Paris history

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.

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.

Time Travel Kiosk: experience the history of Paris in virtual reality on the Champs-Élysées.

The Champs-Élysées is home to the Time Travel Kiosk, a virtual reality installation created by Timescope, where you can relive significant historical events such as the Liberation of Paris or the return of Napoleon I's ashes. See you in March 2026 to travel back in time on the Champs-Élysées.

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.

Historic flooding of the Seine in Paris: shocking images of the worst flooding

Do you know the worst flood ever to hit Paris? A look back at the flood of January 1910, a historic event that left its mark on the capital.

Did you know that a sublime and unusual Parisian façade is hidden in Cité Malesherbes?

Among the most beautiful facades and buildings in Paris is the one designed by architect Anatole Jal, for and by painter Pierre-Jules Jollivet. Nestled in the peaceful, hidden Cité Malesherbes, this marvel of biblical scenes is well worth a visit. We tell you all about it.

Did you know? What are the 10 most unusual objects found in the Paris metro?

In the twists and turns of the Paris metro, agents discover much more than forgotten umbrellas. Between a funeral urn, a wooden leg and a Scottish bagpipe, these unusual objects bear witness to the mysterious lives of the 200,000 passengers who lose their belongings every year on Paris transport. We reveal the 10 most original objects, consciously (or not) forgotten.

Ephemeris of August 19 in Paris: The Liberation of Paris, we tell you about it

From August 19 to 25, 1944, Paris was finally liberated from German occupation. It was the triumph of the Allies and fighting France, and the establishment of General de Gaulle as leader of a liberated and victorious France.

August 15 ephemeris: Laying the foundation stone for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris

On August 15, 1806, the foundation stone was laid for the Arc de Triomphe, built by order of Napoleon 1st to commemorate the victories of the French armies. We tell you the story of the moment that saw the birth of one of the symbols of Paris.

La Fête de Paris: the free popular festival with guinguette, ball and historical village - photos

History buffs and lovers of the city of Paris are in for a treat on September 6 and 7, 2025. With a historical parade, guinguette, ball and village atmosphere, travel back in time from the Middle Ages to the Liberation, via the Belle Époque!

Did you know? Why does the Centaur statue have a miniature Statue of Liberty?

César's Centaure, the impressive 5-metre-high sculpture on the Place Michel Debré in Paris's 6ᵉ arrondissement, raises both astonishment and questions. Created between 1983 and 1985 by sculptor César Baldaccini, this half-man, half-horse work pays homage to Pablo Picasso while questioning our relationship with modernity. But what most fascinates the curious is the secret it hides in its breastplate: a miniature reproduction of the Statue of Liberty, an unexpected wink in this sculpture full of symbols.

Did you know? The expression "Il y a du monde au balcon" originated at the Opéra Garnier.

This famous French expression, which subtly alludes to a generous bosom put on display, has its roots in 19thᵉ century Paris, and more precisely in the refined ambience of the Opéra Garnier. A look back at a history where seduction and propriety mingled in the salons of high society. We tell you all about it.

Did you know? Why are the Champs-Elysées so named?

Do you know the origin of the name of the Champs-Elysées, the famous Parisian avenue? Created in 1674 by André le Nôtre and officially named in 1698, this royal thoroughfare takes its name from Greek mythology, we tell you.

The Musée de la Grande Guerre recreates an 800 m² open-air educational trench!

Strolling through an 800m2 trench is now possible in Ile de France, at the Musée de la Grande Guerre. The tour will give visitors a better understanding of this emblematic element of the First World War: the complex system of trenches!

Did you know? This is the oldest clock in Paris and its fascinating history.

Do you know the oldest public clock in Paris, still in operation? Mounted on the walls of the Conciergerie in the heart of the Ïle de la Cité, this clock has been telling the time since 1371. Commissioned by Charles V, the clock marks the king's time. This public clock, still in operation today, embodies six centuries of history and impressive mechanics, we tell you.

Ephemeris of September 28 in Paris: Fire at Le Printemps department store

On the morning of September 28, 1921, 40 years after the first fire, Le Printemps department store was the scene of a fire that ravaged the interior of the second building under construction.

Ephemeris of September 23 in Paris: The first flight of the balloon Le Neptune during the Siege of Paris

On September 23, 1870, with Paris under siege from the Prussian army, the first balloon took off from Place Saint-Pierre. Christened Le Neptune, the aircraft took off carrying 125 kilos of official dispatches for members of the government who had retreated to Tours.

Ephemeris of September 17 in Paris: Bomb attack in front of Tati, rue de Rennes

On September 17, 1986, Paris was once again the target of a terrorist attack on the rue de Rennes. For two weeks, the capital had been the scene of a series of attacks, claimed by a pro-Iranian terrorist network working on behalf of the Lebanese Hezbollah. The bomb, planted in front of the Tati store, killed 7 people and wounded 55, putting an end to this "black September".

Ephemeris for September 15 in Paris: Attack on the Publicis drugstore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

On September 15, 1974, a grenade exploded in the Saint-Germain drugstore, killing 2 people and wounding 34 others. The attack was blamed on the revolutionary terrorist Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, known as Carlos.

September 10th Paris Ephemeris: Tornado wreaks havoc in the heart of Paris

On September 10, 1896, a tornado formed in the heart of Paris, just a stone's throw from Place Saint-Sulpice. In just a few minutes, the phenomenon swept across the capital, ravaging everything in its path.