Unusual place to visit guide

Night at the Pantheon 2025-2026: upcoming dates for these unusual torchlight tours

La Nuit au Panthéon returns to Paris during the winter evenings, from December 10, 2025, to January 28, 2026, for some exciting nighttime events. What's on the program? Torchlight tours of the legendary Parisian monument, from the nave to the crypt!

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!

The Catacombs of Paris, an unusual visit to the bowels of the capital

Have you ever ventured into the Catacombs of Paris? Let's go and discover this creepy brown place, known to all but where most have never been. A fascinating and historic site, a guided tour of the Catacombs is well worth the detour, as well as keeping you cool on hot days.

MansA: the Maison des Mondes Africains opens free of charge with the "Noires" exhibition to discover

The Maison des Mondes Africains (MansA) opens its doors in the 10th arrondissement of Paris on October 4, 2025 for two years. This new cultural center dedicated to African and Afro-diasporic cultures is taking up residence in a former haute-couture workshop near Goncourt for two years, with the "Noires" exhibition by Roxane Mbanga running until October 26. And since it's free, we're sure you'll want to check it out. But don't forget to make a reservation for the exhibition.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The Junot garden, a free, well-hidden place to go green on the Butte Montmartre

On Avenue Junot, the eponymous garden has just opened its doors to the general public, offering an oasis of greenery and, above all, a small tree-lined oasis on the Butte Montmartre.

Domaine Bois Brillant, the rebirth of a historic Île-de-France vineyard

In Seine-et-Marne, set in a verdant valley on the banks of the Grand Morin river, Domaine Bois Brillant marks the rebirth of a historic vineyard, reconnecting the surrounding area with its winegrowing history. Today, visitors can enjoy guided tours of the vineyards, and discover every step of the way, right up to the tasting of wines from the Ile-de-France region.

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.

Le Couvent de l'Annonciation, discover this church and its secret cloister in the heart of Paris's 8th arrondissement.

In the 8th arrondissement of Paris, a church with Byzantine charm and an Art Deco cloister are hidden away at the Couvent de l'Annonciation. Founded by the Dominicans in 1613, this discreet and inspiring site is open to visitors free of charge all year round.

30 unusual or little-known places to discover in Paris and the Île-de-France region this summer 2025

Why not take the opportunity this summer to discover the treasures of the Île-de-France region? Paris may be one of the world's most beautiful cities, but the surrounding region also boasts a rich heritage and a host of unusual nuggets! Here's a roundup of original spots in the Paris region!

The Jardin Alpin at the Jardin des Plantes, a lovely hidden garden to discover

The Jardin des Plantes conceals a magnificent alpine garden. Located between the Grandes Serres and the Menagerie, this garden, which has no entrance doors, is accessible via a hidden underground passage. Here you can discover the rock gardens and wild mountain plants. It's a haven of peace to be (re)discovered all year round.

The Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale, a hidden garden of exotic treasures

Do you know the Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale René-Dumont? This exotic place steeped in history, hidden away in the Bois de Vincennes? We'll take you on a tour of this unusual garden with its many exotic treasures.

Discover Chevreuse: the Little Venice of the Yvelines and its lovely Petits Ponts walk

Just 40 minutes from Paris, Chevreuse, nicknamed the Little Venice of the Yvelines, offers a splendid stroll across its small bridges. This verdant setting, accessible by RER train, offers an unsuspectedly charming escape. We invite you to embark on a nature adventure between canals and picturesque paths!

Le Skit du Saint-Esprit, the unusual treasure hidden in the Mesnil-Saint-Denis forest in the Yvelines department

Have you heard of the Skit du Saint-Esprit, a small Orthodox monastery nestling in the Bois de Fay at Mesnil-Saint-Denis in the Yvelines? This small edifice, which in fact forms 3 churches, reveals a veritable treasure trove hidden within, a must-see for lovers of the unusual and art history.

The superb Japanese garden at Château de Courances: a bucolic and exotic stroll in the Paris region

The Japanese garden at Château de Courances is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens around Paris, and particularly so in France. Located on the fabulous Courances estate in Essonne, this Anglo-Japanese garden will delight you with its exotic landscapes. Come and discover it from April 5 to November 2, 2025.