Have you ever wondered what Paris might have looked like in the Middle Ages? While the capital is often represented by its famous Eiffel Tower, Haussmann-style architecture and typical rooftops, we imagine ourselves far, far removed frommedieval times.
It's true that, of all the eras through which Paris has passed, the Middle Ages are not the one from which the most vestiges can be seen. Of the capital's 2,185 monuments, only 30 or so come from themedieval period. While Paris of the Middle Ages may seem relatively under-represented in the Parisian monument landscape, this doesn't prevent some of these treasures from shining throughout the world. Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is a case in point!
From its most famous monuments to its most secret relics, the Paris of the Middle Ages deserves to be discovered. So, are you ready to step back in time?
Did you know? Here are 4 anecdotes about Notre-Dame de Paris in anticipation of its reopening.
It's one of the most emblematic monuments in Paris! Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, located on the Île de la Cité, is brimming with stories and secrets! As it prepares to reopen, here are a few anecdotes about it! [Read more]
Where can you see the remains of the Philippe Auguste wall? Discover the ancient walls of Paris
Philippe Auguste's medieval enceinte encircled Paris at the end of the 12th century. Now no longer in existence, its remnants serve as a reminder of the capital's history. So where can you see what's left of this ancient wall that demarcated what were then the boundaries of Paris? [Read more]
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. [Read more]
Nicolas Flamel's house, the oldest in Paris
How about a trip back in time? Today, we invite you to discover the oldest house in Paris known to date: the House of Nicolas Flamel. [Read more]
The Conciergerie in Paris: a monument symbolic of the French Revolution
The Conciergerie is a historic building on the Ile de la Cité in Paris. Since its construction in the 10th century, this monument has been the seat of the Palais de Justice and a prison in turn. It was here that Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned. [Read more]
The Sainte-Chapelle and its 1113 stained-glass windows, a true Gothic jewel in Paris
The Sainte-Chapelle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, with its 1113 colorful stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. This 800-year-old Gothic gem becomes a magical place under the sun. [Read more]
History of Paris: the Cloître des Billettes, the last medieval cloister in Paris
We take you on a tour of the Cloître des Billettes, the last medieval cloister in Paris, now a showcase for young talent. A little-known Parisian landmark well worth a visit! [Read more]
The medieval garden of the Musée de Cluny, a timeless place in Paris
Want to travel back in time? Let's discover a charming park in Paris's Latin Quarter. This is the Medieval Garden of the Musée de Cluny. [Read more]
Square René-Viviani, an unusual garden featuring the oldest tree in Paris
Square René-Viviani is undoubtedly one of the most unusual gardens in Paris. In this garden near the quays of the Seine, you'll discover a verdant spot dotted with historic relics and overlooking Notre-Dame. It even boasts the oldest tree in Paris! [Read more]
Jardin de l’Hôtel de Sens, a French formal garden in Paris
In Paris fourth arrondissement, not far from the Seine riverbanks and the Pont Marie lays a magnificent French formal garden where you can have a lovely break. Here is the Jardin de l’Hôtel de Sens. [Read more]
Le M., Musée du Vin in Paris: tastings, restaurant, exhibitions, concerts & parties!
Did you know that Paris has its own wine museum? Located in the capital's 16th arrondissement, this historic institution invites you to stroll through its 15th-century vaulted cellars and discover all the secrets of wine culture. Renovated and renamed M. Musée du Vin, the venue promises a rich program of restaurants, tasting courses, taste experiences, temporary exhibitions, concerts and Parisian soirées. [Read more]
The two towers
Between the Eiffel Tower, the Montparnasse Tower and the Sacré Coeur, one thing's for sure: in Paris, we like to get up high. And this desire to touch the sky is not new. There are two medieval towers in the heart of the capital that deserve to be better known. And just as well, since they can be visited!
The first, the Tour Saint-Jacques, is hard to miss. It stands 54 meters high in the middle of a Parisian square, in the Chatelet district. Dating from the 16th century, it is flamboyantly Gothic in style and originally housed the bell tower of the now-defunctchurch of Saint Jacques de la Boucherie.
Nearby, in the Etienne Marcel district of Paris's 2nd arrondissement, you'll find a second, slightly more secretive medieval tower: the Tour Jean Sans Peur. This fortification tower is also the last vestige of a vanished building: the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne. Dating from the 15th century, it served as both a keep and a service staircase.
The Tour Jean-sans-Peur, a medieval treasure in Paris
Immerse yourself in medieval history at the Tour Jean-sans-Peur in Paris. The last vestige of the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne Valois, the Tour Jean sans Peur was built in 1409 and offers a glimpse of life in the Middle Ages in a reconstructed residence. It currently houses an exhibition on Health in the Middle Ages, which runs until September 10, 2023 (excluding the month of August). [Read more]
Parisian Hogwarts
For lovers of the Harry Potter saga, theHôtel de Cluny has everything to transport them to their favorite world. Nestled in the Latin Quarter, this late 15th-century mansion boasts the same flamboyant Gothic style as the Tour Saint-Jacques. Today, it houses the Musée de Cluny, dedicated to the Middle Ages.
Its collections include the Lady of the Unicorn tapestry and the original heads that adorned the façade of Notre-Dame Cathedral. The annex to this unusual museum is located near the Termes de Cluny, one of the few vestiges of antiquity that can still be seen in Paris today.
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