Le saviez vous guide - activities

Did you know? There is a subway washing machine in the Paris underground.

Have you ever seen a metro go through the washing machine? Under our feet, between Nation and the maintenance workshops on line 2, our trains are regularly sprayed to keep them clean!

Haussmann architecture: how to recognize it? A brief history of these cult buildings

Haussmannian buildings are one of Paris's most emblematic architectural styles. But do you really know them? Here's a brief history of Haussmann architecture and its characteristics!

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.

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? Discover France's oldest cedar of Lebanon in Paris and its unusual history.

In the heart of Paris, the Jardin des Plantes is home to a historical curiosity: the oldest cedar of Lebanon in France. Planted in 1734, its history is a mixture of botany, legend and an incredible journey. Let's take a green walk through Buffon's labyrinth to discover this remarkable 300-year-old tree.

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.

Did you know? The Eiffel Tower has seen many parachute jumps, the first dating back to 1912.

Parachuting from the Eiffel Tower is not the best idea, as history has amply demonstrated. The first man to attempt the feat didn't survive, in 1912, and he's far from the only one, given the dangerous nature of the act, which is obviously forbidden.

Did you know? A tomb in the Montparnasse cemetery is covered with metro tickets.

It's not just the Père-Lachaise cemetery that's packed with unusual tombs in Paris - the Montparnasse cemetery, in the 14th arrondissement, also has its share of curiosities! Here are three original graves not to be missed during your visit.

Did you know? France's roads start at ground zero, in front of Notre-Dame de Paris.

Paris' long history gives it a number of advantages, not least that of being the starting point for all the roads in France. It has been the country's capital for centuries, and is home to ground zero, located on the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Did you know? A historic beehive adorns the corner of rue Pierre Lescot and rue Rambuteau.

Right in the heart of the Halles district, the corner of rue Pierre Lescot and rue Rambuteau hides a singular historical treasure. A fascinating sculpted beehive dating from the late 19th century adorns the building at 9 rue Lescot, formerly a honey merchant's stall.

Did you know? The Passage du Caire is the oldest passageway in Paris. Discover its history.

The little-known Passage du Caire, located in the popular rue Saint-Denis district, offers a journey back in time. Built in 1798, this historic Paris landmark has retained a certain austerity, but is well worth a visit for its incredible history. We tell you all about it!

Did you know? There are seven Guimard metro kiosks outside Paris. Find out where they are located.

The capital doesn't have a monopoly on Guimard metro kiosks, as seven of them have surprisingly found their way far from the capital, as part of artistic exchanges. Discover their locations around the world!

An unusual place to discover: the Passerelle de l'Avre in Saint-Cloud, with its view of the Eiffel Tower.

Looking for an unusual walk with an original view of the Eiffel Tower? Head for the heights of Saint-Cloud, just outside Paris, on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, to discover the Passerelle de l'Avre. It's a beautiful construction, thanks in part to Gustave Eiffel!

Did you know? It happened on July 4: Paris lit up for the first time!

On July 4, 1465, Paris took a historic turn with the ordinance requiring the installation of lanterns in the streets. This revolutionary initiative opened up a new dimension to Parisian nightlife.

Did you know? This is the smallest house in Paris, an unusual house with a rich history.

In the heart of the 10th arrondissement, at no. 39 rue du Château-d'Eau, lies the smallest house in Paris. Measuring less than 1.5 meters wide, this architectural curiosity has a fascinating story to tell.

Did you know? Where does the name Champs-Elysées come from?

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? Where does the name Seine come from?

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the Seine's name? Originating from the commune of Sources-Seine in Burgundy, this river is named after a Celtic goddess, Sequana. We tell you all about its history and legend.

Did you know? The smallest street in Paris is 5 metres long.

They say small is beautiful. The smallest street in Paris is no exception, discreetly wedged between the shopping streets of Beauregard and Cléry, in the center of the capital.

6 Unesco World Heritage sites to discover in Paris and the Ile-de-France region

Do you know the Unesco World Heritage sites in the Paris region? We reveal 6 jewels to discover in Paris and the Paris region that are well worth the detour.