History & heritage

Evening Courses at Paris Sciences and Letters University

Elevate your evenings in Paris! Paris Sciences and Letters University invites you to ten cycles of evening courses, open to all, on a wide range of topics—from astronomy and architecture to fashion, history, AI, and more. Pick yours!

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.

The story of the Zouave of the Alma Bridge: the statue that gauges the Seine’s floods in Paris

Are you familiar with the Zouave, the iconic statue on the Pont de l'Alma that serves as a gauge for the Seine's water levels during major floods in Paris? Here’s the story behind it.

This medieval tower, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Essonne, was once used to measure the speed of light.

Perched atop a 30-meter-high hill, the Montlhéry Tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Essonne and the Île-de-France region. This historic medieval relic, officially listed as a Monument Historique, once served as a laboratory for some of the greatest scientists of the 19th century. Whether you're interested in its history, planning a visit, or just taking a leisurely walk, here's everything you need to know.

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.

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.

6 Unique Ways to Explore the Heritage of Paris and Île-de-France This Winter 2026

This winter, uncover a more intimate side of Île-de-France’s rich heritage. Here are six unusual ways to explore the region, whether cozy indoors or under the enchanting glow of nighttime illuminations—where history meets hidden gems.