Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Luncheon of the Boating Party, 1881, The Philips Collection, Washington, D.C.

Au Printemps, the department store, burns down. Paul Sedille is responsible with its reconstruction. Today this is a 'must visit' for shoppers. The central dome gives it an attractive 19th century feel. (AF)

The Grand Boulevards on the Right Bank are illuminated with electricity. This is paired with an international exposition of electricity. (AF)

A law is passed allowing greater freedom of the press.
 
 

  The Cabaret Le Chat Noir is opened by Rudolphe Salis. This becomes a gathering place for the bohemian Paris literati. It's run ended in 1896. Poster left, from Almanach Francais.

Edouard Manet, A Bar at the Folies, 1881, Courtauld Institute, London (right).

Parisians celebrate Victor Hugo's 80th birthday. 600,000 join the celebration. He resides at 130 ave. d'Eylau, in the 16th arrondissement. This is an attractive street that runs into the place de Trocadero.

More broadly:

France fights in Tunisia against  rebel groups. Tunisia is established as a French protectorate by the Treaty of Bardo. (CHF)

Pasteur vaccinates sheep against a disease that hits them. (CHF)