Unusual monument guide

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!

Pavillon des Indes: a cultural center with the air of an unusual oriental palace on the outskirts of Pairs

Nestled in the Parc de Bécon in the heart of Courbevoie, the Pavillon des Indes is an astonishing example of Oriental palace architecture. Part World's Fair legacy, part lively cultural venue, this exotic gem is well worth a visit.

In the Hauts-de-Seine, this winch stands as one of the few remaining relics of a former quarry.

In the Hauts-de-Seine, a mysterious mechanism made of stone and wood evokes an industrial past that has largely faded into history. This rare remnant of the former stone quarries of the Paris basin is still occasionally brought to life during demonstrations, especially during the European Heritage Days.

In Essonne, this unusual chapel was decorated by Jean Cocteau... before he was buried here.

In the heart of Essonne, in Milly-La-Forêt, a mysterious XIIᵉ century chapel becomes, thanks to Jean Cocteau, a showcase of simplicity and resurrection - a real heritage jewel to (re)discover. In fact, it was the famous French artist's last home. Here's the story of Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples.

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.

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.

The ruins of the Moulin de Chelles, a curiosity in Seine-et-Marne

Explore the mysterious ruins of the Moulin de Chelles, an industrial relic hidden away on the banks of the Marne. The perfect heritage site for lovers of unusual walks, local history and photography.

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.

Maubuisson Abbey, a royal abbey turned contemporary art center in Val d'Oise (95)

Did you know? In the Val d'Oise, a former royal abbey has survived through the ages, from medieval times to the present day. Now a center for contemporary art, we tell you more about the astonishing Abbaye de Maubuisson!

Le Nymphée Nymphée, a mysterious shell grotto in Viry-Châtillon, Essonne, France

Did you know? In Viry-Chatillon, Essonne, you'll find one of the few remains of a nymphaeum waiting to be discovered. This mysterious shell grotto awaits you in the heart of the Piedefer estate. So, are you ready to visit this unusual Île-de-France heritage site?

One of the oldest dovecotes in the Île-de-France region is located in Créteil (94), and it's worth a visit!

It's a historical relic that could well fascinate pigeon fanciers. In the town of Créteil in the Val-de-Marne, just a metro ride away, you'll find one of the oldest dovecotes in the Île-de-France region. Once a month, this historic relic is open to visitors - we tell you all about it!

Guided tours of the ruins of Saint-Maur Abbey (94)

In the town of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés lies a little gem, an ancient abbey founded in 639, of which only the ruins remain today, and which can be admired on guided tours organized by the Société d'histoire et d'archéologie de Saint-Maur.