20 secret and hidden museums in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, nuggets worth visiting

Published by La Rédac · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Published on January 18th, 2024 at 11:06 a.m.
In Paris, 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 20 secret or well-hidden museums in the capital, waiting to be discovered!

You know the big museums. What you want are more confidential museums, less crowded but with a certain charm, museums with hidden gardens and surprising and special collections. This time, we're skipping the must-see museums in Paris and turning our attention to the capital's secret museums!

From the intriguing cabinet de curiosité to thediscreet studio of a famous painter or writer, via ancient vaulted cellars from the Middle Ages, the capital still has many surprises in store for you. Here are 20 hidden, secret or confidential Parisian museums to discover as a matter of urgency!

Le M. Musée du Vin à Paris - image00040Le M. Musée du Vin à Paris - image00040Le M. Musée du Vin à Paris - image00040Le M. Musée du Vin à Paris - image00040 Le M., Musée du Vin in Paris: tastings, restaurant, exhibitions, concerts & parties!
Did you know that Paris has its own wine museum? Located in the capital's 16th arrondissement, this historic institution invites you to stroll through its 15th-century vaulted cellars and discover all the secrets of wine culture. Renovated and renamed M. Musée du Vin, the venue promises a rich program of restaurants, tasting courses, taste experiences, temporary exhibitions, concerts and Parisian soirées. [Read more]

Le Musée Clemenceau : un lieu historique méconnu à ParisLe Musée Clemenceau : un lieu historique méconnu à ParisLe Musée Clemenceau : un lieu historique méconnu à ParisLe Musée Clemenceau : un lieu historique méconnu à Paris The Musée Clemenceau: a little-known historic site in Paris
Did you know? There's a little-known museum in Paris that plunges us into the private life of Georges Clemenceau. Nicknamed the Tiger, this former French minister left his mark on the history of the Third Republic. The Musée Clemenceau takes us into his apartment and garden, a timeless place! [Read more]

Musée des Plans-Reliefs - nos photos - image00021Musée des Plans-Reliefs - nos photos - image00021Musée des Plans-Reliefs - nos photos - image00021Musée des Plans-Reliefs - nos photos - image00021 The Musée des Plans Reliefs, a unique collection in Paris
The Musée des Plans Relief, located in the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, houses some 100 relief plans of fortified towns. Once used for military purposes, they are now preserved in their original state at the Invalides, where you can discover these immense models of French towns. [Read more]

Le Musée de la Franc-Maçonnerie, l'organisation entre Histoire et mystères Le Musée de la Franc-Maçonnerie, l'organisation entre Histoire et mystères Le Musée de la Franc-Maçonnerie, l'organisation entre Histoire et mystères Le Musée de la Franc-Maçonnerie, l'organisation entre Histoire et mystères The Freemasonry Museum: an organization steeped in history and mystery
Discover the influence of Freemasonry on French society and history over the centuries, at the heart of the Grand Orient de France. Learn all about the mysteries of this organization! [Read more]

Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248 The Musée d'Histoire de la Médecine in Paris: a unique showcase of medical curiosities
Curved knives, a hand prosthesis dating back to the 16th century, a trepanning box more than 500 years old, porcelain dentures from the 18th century or the first portable electrocardiograph... all these objects and instruments can be discovered at the incredible Museum of the History of Medicine, nestled at the headquarters of Université Paris Cité. Would you like a tour? [Read more]

Le Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy : un musée insolite et enchanteur à ParisLe Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy : un musée insolite et enchanteur à ParisLe Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy : un musée insolite et enchanteur à ParisLe Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy : un musée insolite et enchanteur à Paris The Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy: an unusual and enchanting museum in Paris
Enjoy a magical immersive experience in Paris at the Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy, a museum that plunges you into a funfair atmosphere. A place that appeals to young and old alike! [Read more]

Delacroix et la nature, nos photos de l'exposition au musée DelacroixDelacroix et la nature, nos photos de l'exposition au musée DelacroixDelacroix et la nature, nos photos de l'exposition au musée DelacroixDelacroix et la nature, nos photos de l'exposition au musée Delacroix Musée Delacroix: a must-see museum for Eugène Delacroix lovers in Paris
Discover the Musée Delacroix, a jewel in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, dedicated to the famous painter Eugène Delacroix. Explore the fascinating history of the museum, from its rescue to its transformation into a cultural space, and immerse yourself in contemporary exhibitions. A must for art and history lovers! [Read more]

Musée Bourdelle rénové -  atelier de sculptureMusée Bourdelle rénové -  atelier de sculptureMusée Bourdelle rénové -  atelier de sculptureMusée Bourdelle rénové -  atelier de sculpture The Musée Bourdelle, a free museum-workshop dedicated to the sculptor in Paris
The Musée Bourdelle, dedicated to the famous sculptor, awaits you in the 15th arrondissement, with an itinerary designed for adults and children alike. As an added bonus, there's a café-restaurant perfect for prolonging the visit. [Read more]

Le café - Salon de thé et terrasse Rose Bakery au Musée de la Vie Romantique  -  A7C9266 HDRLe café - Salon de thé et terrasse Rose Bakery au Musée de la Vie Romantique  -  A7C9266 HDRLe café - Salon de thé et terrasse Rose Bakery au Musée de la Vie Romantique  -  A7C9266 HDRLe café - Salon de thé et terrasse Rose Bakery au Musée de la Vie Romantique  -  A7C9266 HDR The Musée de la vie romantique in Paris, a green and charming place
In Paris, the Musée de la Vie Romantique is a confidential place, a real favorite for many of the capital's inhabitants. Take the opportunity to rediscover this charming museum, nestled in the 9th arrondissement. [Read more]

