Paris history

Did you know? The Gloriette de Buffon is the oldest metal structure in Paris.

In the heart of Paris's 5th arrondissement, the Jardin des Plantes is home to the mysterious and historic Gloriette de Buffon, dating from 1786. Discover a hidden treasure.

Did you know? A historic beehive adorns the corner of rue Pierre Lescot and rue Rambuteau.

Right in the heart of the Halles district, the corner of rue Pierre Lescot and rue Rambuteau hides a singular historical treasure. A fascinating sculpted beehive dating from the late 19th century adorns the building at 9 rue Lescot, formerly a honey merchant's stall.

Did you know? This is the smallest house in Paris, an unusual house with a rich history.

In the heart of the 10th arrondissement, at no. 39 rue du Château-d'Eau, lies the smallest house in Paris. Measuring less than 1.5 meters wide, this architectural curiosity has a fascinating story to tell.

Did you know? Where does the name Seine come from?

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the Seine's name? Originating from the commune of Sources-Seine in Burgundy, this river is named after a Celtic goddess, Sequana. We tell you all about its history and legend.

Did you know that? Discover the history of the Journal du Soir - La France building - rue Montmartre

Immerse yourself in the history of journalism in Paris by visiting the façade of the Journal du Soir - La France, located at 144 rue Montmartre, a witness to a bygone era.

Did you know? What's the story behind the Au Planteur façade in Paris?

Discover the Au Planteur façade in Paris’ Montorgueil district, a Historic Monument since 1984. Located at 10-12 Rue des Petits-Carreaux in the 2nd arrondissement, this colonial façade and mural still sparks debate, and here’s its story.

Did you know that? At the Tortues, why does the Paul Haussmann have an unusual façade?

Discover the history of the Maison Aux Tortues, a former store specializing in ivory and tortoiseshell objects, whose historic façade is now preserved by a branch of Paul's Bakery.

Did you know that the Céramic Hôtel and its unusual façade are listed as Historic Monuments?

The Céramic Hôtel, which today is still a hotel named "Hôtel Elysées Crémac Paris", boasts one of the most original façades in Paris. We tell you the story of this Art Nouveau building designed by architect Jules Aimé Lavirotte, winner of the City of Paris facade competition in 1905.

Did you know that? The Castel Béranger is one of the emblematic buildings of Art Nouveau in Paris

Did you know that? The Castel Béranger is an emblematic building of Art Nouveau in Paris. It was designed by the architect Hector Guimard, famous for his Art Nouveau creations, including the famous Parisian subway entrances. Located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, the Castel Béranger is a true architectural gem, a testimony to the refined aesthetics of the period.

Did you know that this historic building and its clock once belonged to Le Temps magazine?

We often walk past it and marvel at the beauty of its facade and clock, but do you know the history of this building which was once the home of Le Temps magazine? We tell you...

The Château de Versailles, a witness to French history just a stone's throw from Paris

Located southwest of Paris, in the Yvelines department, the Château de Versailles is one of the region's most visited tourist sites. With 7 million visitors a year (approximately), the estate offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in history - history with a capital H - and in the daily life of the court between the 17th and 18th centuries.

Paris: discover what the city looked like in the past century thanks to archive pictures

Have you always dreamt of traveling back to the past? The Commission du Vieux Paris offers you to discover the city as it was in the 20th century thanks to incredible archive pictures.

Fluctuat nec mergitur: what does the City of Paris’ motto mean?

Fluctuat nec mergitur, here is a motto heard in the city after the 2015’s terror attacks. But do you know the story of this Latin locution and what it means to the City of Paris?

August 31st Paris Ephemeris: Lady Diana's fatal accident in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel

On August 31, 1997, after a frantic chase through the streets of Paris with paparazzi, Princess Lady Diana died in a tragic car accident in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel.

Ephemeris for August 21 in Paris: First deadly Resistance attack on the Barbès metro station

On August 21, 1941, the Resistance carried out the first murderous attack in Paris against the German forces that had occupied the capital for over a year. Pierre Georges, who was to become Colonel Fabien, shot a Kriegsmarine soldier twice in the Barbès-Rochechouart metro station.

Ephemeris for August 17: Last convoy of deportees and closure of the Drancy camp

On August 17, 1944, the last convoy of deportees left the Drancy camp for Buchenwald. The following day, 1,467 prisoners were liberated.

History fact: it happened on August 18 in Paris, Henry IV’s wedding at Notre-Dame de Paris

On August 18, 1572, Henry of Navarre – future king Henry IV – marries Marguerite of Valois – or Queen Margot – the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. An alliance by way of reconciliation between the Catholic and the Protestant Churches that will lead to the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre in spite of everything.

Ephemeris of August 16 in Paris: Resistance fighters ambushed in the Bois de Boulogne

On August 16, 1944, a few days before the Liberation of Paris, French Resistance fighters were ambushed in the Bois de Boulogne and shot by SS officers and French Gestapo agents.

History of Paris: the Cloître des Billettes, the last medieval cloister in Paris

We take you on a tour of the Cloître des Billettes, the last medieval cloister in Paris, now a showcase for young talent. A little-known Parisian landmark well worth a visit!

Unusual: 8 addresses to rediscover the Paris of yesteryear

Travelling back in time is possible! In Paris, magical places transport us straight to different eras of the capital, in the most total immersion. Bars, museums and other original spots, here is the guide to go back in time without De Lorean.