Culture - activities

History of French Pastry: Paris-Brest

A gourmet creation par excellence, today the Paris-Brest can be found in most French bakeries and pastry shops. We tell you more about the history of this cake.

September 10th Paris Ephemeris: Tornado wreaks havoc in the heart of Paris

On September 10, 1896, a tornado formed in the heart of Paris, just a stone's throw from Place Saint-Sulpice. In just a few minutes, the phenomenon swept across the capital, ravaging everything in its path.

Georgia O’Keeffe: first retrospective in France at Centre Pompidou - Our pictures

For the first time, Georgia O’Keeffe’s work is gathered for a retrospective in France. This is an event you do not want to miss! Head to Centre Pompidou in Paris from September 8 to December 6, 2021 to discover the paintings of this American abstraction leader.

History fact, it happened on September 7 in Paris: Paris taxis requisitioned, the “Taxis de la Marne”

On September 6 and 7, 1914, 1,300 Paris taxis are requisitioned by the French army to send backup soldiers to the front for the Battle of the Marne. The “Taxis de la Marne” will carry 6,000 infantrymen and enable to stop the advance of the German armies to Paris.

Ephemeris of September 4 in Paris: Gambetta proclaims the Third Republic

On September 4, 1870, Léon Gambetta proclaimed the Third Republic in the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, following the fall of the Second Empire after Napoleon III's defeat at Sedan, and in the face of the obstinacy of the Parisian people.

Paris: the Place de l’Etoile goes car-free for 3 weekends in September for Christo’s installation

The Place Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile will go car-free for 3 weekends in September, from Saturday September 18 to Sunday October 3, 2021, so Parisians and tourists can fully enjoy the wrapped Arc de Triomphe, as designed by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Over 300 mediators will come and meet visitors and give a sample of fabric to those who would like one.

Ephemeris of September 2 in Paris: The September Massacres

On September 2, 1792, the Sans-Culottes broke into Paris prisons and massacred a thousand inmates suspected of being counter-revolutionaries and in favor of the King's return.

August 31st Paris Ephemeris: Lady Diana's fatal accident in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel

On August 31, 1997, after a frantic chase through the streets of Paris with paparazzi, Princess Lady Diana died in a tragic car accident in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel.

Ephemeris for September 1st in Paris: The founding of the Sorbonne

On September 1, 1257, the Sorbonne was founded by Robert de Sorbon, chaplain and confessor to King Louis IX. Initially dedicated to destitute students, the school quickly became Europe's leading cultural and scientific center, thanks to the quality and wealth of its teaching.

Ephemeris of August 28 in Paris: The Black Death epidemic

In August 1348, Paris faced a terrible disease that spared neither women, children, nobles nor the poor. Within 4 years, the Black Death epidemic would decimate a third of the Parisian population.

Ephemeris for August 26 in Paris: Opening of the first railway line from Paris

On August 26, 1837, the first railroad line out of Paris was inaugurated. This new railway line, which was also the first in France to be built solely for passenger transport, linked the capital's 8th arrondissement to Le Pecq station in the Yvelines.

Ephemeris of August 25 in Paris: General de Gaulle's speech at the Hôtel de Ville

On August 25, 1944, back in Paris, Charles de Gaulle gave his famous speech "Paris outragé! Paris brisé! Paris martyrisé! mais Paris libéré!" at the Hôtel de Ville. An impromptu speech celebrating the city's liberation and calling for national unity.

Ephemeris of August 24 in Paris: The St Bartholomew's Day Massacre

On August 24, 1572, 4,000 Huguenots were brutally murdered in Paris during the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, the culmination of the Wars of Religion between Catholics and Protestants.

Liberation of Paris: a tribute reading on the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville, Everything begins again in Paris

To mark the 77th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris, the Mairie de Paris has chosen to pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed themselves for Freedom, with a poetry reading by actors Philippe Torrenton, Marion Isvi and Nicolas Evrard, accompanied by musicians. Together, they have planned an evocation of seven "episodes" of the Liberation, with texts, archive images and current photos.

History fact, it happened on August 22 in Paris: Mona Lisa is stolen from the Louvre

On August 22, 1911, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa disappear from the Louvre right under the watchmen’s noses. People are stunned. Two years later, Mona Lisa’s smile is found in the sun of Florence.

Ephemeris for August 21 in Paris: First deadly Resistance attack on the Barbès metro station

On August 21, 1941, the Resistance carried out the first murderous attack in Paris against the German forces that had occupied the capital for over a year. Pierre Georges, who was to become Colonel Fabien, shot a Kriegsmarine soldier twice in the Barbès-Rochechouart metro station.

Ephemeris of August 19 in Paris: The Liberation of Paris

From August 19 to 25, 1944, Paris was finally liberated from German occupation. It was the triumph of the Allies and fighting France, and the establishment of General de Gaulle as leader of a liberated and victorious France.

Ephemeris for August 17: Last convoy of deportees and closure of the Drancy camp

On August 17, 1944, the last convoy of deportees left the Drancy camp for Buchenwald. The following day, 1,467 prisoners were liberated.

History fact: it happened on August 18 in Paris, Henry IV’s wedding at Notre-Dame de Paris

On August 18, 1572, Henry of Navarre – future king Henry IV – marries Marguerite of Valois – or Queen Margot – the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. An alliance by way of reconciliation between the Catholic and the Protestant Churches that will lead to the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre in spite of everything.

Ephemeris of August 16 in Paris: Resistance fighters ambushed in the Bois de Boulogne

On August 16, 1944, a few days before the Liberation of Paris, French Resistance fighters were ambushed in the Bois de Boulogne and shot by SS officers and French Gestapo agents.