Heritage

Did you know? Sainte-Geneviève, patron saint of Paris, saved the capital from invasion by the Huns!

An emblematic but often overlooked figure of the capital, Sainte Geneviève saved Lutetia from Attila's invasion in the 5th century. A true heroine whose imprint still marks the heights of Paris's 5th arrondissement!

Nuit des Musées 2025 at the Château de Versailles (78), the program on this royal estate

What to do for Nuit des Musées 2025 at the Château de Versailles? Here's what's in store for the 21st edition on May 17, 2025, in the heart of the Sun King's estate!

Versailles hosts the Biennale d'architecture et de paysage d'Île-de-France 2025 to create "The Living City"!

From May 7 to July 13, 2025, Versailles becomes the setting for a major cultural and civic event with the third edition of the Biennale d'architecture et de paysage d'Île-de-France, the Bap! Initiated by the Île-de-France Region, this free event, open to all, offers a bold reflection on the urban challenges of tomorrow, through nine exhibitions and a pavilion, conferences, workshops and meetings in the royal city's emblematic sites.

Where does the word Paname, the slang nickname for Paris, come from?

"Paname", the popular and affectionate nickname for Paris, has been intriguing people for over a century due to its widespread use, particularly in slang and artistic language. But what exactly is the origin of this surprising word, which is more reminiscent of Central America than of the French capital?

Why is rue du Poil-au-Con now called rue du Pélican in Paris?

In Paris, rue du Pélican, located in the 1st arrondissement, hides a sulphurous past: in the Middle Ages, it was called rue du Poil-au-Con, because prostitution was legalized under Saint-Louis. That's our story for today!

Who was Roland Garros, the man behind the name of the famous Paris stadium?

Roland Garros, aviator and aeronautics pioneer from Reunion Island, gave his name to the stadium that hosts the French Open tennis tournament. But who was he? We tell you his story.

Paris coat of arms: history and significance of the boat on the capital's coat of arms

Why is there a boat on the Paris coat of arms? If you're wondering, the editors of Sortiraparis may have the answer. History of the Paris coat of arms, from the seal of the water merchants to the motto "Fluctuat nec mergitur"... We tell you all!

Hôtel de Magny: the oldest building in the Jardin des Plantes, a mansion worth saving

Many historic monuments in Paris are in need of restoration, as is the case of the Hôtel de Magny, formerly a history cabinet belonging to the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, in the heart of the Jardin des Plantes.

Château de Versailles: discover General de Gaulle's apartments in a Trianon wing

After opening the Salle du Congrès and the apartment of the President of the Congress to the public, the Château de Versailles is now unveiling the apartments of General de Gaulle in the Trianon-sous-Bois wing, from April 5, 2025.

Did you know? Île-de-France isn't an island... but it's close!

Is Île-de-France really an island without a sea? Take an express dive into the history and mysteries of the name that shapes the identity of France's most effervescent region.

La Nuit des Monuments: the program for discovering France's heritage by night

Nuit des Monuments takes place this year from May 1 to 3, 2025. Following on from the Nuit des Châteaux and the Nuit des Musées, this is a new event that you're sure to love, allowing you to discover France's heritage, sometimes exceptionally open at night! Île-de-France and the French regions will be illuminated, so discover the places that are opening up to us for this first edition, and don't forget to book as soon as possible.

Did you know? The Bièvre, a Parisian river, still flows beneath the cobblestones of the capital.

Once upon a time, a river flowed through the 5th and 13th arrondissements of Paris for all to see. It became too polluted in the 19th century, and is now buried beneath the cobblestones of the capital, but continues to flow beneath our feet, deeply hidden.

Notre-Dame de Paris, how to win a piece of the cathedral for a good cause

The Fondation du Patrimoine, one of the main funders of the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris, is launching an exceptional competition. Participants have the unique opportunity to win an authentic stone from the cathedral, taken from the elements that could not be reintegrated after the fire in 2019. The competition, open from March 4 to April 4, 2025, aims to raise funds for religious heritage.

La Chapelle de La Sorbonne: the little-known architectural jewel of Parisian universities

Built in the 17th century in the Latin Quarter, the Sorbonne chapel embodies the elegance of French classicism, houses the tomb of Richelieu, and bears witness to the intellectual and architectural prestige of the ancient University of Paris. Inaccessible for over 25 years, it is due to reopen to the public in a few years' time.

The Louvre, an original guided tour: discover the hidden secrets of the museum's facades!

The Louvre is a veritable open-air history book. While everyone is familiar with its masterpieces, collections and paintings, its famous pyramid and the fabulous Tuileries Gardens, few visitors take the time to look up and decipher the mysteries etched into the stone facades of its pavilions, halls and galleries. Join Cultival on an unusual guided tour of the Louvre's facades, a fascinating journey through eight centuries of history and esoterica.

Did you know? There was a circus on the Champs-Elysées in the 19th century.

Everyone knows Cirque d'Hiver, but did you know that Cirque d'Été existed for a few decades on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, before disappearing forever?

Candlelight evenings at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte 2025: experience a magical night with fireworks

The candlelit evenings at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte promise a magical moment to share with loved ones. The program includes a nocturnal visit by the light of 2,000 candles, water games, a romantic stroll through the gardens to the sound of baroque music, and even a fireworks display! An exceptional experience from May 24 to September 27, 2025.

Château de Versailles: several rooms about the Third Republic open - our photos

Novelty alert at the Château de Versailles! Exceptionally, from February 15 to the end of September 2025, the monument will be revealing behind-the-scenes areas of power during the Third Republic, by opening up spaces that are usually closed to the public... Come and discover the Salle du Congrès, still used by the French Assembly and Senate, and the ceremonial apartments of the President of the Congress. We took a sneak preview...

The Parc des Princes, a soccer temple that has been home to Paris-Saint-Germain since 1974

After the Stade de France, the Parc des Princes is the largest soccer stadium in the Paris region, and has been home to Paris-Saint-Germain since the late 1970s. Accessible on guided tours, it is mainly used on match nights.

Meet the Bouglione family: flying trapeze at Cirque d'Hiver, our interview

On the occasion of their new show "Spectaculaire", we met up with Joseph and Louis-Sampion Bouglione to talk about flying trapeze, a skill born at the heart of the Cirque d'Hiver, one of the capital's most historic venues.