Paris and the surrounding region are full of mysteries and hidden corners. Even if you're a Parisian, you'll still find some great secret nuggets. Between little-known spots and well-hidden sites, we reveal unsuspected treasures, far from the hustle and bustle of classic tourist sites. You'll never see Paris and the Ile-de-France region in the same way again once you've explored these 20 unusual places we've unearthed for you.
Guided tour of Hôtel de la Païva, a mysterious residence with erotic decorations
The Champs-Elysées harbor many secrets, including the home of the Marquise de la Païva, a former courtesan who had an opulent mansion built, also known as the "Louvre of the ass"... Coming for a visit? [Read more]
Did you know? Model trains lurk beneath the Gare de l'Est!
There's no shortage of hidden places in Paris. Under the Gare de l'Est train station, you can walk along tracks 4 and 5 on a world of miniature trains, run by the Association Française des Amis des Chemins de Fer. [Read more]
The Musée de la Pharmacie, Paris's most hidden, unusual and free practice
In the heart of a private mansion near the Parc Monceau lies one of the capital's most discreet museums: the Pharmacy Museum! Here, you can discover, free of charge, the history of the site, which now houses the Ordre National des Pharmaciens and a number of unusual collections. [Read more]
The Nissim de Camondo Museum in Paris in pictures
The Nissim de Camondo Museum, belonging to the Decorative Arts, located on the outskirts of the Parc Monceau, is dedicated to French decorative art of the second half of the 17th century. [Read more]
La Coulée Verte de Paris, the unusual and hidden walk from Bastille to Vincennes
Paris's Coulée Verte René-Dumont, formerly known as the Promenade Plantée, is a beautiful, little-known walk for Parisians, taking us on a verdant journey from the Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes over the Viaduc des Arts. It's an unusual and shady way to discover Paris, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. [Read more]
The Jardin des Plantes' hidden Alpine garden, a nugget worth discovering
The Jardin des Plantes conceals a magnificent alpine garden. Located between the Grandes Serres and the Menagerie, this garden, which has no entrance doors, is accessible via a hidden underground passage. Here you can discover the rock gardens and wild mountain plants. It's a haven of peace to be (re)discovered all year round. [Read more]
The Chapelle Expiatoire in Paris, the monument erected in memory of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette
The Chapelle Expiatoire is one of Paris's hidden monuments. Erected in memory of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, this historic site is well worth a visit! [Read more]
A guide to walks on the Petite Ceinture in Paris, for walks in the heart of nature
Do you know the Petite Ceinture? This abandoned railway line, 32km long, encircles Paris and offers nice green spots, far from the Parisian tumult. Shall we go for a walk off the beaten track? [Read more]
L'Hôtel du Petit Moulin, a secret address hidden behind a bakery in Paris
Did you know? There's a hotel in Paris hidden behind the capital's oldest bakery. Behind this listed façade, the Hôtel du Petit Moulin reveals its secrets. [Read more]
The Maison de Balzac, home of the famous writer, and its secret garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower
The Maison de Balzac, one of the famous writer's homes, is one of the capital's literary gems, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. This house-museum also boasts an incredible garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower, as well as a café. [Read more]
Le Shack, a majestic restaurant-cocktail bar in the former Calmann-Levy printing works
Part restaurant, part cocktail bar, part coworking space and part wellness address, Le Shack is a one-of-a-kind venue housed in the former Calmann-Levy printing works. Chef Albane Auvray's vegetal, seasonal, local and eco-friendly cuisine is sure to win over those who cross her path. [Read more]
The sublime Mines Paris library, a hidden treasure in the Jardin du Luxembourg
The sublime Bibliothèque des Mines Paris (PSL), nestled in the historic Hôtel de Vendôme in the Luxembourg Gardens, invites you to take a trip back in time to the 18th century. With over 200,000 documents, the library is open to all. [Read more]
The secret and brilliant Tea Time from the Halle aux Grains to the Bourse de Commerce in Paris
La Halle aux Grains, Michel and Sébastien Bras' famous restaurant hidden away on the 3rd floor of the Paris Bourse de Commerce - Fondation Pinault, offers an excellent tea time combining culinary innovation and a superb view of Les Halles. We tell you more... [Read more]
The Catherine Labouré Garden and the Potager Garden
Among the capital's hidden parks and gardens is the Jardin Catherine Labouré, adjacent to the Jardin du Potager in Paris's 7th arrondissement. Discover 7,000 m2 of family-friendly green space, featuring fruit trees and green lawns. [Read more]
The unusual Saint-Serge de Radonège church in Buttes-Chaumont: A hidden Parisian treasure
In the heart of Paris's Buttes-Chaumont district lies the unusual Saint-Serge de Radonège church. Not visible from the street, in the 19th arrondissement, this church is an architectural nugget waiting to be discovered. [Read more]
Did you know? The Intercontinental Paris le Grand boasts a sublime ballroom and glass roof.
