Histoire - activities

3 anecdotes about the Jardin du Luxembourg, discover the secrets of the Parisian garden

The Jardin du Luxembourg, considered by tourists as "the most beautiful garden in Europe", located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, hides some little secrets, only known by the regulars of the area. Ready to discover them?

The Château de Versailles, a witness to French history just a stone's throw from Paris

Located southwest of Paris, in the Yvelines department, the Château de Versailles is one of the region's most visited tourist sites. With 7 million visitors a year (approximately), the estate offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in history - history with a capital H - and in the daily life of the court between the 17th and 18th centuries.

Fêtes Galantes 2024, a sumptuous costumed evening at the Château de Versailles

The Fêtes Galantes return to the Château de Versailles! For one evening, on Monday May 22, 2023, slip into the shoes of a marquis or princess, and take part in the dances and games of this wild celebration, which concludes in style with a fireworks display!

Nuit Blanche – White night: What is it?

What is the White night exactly? This major event returns to Paris on Saturday October 1, 2022, with plenty of art events open to all and for free for the night. But do you know when and how this event devoted to contemporary creation was made? Here is the story and origin of the famous White Night in Paris.

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.

Ephemeris of September 28 in Paris: Fire at Le Printemps department store

On the morning of September 28, 1921, 40 years after the first fire, Le Printemps department store was the scene of a fire that ravaged the interior of the second building under construction.

Ephemeris of September 23 in Paris: The first flight of the balloon Le Neptune during the Siege of Paris

On September 23, 1870, with Paris under siege from the Prussian army, the first balloon took off from Place Saint-Pierre. Christened Le Neptune, the aircraft took off carrying 125 kilos of official dispatches for members of the government who had retreated to Tours.

Ephemeris of September 17 in Paris: Bomb attack in front of Tati, rue de Rennes

On September 17, 1986, Paris was once again the target of a terrorist attack on the rue de Rennes. For two weeks, the capital had been the scene of a series of attacks, claimed by a pro-Iranian terrorist network working on behalf of the Lebanese Hezbollah. The bomb, planted in front of the Tati store, killed 7 people and wounded 55, putting an end to this "black September".

Ephemeris for September 15 in Paris: Attack on the Publicis drugstore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

On September 15, 1974, a grenade exploded in the Saint-Germain drugstore, killing 2 people and wounding 34 others. The attack was blamed on the revolutionary terrorist Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, known as Carlos.

European Heritage Days 2021 in Notre-Dame de Paris Crypt

European Heritage Days 2021 are coming to Notre Dame archaeological crypt on Saturday September 18 and Sunday 19, 2021.

September 10th Paris Ephemeris: Tornado wreaks havoc in the heart of Paris

On September 10, 1896, a tornado formed in the heart of Paris, just a stone's throw from Place Saint-Sulpice. In just a few minutes, the phenomenon swept across the capital, ravaging everything in its path.

History fact, it happened on September 7 in Paris: Paris taxis requisitioned, the “Taxis de la Marne”

On September 6 and 7, 1914, 1,300 Paris taxis are requisitioned by the French army to send backup soldiers to the front for the Battle of the Marne. The “Taxis de la Marne” will carry 6,000 infantrymen and enable to stop the advance of the German armies to Paris.