Le saviez vous guide

La Nuit Blanche in Paris, history and origins of this major contemporary art event

What exactly is the Nuit Blanche in Paris? This not-to-be-missed event returns to Paris this Saturday, June 7, 2025, with a host of artistic programs accessible free of charge for an entire night. But do you know what it stands for, and when and how this event dedicated to contemporary creation was born? Here's the history and origins of the famous Nuit Blanche in Paris.

Thunderstorms and flooding: where does the water that flows into metro stations go?

During heavy thunderstorms, subway stations are sometimes flooded, with water seeping down in torrents. But do you know how this water is evacuated?

Did you know? Gargoyles play a key role in the survival of cathedrals.

They stare down at you from their perches, their eyes frozen, their mouths gaping... but gargoyles aren't there just for decoration! These mystical sculptures, hung on Gothic cathedrals like Notre-Dame, conceal a much more practical function than you might think... Here's how.

La Hublotière, Hector Guimard's Art Nouveau villa to visit this summer 2025 in Le Vésinet (78)

Have you heard of La Hublotière? This Art Nouveau villa, designed by Hector Guimard, is hidden away in the heart of Le Vésinet, in the Yvelines department. Exceptionally, it's opening its doors to the public this summer - a golden opportunity to discover our heritage!

Did you know? Île-de-France isn't an island... but it's close!

Is Île-de-France really an island without a sea? Take an express dive into the history and mysteries of the name that shapes the identity of France's most effervescent region.

Time change: why was it introduced?

This weekend, March 29 and 30, 2025, we switch to daylight saving time: one hour more daylight, one hour less sleep. But where does this system come from, and why was it introduced? We explain.

Did you know? The magnolias in the Jardin du Palais Royal are in bloom! What's their story?

It's magnolia season in the gardens of the Palais Royal! Over the past few days, the majestic trees have been decked out in beautiful shades of pink and purple, much to the delight of walkers, tourists and photographers alike. But do you know why there are magnolias in this garden? Back in history...

The Collège des Bernardins: one of the oldest medieval buildings in Paris to visit free of charge

Let's discover the Collège des Bernardins - one of the oldest medieval buildings in Paris. Be sure to visit this 13th-century gem, located in the heart of the Latin Quarter and open to the public free of charge. Open all year round, this cultural space offers a variety of exhibitions and events, and even a café-restaurant.

Square René-Viviani and its flowering trees, the unusual garden with the oldest tree in Paris

Located just a stone's throw from Notre-Dame de Paris, Square René-Viviani offers a unique bucolic setting in the heart of the capital. With prunus blossoms heralding spring and a robinia tree planted in 1601, the oldest in Paris, this confidential garden is a veritable bubble of greenery steeped in history.

Did you know? The Bièvre, a Parisian river, still flows beneath the cobblestones of the capital.

Once upon a time, a river flowed through the 5th and 13th arrondissements of Paris for all to see. It became too polluted in the 19th century, and is now buried beneath the cobblestones of the capital, but continues to flow beneath our feet, deeply hidden.

Did you know? Why does Abbesses station bear this name and what makes it special?

Why does Abbesses station bear this name? Located on line 12 of the Paris metro, Abbesses is the deepest station in the capital, nestling 36 meters underground. But behind its famous Art Nouveau aedicula and frescoed spiral staircase, it hides a history dating back over 900 years, linked to a powerful medieval abbey. Discover the origins of this storied name in the heart of Montmartre.

Ramadan 2025: why do the dates change every year?

Ramadan 2025 kicks off this weekend in France, and more precisely this Saturday, March 1, 2025, the day after the Night of Doubt, marking the start of the holy month for Muslims. This month of fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection is one of the five pillars of Islam. However, the dates of Ramadan vary from year to year. Why this annual shift?

Did you know? 3 unusual facts about Sacré-Cœur

The Sacré-Coeur is the jewel of Montmartre, fascinating visitors with its colossal dimensions and distinctive architecture. But how much do you really know about it? We reveal three unusual facts about the Sacré-Coeur.

Did you know? Here are 4 anecdotes about Notre-Dame de Paris

It's one of the most emblematic monuments in Paris! Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, located on the Ile de la Cité, is full of stories and secrets! Here are a few anecdotes about it!

Did you know: which is the oldest museum in Paris?

Paris is home to over a hundred museums. But do you know which is the oldest? Here's the answer...

Did you know? There was a circus on the Champs-Elysées in the 19th century.

Everyone knows Cirque d'Hiver, but did you know that Cirque d'Été existed for a few decades on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, before disappearing forever?

Valentine's Day: why is it celebrated on February 14? History and origins

This February 14 is Lovers' Day, more commonly known as Valentine's Day. But do you know who this Valentine is and why we celebrate this event on February 14? We explain the origins and history of Valentine's Day.

The Bouglione family circus museum, a well-hidden nugget - our photos

Well-hidden museums abound in the capital, but the circus museum is only accessible to the lucky few. Located in the heart of the Cirque d'Hiver and owned by the Bouglione family, it features exceptional costumes and priceless memorabilia.

Did you know? A swimming pool has been hidden beneath the Cirque d'Hiver ring since the 1930s.

There's no shortage of swimming pools in the capital, but few people have ever been able to swim in the Cirque d'Hiver! Hidden beneath the floor of the ring, it was built in the 1930s for water shows.

Did you know? Line 14 existed long before the current version, in the 1930s.

Before line 14 became the modern, fast metro we know today, another metro with the same number existed in the 1930s, before being attached to line 13 forty years later.