History

Silhouettes: Charles Fréger explores the images in our memory in an exhibition in Paris

At the Les filles du calvaire gallery, Charles Fréger brings together photographs and videos exploring the silhouette. Joan of Arc, regional figures and historical narratives shape this journey through several series.

Why is November 11 a public holiday in France? History and origins

Every year, France holds numerous tributes and commemorations on November 11. But do you know the origins of this historic date? And do you know why November 11 is a public holiday in France? Here’s the story.

The Louvre Through the Centuries: We Tried the Virtual Reality Experience at the Museum's Foot

Discover the history of the Louvre like never before with this virtual reality guided tour in Paris. Travel back in time from the Middle Ages to the Belle Époque through immersive 360° historical recreations, live commentary from a guide, and an audiovisual experience. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind cultural experience right by the Louvre—book now with our promo code!

Good Bye Lenin! on France 4: recreating the GDR to protect his mother

France 4 airs Good Bye Lenin! on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 9 p.m. Daniel Brühl plays a son who tries to hide from his mother the upheavals that took place while she was in a coma, in Wolfgang Becker’s film.

Les Rochambelles, a historical drama at Théâtre Michel

Les Rochambelles, a play by Valérie Demay directed by Merryl Beaudonnet and Charlotte Bigeard, runs at Théâtre Michel in Paris from 25 September 2026 to 2 January 2027.

Levallois Historical Novel Fair: Books, Meet-the-Authors Events and Workshops—The Programme

The Levallois Historical Novel Fair will take place at Levallois Town Hall on November 14 and 15, 2026, bringing history to life for children and adults through book signings and literary panel discussions.

Screens Under Constraint: Cinema Under the Occupation at the Fondation Pathé

With Screens Under Constraint, the Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé explores French cinema from 1940 to 1944. Posters, excerpts, photographs and archival materials trace an industry subject to censorship, exclusions and shortages, from November 27, 2026, to July 10, 2027.

Around the World: The 1867 World’s Fair Comes to Life in 3D at the National Archives

The National Archives are presenting Crossing the World, a free exhibition on the 1867 World’s Fair and photography. At the Hôtel de Soubise, original documents and 3D viewers bring this vanished Parisian event back to life.

Silent Violence: Roméo Mivekannin questions colonial images at the Musée du quai Branly

With Silent Violence, the musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac welcomes Roméo Mivekannin. Large-format paintings, sculptures and historical photographs make up an exhibition devoted to colonial exhibitions and the place of the viewer.

Richard Wagner at the Palais Garnier: An Exhibition on the Revolutions of the Ring

At the Palais Garnier, Richard Wagner, les révolutions du Ring explores the creation of The Ring of the Nibelung and its legacy. More than a hundred objects shed light on the birth of the cycle, its musical innovations and the challenges of staging it.

Prisoners: the free exhibition on Saint-Lazare Prison in Paris

At the Françoise Sagan media library and in Alban Satragne Square, Women Prisoners traces the final years of Saint-Lazare prison. Photographs, archives and testimonies shed light on the history of the women held there from 1919 to 1932.

Père-Lachaise: stories, photographs and music at an evening event at Solaris

Benoît Gallot, Camille Paix and Mathieu Simonet share their perspectives on Père-Lachaise. The program for this gathering includes biodiversity, women’s lives and memory, through photography, readings and music.

AVRIL at Bastille: a new free cultural venue and an opening exhibition

AVRIL opens on November 20, 2026, in the Passage du Cheval-Blanc, in Bastille. This free venue dedicated to architecture, art, crafts and design kicks off its program with a documentary exhibition by Samia Henni.

Resistance fighters from abroad: Manouchian and the foreigners in an exhibition in Champigny

The Musée de la Résistance nationale in Champigny-sur-Marne presents Résistants d’ailleurs… et pourtant oubliés. Archives, letters and works of art shed light on the involvement of foreigners in the Resistance and the transmission of their memory.

To Your Health! A Free Exhibition on a Century of Campaigns at the National Archives

Posters, commercials and educational games: the National Archives trace a century of health awareness with À votre santé ! An exhibition in Pierrefitte-sur-Seine revisits images and slogans that have entered the collective memory.

A History of Money: Citéco’s exhibition, from gold coins to crypto、】【

At Citéco, A History of Money: From Gold to Crypto explores how money has evolved in the vault room of the Hôtel Gaillard. Objects, an investigation and an audio tour accompany this discovery, which families can enjoy together.

Cassini Map: The Free Exhibition at the National Archives in the Marais District

At the National Archives, the exhibition Cassini’s Map of France looks back at how this map of the country was made in the 18th century. Original documents, instruments and precious editions reveal this scientific adventure at the Hôtel de Soubise.

Escapes of yesteryear: three centuries of country retreats at the Atelier Grognard

In Rueil-Malmaison, the Atelier Grognard traces the history of leisure homes in the Île-de-France region. Nearly 80 works, from plans for country houses to boating posters, tell how the areas around Paris became places for rest and recreation.

Letizia Bonaparte: Napoleon’s mother at the heart of an exhibition at Bois-Préau

At the Château de Bois-Préau in Rueil-Malmaison, an exhibition explores Letizia Bonaparte’s life and place in the imperial family. More than a hundred works bring together portraits, furniture and everyday objects belonging to Madame Mère.

History and Legends of the Middle Ages: the exhibition that brings Playmobil to life at the Army Museum

The Army Museum chronicles the Middle Ages through a family-friendly, engaging exhibit, to be explored from December 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027.