History & heritage

A free guided tour of the hidden and restored decorative schemes at the Chancellerie d'Orléans in Paris

During free and exceptional guided tours, admire the magnificent interiors of the Chancellerie d'Orléans, rescued from demolition and restored, just a stone's throw from the National Archives.

August 11 in Paris: the 1999 total solar eclipse, here’s what happened.

Le 11 août 1999, in Paris and across France, the Moon completely obscured the Sun for just under three minutes. It was the last total solar eclipse of the 20th century, and of the second millennium as well. A look back at that extraordinary day, in anticipation of the nearly total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026.

On this day in history: the cornerstone of the Arc de Triomphe was laid in Paris.

On August 15, 1806, the first stone of the Arc de Triomphe was laid, erected by order of Napoleon I to perpetuate the memory of the victories of the French armies. Here is the story of the moment that gave birth to one of Paris’s symbols.

This hotel-restaurant in Saint-Germain-en-Laye hides a secret room—the birthplace of Louis XIV.

A royal cradle tucked away in a hotel-restaurant! In Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the Pavillon Henri IV houses the oratory where Louis XIV was born in 1638. Discover the secrets of this exceptional historic residence and the conditions for visiting its centerpiece.

8 offbeat outings to explore the heritage of Paris and Île-de-France this summer, 2026

Between secret tours, little-known architecture, and immersive experiences, this summer reveals a new side of Île-de-France’s heritage. Here are eight fresh ideas to explore the region differently, where history meets hidden curiosities.

Palace of Justice on Île de la Cité: explore this historic labyrinth and sit in on a courtroom hearing.

Through a two-hour guided tour, roam a labyrinth of corridors in a solemn atmosphere and uncover the secrets of the Palais de Justice in Paris on Île de la Cité, from a medieval fortress to the temple of justice we know today.

Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines: the surprising origin of its name

The name of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, this vast agglomeration in the Yvelines about 20 km southwest of Paris, derives from a small medieval chapel dedicated to a 3rd‑century Roman martyr. A story that few Île-de-France residents know. Here's the story.

Yvelines: the little-known château that inspired Ronsard and Cézanne is open to visitors!

Nestled on the banks of the Seine in Médan, Yvelines, the Château de Médan is a former hunting lodge listed as a Historic Monument, a site whose history weaves together poetry, painting and royal intrigues. The château is open to visitors once a month, for group bookings, or on special occasions such as Open Gardens or Heritage Days—we’ve got the full details.

This keep in Essonne is a miniature replica of Philippe Auguste's medieval Louvre.

Did you know? The keep of the Château de Dourdan, in Essonne, was built on the same model as Philippe Auguste’s medieval Louvre. Just 44 km from Paris, this listed monument is open to visitors year-round.

Yvelines: where does the name of this 78-numbered department, formerly known as Seine-et-Oise, come from?

The Yvelines department (78), located to the west of Paris in Île-de-France, bears a name with surprisingly medieval roots. A vanished forest, ancient Latin, and a Versailles-born poet are behind this appellation, adopted by the National Assembly in 1968 to replace Seine-et-Oise. Here’s the full story.

Why is this little-known Montmartre house guarded by two imperial eagles?

Under the shadow of the famous Maison Rose, Rue de l'Abreuvoir hides a shrine in honor of Napoleon. Guarded by two majestic imperial eagles, this house was once the home of a historian obsessed with the emperor—a historically offbeat stop that challenges Montmartre’s bohemian image.

World Unicorn Day: So, where does this legendary creature actually come from?

She spews glitter, smells of roses, leaves flowers and rainbows in her wake: the unicorn is kids’ favorite legendary creature. Having made a strong comeback in pop culture in recent years, the unicorn remains an object of eternal fascination. On the occasion of World Unicorn Day, this Thursday, April 9, 2026, let’s explore its origins together.

These archaeological remains of a Gallo-Roman villa can be visited on a campus in Essonne.

In Yvelines, you can climb to the top of this tower for a sweeping view of the medieval town.

Rising 25 metres above the Yvelines, Houdan's keep hides a history as solid as it is unusual. A survivor from the 12th century, this stone colossus weathered demolition by being transformed into a functional water tower for nearly a century. An architectural curiosity that today offers an exceptional panorama of the medieval town.

Domaine National de Port-Royal des Champs: A Historical and Cultural Journey in Yvelines

We're off to discover the Domaine National de Port-Royal des Champs in Magny-les-Hameaux, Yvelines, open all year round. This historic and cultural site, which bears witness to the history of Jansenism, offers a unique visiting experience and a wonderful discovery walk.

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.

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.

JEMA 2026 in Paris: Opéra Comique Highlights Artisanal Crafts of the Performing Arts

The Heritage and Craft Days are the perfect opportunity to explore a wide range of fascinating professions and experience enchanting venues! From April 9 to 11, 2026, head over to the Opéra Comique to immerse yourself in the world of live performance.

JEMA 2026: Meeting with craft artisans and live demonstrations at Fontainebleau Castle

The Château de Fontainebleau will be taking part in this year's edition of the Journées des Métiers d'Art on April 11, 2026. Visitors can look forward to a variety of free activities designed to inspire and engage curious minds.