Le saviez vous guide

From the Hôtel d'Évreux to the Élysée Palace: Between Private Mansion and State Secrets

Before becoming the office of the President of the Republic, 55 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré was the dream project of a single man: Count d'Évreux. Built in 1718, this private mansion was then regarded as the most beautiful residence on the outskirts of Paris. Let’s take a look back at the history of a building that survived revolutions and went on to become the very heart of the State.

Did you know? This Egyptian temple in the 10th arrondissement hides a cinema and a rooftop bar beneath its historic façade.

Forget the pyramids—hidden at the intersection of Boulevard de la Chapelle and Boulevard de Magenta is one of Paris's most captivating treasures: the Louxor. This iconic cinema, with its façade decorated with pharaohs and gilded mosaics, transports visitors to another world.

Why is there a hidden sausage tucked away in a drawer of a table at the Auberge Ravoux?

Behind the historic walls of the Auberge Ravoux lies a story just as rich and intriguing, though far less tragic than that of Van Gogh. Did you know that the renowned André Malraux, former Minister of Culture and a frequent visitor, left behind an unexpectedly playful mark on the place?

What is contained within this mysterious jar with a sorrowful story, nestled deep in the crypt of Saint-Denis Basilica?

Did you know that a jar hidden in the crypt of Saint-Denis contains the dried heart of a child king? Amid thefts, DNA analyses, and centuries of mystery, explore the remarkable story behind the relic of Louis XVII.

Why was the Rotunda of Parc Monceau once considered Paris's most hated building?

Before transforming into the elegant gateway to one of the capital's most beautiful gardens, the renowned Rotunda of Parc Monceau had a less glamorous role — that of a customs house! Dive into the history of this unusual monument, a rare survivor from a time when entering Paris didn’t come free of charge!

Did you know? 3 unusual anecdotes about Père Lachaise cemetery

Père Lachaise is one of the world's most famous cemeteries. Its famous tombs, its mysteries and its fascinating history. But how much do you really know about it? We reveal 3 unusual anecdotes about the Père Lachaise cemetery.

Are you familiar with this little-known covered passage that’s getting a major facelift, located near the Galerie Vivienne?

In Paris’s 2nd arrondissement, the Galerie Colbert has just completed a three-year restoration project spanning from 2022 to 2025. Join us as we revisit this cultural jewel and delve into the fascinating story behind its unique heritage.

What secrets lie behind this Art Nouveau façade and its stunning cork-shaped roof?

At 140 Rue de Rennes in Paris stands a striking building, its corner turret unlike any other. Celebrating the heyday of department stores and the Art Nouveau movement, the former Félix Potin commercial building is a testament to innovation and bold design.

Did you know? The very first nightclub opened its doors in Paris, near the Palais-Royal.

Far from the traditional dance bands, a musical revolution took place after World War II near the Palais-Royal. It was there that Régine replaced the jukebox with turntables, giving birth to the discotheque!

Did you know? Who was Max Linder, after whom the cinema in the 9th arrondissement is named?

A symbol of auteur cinema in Paris, the Max Linder Panorama perpetuates the memory of its founder, a pioneer of silent film. Behind this legendary theater lies the tragic story of a visionary artist who left his mark on the history of cinema. But who was Max Linder? Let us tell you.

Good deal: get discounts by keeping your admission ticket for another museum

Here's a little-known but very useful tip: some Parisian museums offer discounts to visitors who present their admission ticket to another museum.

The last 13 Christmas trees at Galeries Lafayette from 2025 to 2013

Discovering the huge Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette has become a real tradition in Paris. Every year since 1976, it has adorned the center of the dome of the famous Parisian department store. Like every year, everyone has their say on whether it was better or worse than last year. So we thought a little falsh back of the photos from the last 12 years would give you a better opportunity to compare.

MONA, COHI... what do these acronyms displayed at the front of RER trains mean?

If you regularly take the RER, then you have most likely seen these four-letter names at the front of trains and on display screens. COHI, HOVE, or TAVA on the RER E, or GOTA, MONA, VICK, and SARA on the RER C... But do you know what these acronyms, nicknamed "mission codes," mean? We'll explain.

Did you know? France's roads start at ground zero, in front of Notre-Dame de Paris.

Paris' long history gives it a number of advantages, not least that of being the starting point for all the roads in France. It has been the country's capital for centuries, and is home to ground zero, located on the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Did you know? There is only one remaining milestone in Paris, and it's on rue de Vaugirard.

At the corner of Rue Littré and Rue de Vaugirard, a discreet granite milestone bears witness to the royal measurement system of the Ancien Régime. This historic vestige, freely accessible, is the last remaining milestone in Paris. But what is a milestone? We explain!

Square René-Viviani, an unusual garden home to the oldest tree in Paris

Square René-Viviani is undoubtedly one of the most unusual parks in Paris. Located near the banks of the Seine, this garden is a green spot dotted with historical remains and offering views of Notre-Dame. It is even home to the oldest tree in Paris!

Did you know? The winner of the Prix Goncourt receives a check for €10.

The 2025 Prix Goncourt was just awarded to Laurent Mauvignier for his novel La maison vide on Tuesday, November 4, in Paris. Did you know that this prestigious literary award has offered the winner a symbolic check for €10 since 1903? Let us tell you all about it!