Paris is one of the world's most fascinating and beautiful cities. With its cobbled streets, quaint cafés and iconic monuments, the city is a historical and cultural gem that can be explored for days on end without ever getting bored. But what also makes Paris so special are its stories, anecdotes and unusual places.
Behind its streets, its historic buildings, its relics, its basements and even its hotels, lie facts and unusual stories and anecdotes that fascinate us. We invite you to discover the secrets of the most emblematic objects and places, as well as the surprising spots that make up Parisian heritage. We warn you, you're about to see the capital in a whole new light!
Did you know, for example, that the Eiffel Tower was originally due to be dismantled after the 1889 Universal Exhibition, but that its transformation into a radio antenna saved it from destruction? Or that the Père-Lachaise cemetery is home to the graves of such luminaries as Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf and Jim Morrison? Why is the Sacré Coeur so white, and where does the story of the Phantom of the Opera come from?
Moret-sur-Loing : Medieval and Impressionist city among the most beautiful detours in France
Discover Moret-sur-Loing, this medieval and impressionist city among the Most Beautiful Detours of France, only one hour from Paris. Visit this charming town, famous for its Sucre d'Orge, its royal city and the landscapes of Alfred Sisley. [Read more]
La Hublotière, Hector Guimard's Art Nouveau villa opens this summer in Le Vésinet (78)
Have you heard of La Hublotière? This Art Nouveau villa, designed by Hector Guimard, is hidden away in the heart of Le Vésinet, in the Yvelines department. Exceptionally, it's opening its doors to the public this summer - a golden opportunity to discover our heritage! [Read more]
The original building facade on rue Blomet, Paris 15th arrondissement
Flanking rue Blomet in the 15ᵉ arrondissement of Paris, you may come across the facade of this unusual and original Paris building. This 1909 building, designed by architect Charles Lefebvre, is reminiscent of the grand houses of Normandy. [Read more]
Did you know? This fountain near the Jardin du Luxembourg represents only 4 continents.
Just off the Jardin du Luxembourg, in the Jardin des Grands Explorateurs, is a grandiose fountain by Napoleon III's sculptor. It represents four women carrying the world, allegories of the continents, but one is missing... find out why! [Read more]
Did you know? What is the history of the Magnolias in the Jardin du Palais Royal?
It's magnolia season in the gardens of the Palais Royal! Over the past few days, the majestic trees have been decked out in beautiful shades of pink and purple, much to the delight of walkers, tourists and photographers alike. But do you know why there are magnolias in this garden? Back in history... [Read more]
Climbing District Saint-Lazare, a climbing gym and coworking space hidden in a chapel
How about a climb in an atypical location? Climbing District is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, close to the Saint-Lazare train station. Housed in a hidden former chapel, this climbing gym, which looks like an old library, is sure to surprise. Tip: coworking spaces with free wifi and coffee shop. [Read more]
Did you know? There are a dozen ghost stations in Paris. Do you know them?
While many Parisians take the metro every day, few are aware that the capital is home to a dozen ghost stations. Operated then finally abandoned or never opened... what are these ghost stations and where are they located in Paris? We tell you all about them. [Read more]
Did you know? The Place des Fêtes metro station was designed as an air-raid shelter.
Located on lines 7 bis and 11 of the Paris metro, Place des Fêtes station is far from being the busiest on the RATP network. Yet this station hides many secrets. With its unique architecture, Place des Fêtes station was designed as an air-raid shelter for the population. We explain. [Read more]
Grandma's Day, since when has there been a grandma's day? date and origin
When is Grandmother's Day and where does it come from? Did you know that this celebration, contrary to popular belief, has its origins in a commercial initiative rather than in historical or religious tradition? We tell you all about it... [Read more]
Did you know? Seine flooding in Paris - what was the worst? Back in pictures
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. [Read more]
Did you know? This is the oldest clock in Paris, discover its history
Do you know the oldest public clock in Paris, still in operation? Fixed to 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. [Read more]
Did you know? Where is the highest point in Paris?
What's the highest point in Paris? It's an interesting question, and one worth considering. We're not talking here about the highest vantage point in the capital, but the highest point on land in Paris. Belleville, Montmartre? What do you think? [Read more]
Did you know? The Statue of Joan of Arc in Paris has been secretly replaced
The equestrian statue of Joan of Arc, which stands proudly on the Place des Pyramides in the 1st arrondissement, is one of Paris's most emblematic monuments. Since its creation in the 19th century, it has never ceased to be a political issue, although its history remains little-known. Did you know that the statue we admire today is not the original, but a replica secretly substituted by the artist himself? [Read more]
Did you know? Why is the Tuileries metro station green?
