History - activities

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Place de l'Hôtel de Ville: one of Paris's most historic squares

The Place de l'Hôtel de Ville hasn't always been the lively, cheerful spot in the heart of Paris. Indeed, it was here that many public executions took place over the centuries. You'll never see the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville in the same light again!
Marcel Proust, un roman parisien, nos photos de l'exposition au musée CarnavaletMarcel Proust, un roman parisien, nos photos de l'exposition au musée CarnavaletMarcel Proust, un roman parisien, nos photos de l'exposition au musée CarnavaletMarcel Proust, un roman parisien, nos photos de l'exposition au musée Carnavalet

Salon du Roman Historique de Levallois 2024: meetings, debates and musical readings

Once again this year, the Levallois Historical Novel Fair returns to the Parc de la Planchette on July 6 and 7, 2024, to tell the story of history to children and adults alike, with book signings, shows and literary round tables.
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La Cité de l'Histoire, an immersive experience in French history at La Défense

Ready to plunge into the great History of France? The first Cité de l'Histoire is opening its doors in La Défense's Grande Arche, with a fun, immersive tour of our shared past.
Sirène d'alerte aux populations : à quoi sert ce signal et comment l'interpréter ?Sirène d'alerte aux populations : à quoi sert ce signal et comment l'interpréter ?Sirène d'alerte aux populations : à quoi sert ce signal et comment l'interpréter ?Sirène d'alerte aux populations : à quoi sert ce signal et comment l'interpréter ?

Warning siren on the 1st Wednesday of the month: do you know what this signal is for?

Every first Wednesday of the month, at midday, an alarm sounds in France's major cities. Where does this particular warning siren come from, and what does it mean?
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The Nuit Blanche in Paris, history and origins

What exactly is the Nuit Blanche in Paris? This not-to-be-missed event returns to Paris this Saturday, June 1, 2024 with a slew of artistic programs accessible free of charge for an entire night. But do you know what it stands for, and when and how this event dedicated to contemporary creation was born? Here's the history and origins of the famous Nuit Blanche in Paris.
Résistants : notre test de l'expérience immersive à Montparnasse - dernières prolongationsRésistants : notre test de l'expérience immersive à Montparnasse - dernières prolongationsRésistants : notre test de l'expérience immersive à Montparnasse - dernières prolongationsRésistants : notre test de l'expérience immersive à Montparnasse - dernières prolongations

Résistants: our test of the immersive historical experience at Montparnasse

Résistants is the new immersive creation from Sculpteurs de Rêves! Located in the former Musée de la Libération de Paris, this experience plunges you into the heart of the heroic actions of the French Resistance from October 14, 2023. Walk in the footsteps of these emblematic figures and relive key moments from 1939 to 1945... An experience extended to June 29, 2024, with two discounted dates to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and General De Gaulle's June 18 Appeal. We've tested it, we'll tell you about it!
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Why is Ascension Day a public holiday in France? History and origins

The Ascension is one of the great religious feasts for Christians. But do you know its history and origin, and do you know why this day is a holiday in France? We tell you.
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Why is May 8 a public holiday in France?

One week after May 1st, May 8th arrives. But do you remember why this day is also a public holiday in France? We tell you.
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May 1st: why are lilies of the valley offered on this day? History and origins

On May 1st, a plant is on display everywhere in France: the famous lily of the valley. But why do we offer a sprig of lily of the valley every May 1st? We explain the history and origins of this tradition.
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Why is May 1st a public holiday in France? History and origins of Labor Day

May 1st is a public holiday in France, when we celebrate Labor Day. But do you know exactly why, and do you know the history of May 1st? We tell you.
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La Hublotière, Hector Guimard's Art Nouveau villa opens this summer in Le Vésinet (78)

Have you heard of La Hublotière? This Art Nouveau villa, designed by Hector Guimard, is hidden away in the heart of Le Vésinet, in the Yvelines department. Exceptionally, it's opening its doors to the public this summer - a golden opportunity to discover our heritage!
Rose Valland, l'histoire vraie d'espionnage au Théâtre La Boussole Rose Valland, l'histoire vraie d'espionnage au Théâtre La Boussole Rose Valland, l'histoire vraie d'espionnage au Théâtre La Boussole Rose Valland, l'histoire vraie d'espionnage au Théâtre La Boussole

Rose Valland, the extraordinary story of espionage at Théâtre La Boussole

"Rose Valland - Sauver un peu de la beauté du monde", based on the true story of spy Rose Valland, is extended until April 27. The play is on at Théâtre La Boussole.
Le Château de Breteuil, ses jardins remarquables et contes de Perrault Le Château de Breteuil, ses jardins remarquables et contes de Perrault Le Château de Breteuil, ses jardins remarquables et contes de Perrault Le Château de Breteuil, ses jardins remarquables et contes de Perrault

A historical reconstruction in the heart of the Belle Epoque, at the Château de Breteuil

Château de Breteuil invites you to an unusual event, a historical re-enactment in the heart of the Belle Epoque, on May 5, 2024. Travel back to the time of Henri de Breteuil and discover the estate in its heyday!
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Why is Easter Monday a public holiday in France? Origin and history

It's one of the most important dates in the Christian religious calendar. As you may have guessed, I'm talking about Easter. But do you know exactly what Catholics and Protestants celebrate on this day, and why Easter Monday, which falls on April 1, 2024, is a public holiday? We'll tell you.
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Paris 2024: history and origins of the Olympic Games, from Antiquity to the present day

As Paris hosts the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games from July 26 to September 8, 2024, do you know the history and origins of the famous Olympics? We tell you.
D’où vient la journée de la femme : histoire et origines D’où vient la journée de la femme : histoire et origines D’où vient la journée de la femme : histoire et origines D’où vient la journée de la femme : histoire et origines

International Women's Rights Day: why is it being celebrated on March 8?

International Women's Rights Day is celebrated around the world every March 8. Yet few know its history and origins. So why do we celebrate the struggle on March 8? How did this symbolic day come about? We tell you.
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Grandma's Day, since when has there been a grandma's day? date and origin

When is Grandmother's Day and where does it come from? Did you know that this celebration, contrary to popular belief, has its origins in a commercial initiative rather than in historical or religious tradition? We tell you all about it...
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Did you know? This is the oldest clock in Paris, discover its history

Do you know the oldest public clock in Paris, still in operation? Fixed to the walls of the Conciergerie in the heart of the Ïle de la Cité, this clock has been telling the time since 1371. Commissioned by Charles V, the clock marks the king's time.
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History and tradition: why is the red rose the symbol of love?

Lovers all over the world are celebrating Valentine's Day this February 14. Many will give themselves a bouquet of red roses to mark the day. But why is this flower the symbol of love?
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Women's Rights Day 2024: queens and princesses at the Basilique Saint-Denis

To mark International Women's Rights Day, the Basilica of Saint-Denis opens its illustrious doors for an exceptional visit in the footsteps of the princesses and queens buried there, on March 10, 2024 at 2:30pm.