History

Did you know? Why do we indulge in chocolate during Easter celebrations?

It’s a well-known fact: sweet lovers and connoisseurs indulge in kilos of chocolate during Easter celebrations in 2026. But do you really know where this tradition comes from? Here's what you need to know.

Night of the Monuments 2026: Explore Ile-de-France’s Heritage Illuminated After Dark — Event Details

The Night of Monuments is returning from April 17 to 19, 2026. Following the Night of Castles and the Night of Museums, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore French heritage, with sites open late into the night! Discover the monuments of Île-de-France that will light up for a few special days.

This iconic stadium of French football conceals the ruins of a 12th-century church in the Yvelines

Behind the iconic gates of the National Football Center lies a surprising history that extends far beyond the sport. Long before it became the training ground for France’s national team, the Clairefontaine estate has endured centuries of change—from an English hunt pavilion to a war wounded refuge—while still preserving remnants of a 12th-century church.

Did you know? Before the metro, Parisians traveled by horse-drawn omnibus — the ancestor of today’s RATP network.

Before the advent of the metro, Paris was served by horse-drawn omnibuses. From 1828 to 1913, these large horse-drawn carriages crisscrossed the city streets, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the RATP.

Did you know? Bois de Boulogne was once a royal hunting forest.

Did you know that Bois de Boulogne, the lush green oasis in Paris's 16th arrondissement, was once a vast royal forest where French monarchs came to hunt? Here’s a captivating journey through its millennia-old history.

Why is Easter Monday a public holiday in France? History and origins

It’s one of those key dates—perhaps even the most significant—in the Christian religious calendar. You might have guessed it; we’re talking about Easter. But do you actually know what Catholics and Protestants celebrate on this special day? And are you aware of why Easter Monday, which falls this year on April 6, 2026, is a public holiday? Let us fill you in.

This stunning monument on the Île de la Cité exhibits an asymmetry, the result of a whimsical decision by Haussmann.

Located on the Île de la Cité, at the very heart of Paris's historic judiciary district, the Commercial Court building stands as an often-overlooked masterpiece of the Second Empire era. With its imposing dome and lavish interior, this architectural gem conceals a bold design choice: a deliberately offset dome crafted to accommodate the urban planning visions of Baron Haussmann.

Meaux Cathedral: Free Celebration for the Inauguration of the Black Tower with Organ Concert

On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Meaux will mark the completion of its renowned Black Tower's restoration. To celebrate 850 years of history, the town has planned a festive, free day featuring quick guided tours, an organ concert, and local tastings — a tribute to this iconic wooden landmark, a true one-of-a-kind in Île-de-France.

The Imperial Crown of Empress Eugénie at the Louvre Museum: Its History and Unique Features

It has dominated the news headlines in recent months: the crown of Empress Eugénie was stolen from the Louvre Museum in October 2025. Discover the story behind this priceless piece of French heritage.

International Women's Rights Day 2026: Queens and Princesses at Saint-Denis Basilica

On International Women's Day, March 8, 2026, the Basilica of Saint-Denis will once again open its doors to offer a special guided tour exploring the lives of the princesses and queens — powerful women — buried within its walls.

Did you know? The Eiffel Tower was originally meant to have a different name

You know it as the Eiffel Tower. But did you know that its identity could have been quite different? Discover a little-known anecdote about Paris's iron lady.

Nuremberg: Russell Crowe and Rami Malek confront the darkest chapters of history

Nuremberg, a historical drama by James Vanderbilt starring Rami Malek, Russell Crowe, and Michael Shannon, will be released in theaters on January 28, 2026, to mark the 80th anniversary of the trial.

Breteuil 1900: A Living History Reenactment at the Heart of the Belle Époque at Breteuil Castle

The Château de Breteuil invites you to an extraordinary event on May 8, 2026: a historical reenactment set in the heart of the Belle Epoque. Step back into the era of Henri de Breteuil and experience the estate at its peak!

Did you know? This pyramid in Villejuif was instrumental in creating the very first map of France.

Did you know that a small leaning monument in Villejuif played a key role in defining France's measurements and inventing the meter? The enigmatic Cassini Pyramid, once a vital reference point for mapping the kingdom during Louis XV’s reign, is still visible today.

The Pavilion of the Hermitage, the last remnant of the Château de Bagnolet, is a must-see curiosity in the 20th arrondissement.

Through its gates, you can glimpse a genuine relic from the 18th century: the Pavilion of the Hermitage, the last remaining structure from the Château de Bagnolet still standing, and a true folly of its era.

Did you know? Why does the city of Paris have a snail-shaped layout?

If you look at a map of Paris, you'll notice an intriguing spiral winding outward from the city center to the outskirts. Known as the "Parisian snail," this pattern is more than just a visual quirk. Beneath its artistic charm lies a subtle political and historical shift that transformed the daily lives of Parisians in 1860.

The Little History of Parisian Furniture: These 5 Iconic Pieces That Capture the Soul of Paris

You pass by them without always noticing, yet Paris wouldn’t quite be itself without their familiar presence. From the natural curves of the Metro stations to the chipped domes of newspaper kiosks, urban fixtures have been shaping the city’s character since the 19th century. Dive into the story of these everyday icons that keep the heart and soul of Paris beating.

The Little History of Parisian Design: The Guimard Entrance, an Art Nouveau Metro Icon

Like a forged iron vine bursting from the sidewalk, the entrance to the Paris Métro is an open-air work of art. Designed by Hector Guimard, it revolutionized the way we access the underground world. Delve into the history of these metro entrances, with their flowing, plant-like curves—silent witnesses to an era when industrial progress and poetic elegance went hand in hand.

The little story of Parisian furniture: the Davioud Bench, an invitation to stroll through Paris

You sit on it to rest or watch the world go by—the Davioud bench, with its polished wooden slats and ornate cast-iron legs, is the silent companion of our urban respites. Originally designed to turn Paris into a sprawling open-air living room, it has, over 150 years, become a universal emblem of leisure in the city.

The little history of Parisian furniture: the Wallace Fountain, a gift that saved the city from thirst

Silhouette of a green cast-iron fountain, an iconic fixture of Parisian squares, the Wallace fountain is much more than a free water source. It stands as a monument to philanthropy and a masterpiece of sculpture, reminding us that in Paris, even drinking water is a moment of beauty. Discover the story of these guardians of thirst, serving life at street corners for over 150 years.