Offbeat chapel guide

This secret royal chapel is a true hidden gem tucked away in a château in Seine-et-Marne.

At the Château de Fontainebleau, in Seine-et-Marne, a royal chapel remains hidden from most visitors. The Lower Chapel of Saint-Saturnin, built under Francis I, only reveals itself on rare occasions — we tell you everything.

Essonne: this château with remarkable gardens reopens its grounds to visitors

The Domaine de Courson, a castle classified as a Historic Monument and a park labeled Jardin Remarquable in Courson-Monteloup, Essonne, reopens to visitors in April 2026 and will remain open until November 1. It’s the moment to discover its sublime green spaces and, why not, to dive into the castle’s history on a guided tour.

Seine-et-Marne: have you heard of this Templar chapel stuck in limbo, a genuine medieval treasure?

Nestled in the Fontainebleau forest in Vaudoué, the Fourches Templar Chapel—the oldest Templar chapel in France, dating back to 1150—continues its restoration in 2026 thanks to devoted volunteers.

Yvelines: The Templar Commandery and its historic chapel reinvented as the Digital City

In Élancourt, in the Yvelines, the Commandery of the Templars of La Villedieu has weathered the centuries, reinventing itself as a true digital hub, set between a listed medieval chapel, free exhibitions, and innovative tools for everyone.

Climbing District Saint-Lazare, a climbing gym and coworking space hidden in a chapel

How about a climb in an atypical location? Climbing District is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, close to the Saint-Lazare train station. Housed in a hidden former chapel, this climbing gym, which looks like an old library, is sure to surprise. Tip: coworking spaces with free wifi and coffee shop.