The origin of the Valentine's Day is rather badly known. It seems however that it goes back to the Antiquity or to the Middle Ages. 

There are two official versions; the first one founds its background in the Roman Empire. According to this legend Valentine's Day, before being holy, was a Roman priest named Valentin living under the reign of Emperor Claude II ( IIIème S.apr-JC). During this period the Romain Empire was in war. Claude II, also nicknamed Claude the Cruel, having difficulties recruiting soldiers to join his legions, decided to forbid the marriage thinking that the reason for which the Roman refused to fight was their attachment to women and home. In spite of the orders of the Emperor, Valentin continued nevertheless to celebrate marriages. When Claude II learnt the existence of these secret marriages, he imprisoned Valentin. Several centuries later Valentin was canonized in honour of his sacrifice for love and the Valentine's Day was so established.

The second version goes back to the Middle Ages. During this time a rumour spread in France and in Great Britain according to which the season of the courtship to birds began on February 14^th, and ever since the 14^th of February has been chosen as a day for love.

But whether you believe in the first or second version we recommend you to come and celebrate Valentine’s Day of 2010 in Paris, the most romantic city in the world!  

The Hotel Europe Saint Séverin and The Pictorium galerie photographique have the pleasure to invite you to discover the photo exhibition « Jazz » by Philippe Gras during August. This exhibition showing famous jazz-musicians in action was originally showed at « Cité de la musique » in 2008.

From the 10th of February 2009 till the 31 of January 2010, become a real detective with this exhibition at the Cite des Sciences to practise a real crime investigation!

Exposition in 3 langagues.

Cités des Sciences et de l'Industrie 30 avenue Coentin Cariou 75019 Paris.

Access : Subway ligne 7 : Porte de la Villette

From Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and till 7pm on Sunday.

Rates : 10 € and 7€  for children (free till 7 years old)

As it is a successful exhibition, you should reserve before going.

More information on www.cite-sciences.fr

From the 06th of March 2009 till the 29th of June 2009, come to discover this wonderful exhibition on egyptian antiquity.

Access : Subway ligne 1 : Palais Royal Musée du Louvre

Open everyday except tuesday from 09 am till 8 pm and till 10 pm on wenesday and friday.

Rates : 11 €

Rates for exhibition and Musuem Louvre : 14 € and 12 € on wenesday and friday from 6 pm. Free for children under 18 years old .