Did you know?

The source of the Yvette: a mysterious statue in the Yvelines

Did you know? A mysterious statue represents the source of the Yvette. Nestled in the heart of the Yvelines, in Essarts-le-Roi, an intriguing sculpture marks the birth of this Île-de-France river. Open year-round, this hidden gem can be discovered during a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Chevreuse Valley.

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? A fire had devastated the City Hall—here's what it looked like before the blaze.

On May 24, 1871, right in the heart of Paris, the City Hall was destroyed by a fire set during the Paris Commune. Before it was rebuilt in the 19th century, the building showcased a Renaissance style inherited from François I, a look that can still be admired today at the Musée Carnavalet through models and original architectural details. Curious about what it looked like? Here's the story!

Did you know? The museums operated by the City of Paris are free of charge for residents of Rome — and the same applies in reverse.

For decades, a reciprocal agreement has allowed Parisians to enjoy free entry to numerous museums in Rome, and vice versa for Romans visiting Paris. It’s a quiet but tangible benefit of the official partnership between these two capitals. Here’s everything you need to know!

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? Who was Max Linder, after whom the cinema in the 9th arrondissement is named?

A symbol of auteur cinema in Paris, the Max Linder Panorama perpetuates the memory of its founder, a pioneer of silent film. Behind this legendary theater lies the tragic story of a visionary artist who left his mark on the history of cinema. But who was Max Linder? Let us tell you.

Did you know? There is only one remaining milestone in Paris, and it's on rue de Vaugirard.

At the corner of Rue Littré and Rue de Vaugirard, a discreet granite milestone bears witness to the royal measurement system of the Ancien Régime. This historic vestige, freely accessible, is the last remaining milestone in Paris. But what is a milestone? We explain!

Did you know? In Versailles, you can sit on Molière's lap

What a curiosity in Versailles! A statue of Molière, the city's playwright par excellence, invites you to sit on his lap (and it's totally allowed). The bronze statue, designed by Xavier Veihlan, is located in the new bosquet on Place Lyautey. Here's how it works...

Disneyland Paris: did you know? Anthony Daniels was the voice of C-3PO in Star Tours

Did you know that at Disneyland Paris, Anthony Daniels, the interpreter of C-3PO, lent his voice to the French version of Star Tours when the park opened in 1992? We tell you all about it!

Paris: Le Défenseur du Temps, an astonishing automaton clock in the Horloge district of Paris

Ever heard of Le Défenseur du Temps in Paris? This historic automaton clock, recently renovated, awaits you in the Horloge district which gives it its name. Discover its history right up to the present day.

Do you know the Parisian origins of New York's Statue of Liberty?

Before becoming an American symbol, the Statue of Liberty was built in Paris, in the 17th arrondissement. Here's a look back at its little-known history, from rue de Chazelles to Liberty Island.

Did you know? The Moulin Rouge once hosted a roller coaster

Did you know? When the Moulin Rouge opened in 1889, a roller coaster was installed in its Montmartre garden. Here's a look back at the history of this little-known attraction in the festive Paris of the Belle Époque!

Did you know? This graffiti, dating from 1764 on the Place des Vosges, is the oldest in Paris.

Here's an amusing Paris anecdote! In the Marais district, on the Place des Vosges, you'll find the oldest graffiti in the capital... Did you know that? You do now! But what does it say? When was it done? Discover its history!

Did you know: which is the oldest museum in Paris?

Paris is home to over a hundred museums. But do you know which is the oldest? Here's the answer...

Did you know: there is a work by Salvador Dali right in the heart of the Quartier Latin?

Nestled in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the sundial created by Salvador Dali in 1966 is a discreet and symbolic work of art. A tribute to the rue Saint-Jacques and the famous pilgrimage to Compostela, to be discovered in the Latin Quarter.

Did you know: why is there no casino in Paris?

Did you know? Paris, although a lively, touristy capital, has no casinos among its establishments. Only an experiment to open gaming clubs, in 2018, brought poker tables and other Punto Banco. Why aren't there any casinos in Paris? We explain...

Did you know? The expression "to wait 107 years" is linked to the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris.

"We're not going to wait a hundred and seven years!"This typically French expression, as grumpy as it is exaggerated, has its roots in medieval Paris. Between dust and hammers, it comes from the interminable construction site of Notre-Dame de Paris, where the wait put Parisians' legendary patience to the test.

Did you know? Why are the Champs-Elysées so named?

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? Passage Jouffroy hides a gold ingot and Paris's first fast-food restaurant!

The Passage Jouffroy, located between the Grands Boulevards and rue de la Grange-Batelière, is a place rich in surprises and historical anecdotes. Built in 1846, it is famous for its metal architecture and glass roof, which have inspired many other Parisian passages. This emblematic site is home to unique boutiques and an unusual story revolving around a mysterious gold ingot that caused a sensation in the 19th century. To get there, you can enter either from Boulevard Montmartre at the Musée Grévin, or from Rue de la Grange-Batelière, each entrance offering a different perspective on this space steeped in history.

Did you know? The Palais de l'Elysée houses an hourglass that will take a thousand years to run down.

It's an original and fascinating work of art, created by French artist Benoît Pype: the millennial hourglass should take 1,000 years to run down. It is installed in the office of the French President.