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 scheduled 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?
Did you know? You can actually sleep close to the Sacré-Cœur in Paris for just 15 euros… but there’s a catch.
Since 1885, the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre has been offering hostel-style overnight stays starting at just 15 euros in Paris’s 18th arrondissement. This unconventional experience is available year-round—except on Good Friday—and comes with a surprising twist: guests take part in an hour of nocturnal prayer. [Read more]
Goretti Storm: What is the highest wind gust ever recorded in Paris?
Stormy night hits the capital. As Parisians awoke to strong gusts of wind, the Eiffel Tower’s weather counters and the Montsouris station's recordings soared — though not as high as in 1999, when wind speeds shattered all previous records. [Read more]
Did you know? An astonishing mosaic of Gutenberg can be found in this metro station on Line 4.
In the Saint-Germain-des-Prés station, away from the stark white corridors, lies a stunning mosaic dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg and the history of printing. An unexpected artistic pause before catching the metro! [Read more]
Where can you admire this stunning Art Nouveau ceramic portico tucked away in a square in Paris?
It’s one of the most stunning facades in Paris, yet it’s not part of a building. Hidden away in a quiet square, a multicolored ceramic wall has withstood the test of time since 1900. Discover the captivating history of the Sèvres portico, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau that survived the ages. [Read more]
Did you know? In Paris, the Seine has frozen over before — the last time was back in 1956!
Nowadays, it's hard to imagine the river that flows through the capital completely frozen after days of freezing cold. Yet, the last time the Seine was ice-covered isn’t so long ago — it happened in 1956! Explore these historic images of the icy river. [Read more]
Did you know? This pyramid in Villejuif was instrumental in creating the very first map of France.
Did you know that a small leaning monument in Villejuif played a key role in defining France's measurements and inventing the meter? The enigmatic Cassini Pyramid, once a vital reference point for mapping the kingdom during Louis XV’s reign, is still visible today. [Read more]
The Pavilion of the Hermitage, the last remnant of the Château de Bagnolet, is a must-see curiosity in the 20th arrondissement.
Through its gates, you can glimpse a genuine relic from the 18th century: the Pavilion of the Hermitage, the last remaining structure from the Château de Bagnolet still standing, and a true folly of its era. [Read more]
Did you know? Why does the city of Paris have a snail-shaped layout?
If you look at a map of Paris, you'll notice an intriguing spiral winding outward from the city center to the outskirts. Known as the "Parisian snail," this pattern is more than just a visual quirk. Beneath its artistic charm lies a subtle political and historical shift that transformed the daily lives of Parisians in 1860. [Read more]
Left Bank or Right Bank: How to effortlessly remember which is which?
This is the classic dilemma faced by any Parisian stroller. While the Seine divides the city into two distinct banks, knowing exactly which side you're on after crossing a bridge isn't always straightforward. To avoid mixing up the Left Bank and the Right Bank forever, just remember an age-old rule as ancient as the river itself. [Read more]
The Little History of Parisian Street Furniture: The Newsstand, a Corner to Read the News Outdoors
It's a familiar silhouette, crowned with a scaled dome, that seems to watch over our news. The newsstand is much more than a simple point of sale: it’s a Parisian institution. Once adorned with ornate cast iron, and now reinvented, it remains the last stronghold of print in a digital world—a place where Parisians connect and gauge the pulse of the city. [Read more]
The Little History of Parisian Design: The Guimard Entrance, an Art Nouveau Metro Icon
Like a forged iron vine bursting from the sidewalk, the entrance to the Paris Métro is an open-air work of art. Designed by Hector Guimard, it revolutionized the way we access the underground world. Delve into the history of these metro entrances, with their flowing, plant-like curves—silent witnesses to an era when industrial progress and poetic elegance went hand in hand. [Read more]
The little story of Parisian furniture: the Davioud Bench, an invitation to stroll through Paris
You sit on it to rest or watch the world go by—the Davioud bench, with its polished wooden slats and ornate cast-iron legs, is the silent companion of our urban respites. Originally designed to turn Paris into a sprawling open-air living room, it has, over 150 years, become a universal emblem of leisure in the city. [Read more]
The little history of Parisian furniture: the Wallace Fountain, a gift that saved the city from thirst
Silhouette of a green cast-iron fountain, an iconic fixture of Parisian squares, the Wallace fountain is much more than a free water source. It stands as a monument to philanthropy and a masterpiece of sculpture, reminding us that in Paris, even drinking water is a moment of beauty. Discover the story of these guardians of thirst, serving life at street corners for over 150 years. [Read more]
The Little History of Parisian Furniture: The Morris Column, a Beautiful Showcase for Advertising in Paris
A familiar silhouette of the city landscape, the Morris column is much more than just an advertising pillar. A true beacon of cultural life, it has adorned the sidewalks of the capital with its deep green hue and vibrant posters since the 19th century. Let’s take a look back at the history of a piece of urban furniture that has outlived countless city transformations to remain a cherished link between Parisians and live entertainment. [Read more]
Did you know? The Queen's Hamlet at Versailles was nearly lost to history, only to be saved by Napoleon I.
