Anecdote paris

The Congregation of the Holy Spirit: The Hidden Chapel Designed by the Architect of the Arc de Triomphe

Did you know that tucked away in the heart of the Latin Quarter is a little-known work by the architect of the Arc de Triomphe? The chapel on Rue Lhomond, home to the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, is far more than just a religious building — it features decor reflecting colonial missions.

Did you know? The Obelisk of Concorde can also function as a sundial.

Need to check the time but don't have a watch? No worries: the Concorde Square Obelisk can function as a giant sundial... though it's not exactly precise.

Did you know? The Eiffel Tower was originally meant to have a different name

You know it as the Eiffel Tower. But did you know that its identity could have been quite different? Discover a little-known anecdote about Paris's iron lady.

Did you know? This historic convent in Saint-Denis is home to a museum dedicated to art and history.

The Paul Éluard Museum of Art and History hides an architectural secret. Situated in a former 17th-century Carmelite convent, this unique site once sheltered Louise of France, daughter of Louis XV. From the old cells of the nuns to relics of the Paris Commune, explore a museum where treasures of social history peacefully coexist with the quietness of a cloister that has been remarkably preserved.

Where can you admire this stunning Art Nouveau ceramic portico tucked away in a square in Paris?

It’s one of the most stunning facades in Paris, yet it’s not part of a building. Hidden away in a quiet square, a multicolored ceramic wall has withstood the test of time since 1900. Discover the captivating history of the Sèvres portico, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau that survived the ages.

Discover the story of the Arago medallions and their hidden secrets, tucked away beneath the streets of Paris.

It’s one of the longest monuments in the world yet remains almost invisible to the eye. Scattered throughout the heart of the city from north to south, 135 bronze discs conceal a captivating story: that of the Paris Meridian. From the Louvre to the pathways of the Luxembourg Gardens, embark on an unusual treasure hunt through history!

Did you know? This pyramid in Villejuif was instrumental in creating the very first map of France.

Did you know that a small leaning monument in Villejuif played a key role in defining France's measurements and inventing the meter? The enigmatic Cassini Pyramid, once a vital reference point for mapping the kingdom during Louis XV’s reign, is still visible today.

The Pavilion of the Hermitage, the last remnant of the Château de Bagnolet, is a must-see curiosity in the 20th arrondissement.

Through its gates, you can glimpse a genuine relic from the 18th century: the Pavilion of the Hermitage, the last remaining structure from the Château de Bagnolet still standing, and a true folly of its era.

The Main Jaune in Paris: Roller Disco Icon from the 80s Set to Reopen in Spring 2026

Are you familiar with La Main Jaune? If so, chances are you grew up in the 1980s. Back then, it was an iconic nightclub in western Paris. Even more notably, La Main Jaune was France’s first and most renowned "roller disco." Closed since the early 2000s, the venue is now undergoing a transformation as part of the "Reinventing Paris" project call. After hosting a temporary event last September, La Main Jaune is set to make a permanent comeback, with plans for a grand reopening in the spring of 2026.

Did you know? Why does the city of Paris have a snail-shaped layout?

If you look at a map of Paris, you'll notice an intriguing spiral winding outward from the city center to the outskirts. Known as the "Parisian snail," this pattern is more than just a visual quirk. Beneath its artistic charm lies a subtle political and historical shift that transformed the daily lives of Parisians in 1860.

Left Bank or Right Bank: How to effortlessly remember which is which?

This is the classic dilemma faced by any Parisian stroller. While the Seine divides the city into two distinct banks, knowing exactly which side you're on after crossing a bridge isn't always straightforward. To avoid mixing up the Left Bank and the Right Bank forever, just remember an age-old rule as ancient as the river itself.

The Little History of Parisian Furniture: These 5 Iconic Pieces That Capture the Soul of Paris

You pass by them without always noticing, yet Paris wouldn’t quite be itself without their familiar presence. From the natural curves of the Metro stations to the chipped domes of newspaper kiosks, urban fixtures have been shaping the city’s character since the 19th century. Dive into the story of these everyday icons that keep the heart and soul of Paris beating.

The Little History of Parisian Street Furniture: The Newsstand, a Corner to Read the News Outdoors

It's a familiar silhouette, crowned with a scaled dome, that seems to watch over our news. The newsstand is much more than a simple point of sale: it’s a Parisian institution. Once adorned with ornate cast iron, and now reinvented, it remains the last stronghold of print in a digital world—a place where Parisians connect and gauge the pulse of the city.

The Little History of Parisian Design: The Guimard Entrance, an Art Nouveau Metro Icon

Like a forged iron vine bursting from the sidewalk, the entrance to the Paris Métro is an open-air work of art. Designed by Hector Guimard, it revolutionized the way we access the underground world. Delve into the history of these metro entrances, with their flowing, plant-like curves—silent witnesses to an era when industrial progress and poetic elegance went hand in hand.

The little story of Parisian furniture: the Davioud Bench, an invitation to stroll through Paris

You sit on it to rest or watch the world go by—the Davioud bench, with its polished wooden slats and ornate cast-iron legs, is the silent companion of our urban respites. Originally designed to turn Paris into a sprawling open-air living room, it has, over 150 years, become a universal emblem of leisure in the city.

The little history of Parisian furniture: the Wallace Fountain, a gift that saved the city from thirst

Silhouette of a green cast-iron fountain, an iconic fixture of Parisian squares, the Wallace fountain is much more than a free water source. It stands as a monument to philanthropy and a masterpiece of sculpture, reminding us that in Paris, even drinking water is a moment of beauty. Discover the story of these guardians of thirst, serving life at street corners for over 150 years.

The Little History of Parisian Furniture: The Morris Column, a Beautiful Showcase for Advertising in Paris

A familiar silhouette of the city landscape, the Morris column is much more than just an advertising pillar. A true beacon of cultural life, it has adorned the sidewalks of the capital with its deep green hue and vibrant posters since the 19th century. Let’s take a look back at the history of a piece of urban furniture that has outlived countless city transformations to remain a cherished link between Parisians and live entertainment.

Did you know? The Queen's Hamlet at Versailles was nearly lost to history, only to be saved by Napoleon I.

It’s one of Versailles’ most iconic backdrops. Built between 1783 and 1786 at the heart of the Petit Trianon, the Queen’s Hamlet appears as a quaint Norman village frozen in time. Yet behind its thatched roofs and vegetable gardens lie realities far removed from the fairy-tale image of the “occasional farmer” often associated with Marie-Antoinette.

From the Hôtel d'Évreux to the Élysée Palace: Between Private Mansion and State Secrets

Before becoming the office of the President of the Republic, 55 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré was the dream project of a single man: Count d'Évreux. Built in 1718, this private mansion was then regarded as the most beautiful residence on the outskirts of Paris. Let’s take a look back at the history of a building that survived revolutions and went on to become the very heart of the State.