Kitchen anecdote guide

Les poulets de la Commune: when the police squatted in a market... for poultry

During the Paris Commune in 1871, police officers were relocated to an old barracks built on a former poultry market. According to legend, this is how their nickname of "poulets" came about. While this anecdote may make you smile, it should be taken with a grain of salt...

Did you know? 5 unusual anecdotes about the Auberge Ravoux, Van Gogh's home in Auvers-sur-Oise

The Auberge Ravoux, a landmark in Auvers-sur-Oise, is best known for having been home to Vincent van Gogh's last days. But behind this reputation lie many surprising stories. Here are five more or less well-known anecdotes about this inn like no other!

Rabbits, flying bells and egg hunts: what are the origins of Easter symbols?

Flying bells, an Easter bunny and decorated eggs - these are the symbols that accompany the traditional Easter festivities. But where do these legends come from? We explain!

Epiphany: What do we celebrate on this day and why do we eat a galette des rois on January 6?

After Christmas and New Year comes Epiphany. Officially celebrated each year on January 6, this day is the occasion to taste the famous galette des rois. As January 6 is not a public holiday, it's customary to start the festivities on the first Sunday of the month, which this year falls on Sunday, January 5, 2025. But do you know why? Do you also know the history and origins of Epiphany? We'll tell you.

What's for Diwali 2024? Traditional Indian specialities

What exactly do we eat for Diwali 2024? Discover the traditional specialities prepared and eaten during the great Indian and Hindu festival!

Did you know? Passage Jouffroy hides a gold ingot and Paris's first fast-food restaurant!

The Passage Jouffroy, located between the Grands Boulevards and rue de la Grange-Batelière, is a place rich in surprises and historical anecdotes. Built in 1846, it is famous for its metal architecture and glass roof, which have inspired many other Parisian passages. This emblematic site is home to unique boutiques and an unusual story revolving around a mysterious gold ingot that caused a sensation in the 19th century. To get there, you can enter either from Boulevard Montmartre at the Musée Grévin, or from Rue de la Grange-Batelière, each entrance offering a different perspective on this space steeped in history.

Should I leave a tip at a restaurant in Paris? How much and how? We explain it all

It's a question that many tourists ask themselves when they come to Paris: should you leave a tip in a restaurant in France? Yes, no, how much, how? We explain it all to you.

Did you know? The Félix Potin on rue Réaumur hid more than 200 skeletons in its basements.

As you pass the corner of rue Réaumur and Sébastopol, you marvel at the historic facade once built by Félix Potin, a store to which you return, tell the story, but where you also stay, a priori... The former headquarters of the brand that was once Paris' first department store, now a Monoprix, hides a macabre history.

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? 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.

Autumn fruit: chestnut or sweet chestnut, how to recognize edible fruit in the forest

On a walk in the forest, you're sure to find chestnuts and sweet chestnuts at the foot of the trees, just waiting to be picked up and cooked. But beware: chestnuts are poisonous and cannot be eaten! Here's how to recognize them.

Mushroom picking: how can you be sure your harvest is edible?

It's one of the pleasures of autumn: strolling through the forest to pick porcini and mushrooms. But as we all know, these foods can be dangerous. How can you be sure that your harvest is safe and edible?

What to eat for Pesach 2023? Traditional Jewish specialties

From April 5 to 13, 2023, the Jewish community celebrates Pessa'h, to commemorate the Exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt. It is an opportunity to gather with family and share festive meals, full of rituals and customs, and to savor traditional Jewish specialties.

The history of the famous Parisian macaroon

Macaroons are the guilty pleasure of many a sweet tooth. But do you really know its history? We tell you more about the origins of the macaroon, right up to its Parisian incarnation.

History of French Pastry: the Saint-Honoré

A veritable star of Parisian patisserie, the Saint-Honoré is a favorite among gourmets. But how did it all begin? We take you through the history of the Saint-Honoré.

History of French Pastry: where does the Mille-Feuille come from?

The Mille-Feuille is a classic French pastry. But where does this sweet treat come from? It's time to delve into the history of the Mille-Feuille.

History of French Pastry: Opera

Many of us love opera. Whether in a classic chocolate version or a new twist, it's a real guilty pleasure. But do you know the origins of this pastry? We'll take you through the history of opera.