Paris history

Ephemeris of October 18 in Paris: The Closet Affair

On the night of October 18, 1534, Protestants plastered the streets of Paris with posters violently criticizing the Catholic mass. The Affaire des Placards marked a turning point in the confrontations between Catholics and Protestants, and signaled the end of Francis I's conciliation with the reformers.

Ephemeris of October 17: The massacre of Algerians thrown into the Seine

On October 17, 1961, a peaceful demonstration organized by the Front de Libération Nationale in support of Algerian independence was put down in bloodshed. In one night, between 30 and 250 Algerians were killed and thrown into the Seine.

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".

Ephemeris of October 15 in Paris: Mata Hari's execution in the Bois de Vincennes

On October 15, 1917, Mata Hari was shot by the French authorities in the Bois de Vincennes. Successively courtesan, oriental dancer, spy and double agent, she was sentenced to death for intelligence with the enemy at the end of a summary trial.

Ephemeris for October 9 in Paris: The opening of the Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne

On Tuesday, October 9, 1860, the Jardin d'Acclimatation opened its doors in the Bois de Boulogne. This immense green space, with its scientific, entertaining and educational vocation, quickly became a favorite haunt of Parisians, who came to marvel at exotic animals and plants, as well as tribes from faraway lands. The Jardin d'Acclimatation suffered many setbacks during the various wars, and later became an amusement park where families still enjoy having fun today.

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.

Georges Cain Square, a little-known garden in Paris that looks like an open-air museum

In Paris, the square Georges Cain is a spot like no other. Nestled a stone's throw from the Carnavalet museum, this little-known garden of the capital offers us a beautiful green setting in which we discover the remains of monuments. We tell you more about this square which looks like an open-air museum.

The Pont de Bir-Hakeim, the most cinematic bridge in Paris

There's no getting around it: at least half of all foreign films shot in Paris feature beautiful shots of the Bir-Hakeim Bridge! Can you guess which bridge we're talking about?

History of the Tournelles Synagogue

The Synagogue des Tournelles has a rather astonishing architectural feature. Originally, a certain Gustave Eiffel...

History of the Nazareth Synagogue

Built during the Second Empire, the Nazareth Synagogue is well worth a stop to discover its beautiful architecture.

History of the Rue Pavée Synagogue - Agoudas Hakehilos

The Synagogue de la Rue Pavée is intriguing. It's impossible to pass by without noticing the undulations of its Art Nouveau façade.

History of the Buffault Synagogue

In the 9th arrondissement, nestle a beautiful synagogue in the Romanesque-Byzantine style: the Synagogue Buffault.

History of the Pont Notre-Dame

The Pont Notre-Dame has undergone many architectural changes. At the end of the 18th century, the bridge was considered so dangerous that it was renamed Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge)!

History of the Grande Synagogue de Paris

Fancy a visit to the largest synagogue in Paris? Head for the Synagogue de la Victoire, built during the Second Empire.