Little-known monument guide

This Gothic church in Val-d'Oise shines once more after 14 years of renovation.

The Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois Church in Presles, Val-d'Oise, shines once more after fourteen years of restoration. This jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture, listed as a Historic Monument, was inaugurated on Friday, June 5, 2026.

Palace of Justice on Île de la Cité: explore this historic labyrinth and sit in on a courtroom hearing.

Through a two-hour guided tour, roam a labyrinth of corridors in a solemn atmosphere and uncover the secrets of the Palais de Justice in Paris on Île de la Cité, from a medieval fortress to the temple of justice we know today.

The Carmelite convent in Avon, Seine-et-Marne, unveils a free museum available on request.

In Avon, in Seine-et-Marne, the Carmes Convent hides a memorial open to the public, dedicated to Father Jacques, a Resistance figure made famous by Louis Malle. A place steeped in history that we unveil to you.

The Tour Jean-sans-Peur, a medieval treasure in Paris

Immerse yourself in medieval history at the Tour Jean-sans-Peur in Paris. The last vestige of the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne Valois, the Tour Jean sans Peur was built in 1409 and offers a glimpse of life in the Middle Ages in a reconstructed residence. It currently houses an exhibition on Health in the Middle Ages, which runs until September 10, 2023 (excluding the month of August).

Behind this display window on the Champs-Élysées lies an overlooked historic monument

Nestled in the heart of the Champs-Élysées, this renowned perfume address is also a historic landmark. A unique site that vividly reflects Paris, the Belle Époque, and the storied legacy of Guerlain.

At Asnières-sur-Seine (92), a former station from 1878 is set to blend a restaurant with wellness and sports facilities.

A UNESCO-listed historical monument in Hauts-de-Seine, this former station—originally built for the 1878 Universal Exhibition—has long been neglected. Now, it’s entering an exciting new chapter with plans to transform it into a vibrant community hub, combining a 900-square-meter fitness and wellness space with a 500-square-meter bistro-style restaurant.

Here’s the last remaining windmill in Val-de-Marne: open for visits just once a month!

In the midst of an urban landscape, this unusual monument stands out as a relic from another era: considered to be the last windmill in Val-de-Marne. Good news for heritage enthusiasts — it’s open for visits regularly!

The Paris Commercial Court: Exclusive Tours of this Hidden Gem on the Île de la Cité

The Paris Commercial Court isn’t just the arbiter of financial disputes on the Île de la Cité: it stands as one of the most striking witnesses to Haussmann’s transformative renovations. Behind its neo-Renaissance architecture and imposing dome, this historic building conceals impressive technical feats and interior splendors largely unknown to the public—treasures revealed during exclusive guided tours.

In the heart of Milly-La-Forêt, this dovecote stands as a remarkable remnant of the town’s medieval history.

In the tranquil village of Milly‑La‑Forêt, the Moustier dovecote stands as a remarkable surviving relic from the late Middle Ages, an uncommon sight in the region. Granted the “Regional Heritage” label in 2025, it highlights the historical significance of this type of structure in the medieval economy and landscape of Île-de-France.

Fort du Trou-d'Enfer, a testament to the Franco-Prussian War in the Yvelines

Discover the Fort of Trou-d’Enfer, a little-known fortress in the Yvelines built in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Hidden within the Marly Forest, this historic military site is open to visitors during special events and provides a captivating glimpse into 19th-century defensive architecture.

The ruins of "Pâté-Pâris" (or Petit Château de Bercy), the remains of a folly in the heart of Paris

Around the bend of an alley in the Parc de Bercy, lie the discreet remains of a former aristocratic pavilion from the XVIIIᵉ century. A heritage curiosity perfect for urban explorers, photographers and walkers in search of hidden histories. Now's the time to discover the little Château de Bercy.

The Tour de Jouarre and its Abbey, a Seine-et-Marne heritage treasure (77)

It's a piece of Île-de-France's religious heritage that deserves to be better known. Located within the walls of the still active Abbey of Notre-Dame de Jouarre, the Romanesque tower invites us to immerse ourselves in the town's history.

Did you know? The Bois de Vincennes is home to Ile-de-France's only Tibetan temple, Kagyu-Dzong.

Nestled in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes, the Tibetan temple of Kaguy-Dzong, the only one of its kind in the region, is a colorful jewel that reveals the full richness of Tibetan sacred art. With its colorful architecture and soothing atmosphere, it invites you on a true spiritual journey without leaving Paris.

The Château de la Reine Blanche, a curiosity to discover for free in the 13th arrondissement - photos

A castle in the heart of Paris? In the 13th arrondissement of Paris, hidden from view, a royal manor house has been in hiding since the end of the 13th century. And you can discover it for free with guided tours until September!

Unusual: Visit the Lutetia thermal baths and their ancient underground galleries in Paris

Did you know? In Paris, you can immerse yourself in antiquity with a visit to the Roman baths in what was once northern Lutetia. Visit the Musée de Cluny to discover these ancient baths on one of its regular tours.

La Chapelle de La Sorbonne: the little-known architectural jewel of Parisian universities

Built in the 17th century in the Latin Quarter, the Sorbonne chapel embodies the elegance of French classicism, houses the tomb of Richelieu, and bears witness to the intellectual and architectural prestige of the ancient University of Paris. Inaccessible for over 25 years, it is due to reopen to the public in a few years' time.

Saint-Pierre-de-Chaillot church, a curious monument between Byzantine art and concrete in the 16th arrondissement

Nestled in the 16th arrondissement, the Saint-Pierre-de-Chaillot church impresses with its Romanesque-Byzantine architecture in rough concrete, and its exceptional frescoes and tympanum. This monumental edifice, at once austere and fascinating, is home to a unique spiritual and artistic heritage, part of Parisian history.

Saint-Jean-Bosco church, an Art Deco masterpiece in Paris's 20th arrondissement

In the heart of Paris's 20th arrondissement stands the Saint-Jean-Bosco church, an art deco masterpiece dating from the 1930s. Discover this secret and unusual treasure of Parisian heritage.

Did you know? Villa Windsor, the former home of English royalty, is about to be unveiled to the public

The former residence of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, located in the Bois de Boulogne, is to be refurbished and opened to the public within the next few months. Perfect for a dive into the history of English royalty, among other things!

Le Corbusier's Maison La Roche: visit the iconic architect's work in Paris

In the 16th arrondissement of Paris, an architectural treasure emerges: the Maison La Roche, the fruit of the innovative spirit of Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret in the 1920s. A pioneer of architectural purism, this daring residence redefined the rules of modern architecture. Today, the Maison La Roche has become a symbol of innovation and creativity, welcoming the public to exhibitions of design and contemporary art. A great opportunity to (re)discover its spaces!