Le Musée de la Légion d'Honneur à l'Hôtel de Salm Le Musée de la Légion d'Honneur à l'Hôtel de Salm Le Musée de la Légion d'Honneur à l'Hôtel de Salm Le Musée de la Légion d'Honneur à l'Hôtel de Salm Discover the free Legion of Honor Museum: a journey through the history of honors
Immerse yourself in the history of honors at the Musée de la Légion d'honneur et des ordres de chevalerie, housed in the magnificent Hôtel de Salm in Paris. [Read more]

Musée Gustave Moreau - IMG 0813Musée Gustave Moreau - IMG 0813Musée Gustave Moreau - IMG 0813Musée Gustave Moreau - IMG 0813 The Musée Gustave Moreau, the painter's timeless home and studio in Paris
The Musée Gustave Moreau is a confidential Parisian museum nestled in the 9th arrondissement, where you can visit the artist's apartment and studio, and admire his famous staircase and numerous works of the Symbolist movement. [Read more]

Choco Story, le musée du chocolat hyper gourmand à ParisChoco Story, le musée du chocolat hyper gourmand à ParisChoco Story, le musée du chocolat hyper gourmand à ParisChoco Story, le musée du chocolat hyper gourmand à Paris Choco-Story, the gourmet chocolate museum in Paris
Few can resist it: we love chocolate! Discover its history and secrets with Choco-Story, the ultra-gourmand and fun chocolate museum in Paris. [Read more]

MUSEE SAFRANMUSEE SAFRANMUSEE SAFRANMUSEE SAFRAN Musée Aéronautique et Spatial Safran: a plunge into the history of aviation
The Musée Aéronautique et Spatial Safran in Réau, near Melun, invites enthusiasts to rediscover the evolution of aeronautical propulsion since 1905. Why not visit this free museum, which is well worth the detour? [Read more]

Exposition Chana Orloff Musée Zadkine - IMG 1911Exposition Chana Orloff Musée Zadkine - IMG 1911Exposition Chana Orloff Musée Zadkine - IMG 1911Exposition Chana Orloff Musée Zadkine - IMG 1911 Musée Zadkine: l'Atelier - Museum near the Jardin du Luxembourg
On the outskirts of the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Musée Zadkine in Paris opens its doors free of charge to its permanent collection, all year round, in the heart of a green setting populated by sculptures. Nestled at 100 bis rue d'Assas, the museum is the former home of iconic sculptor Ossip Zadkine, who lived there from 1928 to 1967. [Read more]

Musée des Moulages à Paris, nos photos - IMG 0843Musée des Moulages à Paris, nos photos - IMG 0843Musée des Moulages à Paris, nos photos - IMG 0843Musée des Moulages à Paris, nos photos - IMG 0843 Unusual Paris: the incredible Musée des Moulages at Hôpital Saint-Louis
Want to immerse yourself in unusual Paris? We'd like to introduce you to the incredible and fascinating Musée des Moulages, located in the heart of the Hôpital Saint-Louis. Inside this unique place? A collection of over 4,900 medical waxes tracing the history of dermatological diseases, listed as a Monument Historique in 1992. [Read more]

Hôtel de la Païva - IMG 2615Hôtel de la Païva - IMG 2615Hôtel de la Païva - IMG 2615Hôtel de la Païva - IMG 2615 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]

Musée de la Pharmacie - Dynastie Menier - IMG 2189Musée de la Pharmacie - Dynastie Menier - IMG 2189Musée de la Pharmacie - Dynastie Menier - IMG 2189Musée de la Pharmacie - Dynastie Menier - IMG 2189 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]

Le Musée d'Ennery, un lieu incroyable et secret à deux pas de l'Arc de Triomphe - IMG20230411110146Le Musée d'Ennery, un lieu incroyable et secret à deux pas de l'Arc de Triomphe - IMG20230411110146Le Musée d'Ennery, un lieu incroyable et secret à deux pas de l'Arc de Triomphe - IMG20230411110146Le Musée d'Ennery, un lieu incroyable et secret à deux pas de l'Arc de Triomphe - IMG20230411110146 The Ennery Museum, an incredible and secret place close to the Arc de Triomphe
Among the little secrets of the capital, the Musée d'Ennery has something to delight Asian art lovers. Nestled near the most beautiful avenue in the world, this museum hidden in a private mansion takes us on a real journey through time. [Read more]

Le Pavillon Carré de Baudouin - réouverture -  A7C7340Le Pavillon Carré de Baudouin - réouverture -  A7C7340Le Pavillon Carré de Baudouin - réouverture -  A7C7340Le Pavillon Carré de Baudouin - réouverture -  A7C7340 Pavillon Carré de Baudouin: the free cultural venue in Paris
Pavillon Carré de Baudouin, the free cultural space in Paris's 20th arrondissement, has reopened its doors, offering a dynamic cultural program and renovated spaces. From contemporary art to unusual experiences, we're off to discover the place. [Read more]

Le Musée chinois du château de Fontainebleau  -  A7C4169Le Musée chinois du château de Fontainebleau  -  A7C4169Le Musée chinois du château de Fontainebleau  -  A7C4169Le Musée chinois du château de Fontainebleau  -  A7C4169 Discover the unusual Chinese Museum at the Château de Fontainebleau
Did you know that the Château de Fontainebleau houses a Chinese Museum? Discover this unique collection of murals, furniture, sculptures and textiles. Created in 1863 by Empress Eugénie, this hidden museum is housed in the château's Gros Pavillon. Its spaces feature some 800 objects of art and furniture, mainly gifts from China, Japan and Thailand. [Read more]

So, why not treat yourself to theoriginal and set off to conquer these secret museums that are well worth the detour?

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