History

Histoire de Lire 2025: the historical book fair in Versailles

For its new edition, the Histoire de Lire book fair returns to the Hôtel de Ville and the Ancienne Poste de Versailles on November 22 and 23, 2025. Nearly 200 authors will be present at this event, which is open to all, to share their love of history.

Did you know? There is a huge open-air water reservoir between the rooftops in Passy.

Since 1866, the 16th arrondissement has been home to the Passy Reservoir, a vast hydraulic structure perched on the Chaillot hill. Designed by engineer Eugène Belgrand during the Second Empire, this discreet site still supplies non-drinking water to gardens and fountains in western Paris.

The Viking Immersive City: last days of the historical experience at Westfield Carré Sénart (77)

Immerse yourself in the Viking era in France with an immersive, sensory experience, from December 20, 2024 to November 2, 2025, at the Westfield Carré Sénart, featuring sound and light shows, scenery and artifact displays.

Maison Hetzel: the home of Jules Verne's publisher, an endangered heritage site in Sèvres (92)

In the heart of Sèvres, discover the Maison Hetzel! A small troupe struggles to bring to life the history of this place where the family of this renowned publisher, who published Jules Verne and his Voyages extraordinaires, lived.

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

Every year in France, there are countless tributes and commemorations on the occasion of November 11th. But do you know why November 11th is such a historic date in France? And why is it a national holiday in France? We tell you.

Why is November 1st a public holiday? The history and origins of All Saints' Day

As in many other countries, November 1st is a public holiday in France. But do you know why All Saints' Day is not celebrated? And do you know the history and origins of this holiday? We tell you.

Did you know that a sublime and unusual Parisian façade is hidden in Cité Malesherbes?

Among the most beautiful facades and buildings in Paris is the one designed by architect Anatole Jal, for and by painter Pierre-Jules Jollivet. Nestled in the peaceful, hidden Cité Malesherbes, this marvel of biblical scenes is well worth a visit. We tell you all about it.

Following in the footsteps of the Aqueduc Médicis, where can you find the last remains in the 14th arrondissement?

Today, water flows easily beneath our feet, but there was a time when an aqueduct, the Médicis, carried water from Rungis with greater difficulty. Although it is less useful today than it was in the 17th century, there are still a few remnants to be discovered when strolling through the 14th arrondissement.

Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival: origin and significance of this Asian festival

Every year, several Asian countries celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, better known as the Moon Festival, on the evening of the 15thᵉ day of the eighth lunar month. This year, the date is Monday, October 6, 2025. So, what's the story behind this festival and where does it come from? Let's find out.

3 original anecdotes about the tombs of the kings and queens of France at the Basilique-Saint-Denis

Between original or touching anecdotes and French history, Noémie Nunes, in charge of communications at CMN, reveals the treasures of the Basilique Saint-Denis, whose spire is about to be reborn thanks to an extraordinary worksite.

Reconstruction of the spire at Saint-Denis Basilica: our interview with a stonemason

On the occasion of the reconstruction of the spire of the Basilique Saint-Denis and the opening of the Fabrique de la Flèche, where visitors can tour the construction site, we met stonemason Albanne Cadennes to discuss this fascinating skill.

Why has Romanesque architecture almost entirely disappeared in Paris, and where can you find it?

While the capital is a proud exponent of Gothic architecture, it also had many Romanesque buildings before that. With the passage of time, however, the vast majority have disappeared... except for a few die-hards!

Imperial Sunday: historical re-enactment and falconry show in Rambouillet (78)

The Empire awaits you for a historic day on Sunday, October 12, 2025, a chance to step back in time through historical re-enactments, demonstrations and shows, in the town of Rambouillet and its imperial estate.

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.

Ephemeris of August 19 in Paris: The Liberation of Paris, we tell you about it

From August 19 to 25, 1944, Paris was finally liberated from German occupation. It was the triumph of the Allies and fighting France, and the establishment of General de Gaulle as leader of a liberated and victorious France.

August 15 ephemeris: Laying the foundation stone for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris

On August 15, 1806, the foundation stone was laid for the Arc de Triomphe, built by order of Napoleon 1st to commemorate the victories of the French armies. We tell you the story of the moment that saw the birth of one of the symbols of Paris.

Fête de la Science: discover the origins of this free, family-friendly scientific event

The Fête de la Science is the not-to-be-missed October event for fans of scientific experiments and new knowledge! Discover the history of this event, born in the capital!

Why is August 15 a public holiday in France? The history and origins of the Assumption

This August 15, it's the Assumption. Alongside other feasts such as Christmas, Ascension and All Saints' Day, Assumption Day is celebrated by many Catholics every year. But do you know the history and origins of this holiday in France?

Attend the rekindling ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier under the Arc de Triomphe

Every evening, under the Arc de Triomphe, you can attend a free, silent ceremony in tribute to the soldiers who died for France. At 6.30pm, the Flame of the Nation, on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is rekindled to burn endlessly. We tell you the story of this special ceremony.

Did you know? Only one vestige of the former Halles de Paris remains in Nogent-sur-Marne.

The sole survivor of the twelve iron and glass pavilions designed by Victor Baltard to modernize the commercial heart of Paris, No. 8 now stands in Nogent-sur-Marne. A precious testimony to the industrial architecture of the Second Empire, it has been enjoying a second life since 1976.