An unlikely aircraft taking off from the Bagatelle lawn, Bagatelle, Star Wars landing on the Champs-Élysées, Astérix imagined in a Bobigny housing project, or Paris saying goodbye to Frédéric Chopin at the Madeleine... October has no shortage of dates that have left their mark on Parisian history.
Dive into the intimate and the epic chapters of history and travel back in time every day through 31 ephemerides dedicated to Paris and the Île-de-France. Some recount events that have made it into the history books, while others unearth anecdotes that are now largely forgotten. You'll encounter artists, inventors, criminals, writers, and a few future landmarks of popular culture.
Over the days, follow the early days of animation cinema at the Grévin Museum, the pioneering use of fingerprints by the Paris police, the swift opening of the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin, the inauguration of the Cernuschi Museum, and even the first lunches of the Goncourt jurors at Drouant.
In Paris, a single date on the calendar can conceal an unexpected episode!
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. [Read more]
On this day in Paris, October 15: the execution of spy Mata Hari at the Bois de Vincennes.
On October 15, 1917, Mata Hari was executed by French authorities at the Bois de Vincennes. In turn a courtesan, an Oriental dancer, a spy and then a double agent, she was sentenced to death for treason after a swift trial. [Read more]
Ephemeris for October 16 in Paris: Consecration of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre
On October 16, 1919, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on Montmartre was consecrated by Cardinal Amette, Archbishop of Paris, and elevated to basilica status after 44 years of work. Perched on the heights of the Montmartre hill, this Romanesque-Byzantine religious edifice continues to fascinate as much as it irks certain Parisians who claim it was “built on the blood of the Communards.” [Read more]
Ephemeris of October 17: The massacre of Algerians thrown into the Seine
On October 17, 1961, a peaceful demonstration organized by the National Liberation Front in support of Algeria's independence was brutally suppressed. In a single night, between 30 and 200 Algerians were killed and dumped into the Seine. [Read more]
Ephemeris of October 18 in Paris: The Closet Affair
In the night of October 18, 1534, posters vehemently criticizing the Catholic Mass are pasted on the streets of Paris by Protestants. The Placards Affair marks a turning point in the clash between Catholics and Protestants and signals the end of King Francis I’s conciliatory stance toward the reformers. [Read more]
Éphéméride du 20 octobre à Paris : On this day in Paris history, October 20 — Mirapolis closes its doors for good in Val-d’Oise.
Before Disneyland Paris, a colossal theme park had already set out to revolutionize leisure in Île-de-France. Opened in 1987 in Courdimanche, near Cergy-Pontoise (95), Mirapolis leaned on Gargantua, French folklore and legends, and massive investments. Yet after just five seasons, the venture ended. A look back at the turbulent history of this now-defunct park... which could be reinvented very soon! [Read more]
Ephemeris of October 21 in Paris: The birth of the Comédie-Française
On October 21, 1680, the Comédie-Française was founded by order of King Louis XIV, the result of a merger between Molière's troupe and that of the Hôtel de Bourgogne. The sovereign's idea was simple: to put an end to the quarrels between the two rival troupes, while reaffirming royalty by promoting classical French theater, at a time when the Comédie-Italienne was very much in vogue. [Read more]
This day in Paris history: Spectacular train crash at Montparnasse station.
On October 22, 1895, a spectacular railway accident struck Montparnasse station. The Paris–Granville train failed to brake in time and plunged beyond the station, its impact severely damaging part of the façade. [Read more]
Ephemeris for October 25 in Paris: Installation of the Luxor Obelisk on Place de la Concorde
On October 25, 1836, the Luxor Obelisk was erected in the center of the Place de la Concorde by order of King Louis-Philippe. Offered to France by the Viceroy of Egypt as a token of goodwill, the monolith arrived in Paris in 1833 after an incredible epic voyage on the waves. [Read more]
Find out where these ephemerides took place by clicking the map at the bottom of the article
Dates and Opening Time
From October 1, 2026 to October 31, 2026
