Heritage

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.

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.

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?

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...

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.

Did you know? Why does the Centaur statue have a miniature Statue of Liberty?

César's Centaure, the impressive 5-metre-high sculpture on the Place Michel Debré in Paris's 6ᵉ arrondissement, raises both astonishment and questions. Created between 1983 and 1985 by sculptor César Baldaccini, this half-man, half-horse work pays homage to Pablo Picasso while questioning our relationship with modernity. But what most fascinates the curious is the secret it hides in its breastplate: a miniature reproduction of the Statue of Liberty, an unexpected wink in this sculpture full of symbols.

The Manufacture des Gobelins: go behind the scenes of Mobilier National's know-how

Heir to centuries-old expertise, the Manufacture des Gobelins perpetuates the art of tapestry and exceptional furniture in the heart of Paris. Between tradition and contemporary creation, this place steeped in history can be visited to admire the craftsmen at work and discover the treasures of the Mobilier National.

Roland-Garros 2025: 6 facts and anecdotes about the Paris tennis tournament

Every summer for almost a century, Paris has become the tennis capital of the world, with the Roland-Garros tournament. You may be a keen follower of the tournament, but how much do you really know about it? Here are a few facts and anecdotes to help you shine in the evening.

The Sorbonne Chapel soon to be restored thanks to support from the World Monuments Fund

After 25 years of closure, the Chapelle de La Sorbonne is about to embark on a major restoration to become accessible to the general public once again. This historic treasure has been chosen by the World Monuments Fund, with the aim of safeguarding Parisian heritage.

Mains d'avenir 2025: craftsmen's skills in the spotlight at 19M

Workshops, meetings, round tables: come and discover exceptional craftsmen in the art, fashion and decoration trades, with the Mains d'avenir event, to be experienced at 19M on February 8 and 9, 2025.

Guided tour of Hôtel de la Païva, a mysterious residence with erotic decorations

The Champs-Elysées harbor many secrets, including the home of the Marquise de la Païva, a former courtesan who had an opulent mansion built, also known as the "Louvre of the ass"... Coming for a visit?

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.