Histoire et patrimoine - activities

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!

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 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? 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? 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.

Did you know that a sublime and unusual Parisian façade is hidden in Cité Malesherbes?

Among the most beautiful facades and buildings in Paris is the one designed by the architect Anatole Jal, made for and by the painter Pierre-Jules Jollivet. Nestled in the peaceful and hidden Cité Malesherbes, this marvel with biblical scenes is worth a visit. We tell you its history.

Paris: do you know the story of the capital's two most famous ghosts?

Two well-known ghosts roam the streets of the capital, but how well do you know their story? Be on the lookout, as these characters may well come to visit you after dark!

Paris: discover the location of the last visible remnant of the capital's washhouses

A few centuries ago, there were almost 300 laundries in the capital. Unfortunately, these water-fed basins all disappeared when they ceased their activity, and only a vestige remains, just off the Place de la Bastille!

Square Saint-Gilles Grand Veneur, the charming and hidden rose garden of Paris

Looking for a hidden, confidential garden, where it's nice to sit and admire the rose garden and read a book? We invite you to discover the Saint-Gilles Grand-Veneur Pauline-Roland square, a secret square with a certain charm.

Domaine National de Port-Royal des Champs: A Historical and Cultural Journey in Yvelines

We're off to discover the Domaine National de Port-Royal des Champs in Magny-les-Hameaux, Yvelines, open all year round. This historic and cultural site, which bears witness to the history of Jansenism, offers a unique visiting experience and a wonderful discovery walk.

Good plan: these areas of the Château de Versailles are accessible for free to all

Did you know that? Some rooms and spaces related to the Palace and the Estate of Versailles are open to the public free of charge. Here are the conditions to visit them without paying a penny.

Did you know that? Discover the history of the Journal du Soir - La France building - rue Montmartre

Immerse yourself in the history of journalism in Paris by visiting the façade of the Journal du Soir - La France, located at 144 rue Montmartre, a witness to a bygone era.

Do you know the terrible and gloomy history of the Buttes-Chaumont park?

Before being this beautiful bucolic park, the Buttes-Chaumont had a very gloomy history, and saw many deaths over the centuries. There is a good reason behind the name of the Pont des Suicidés (Suicide Bridge) which overlooks the park...

Did you know? What is the history of the Au Planteur façade in Paris that is being debated?

Discover the Au Planteur facade in Paris, Montorgueil district, classified as a historical monument since 1984. Located at 10-12 rue des Petits-Carreaux in the 2nd district, this facade and colonial fresco is still being debated, we tell you its history.

Did you know that? At the Tortues, why does the Paul Haussmann have an unusual façade?

Discover the history of the Maison Aux Tortues, a former store specializing in ivory and tortoiseshell objects, whose historic façade is now preserved by a branch of Paul's Bakery.

Discover the unusual Chinese Museum at the Château de Fontainebleau

Did you know that the Château de Fontainebleau houses a Chinese Museum? Discover this unique collection of murals, furniture, sculptures and textiles. Created in 1863 by Empress Eugénie, this hidden museum is housed in the château's Gros Pavillon. Its spaces feature some 800 objects of art and furniture, mainly gifts from China, Japan and Thailand.

The Castle of Monte Cristo, the hidden and unusual home of Alexandre Dumas

Discover the Castle of Monte Cristo, the residence imagined by the writer Alexandre Dumas. In an English garden in the heart of the Yvelines, near Saint-Germain-en-Laye, you can see a castle with an exuberant style from the 19th century and its small Yew Castle. We take you to discover this hidden heritage, classified as a historical monument.

Pictures of Paris Christmas lights in 1925

Some say Paris was better before. But what about the traditional Christmas lights? To get an idea, here are fantastic Autochromes Lumière of 1925 Paris Christmas lights by French photographer Léon Gimpel.

Origins of a French pastry: the yule log

Based on chestnut, chocolate, fruits; iced, rolled, small or big: the yule log is the quintessential of the Holidays dessert! But where does it come from?

The story of the Pont de l’Alma Zouave, the statue measuring the Seine’s spate

Have you heard about the Zouave, the legendary statue of the Pont de l’Alma assessing the level of the Seine during major floods in Paris?