Since June 2023, the Tuileries station on line 1 of the Paris metro has been astonishing with its verdant decor, the work of Cyprien Chabert echoing the Jardin des Tuileries. Note that this decoration is ephemeral and will remain in place until 2030. [Read more]
Did you know? What is the history and origin of Valentine's Day?
February 14 is Lovers' Day, more commonly known as Valentine's Day. But do you know who this Valentine is and why we celebrate this event on February 14? We explain the history and origins of Valentine's Day. [Read more]
Did you know? The statue of a famous Roman she-wolf is hidden in a Parisian square.
In front of the Sorbonne lies a sculpture with a strong symbolic link between Paris and Rome: a she-wolf. A replica of the Capitoline She-Wolf, it was donated to the French capital as part of the twinning agreement between the two cities, a reminder of the legend of Remus and Romulus. [Read more]
History of Paris: the Cemetery of the Innocents and what remains of it today
Did you know? In the Halles district of Paris, there was once a well-known cemetery in the capital: the Cimetière des Innocents (or Saint Innocents' Cemetery). Discover its fascinating history and the few remaining vestiges. [Read more]
Paris 2024: the Colline d'Elancourt (78), Olympic mountain bike venue and highest point in the region
At 231m, the Colline d'Élancourt is the highest point in the Ile-de-France region! Located in the Yvelines department, the track will be hosting the mountain bike cycling events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. [Read more]
Did you know? How many replicas of the Statue of Liberty are there in Paris?
Although the best-known Statue of Liberty is in the USA, there are several reproductions around the world, including in the French capital. So where are these statues located in Paris? [Read more]
Les Chouettes restaurant, the hidden bistronomic nugget in an unusual setting
Bye bye the Grand Duc, Les Chouettes restaurant is back in this historic building. In a unique space under an Eiffel glass roof, you'll enjoy finely-crafted, gourmet French brasserie cuisine. Just a stone's throw from the Carreau du Temple. [Read more]
Did you know? The shapes of the Salle Labrouste, INHA's library, are inspired by dresses.
The Salle Labrouste, home to the Bibliothèque de l'Institut Nationale de l'Histoire de l'Art, is undoubtedly one of the prettiest libraries in Paris, if not the most beautiful. With its unusual architecture, we tell you all about its history and inspiration. [Read more]
Did you know? This Art Deco theater is the only one in Paris with blue decorations!
All Parisian theaters are dressed in red... except one! The Art Deco-style Théâtre Daunou, located next to the Opéra de Paris, is the only one in the capital to be decorated in blue. Find out why! [Read more]
Did you know? Why does Arts et Métiers station look like a submarine?
One of the most captivating stations in Paris, Arts et Métiers surprises with its unique design. Immerse yourself in the history of this transformed station, an architectural enigma in the heart of Paris. [Read more]
Did you know? The Félix Potin on rue Réaumur hid more than 200 skeletons in its basements.
As you pass the corner of rue Réaumur and Sébastopol, you marvel at the historic facade once built by Félix Potin, a store to which you return, tell the story, but where you also stay, a priori... The former headquarters of the brand that was once Paris' first department store, now a Monoprix, hides a macabre history. [Read more]
Did you know? The Opéra Garnier houses a hidden artificial lake
An artificial lake hidden in the underground passages of the Opéra Garnier in Paris? No, it's not an urban legend, but reality. So why is it there, and can you visit it? We tell you all about it. [Read more]
Did you know? The Hôtel Chopin is a hidden treasure of Parisian history.
In the heart of Paris's Passage Jouffroy lies the Hôtel Chopin, one of the city's oldest hotels, if not the oldest. Open since 1846, this architectural marvel is accessible all year round for those wishing to step back in time. We'll let you in on a few of the secrets of this place steeped in history. [Read more]
Did you know? Why is the Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre metro so original?
Wondering why the Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre metro exit on Place Colette is so unusual? We tell you the story of the Kiosque des Noctambules, an original work of art designed by Jean-Michel Othoniel. [Read more]
Did you know? A metro ticket originally cost 15 centimes! A look back at its history
As you know, the Paris metro ticket is due to disappear. We take you on a journey through the history of this piece of cardboard, whose price has risen steadily over the years, until it will soon reach €4 for the Olympic Games. A look back at the history of the Paris metro ticket, from its creation in 1900 to its scheduled demise. [Read more]
Did you know? This is the last of Hector Guimard's original Type B metro station aediculae.
Did you know? Hector Guimard's last surviving type B kiosk, nicknamed La Libellule, is located at Porte Dauphine station in Paris. This exceptional Parisian metro entrance is one of the last original vestiges, and we tell you all about it. [Read more]
Did you know? What was the coldest winter in Paris?
Let's delve into Paris's winter history! Find out which winter left its mark on the capital with its extreme cold and its repercussions. What was Paname's worst winter? We tell you... [Read more]
All you have to do is get your science out and take a stroll around Paris with your friends or family!
