History

Vikings set up camp just outside Paris at Château de la Madeleine

Watch out for Vikings if you're hanging around the Chevreuse Valley this weekend! To close the Rendez-vous de la Madeleine, they're setting up camp at the foot of the château, and awaiting you and your family for a whole host of free activities!

Le Chevalier du Ciel exhibition at the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération - our photos

Immerse yourself in the captivating life of the Compagnon de la Libération, Édouard Corniglion-Molinier, thanks to the exhibition "Le Chevalier du ciel" at the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération in Paris from October 2, 2023 to February 4, 2024. Rediscover this aviation hero, outstanding pilot, daring adventurer and key player in the French Resistance.

Les secrets de la princesse de Cadignan: historical romance with Arielle Dombasle and Julie Depardieu

"Les secrets de la Princesse de Cadignan", a film by Arielle Dombasle, features a diabolical seductress (Arielle Dombasle herself), finally finding true, true love. A historical romance to be discovered in cinemas from September 13, 2023.

Did you know? The Gloriette de Buffon is the oldest metal structure in Paris.

In the heart of Paris's 5th arrondissement, the Jardin des Plantes is home to the mysterious and historic Gloriette de Buffon, dating from 1786. Discover a hidden treasure.

Did you know? The Eiffel Tower has seen many parachute jumps, the first dating back to 1912.

Parachuting from the Eiffel Tower is not the best idea, as history has amply demonstrated. The first man to attempt the feat didn't survive, in 1912, and he's far from the only one, given the dangerous nature of the act, which is obviously forbidden.

Il Boemo: Vojtěch Dyk in Petr Václav's film with Elena Radonicich and Barbara Ronchi

Il Boemo features the forgotten composer Josef Myslivecek. Featuring Vojtěch Dyk, the film follows his rise to fame in Venice in 1764 thanks to an opera that would turn his career upside down.

Did you know? Where does the name Seine come from?

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the Seine's name? Originating from the commune of Sources-Seine in Burgundy, this river is named after a Celtic goddess, Sequana. We tell you all about its history and legend.

In the footsteps of Jeanne du Barry, King Louis XV's favorite, from Versailles to Louveciennes

Did you enjoy the film Jeanne du Barry, starring Johnny Depp and Maïwenn? Let us take you on a tour of the places where King Louis XV's favorite courtesan spent her life in the Île-de-France region!

Paris: discovery of the remains of the Lutetia necropolis thanks to the RER B construction site

Incredible! About fifty exceptional Gallo-Roman tombs were discovered during excavations in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, during the construction of the Port-Royal station on the RER B train.

Did you know that? Discover the history of the Journal du Soir - La France building - rue Montmartre

Immerse yourself in the history of journalism in Paris by visiting the façade of the Journal du Soir - La France, located at 144 rue Montmartre, a witness to a bygone era.

The Renaissance at the Château de Vincennes, the historical event of the Easter weekend

Theatrical performances, court dances, reenactment of a medieval camp, armored battles, culinary demonstrations, so many fun activities organized by the Château de Vincennes, from April 8 to 10, for a 100% historical event!

Did you know? What's the story behind the Au Planteur façade in Paris?

Discover the Au Planteur facade in Paris' Montorgueil district, listed as a historic monument since 1984. Located at 10-12 rue des Petits-Carreaux in the 2nd arrondissement, this colonial facade and fresco is still the subject of much debate, and we'd like to tell you all about it.

Did you know that? A Parisian street on the Île de la Cité is paved with tombstones

The rue Chanoinesse, on the Île de la Cité, conceals many mysteries, some of them terrifying. If you go to number 26, you may well step on some graves!

Hanami: history and origin of the cherry blossom festival

True tradition in Japan, the Hanami custom is starting to take place in France. During this ritual, many people gather with friends or family to contemplate the cherry blossoms and celebrate spring. But do you know the history and the origin of the cherry blossom festival? We answer you.

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.

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.