In the heart of Paris, the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand, formerly known as "Le Grand Hôtel", is a unique place that opened in 1862 and reveals exceptional historical treasures. Be sure to discover its hidden ballroom and sublime glass roof for a timeless break! [Read more]
The Paris archaeological crypt under Notre-Dame Cathedral
The archaeological crypt beneath the forecourt of Notre-Dame in Paris is a real step back in time. Here's what to expect when you visit. [Read more]
The Monastic, a skeapeasy bar hidden in a chapel just outside Paris
How about getting off the beaten track? Le Monastic is the name of this rum bar and speakeasy, hidden away in a restored neo-Gothic monastery. In a timeless atmosphere, come and enjoy a special experience, and learn the art of tasting rums from around the world. [Read more]
Le Skit du Saint-Esprit, the unusual treasure hidden in the Mesnil-Saint-Denis forest in the Yvelines department
Have you heard of the Skit du Saint-Esprit, a small Orthodox monastery nestling in the Bois de Fay at Mesnil-Saint-Denis in the Yvelines? This small edifice, which in fact forms 3 churches, reveals a veritable treasure trove hidden within, a must-see for lovers of the unusual and art history. [Read more]
Le Jardin Yili, the unusual Chinese garden hidden away in the Yvelines
Jardin Yili is the only privately-owned traditional Chinese garden in France. Head for Saint-Rémy-l'Honoré in the Yvelines, about 33 km from Paris, for a change of scenery. Discover this 10,000 m² green space, imbued with spirituality and tranquility, where you can discover the art of Chinese gardens and immerse yourself in a feng shui setting inspired by age-old traditions. [Read more]
These 20 unusual and secret places are nuggets that reveal the richness and diversity of Paris. We've revealed these well-kept secrets to you - now it's your turn to get adventurous! Enjoy these unique experiences and share them with your friends and family.
To find out more :
The most beautiful secret gardens and squares in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, a must-see!
Parks, squares and gardens attract Parisians in search of a breath of fresh air or a desire to go green. Discover the little-known spots, the pretty green spaces in Paris, which are still secret or hidden, the ideal corners for a quiet stroll. [Read more]
Top secret and hidden museums in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, nuggets worth visiting
In Paris, as in the Ile-de-France region, there are the great museums, but there are also the more confidential historical and cultural sites that are well worth a visit. Want to discover the hidden nuggets? Here are the secret or well-hidden museums in and around Paris that you need to discover urgently! [Read more]
The best speakeasies in Paris: where to find these hidden bars with well-kept secrets
Have you fallen under the spell of speakeasies, the concept of hidden bars that are springing up all over Paris? Well, by definition, a hidden bar is... hidden! Here's where to find Paris' secret bars. [Read more]
The most secret concepts and spots in Paris: hidden outings in the city
Feel like discovering the best-kept secrets in Paris? Come along and discover hidden spots and concepts, these surprising outing venues set all around the city. But shush! [Read more]
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