History & heritage

Attend the changeover of the Garde Républicaine every first Tuesday of the month in front of the Élysée Palace.

A tradition abandoned 27 years ago is back this Tuesday, November 7, 2023. At 9 a.m., watch the free changing of the Republican Guard in front of the Élysée Palace, every first Tuesday of the month.

Climb into the attic of the Sainte-Chapelle at Château de Vincennes for a privileged visit

Within the fortified walls of Château de Vincennes, don't miss the Sainte-Chapelle, a marvel of Gothic art, and take advantage of a privileged visit to climb into the attic and observe the skills of craftsmen of yesteryear.

The sublime Mines Paris library, a hidden treasure in the Jardin du Luxembourg

The sublime Bibliothèque des Mines Paris (PSL), nestled in the historic Hôtel de Vendôme in the Luxembourg Gardens, invites you to take a trip back in time to the 18th century. With over 200,000 documents, the library is open to all.

Théâtre des Champs-Élysées : Paris's architectural and scenic jewel

Discover the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, a renowned architectural monument and the epicenter of Parisian cultural life.

Immeuble Lavirotte: Art Nouveau jewel on Avenue Rapp in Paris

The Immeuble Lavirotte is a masterpiece of Parisian Art Nouveau, located on Avenue Rapp in the 7th arrondissement. Erected between 1900 and 1901 by Jules Lavirotte, this award-winning building's dreamlike facade is particularly appealing if you're walking near the Eiffel Tower.

La Pagode de Paris - the unique and unusual Maison Loo in Paris

The Pagode de Paris - Maison Loo, located in the heart of the Plaine Monceau between the 8th and 17th arrondissements, is an unusual architectural treasure. Revamped in 1926, this former residence now stands like a private museum, a building of one man's love for his native China, right in the heart of Paris.

Art and heritage: where do the statues on the Musée d'Orsay forecourt come from?

Large animal statues have long adorned the square surrounding the Musée d'Orsay. But do you know where they come from and what they represent? We tell you.

Discover the unusual Lion Fountain in the Jardin des Plantes : History and curiosities

Do you know the Lion Fountain in the Jardin des Plantes? Located near the entrance on rue Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, this work of art dating from 1863 awaits you at the foot of Buffon's labyrinth. We tell you all about it.

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 Passage du Caire is the oldest passageway in Paris. Discover its history.

The little-known Passage du Caire, located in the popular rue Saint-Denis district, offers a journey back in time. Built in 1798, this historic Paris landmark has retained a certain austerity, but is well worth a visit for its incredible history. We tell you all about it!

Did you know? There are seven Guimard metro kiosks outside Paris. Find out where they are located.

The capital doesn't have a monopoly on Guimard metro kiosks, as seven of them have surprisingly found their way far from the capital, as part of artistic exchanges. Discover their locations around the world!

Did you know? This is the smallest house in Paris, an unusual house with a rich history.

In the heart of the 10th arrondissement, at no. 39 rue du Château-d'Eau, lies the smallest house in Paris. Measuring less than 1.5 meters wide, this architectural curiosity has a fascinating story to tell.

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.

Did you know? The smallest street in Paris is 5 metres long.

They say small is beautiful. The smallest street in Paris is no exception, discreetly wedged between the shopping streets of Beauregard and Cléry, in the center of the capital.

Paris: do you know the story of the capital's two most famous ghosts?

Two well-known ghosts roam the streets of the capital, but how well do you know their story? Be on the lookout, as these characters may well come to visit you after dark!

Paris: discover the location of the last visible remnant of the capital's washhouses

A few centuries ago, there were almost 300 laundries in the capital. Unfortunately, these water-fed basins all disappeared when they ceased their activity, and only a vestige remains, just off the Place de la Bastille!

Square Saint-Gilles Grand Veneur, the charming and hidden rose garden of Paris

Looking for a hidden, confidential garden, where it's nice to sit and admire the rose garden and read a book? We invite you to discover the Saint-Gilles Grand-Veneur Pauline-Roland square, a secret square with a certain charm.

Good plan: these areas of the Château de Versailles are accessible for free to all

Did you know that? Some rooms and spaces related to the Palace and the Estate of Versailles are open to the public free of charge. Here are the conditions to visit them without paying a penny.

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.

Do you know the terrible and gloomy history of the Buttes-Chaumont park?

Before being this beautiful bucolic park, the Buttes-Chaumont had a very gloomy history, and saw many deaths over the centuries. There is a good reason behind the name of the Pont des Suicidés (Suicide Bridge) which overlooks the park...