Paris anecdotes

Did you know? This historic convent in Saint-Denis is home to a museum dedicated to art and history.

The Paul Éluard Museum of Art and History hides an architectural secret. Situated in a former 17th-century Carmelite convent, this unique site once sheltered Louise of France, daughter of Louis XV. From the old cells of the nuns to relics of the Paris Commune, explore a museum where treasures of social history peacefully coexist with the quietness of a cloister that has been remarkably preserved.

Did you know? The founder of Red Star was also the visionary behind the creation of the World Cup!

Red Star isn't just any club. Welcome to Saint-Ouen, inside the legendary Stade Bauer, where every goal tells a story over a hundred years in the making. Step into the saga of this iconic red star, founded by the visionary behind the World Cup.

Did you know? An astonishing mosaic of Gutenberg can be found in this metro station on Line 4.

In the Saint-Germain-des-Prés station, away from the stark white corridors, lies a stunning mosaic dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg and the history of printing. An unexpected artistic pause before catching the metro!

Where can you admire this stunning Art Nouveau ceramic portico tucked away in a square in Paris?

It’s one of the most stunning facades in Paris, yet it’s not part of a building. Hidden away in a quiet square, a multicolored ceramic wall has withstood the test of time since 1900. Discover the captivating history of the Sèvres portico, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau that survived the ages.

Discover the story of the Arago medallions and their hidden secrets, tucked away beneath the streets of Paris.

It’s one of the longest monuments in the world yet remains almost invisible to the eye. Scattered throughout the heart of the city from north to south, 135 bronze discs conceal a captivating story: that of the Paris Meridian. From the Louvre to the pathways of the Luxembourg Gardens, embark on an unusual treasure hunt through history!

Did you know? This pyramid in Villejuif was instrumental in creating the very first map of France.

Did you know that a small leaning monument in Villejuif played a key role in defining France's measurements and inventing the meter? The enigmatic Cassini Pyramid, once a vital reference point for mapping the kingdom during Louis XV’s reign, is still visible today.

The Pavilion of the Hermitage, the last remnant of the Château de Bagnolet, is a must-see curiosity in the 20th arrondissement.

Through its gates, you can glimpse a genuine relic from the 18th century: the Pavilion of the Hermitage, the last remaining structure from the Château de Bagnolet still standing, and a true folly of its era.

Did you know? Why does the city of Paris have a snail-shaped layout?

If you look at a map of Paris, you'll notice an intriguing spiral winding outward from the city center to the outskirts. Known as the "Parisian snail," this pattern is more than just a visual quirk. Beneath its artistic charm lies a subtle political and historical shift that transformed the daily lives of Parisians in 1860.

Left Bank or Right Bank: How to effortlessly remember which is which?

This is the classic dilemma faced by any Parisian stroller. While the Seine divides the city into two distinct banks, knowing exactly which side you're on after crossing a bridge isn't always straightforward. To avoid mixing up the Left Bank and the Right Bank forever, just remember an age-old rule as ancient as the river itself.

The Little History of Parisian Furniture: These 5 Iconic Pieces That Capture the Soul of Paris

You pass by them without always noticing, yet Paris wouldn’t quite be itself without their familiar presence. From the natural curves of the Metro stations to the chipped domes of newspaper kiosks, urban fixtures have been shaping the city’s character since the 19th century. Dive into the story of these everyday icons that keep the heart and soul of Paris beating.

The Little History of Parisian Street Furniture: The Newsstand, a Corner to Read the News Outdoors

It's a familiar silhouette, crowned with a scaled dome, that seems to watch over our news. The newsstand is much more than a simple point of sale: it’s a Parisian institution. Once adorned with ornate cast iron, and now reinvented, it remains the last stronghold of print in a digital world—a place where Parisians connect and gauge the pulse of the city.

The Little History of Parisian Design: The Guimard Entrance, an Art Nouveau Metro Icon

Like a forged iron vine bursting from the sidewalk, the entrance to the Paris Métro is an open-air work of art. Designed by Hector Guimard, it revolutionized the way we access the underground world. Delve into the history of these metro entrances, with their flowing, plant-like curves—silent witnesses to an era when industrial progress and poetic elegance went hand in hand.

The little story of Parisian furniture: the Davioud Bench, an invitation to stroll through Paris

You sit on it to rest or watch the world go by—the Davioud bench, with its polished wooden slats and ornate cast-iron legs, is the silent companion of our urban respites. Originally designed to turn Paris into a sprawling open-air living room, it has, over 150 years, become a universal emblem of leisure in the city.

The little history of Parisian furniture: the Wallace Fountain, a gift that saved the city from thirst

Silhouette of a green cast-iron fountain, an iconic fixture of Parisian squares, the Wallace fountain is much more than a free water source. It stands as a monument to philanthropy and a masterpiece of sculpture, reminding us that in Paris, even drinking water is a moment of beauty. Discover the story of these guardians of thirst, serving life at street corners for over 150 years.

The Little History of Parisian Furniture: The Morris Column, a Beautiful Showcase for Advertising in Paris

A familiar silhouette of the city landscape, the Morris column is much more than just an advertising pillar. A true beacon of cultural life, it has adorned the sidewalks of the capital with its deep green hue and vibrant posters since the 19th century. Let’s take a look back at the history of a piece of urban furniture that has outlived countless city transformations to remain a cherished link between Parisians and live entertainment.

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.

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!