News - activities

Ephemeris of October 21 in Paris: The birth of the Comédie-Française

On October 21, 1680, the Comédie-Française was founded by order of King Louis XIV, the result of a merger between Molière's troupe and that of the Hôtel de Bourgogne. The sovereign's idea was simple: to put an end to the quarrels between the two rival troupes, while reaffirming royalty by promoting classical French theater, at a time when the Comédie-Italienne was very much in vogue.

The July Column at Bastille opens to the public: here is what is inside

The Colonne de Juillet, which stands on the Place de la Bastille in Paris, opens its doors to the public on October 23, 2021. This is the opportunity to discover its necropolis and its secrets!

66-million-year-old Big John triceratops sold at 6.6 million euros in Paris

Big John – the skeleton of a giant 66-million-year-old triceratops discovered in 2014 – has been auctioned on October 21, 2021 at the Hôtel Drouot. The massive skeleton was auctioned 6.6 million euros, a record.

History fact, October 22 in Paris: dramatic rail accident at the Montparnasse railway station

On October 22, 1895, a dramatic rail accident occurred at the Montparnasse railway station. The Paris-Granville train could not brake in time and ends us down the railway station which façade is mostly destroyed because of the violence of the impact.

Ephemeris of October 18 in Paris: The Closet Affair

On the night of October 18, 1534, Protestants plastered the streets of Paris with posters violently criticizing the Catholic mass. The Affaire des Placards marked a turning point in the confrontations between Catholics and Protestants, and signaled the end of Francis I's conciliation with the reformers.

Chéper, the Perchoir team's dining bar in the Marais

In the former Crédit Municipal building, Le Perchoir has set up its Chéper dining bar. On the menu: plates from around the world, enchanting cocktails and weekend brunch.

Résidence Dame Jane welcomes young gastronomic talent

The Dame Jane restaurant now welcomes young gastronomic talents into its kitchens for one or more weeks of residency. This is an opportunity for these young chefs to showcase their cuisine and try their hand at running a restaurant for the first time.

Ephemeris of October 17: The massacre of Algerians thrown into the Seine

On October 17, 1961, a peaceful demonstration organized by the Front de Libération Nationale in support of Algerian independence was put down in bloodshed. In one night, between 30 and 250 Algerians were killed and thrown into the Seine.

Ephemeris for October 16 in Paris: Consecration of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre

On October 16, 1919, the Sacré-Coeur church in Montmartre was consecrated by Cardinal Vico and elevated to the rank of basilica, after 44 years of construction. Erected on the heights of the Butte Montmartre, this Romanesque-Byzantine religious edifice still fascinates as much as it horrifies some Parisians, who consider it to have been "built on the blood of the Communards".

Mimosa, Jean-François Piège’s restaurant at the Hôtel de la Marine opens

Mimosa is Jean-François Piège’s restaurant opening very soon at the Hôtel de la Marine serving a never-before-seen food concept in Paris: a deviled egg (English for “oeuf mimosa” in French) bar but not only. Go and discover this unique place with majestic decor while enjoying the chef's dishes.

Ephemeris of October 15 in Paris: Mata Hari's execution in the Bois de Vincennes

On October 15, 1917, Mata Hari was shot by the French authorities in the Bois de Vincennes. Successively courtesan, oriental dancer, spy and double agent, she was sentenced to death for intelligence with the enemy at the end of a summary trial.

Ephemeris for October 9 in Paris: The opening of the Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne

On Tuesday, October 9, 1860, the Jardin d'Acclimatation opened its doors in the Bois de Boulogne. This immense green space, with its scientific, entertaining and educational vocation, quickly became a favorite haunt of Parisians, who came to marvel at exotic animals and plants, as well as tribes from faraway lands. The Jardin d'Acclimatation suffered many setbacks during the various wars, and later became an amusement park where families still enjoy having fun today.

Health Pass: the Scientific Committee's two recommendations to get out of the woods

As France is starting another months of restrictions because of the Covid-19 epidemic, the issue about keep the health pass in the long or medium run is on the executive's agenda. This Thursday October 7, 2021, the Scientific Committee addressed two different scenarios for a "quick and even immediate exit" or a "delayed exit" between November 15 and the end of the year. Keep reading to find out more.

Covid: reinfection risk higher when the Delta variant is the dominant strain

The latest report of the UK Office for National Statistics says the Covid reinfection risk is almost two times higher in the event the Delta variant is the dominant strain.

Covid: Pfizer vaccine effective at least 6 months against severe disease

A study published today in The Lancet shows the Pfizer vaccine is effective at least 6 months against severe Covid.

2024 Paris Olympics: the construction of the Porte de Chapelle Arena begins

In Paris, the first stone of the Porte de la Chapelle Arena has been laid this Tuesday October 5, 2021 by Anne Hidalgo. The construction is to be over before the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. It will house badminton, para taekwondo and para badminton games. Discover the first news and pictures of the project.

Outing ideas to get rid of stress

Feeling stressed or under pressure? You do no need to give in! Come along and discover places where you can relax, unwind, let off steam or get pampered!

Covid: Tests will stay free of charge for vaccinated adults past October 15th

As France is preparing for a fifth coronavirus epidemic wave - expected to hit this Fall - the population has to comply with the health pass now extended to many public places. Prime Minister Jean Castex also confirmed "comfort" screening tests will be charged from October 15, 2021... Before adding that only unvaccinated adults will have to pay for these tests if not prescribed by a doctor.

Coronavirus: health pass soon to be no longer needed outside and on terraces?

As France is experiencing an improvement in the coronavirus epidemic, the government is said to be about to ease some measures. Among the leads considered, the end of the health pass in outdoor places including terraces of bars, cafés and restaurants.

Covid: Delta variant now globally dominant, WHO says

According to the World Health Organization, the Alpha, Beta and Gamma variants are now found in less than 1% of sequenced cases, widely outcompeted by the Delta variant.