History & heritage

Ephemeris for August 26 in Paris: Opening of the first railway line from Paris

On August 26, 1837, the first railroad line out of Paris was inaugurated. This new railway line, which was also the first in France to be built solely for passenger transport, linked the capital's 8th arrondissement to Le Pecq station in the Yvelines.

Ephemeris of August 25 in Paris: General de Gaulle's speech at the Hôtel de Ville

On August 25, 1944, back in Paris, Charles de Gaulle gave his famous speech "Paris outragé! Paris brisé! Paris martyrisé! mais Paris libéré!" at the Hôtel de Ville. An impromptu speech celebrating the city's liberation and calling for national unity.

Ephemeris of August 24 in Paris: The St Bartholomew's Day Massacre

On August 24, 1572, 4,000 Huguenots were brutally murdered in Paris during the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, the culmination of the Wars of Religion between Catholics and Protestants.

The Maison Zola, the Dreyfus Museum in Médan, Yvelines

In the heart of the Yvelines region, the Musée Dreyfus, in the grounds of the Maison d'Émile Zola, stands as a place steeped in literary and judicial history. Located in Médan, just an hour's drive from Paris, this historic house and museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the life and work of Émile Zola, as well as the Dreyfus Affair, two major elements of late 19th-century French culture.

Moret-sur-Loing : Medieval and Impressionist city among the most beautiful detours in France

Discover Moret-sur-Loing, this medieval and impressionist city among the Most Beautiful Detours of France, only one hour from Paris. Visit this charming town, famous for its Sucre d'Orge, its royal city and the landscapes of Alfred Sisley.

Oscars 2024: by the way, why is the film awards ceremony called that?

It's one of the most important award ceremonies in the world of cinema: the Oscars fascinate stars and lovers of the 7th art alike. But where does the name come from?

Grandma's Day, since when has there been a grandma's day? date and origin

When is Grandmother's Day and where does it come from? Did you know that this celebration, contrary to popular belief, has its origins in a commercial initiative rather than in historical or religious tradition? We tell you all about it...

February 29: why does this special date exist in our calendar?

The year 2024 is a leap year, meaning that the month of February has 29 days instead of 28. Where does this particularity of the calendar come from?

History and tradition: why is the red rose the symbol of love?

Lovers all over the world are celebrating Valentine's Day this February 14. Many will give themselves a bouquet of red roses to mark the day. But why is this flower the symbol of love?

Did you know? The statue of a famous Roman she-wolf is hidden in a Parisian square.

In front of the Sorbonne lies a sculpture with a strong symbolic link between Paris and Rome: a she-wolf. A replica of the Capitoline She-Wolf, it was donated to the French capital as part of the twinning agreement between the two cities, a reminder of the legend of Remus and Romulus.

Did you know? How many replicas of the Statue of Liberty are there in Paris?

Although the best-known Statue of Liberty is in the USA, there are several reproductions around the world, including in the French capital. So where are these statues located in Paris?

Did you know? This Art Deco theater is the only one in Paris with blue decorations!

All Parisian theaters are dressed in red... except one! The Art Deco-style Théâtre Daunou, located next to the Opéra de Paris, is the only one in the capital to be decorated in blue. Find out why!

2024, Year of Hector Guimard: free lectures and events on Art Nouveau in Paris

This year, the city of Paris has decided to highlight the figure of Hector Guimard, a key figure in Art Nouveau in France and in the capital. From January 31, 2024, conferences and free events are planned to celebrate him.

Did you know? Why is the Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre metro so original?

Wondering why the Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre metro exit on Place Colette is so unusual? We tell you the story of the Kiosque des Noctambules, an original work of art designed by Jean-Michel Othoniel.

Did you know? Do you know the origins of the Bistro Parisien?

"Bistro" in Paris: an emblematic term for popular bars, but where does it come from? Between myths and realities, discover the story behind this famous word, which may have come down to us from the Cossacks.

Did you know? Where is the largest caryatid in Paris and what is its history?

Discover the tallest caryatid in Paris, located on rue Turbigo, an intriguing and mysterious 3-storey structure that has been on display since 1859.

Did you know? Why does the McD's in Saint-Lazare have the façade of an Alsatian house?

Does the unusual facade of the McDonald's at 119 rue Saint-Lazare in Paris appeal to you? Discover the history of this Alsatian house that contrasts with the capital's Haussmann-style buildings.

Did you know? The Flame of Liberty on the Pont de l'Alma is not really dedicated to Lady Diana.

At the entrance to the Pont de l'Alma stands a beautiful golden flame, often associated with Lady Diana since her death in an accident. Although it is now an unofficial memorial, the Flame of Liberty is first and foremost a symbol of Franco-American friendship!

Did you know? The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte made the Sun King jealous.

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is certainly one of the most beautiful in the Paris region, and when it was built, it aroused a great deal of jealousy! King Louis XIV even punished its owner, Nicolas Fouquet, because of its splendor!

Did you know? A boat travels through the sewers to clean them, several times a year.

Did you think that boats only sailed on the Seine in Paris? Well, no, they also snake under our feet, in the sewers, to clean those huge pipes, several times a year!