Paris commune

Did you know? A fire had devastated the City Hall—here's what it looked like before the blaze.

On May 24, 1871, right in the heart of Paris, the City Hall was destroyed by a fire set during the Paris Commune. Before it was rebuilt in the 19th century, the building showcased a Renaissance style inherited from François I, a look that can still be admired today at the Musée Carnavalet through models and original architectural details. Curious about what it looked like? Here's the story!

Ephemeris for October 16 in Paris: Consecration of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre

On October 16, 1919, the Sacré-Coeur church in Montmartre was consecrated by Cardinal Vico and elevated to the rank of basilica, after 44 years of construction. Erected on the heights of the Butte Montmartre, this Romanesque-Byzantine religious edifice still fascinates as much as it horrifies some Parisians, who consider it to have been "built on the blood of the Communards".

The Paris Commune: A look back at the history of the Paris uprising

For 72 days, from March 18 to May 28, 1871, Parisians rebelled against the government and took unprecedented social and solidarity measures. This was the Paris Commune. A look back at the history of this major Parisian uprising.