Heritage

Did you know? The Gloriette de Buffon is the oldest metal structure in Paris.

In the heart of Paris's 5th arrondissement, the Jardin des Plantes is home to the mysterious and historic Gloriette de Buffon, dating from 1786. Discover a hidden treasure.

European Archaeology Days 2023 at ARCHÉA: guided walks and tours

On June 17 and 18, 2023, take part in the Journées européennes de l'archéologie 2023 at the ARCHÉA museum, to discover the heritage and history of the Paris region through educational workshops and guided tours.

Paris: do you know the story of the capital's two most famous ghosts?

Two well-known ghosts roam the streets of the capital, but how well do you know their story? Be on the lookout, as these characters may well come to visit you after dark!

Paris: discover the location of the last visible remnant of the capital's washhouses

A few centuries ago, there were almost 300 laundries in the capital. Unfortunately, these water-fed basins all disappeared when they ceased their activity, and only a vestige remains, just off the Place de la Bastille!

Did you know that? At the Tortues, why does the Paul Haussmann have an unusual façade?

Discover the history of the Maison Aux Tortues, a former store specializing in ivory and tortoiseshell objects, whose historic façade is now preserved by a branch of Paul's Bakery.

The Sacred Heart of Montmartre finally listed as Historic Monument

The famous monument on the Butte Montmartre is listed as Historic Monument since Thursday December 8, 2022. Since October 2022, the State was expecting the authorization from the Mairie de Paris to list the Sacred Heart and protect it.

Madame Du Barry's restored apartment at the Château de Versailles opens to visitors

The apartment of Countess Madame du Barry is back in the heart of the Château de Versailles after 18 months of renovation. To coincide with the opening of the exhibition on King Louis XV, of whom she was the last favorite mistress, we are once again rediscovering these 350 m² through a dozen or so rooms, each with its own unique and sumptuous decor.

Notre-Dame de Paris: archaeological relics including a sarcophagus found

The Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral has still lots of surprise and treasures to be discovered! As work to consolidate the building goes on and the renovation leg is beginning, a team of archaeologists entrusted with searching the spire site has discovered vestiges including an old sarcophagus made of lead likely to date from the 14th century.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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 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 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.