It’s one of Versailles’ most iconic backdrops. Built between 1783 and 1786 at the heart of the Petit Trianon, the Queen’s Hamlet appears as a quaint Norman village frozen in time. Yet behind its thatched roofs and vegetable gardens lie realities far removed from the fairy-tale image of the “occasional farmer” often associated with Marie-Antoinette. [Read more]
From the Hôtel d'Évreux to the Élysée Palace: Between Private Mansion and State Secrets
Before becoming the office of the President of the Republic, 55 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré was the dream project of a single man: Count d'Évreux. Built in 1718, this private mansion was then regarded as the most beautiful residence on the outskirts of Paris. Let’s take a look back at the history of a building that survived revolutions and went on to become the very heart of the State. [Read more]
Did you know? This Egyptian temple in the 10th arrondissement hides a cinema and a rooftop bar beneath its historic façade.
Forget the pyramids—hidden at the intersection of Boulevard de la Chapelle and Boulevard de Magenta is one of Paris's most captivating treasures: the Louxor. This iconic cinema, with its façade decorated with pharaohs and gilded mosaics, transports visitors to another world. [Read more]
Why is there a hidden sausage tucked away in a drawer of a table at the Auberge Ravoux?
Behind the historic walls of the Auberge Ravoux lies a story just as rich and intriguing, though far less tragic than that of Van Gogh. Did you know that the renowned André Malraux, former Minister of Culture and a frequent visitor, left behind an unexpectedly playful mark on the place? [Read more]
What is contained within this mysterious jar with a sorrowful story, nestled deep in the crypt of Saint-Denis Basilica?
Did you know that a jar hidden in the crypt of Saint-Denis contains the dried heart of a child king? Amid thefts, DNA analyses, and centuries of mystery, explore the remarkable story behind the relic of Louis XVII. [Read more]
Why was the Rotunda of Parc Monceau once considered Paris's most hated building?
Before transforming into the elegant gateway to one of the capital's most beautiful gardens, the renowned Rotunda of Parc Monceau had a less glamorous role — that of a customs house! Dive into the history of this unusual monument, a rare survivor from a time when entering Paris didn’t come free of charge! [Read more]
Did you know? 3 unusual anecdotes about Père Lachaise cemetery
Père Lachaise is one of the world's most famous cemeteries. Its famous tombs, its mysteries and its fascinating history. But how much do you really know about it? We reveal 3 unusual anecdotes about the Père Lachaise cemetery. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
What secrets lie behind this Art Nouveau façade and its stunning cork-shaped roof?
At 140 Rue de Rennes in Paris stands a striking building, its corner turret unlike any other. Celebrating the heyday of department stores and the Art Nouveau movement, the former Félix Potin commercial building is a testament to innovation and bold design. [Read more]
Did you know? The very first nightclub opened its doors in Paris, near the Palais-Royal.
Far from the traditional dance bands, a musical revolution took place after World War II near the Palais-Royal. It was there that Régine replaced the jukebox with turntables, giving birth to the discotheque! [Read more]
Did you know? Who was Max Linder, after whom the cinema in the 9th arrondissement is named?
A symbol of auteur cinema in Paris, the Max Linder Panorama perpetuates the memory of its founder, a pioneer of silent film. Behind this legendary theater lies the tragic story of a visionary artist who left his mark on the history of cinema. But who was Max Linder? Let us tell you. [Read more]
Good deal: get discounts by keeping your admission ticket for another museum
Here's a little-known but very useful tip: some Parisian museums offer discounts to visitors who present their admission ticket to another museum. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
MONA, COHI... what do these acronyms displayed at the front of RER trains mean?
If you regularly take the RER, then you have most likely seen these four-letter names at the front of trains and on display screens. COHI, HOVE, or TAVA on the RER E, or GOTA, MONA, VICK, and SARA on the RER C... But do you know what these acronyms, nicknamed "mission codes," mean? We'll explain. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
All you have to do is take your science out for a stroll around Paris with your friends or family!
Dates and Opening Time
From November 7, 2023 to December 31, 2028
