Dive into the history of Paris with us through this Parisian almanac that traces the capital's greatest events across the centuries.
October is the month of all the new developments, from the opening of the Jardin d'Acclimatation to the consecration of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, including the installation of the Luxor Obelisk at the center of the Place de la Concorde and the birth of the Comédie-Française.
Embark on a journey to discover these incredible but true stories, sometimes poignant, always astonishing.
What happened in Paris in October:
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. Soon, this vast green space with a scientific, entertaining, and educational vocation became a favorite Parisian destination, drawing crowds who marveled at exotic animals and plants, as well as at tribes from distant lands. After enduring numerous reverses through the wars, the Jardin d'Acclimatation later transformed into a theme park where families continue to have fun to this day. [Read more]
On This Day in Paris: Mata Hari's Execution at Bois de Vincennes
On October 15, 1917, Mata Hari was executed by French authorities at the Bois de Vincennes. A courtesan, an exotic dancer, a spy, and then a double agent, she was condemned to death for espionage on behalf of the enemy after a swift trial. [Read more]
On This Day in Paris: The Consecration of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on Montmartre
On 16 October 1919, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on Montmartre was consecrated by Cardinal Vico and raised to the status of a basilica after 44 years of work. Perched on the heights of Montmartre, this Romano-Byzantine cathedral continues to fascinate as much as it irks some Parisians, who view it with a mix of admiration and irritation. [Read more]
This Day in History: October 17 — Algerians massacred, thrown into the Seine
On October 17, 1961, a peaceful march organized by the National Liberation Front in support of Algeria’s independence was crushed in blood. In a single night, between 30 and 250 Algerians were killed and their bodies dumped into the Seine. [Read more]
October 18 in Paris: The Placards Affair
During the night of October 18, 1534, posters harshly criticizing the Catholic Mass were plastered across the streets of Paris by Protestants. The Placards Affair marks a turning point in the clashes between Catholics and Protestants and signals the end of Francis I's conciliatory stance toward the reformers. [Read more]
Ephemeris of October 21 in Paris: The Birth of the Comédie-Française
On 21 October 1680, the Comédie-Française was established by royal edict, born from the merger of Molière’s troupe and that of the Hôtel de Bourgogne. The king’s aim was simple: end the quarrels between the two rival companies and, by promoting French classical theatre, reaffirm royal authority at a moment when the Comédie-Italienne was particularly fashionable. [Read more]
Datebook for October 22 in Paris: Spectacular railway accident at Montparnasse station
On October 22, 1895, a spectacular railway accident occurred at Montparnasse station. The Paris–Granville train was unable to brake in time and plunged down in front of the station, its façade partly destroyed by the violence of the impact. [Read more]
Ephemeride of October 25 in Paris: Installation of the Luxor Obelisk on the Place de la Concorde
On October 25, 1836, the Luxor Obelisk is raised at the center of the Place de la Concorde by order of King Louis-Philippe. A gift to France from the viceroy of Egypt as a gesture of goodwill, the monolith reached Paris in 1833 after a remarkable sea voyage. [Read more]
