Historical anecdotes

Did you know? What are the 10 most unusual objects found in the Paris metro?

In the twists and turns of the Paris metro, agents discover much more than forgotten umbrellas. Between a funeral urn, a wooden leg and a Scottish bagpipe, these unusual objects bear witness to the mysterious lives of the 200,000 passengers who lose their belongings every year on Paris transport. We reveal the 10 most original objects, consciously (or not) forgotten.

Do you know the Parisian origins of New York's Statue of Liberty?

Before becoming an American symbol, the Statue of Liberty was built in Paris, in the 17th arrondissement. Here's a look back at its little-known history, from rue de Chazelles to Liberty Island.

Did you know? The Moulin Rouge once hosted a roller coaster

Did you know? When the Moulin Rouge opened in 1889, a roller coaster was installed in its Montmartre garden. Here's a look back at the history of this little-known attraction in the festive Paris of the Belle Époque!

Did you know? Why was Place l'Hôtel de Ville called Place de Grève?

Long known as the Place de Grève, today's Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville in Paris has seen many uses: as a trading port, a place of public execution, then as the center of municipal power from 1357. Discover its history!

Did you know? This graffiti, dating from 1764 on the Place des Vosges, is the oldest in Paris.

Here's an amusing Paris anecdote! In the Marais district, on the Place des Vosges, you'll find the oldest graffiti in the capital... Did you know that? You do now! But what does it say? When was it done? Discover its history!

Did you know: which is the oldest museum in Paris?

Paris is home to over a hundred museums. But do you know which is the oldest? Here's the answer...

Did you know? Margaret Thatcher had a little misadventure at La Défense in the 80s.

La Défense, Paris's business district, is home to many companies, schools and a large shopping mall... And some public figures have had misadventures in the heart of the district... Such was the case of Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, who had a funny adventure in 1989. We tell you all about it!

Did you know? The Cabaret de l'Enfer livened up the nights of the Belle Époque in Paris.

With its "gateway to hell", the Cabaret de l'Enfer was a mecca of nightlife during the Belle Époque in Paris. We tell you the story of this atypical cabaret, which played host to a number of Surrealist artists.

Did you know? 3 anecdotes about the Pont des Arts aka Pont d'Aya

The Pont des Arts, illuminated for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, with the performance of Aya Nakamura and the Garde Républicaine, is the source of much ink and buzz on the networks. We take a look back at this emblematic building and its memorable anecdotes, now joined by Aya's song.

Did you know? Where is the largest caryatid in Paris and what is its history?

Discover the tallest caryatid in Paris, located on rue Turbigo, an intriguing and mysterious 3-storey structure that has been on display since 1859.

Who was Charles Michels, the man who gave his name to the line 10 station in the 15th arrondissement?

Located under Place Charles-Michels and Avenue Emile Zola in the 15th arrondissement, the eponymous metro station is particularly well known to those who take line 10 to Boulogne-Billancourt (its terminus) or Gare d'Austerlitz (its other terminus).

Metro: why Georges V station almost didn't bear the British monarch's name

In the 8th arrondissement, on line 1 of the Paris metro, the Georges V station is located under the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, at the end of the Avenue Georges V.

Do you know Guy Moquêt, the high school student who gave his name to the metro station?

If you regularly take line 13 on the Saint-Denis Université branch, you're used to passing Guy Moquêt station, in the 17th arrondissement. Behind the name of the station, there's above all the name of a Parisian high-school pupil, whose story we'd like you to discover.

Who is Monsieur Bienvenüe, after whom the metro station is named?

If you take the Paris metro on lines 6, 13, 4 or 12, you may have already got off at Montparnasse-Bienvenüe station, where you usually stop to enter the Montparnasse station in the south of Paris. But why call the station that?

Did you know? The RER A could have been named MERDE (SHIT)

Did you know? In 1970, the iconic RER A, a fixture of Parisian transport, narrowly missed being christened "MERDE". A surprising anecdote thanks to the RATP and a vigilant painter.

Did you know that? The Castel Béranger is one of the emblematic buildings of Art Nouveau in Paris

Did you know that? The Castel Béranger is an emblematic building of Art Nouveau in Paris. It was designed by the architect Hector Guimard, famous for his Art Nouveau creations, including the famous Parisian subway entrances. Located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, the Castel Béranger is a true architectural gem, a testimony to the refined aesthetics of the period.

Vacations: 5 cities in Île-de-France to visit with your family

Want to take the kids out during the vacations? The Paris Region has many beautiful cities to discover during a family outing. With the free application Paris Region Aventures, created by the Regional Tourism Committee (CRT), you can make the outing fun and playful with a treasure hunt. We give you our favorite walks to do this fall in Paris Region.