Paris history - activities

Paris, Coeur de Lumières: take part in the future immersive show at Saint-Sulpice church!

Are you ready for an unforgettable experience? The team behind the immersive show "Paris, Coeur de Lumières: le roman de Saint-Sulpice" is still looking for 150 volunteers to take part in a great adventure. Extras, costume designers, receptionists, a casting call is scheduled for April 2024 to take part in the big show in October 2024 in the church of Saint-Sulpice. Registration now open!

Did you know? Seine flooding in Paris - what was the worst? Back in pictures

Do you know the worst flood ever to hit Paris? A look back at the flood of January 1910, a historic event that left its mark on the capital.

Did you know? The Statue of Joan of Arc in Paris has been secretly replaced

The equestrian statue of Joan of Arc, which stands proudly on the Place des Pyramides in the 1st arrondissement, is one of Paris's most emblematic monuments. Since its creation in the 19th century, it has never ceased to be a political issue, although its history remains little-known. Did you know that the statue we admire today is not the original, but a replica secretly substituted by the artist himself?

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.

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? 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.

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?

Mysteries and history of the Galerie Colbert, next door to the Galerie Vivienne

Discover the Galerie Colbert, an architectural masterpiece in Paris's 2nd arrondissement, set against its neighbor, the Galerie Vivienne. Between history and renewal, it lies between rue des Petits-Champs and rue Vivienne.

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? 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? 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!