846, this architectural marvel is accessible all year round for those wishing to step back in time. We'll let you in on a few of the secrets of this place steeped in history.

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? A metro ticket originally cost 15 centimes! A look back at its history

As you know, the Paris metro ticket is due to disappear. We take you on a journey through the history of this piece of cardboard, whose price has risen steadily over the years, until it will soon reach €4 for the Olympic Games. A look back at the history of the Paris metro ticket, from its creation in 1900 to its scheduled demise.

Did you know? This is the last of Hector Guimard's original Type B metro station aediculae.

Did you know? Hector Guimard's last surviving type B kiosk, nicknamed La Libellule, is located at Porte Dauphine station in Paris. This exceptional Parisian metro entrance is one of the last original vestiges, and we tell you all about it.

Did you know? What was the coldest winter in Paris?

Let's delve into Paris's winter history! Find out which winter left its mark on the capital with its extreme cold and its repercussions. What was Paname's worst winter? We tell you...

Did you know? The Fontaine de Mars, also known as the Fontaine du Gros-Caillou, bears witness to the 1910 flood.

Discover the Fontaine de Mars, a neoclassical jewel in Paris's 7th arrondissement. Erected between 1806 and 1809, this fountain, which bears witness to the 1910 flood, is a landmark in Parisian history.

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.