Unusual outing guide

Yvelines: do you know this temple of love, the romantic kiosque bridge tucked away in a verdant setting?

In the Yvelines, at the heart of the Bonnelles pond nature reserve, a charming bridge-kiosk nicknamed the “Temple of Love” still bears witness to an 18th-century parc à fabriques—an elaborate garden of follies. Open to the public for discovery in 2026.

Unusual: a Monster Trucks show, motorcycle freestyle and Transformers set to roll into the area near Paris

Brace yourselves, things are about to get wild: the Hells Drivers Danglade Show is rolling into the Paris area with its Monster Trucks and jaw-dropping stunts. From May 16 to 31, 2026, the Hippodrome d’Enghien-Soisy will transform into a high-octane arena. A star-spangled family show where adrenaline takes the wheel.

This steel giant is one of the wildest curiosities in Île-de-France, and you can visit it — reviews & photos.

In the heart of the Milly-la-Forêt woods, a strange steel creature awaits walkers. Monumental, immersive, and framed by cultural events, this extraordinary work invites visitors to a surprising and transportive artistic pause in Essonne. It reopens for a new season on Sunday, April 4, 2026.

In Val-d'Oise (95), this soapbox derby is back for a completely wild downhill run.

The town of Mériel (Val-d'Oise, 95) invites you to the 2nd edition of its Soapbox Car Race, Sunday, June 14, 2026! No engines, just unbridled creativity and a good downhill to let your speedsters fly. Registrations are open!

Where to pick tulips in Île-de-France? Open fields and pick-your-own spots this spring

Spring is on its way, bringing with it the season of blossoms. While cherry and magnolia trees are already in bloom, tulips are adding splashes of vibrant color to the Île-de-France landscapes. For those eager to pick their own, local farms across the region offer opportunities to do just that.

Mata Hari's Final Dance: An Immersive Theater Experience Celebrating the Legendary Spy — Our Review

Mata Hari, the renowned dancer and spy, takes center stage in an immersive theater production running from February 7 to April 25, 2026. This captivating experience transports audiences back to 1916, immersing them in a web of intrigue that promises to uncover more about the life of this femme fatale who left her mark on Paris during the Belle Époque.

What if the murderer was sitting at your table? The immersive murder dinner that's captivating Paris

On February 19, 2026, the immersive murder dinner experience "Ivan, Boris, and You" is making a comeback in Paris, combining a pre-dinner aperitif, a full meal, and an interactive crime-solving adventure.

All to the farm! : the latest exhibit bringing countryside charm to Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche

The countryside takes over the heart of Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche! From February 28 to April 19, 2026, the "Tous à la ferme!" exhibition highlights rustic charm through farm-inspired decor, raw materials, and garden essentials. With plant workshops, rustic-chic tea moments, and local delicacies, fashion and gourmet treats collide to nurture imagination and creativity—all without leaving Paris!

The source of the Yvette: a mysterious statue in the Yvelines

Did you know? A mysterious statue represents the source of the Yvette. Nestled in the heart of the Yvelines, in Essarts-le-Roi, an intriguing sculpture marks the birth of this Île-de-France river. Open year-round, this hidden gem can be discovered during a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Chevreuse Valley.

La Caverne aux Livres: an unusual bookstore nestled inside a vintage 1930s train carriage in Auvers-sur-Oise (95)

In Auvers-sur-Oise, SNCF train cars aren’t just for travel… they house La Caverne aux Livres. This quirky bookstore offers a truly unique journey through shelves overflowing with stories. Just a short walk from the station, every page turn feels like a surprising stop along the way, right in the heart of Val-d'Oise (95).

Thoiry Lumières Sauvages 2025-2026, immerse yourself in the enchanted dance of spirits.

Looking for a magical winter outing? Head to Yvelines to discover the new edition of Thoiry Lumières Sauvages and its mysterious Bal des Esprits. From October 17, 2025, to March 8, 2026, this 8th edition takes us into the world of spirits and Dia de los Muertos celebrations.

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!

(Re)discover Royaumont Abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in Ile-de-France

Just north of Paris, in the Val d'Oise, stands the Abbaye de Royaumont, founded in 1228 by Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille. This royal abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in the Île-de-France region, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. With its listed buildings, Royaumont offers a fascinating insight into French medieval history. Many events now take place on the premises, and we take you on a journey of rediscovery.

Les bals de l'Hôtel de la Marine: themed dance evenings in spring

Take a step back in time, and attend an 18th or 19th century ball, with the magical evenings organized once a month at the Hôtel de la Marine. Here are the next not-to-be-missed dance events. See you on the dance floor!

Animal Walk in Paris: free parade, open to dogs, cats... on the Champs-Élysées

From purring to neighing, the capital will be beating the beat... on all fours! Dogs, cats, horses and the whole menagerie will parade from the Champs-Élysées traffic circle to the Arc de Triomphe for the Paris Animal Walk on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Free and open to all, this event will bring the Champs-Élysées to... animal speed!

Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in Paris: an XXL treasure hunt on the Champs-Élysées this Sunday

Turn your stroll along the Champs-Élysées into an adventure with the 2025 European Heritage Days Heritage Hunt! This Sunday, September 21, the avenue becomes pedestrianized and animated, metamorphosing into a giant, free treasure hunt where young and old alike are invited to solve riddles and find the precious loot!

La Bidonaise, the raft race in Seine-et-Marne near Provins

La Bidonaise returns this Sunday, August 31, 2025! This free raft race awaits you in Seine-et-Marne, between Jaulnes and Bray-sur-Seine, for an original 2.5km descent down the Seine.

The Verrerie d'art de Soisy-sur-École (91), where you can admire glassblowers at work

In Essonne (91), in the midst of a verdant setting, the Verrerie d'art de Soisy-sur-École reveals the magic of glass being shaped before your very eyes. Free tours from Wednesday to Sunday allow you to watch the glassblowers at work and follow every bubble, every gesture. A unique, lively experience at the heart of an age-old know-how.

Les Sables du Cul-du-Chien: an unusual desert of fine sand in the heart of the forest in Seine-et-Marne

In Noisy-sur-École, Seine-et-Marne (77), discover a beach... without water! The "sables du cul du chien", on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest, offer a nature getaway that's accessible all year round. An ideal spot for climbers, hikers and Sunday explorers!

Sorbonne Observatory: admire the stars through a vintage telescope

Fancy a 360° view of Paris... and a tête-à-tête with the stars? The Sorbonne Observatory, perched 40 metres above the Latin Quarter, takes you on a celestial escapade of heritage, science and panorama. Beneath its historic dome, a vintage telescope awaits you to peer into the celestial vault as if it were 1935!