Culture

Molière exhibition at the Espace Richaud in Versailles - our photos

Attention classic theater fans! From January 15 to April 17, 2022, the Espace Richaud in Versailles is staging an exhibition on the world's best-known French playwright, Molière, la fabrique d'une gloire nationale.

Did you know? Streets around the Opéra Garnier are very special

Did you know? Streets around the Opéra Garnier have very special names. Like most streets, faubourgs or avenues in Paris, plates surrounding the famous building pay tribute to celebrities, but not just any celebrities…

Orlinski's sculptures displayed on Avenue George V and the Champs-Elysées

Looking for a free and open-air exhibition? Run and enjoy the Richard Orlinski exhibition taking place on Avenue George V. Over a dozen giant sculptures are displayed, covering 2 kilometers, along the beautiful Parisian avenue, between giant gorillas, bears and lions. A wonderful walk to enjoy until February 8, 2022.

Gallen-Kallela exhibition at the Musée Jacquemart-André

Attention Scandinavian painting fans! The Musée Jacquemart-André is devoting an exhibition to Finnish artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela from March 11 to July 25, 2022. A unique plunge into the naturalist universe of the painter, who first came to the attention of Parisians with an exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay in 2012.

Ephemeris for October 25 in Paris: Installation of the Luxor Obelisk on Place de la Concorde

On October 25, 1836, the Luxor Obelisk was erected in the center of the Place de la Concorde by order of King Louis-Philippe. Offered to France by the Viceroy of Egypt as a token of goodwill, the monolith arrived in Paris in 1833 after an incredible epic voyage on the waves.

Ephemeris of October 21 in Paris: The birth of the Comédie-Française

On October 21, 1680, the Comédie-Française was founded by order of King Louis XIV, the result of a merger between Molière's troupe and that of the Hôtel de Bourgogne. The sovereign's idea was simple: to put an end to the quarrels between the two rival troupes, while reaffirming royalty by promoting classical French theater, at a time when the Comédie-Italienne was very much in vogue.

66-million-year-old Big John triceratops sold at 6.6 million euros in Paris

Big John – the skeleton of a giant 66-million-year-old triceratops discovered in 2014 – has been auctioned on October 21, 2021 at the Hôtel Drouot. The massive skeleton was auctioned 6.6 million euros, a record.

History fact, October 22 in Paris: dramatic rail accident at the Montparnasse railway station

On October 22, 1895, a dramatic rail accident occurred at the Montparnasse railway station. The Paris-Granville train could not brake in time and ends us down the railway station which façade is mostly destroyed because of the violence of the impact.

Ephemeris of October 18 in Paris: The Closet Affair

On the night of October 18, 1534, Protestants plastered the streets of Paris with posters violently criticizing the Catholic mass. The Affaire des Placards marked a turning point in the confrontations between Catholics and Protestants, and signaled the end of Francis I's conciliation with the reformers.

Ephemeris of October 17: The massacre of Algerians thrown into the Seine

On October 17, 1961, a peaceful demonstration organized by the Front de Libération Nationale in support of Algerian independence was put down in bloodshed. In one night, between 30 and 250 Algerians were killed and thrown into the Seine.

Ephemeris for October 16 in Paris: Consecration of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre

On October 16, 1919, the Sacré-Coeur church in Montmartre was consecrated by Cardinal Vico and elevated to the rank of basilica, after 44 years of construction. Erected on the heights of the Butte Montmartre, this Romanesque-Byzantine religious edifice still fascinates as much as it horrifies some Parisians, who consider it to have been "built on the blood of the Communards".

Mimosa, Jean-François Piège’s restaurant at the Hôtel de la Marine opens

Mimosa is Jean-François Piège’s restaurant opening very soon at the Hôtel de la Marine serving a never-before-seen food concept in Paris: a deviled egg (English for “oeuf mimosa” in French) bar but not only. Go and discover this unique place with majestic decor while enjoying the chef's dishes.

Ephemeris of October 15 in Paris: Mata Hari's execution in the Bois de Vincennes

On October 15, 1917, Mata Hari was shot by the French authorities in the Bois de Vincennes. Successively courtesan, oriental dancer, spy and double agent, she was sentenced to death for intelligence with the enemy at the end of a summary trial.

The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée du Quai Branly…: 5 Paris museums listed as the best in France

Which place will be named best museum, best landmark or most remarkable venue in France this year? While waiting to discover the winners this November 10, the Tiqets website – behind this contest – shares the nominees of the 2021 edition. And at least 5 museums in Paris are listed. Here they are.

Ephemeris for October 9 in Paris: The opening of the Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne

On Tuesday, October 9, 1860, the Jardin d'Acclimatation opened its doors in the Bois de Boulogne. This immense green space, with its scientific, entertaining and educational vocation, quickly became a favorite haunt of Parisians, who came to marvel at exotic animals and plants, as well as tribes from faraway lands. The Jardin d'Acclimatation suffered many setbacks during the various wars, and later became an amusement park where families still enjoy having fun today.

White Night – Nuit Blanche 2021 at Paris Museum of Modern Art

For the White Night 2021, Paris Museum of Modern Art shines a light on 5 pieces of work that won the support action to art creation by the City of Paris. Come and discover the achievements of these artists for an exclusive late-night opening on Saturday October 2, 2021.

Queen Symphonic returns to Paris' Grand Rex - postponed until January 2023

Queen fans were due to attend "Queen Symphonic: A Rock & Orchestra Experience" at the Grand Rex in Paris on November 3, 2020. Due to the coronavirus epidemic, this symphonic concert has been postponed until January 11, 2023.

History of French Pastry: the Saint-Honoré

A veritable star of Parisian patisserie, the Saint-Honoré is a favorite among gourmets. But how did it all begin? We take you through the history of the Saint-Honoré.

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.

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.