Heritage curiosity secret guide

Are you familiar with the mysterious "Fairy Cave" in the Yvelines, a relic from the Neolithic era?

In Brueil-en-Vexin, Yvelines, a centuries-old stone monument continues to intrigue hikers and curious visitors alike. Dubbed the “Fairy’s Cave,” this Neolithic relic is shrouded in legends…but it also holds a genuine chapter of prehistory.

Did you know? There is only one remaining milestone in Paris, and it's on rue de Vaugirard.

At the corner of Rue Littré and Rue de Vaugirard, a discreet granite milestone bears witness to the royal measurement system of the Ancien Régime. This historic vestige, freely accessible, is the last remaining milestone in Paris. But what is a milestone? We explain!

What is that secret passage behind the street library in the Latin Quarter?

Crossing the Rue des Anglais in the Latin Quarter of Paris, you have probably already noticed a strange library. Your curiosity may have already led you to try to pick up one of the books to discover a secret passage.

The mystery of the Pierres Frittes de Brunoy, mysterious menhirs in Essonne (91)

In the heart of Brunoy, in Essonne, stand the mysterious Pierres Frittes, ancient Neolithic menhirs whose origins still fascinate. Between legend, history, and a stroll along the Yerres, discover this little-known site, open to the public, a true prehistoric treasure in the Paris region.

The cellars of Pontoise (95): plunge into the city's mysterious underground world

Beneath the medieval streets of Pontoise, in the Val d'Oise, lies an astonishing treasure: medieval cellars that bear witness to the town's past. An unusual, original and little-known tour of the Île-de-France region awaits you, upon reservation. Find out more about Les caves de Pontoise, an astonishing place within easy reach of the Navigo transport network!

Unusual: In Île-de-France, this leaning tower is nicknamed the Pisa of the North (91).

Did you know that in the Île-de-France region, more specifically in Essonne, there is a tower whose tilt is reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Here is the story of the Church of Saint-Martin d'Étampes and its astonishing leaning bell tower.

Les souterrains de Provins: discovering medieval cellars

Want to explore the underbelly of a medieval city? In Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an unusual visit awaits you. Beneath the ramparts and houses of yesteryear, an underground network steeped in history invites you on an architectural, mysterious and historic adventure.

Unusual: In the 5th arrondissement, these fake Roman remains arouse the curiosity of passers-by

This is one of the sights to see when in Paris's 5th arrondissement. Hidden between the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Panthéon and the Val de Grâce, an unusual building entrance takes on the appearance of ancient ruins. We tell you more about these false Pompeian remains and where to find them.

Paris: Le Défenseur du Temps, an astonishing automaton clock in the Horloge district of Paris

Ever heard of Le Défenseur du Temps in Paris? This historic automaton clock, recently renovated, awaits you in the Horloge district which gives it its name. Discover its history right up to the present day.

The Eugénie Djendi garden, an unusual labyrinth garden in the 15th arrondissement

Adjacent to the Parc André Citroën, the Eugénie Djendi garden boasts architecture that's unique in Paris: it's a great place to get stuck into, to discover this beautiful green space that's almost reminiscent of a labyrinth!

Did you know? Gustave Eiffel's tomb is not in Paris but in Levallois-Perret (92)

Intriguing and discreet, the tomb of the famous engineer Gustave Eiffel lies not in Paris, but in the cemetery of Levallois-Perret. Discover this historical nugget, between legend and reality, just a stone's throw from the capital.

Did you know? The Bois de Vincennes is home to Europe's largest Buddha, made entirely of gold.

In the heart of the Bois de Vincennes, a discreet pagoda is home to Europe's largest Buddha and relics from Bangkok, making it a major Buddhist spiritual center.

The Merovingian Crypts of Jouarre, a treasure to visit in Seine-et-Marne (77)

Want to discover the treasures of Seine-et-Marne? Immerse yourself in history in the Merovingian crypts of Notre-Dame de Jouarre Abbey.

Did you know? This graffiti, dating from 1764 on the Place des Vosges, is the oldest in Paris.

Here's an amusing Paris anecdote! In the Marais district, on the Place des Vosges, you'll find the oldest graffiti in the capital... Did you know that? You do now! But what does it say? When was it done? Discover its history!

Did you know? In Paris, a forest garden hides in a library

A garden... In a library? Yes, that's the concept of a very famous Parisian library, which boasts a hidden forest right in the heart of Paris.

Did you know? BnF's four towers look like open books

Immense and majestic, the four towers of the François Mitterrand National Library dominate the urban landscape of the 12th and 13th arrondissements. We explain their history.

The botanical garden of the Faculty of Pharmacy: a secret botanical treasure to be visited without delay

Just a stone's throw from the Jardin du Luxembourg lies a little-known green gem: the botanical garden of the Faculty of Pharmacy. From spring to autumn, this confidential corner of greenery opens its doors to the curious for guided tours that are as instructive as they are exotic.

Did you know? In Paris, street numbers follow the course of the Seine.

In Paris, street numbering, introduced as early as the XIXᵉ century, follows a simple logic: it takes as its reference the river that crosses the capital.

Did you know? The Bièvre, a Parisian river, still flows beneath the cobblestones of the capital.

Once upon a time, a river flowed through the 5th and 13th arrondissements of Paris for all to see. It became too polluted in the 19th century, and is now buried beneath the cobblestones of the capital, but continues to flow beneath our feet, deeply hidden.

Val d'Oise (95): In Saint-Leu-la-Forêt, exceptional tours of the Bonaparte crypt

In the Val d'Oise, the town of Saint-Leu-La-Forêt is home to the crypt of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's family, located within the Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles church. The crypt is open to the public from time to time for special visits.