The Paris of today is the fruit of its history. As we stroll through the streets of Paris, we discover monuments and architecture from different eras that interweave to weave what is today one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And among the key chapters in the country's history is the French Revolution, which led to the end of the reigns of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette.
This historic chapter is such an important part of French history that it is commemorated on the Fête Nationale. Indeed, the origins of July 14th partly echo the storming of the Bastille in 1789! In Paris, many monuments, squares, churches and gardens still bear traces of the French Revolution, and it's easy to wander the streets for a day or two in search of these testimonies to the past.
So, you'd like to retrace history? We share with you the key places of the French Revolution and the monuments to visit to learn more about this chapter of French History from the capital.
On the trail of the French Revolution in Paris :
Visiting Paris: Where can you see the remains of the Bastille prison in Paris?
In Paris, the Place de la Bastille is a reminder of a pivotal moment in the country's history. In the past, a great fortress, the Bastille prison, stood here. Destroyed during the French Revolution of 1789, the remains are now rare. Here's where you can see what's left of it in Paris today. Let's set off on a tour in the footsteps of history! [Read more]
Where to see the remains of the Tuileries Palace in Paris?
Did you know that? There was a time when the famous Tuileries garden hosted a Palace. It was the Palais des Tuileries. Remains of this royal residence, now disappeared, are now scattered around the world. Here is where to find them in Paris. [Read more]
Ephemeris of August 10 in Paris: Sans-Culottes seize the Tuileries Palace
On August 10, 1792, the Sans-Culottes stormed the Tuileries Palace in a bloody day that sounded the death knell for royalty and monarchy in France. [Read more]
The Tuileries Gardens, the ideal place in Paris to go green
The Tuileries Gardens are a must-see in Paris! This 23-hectare green space runs alongside the Rue de Rivoli and the Seine, linking the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde. Classified as a historic monument in 1914, it has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. It features magnificent historical statues, accompanied by works of art. [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]
History of the Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde is the capital's largest square. It was here, at the start of the Champs-Elysées, that Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were guillotined. Today, it is one of the most famous squares in Paris, and its famous golden-tipped obelisk still dominates the city. [Read more]
Did you know? 3 anecdotes about the Place de la Concorde
Do you really know Paris's Place de la Concorde? Today we're revealing 3 surprising anecdotes about the capital's largest square! [Read more]
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville: one of Paris's most historic squares
The Place de l'Hôtel de Ville hasn't always been the lively, cheerful spot in the heart of Paris. Indeed, it was here that many public executions took place over the centuries. You'll never see the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville in the same light again! [Read more]
History of the Place de la Nation
Originally erected in honor of the marriage of Louis XIV and Marie-Thérèse of Austria, the Place de la Nation became the site of countless public executions under the guillotine during the French Revolution. In 2019, the Place de la Nation will take on yet another new look, with a plan by Paris City Hall to green the entire square and reduce car traffic. [Read more]
History of Place Vendôme
Before it became the luxurious square we know today, Place Vendôme was a resolutely political place. And the beautiful Vendôme column wasn't always in place... Here's a look back at the square's eventful history. [Read more]
The Chapelle Expiatoire in Paris, the monument erected in memory of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette
The Chapelle Expiatoire is one of Paris's hidden monuments. Erected in memory of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, this historic site is well worth a visit! [Read more]
The Eglise du Dôme and the Eglise Saint-Louis-des-Invalides
The Eglise du Dôme and the Eglise Saint-Louis-des-Invalides are in fact one and the same building. We explain it all below! [Read more]
Everything you need to know about Notre-Dame de Paris: opening hours, reservations, tours, new features
With its thirteen million visitors a year, Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is one of the capital's must-sees. A place of worship as well as a monument, it has witnessed the history of Paris since its construction. Since December 8, 2024, the monument is once again accessible. With reservations, year-round concerts and suggested tours, discover all the information you need to prepare your visit to this emblem of Paris, ready to welcome the world. [Read more]
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]
Eglise Saint-Sulpice, in the Odéon district - Video
The Eglise Saint-Sulpice is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Paris, and the second largest church in the city after Notre-Dame-de-Paris. It's well worth an extended detour! [Read more]
Saint-Denis Basilica, the necropolis of the Kings of France in Saint-Denis (93), discover its history
How about (re)discovering the Basilique Saint-Denis? Classified as a historical monument, this religious edifice in Saint-Denis (93) is home to the necropolis of the Kings of France, and is a must-see for history buffs and those curious about the region's heritage. We tell you all about it! [Read more]
The Pantheon in Paris: prices, opening hours, tour and history of this emblematic monument
The Paris Pantheon, an emblematic monument in the heart of the capital, reveals the history of France's great personalities. Originally a church dedicated to Sainte Geneviève, the Panthéon is open all year round, giving you the chance to discover its rich heritage and architectural secrets. [Read more]
Picpus Cemetery, a secret historic site in Paris
The Picpus cemetery in Paris is a little-known site that nevertheless represents an important part of the capital's history. Listed as a historical monument, it contains the bodies of those guillotined during the Great Terror. [Read more]
We look forward to a fascinating and instructive visit!
