French History

I personally could never set foot in the catacombs of Paris without one of My Private Paris guide holding my hand through it. Our guides have been down there countless times and have all (I think) come back to tell the tale of the famous underground ossuary. Here is a bit of history about the...Read More

Les Journées du Patrimoine, or European Heritage Days, are events happening in all across Europe which aim to promote visits of monuments or buildings normally closed to the public. This event finds its roots in France with La Journée Portes Ouvertes (Open Doors Day) which was held in 1984. Every year, nearly 12 million visitors...Read More

July 14th in France is the Fête Nationale, or Bastille Day, which celebrates the anniversary of the French Revolution of 1789. The French Revolution was an extraordinary moment when people joined together to show that you could rise above an unjust situation and recreate a society. You may argue that this marks the crossroads of...Read More

The world mourns the tragic fire in central Paris, which last night engulfed Notre Dame cathedral, destroying its iconic spire. Today, we honor Notre Dame, symbolizing Paris, France, and Gothic architecture, reflecting on the many facts that make it iconic. The Cathedral of Notre Dame, muse of Victor Hugo, holds numerous secrets and curiosities, enriching...Read More