Unusual place to visit guide

This giant steel structure hidden deep in the forest ranks among Île-de-France’s most astonishing attractions… and it’s open to visitors.

Nestled in the heart of Milly-la-Forêt woods, a mysterious steel creature awaits curious visitors. Monumental, immersive, and surrounded by cultural activities, this extraordinary piece offers a surprising and enchanting artistic escape right in the Essonne countryside.

The Moulin Jaune transforms into a Rose Weekend for Hanami 2026, set amidst its stunning Remarkable Garden

A whirlwind of pink awaits us on April 18 and 19, 2026, at Moulin Jaune. The renowned Slava’s Garden in Crécy-la-Chapelle (77) is opening its gates once again. Come celebrate spring and see life through rose-tinted glasses during this beautiful April weekend in the heart of Île-de-France’s most Instagram-worthy garden!

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.

Hidden gem deal: Exclusive free tours of La Ruche, the legendary artist's enclave in Paris

Discreet yet legendary, La Ruche, the famed artist hub in Paris’s 15th arrondissement, is stepping into the spotlight for a special occasion. On Saturday, March 28, 2026, the La Ruche-Seydoux Foundation will open its doors to visitors for a day of free guided tours. This rare opportunity allows the public to explore a historic site where creative energy has been buzzing for more than a century.

Essonne: Go behind the scenes of Massy's Opera House during Puccini's La Bohème

On Saturday, April 11, 2026, Massy's Opera House opens its doors for a rare behind-the-scenes tour. Join us to discover the hidden corners of this unique cultural venue in the suburbs, as it prepares for Puccini's La Bohème.

France Miniature: Behind-the-Scenes Tour and Miniature Models of the Park Featuring Small-Scale Monuments in the 78th Department

What if you went behind the scenes? To mark its 35th anniversary, France Miniature Park in Élancourt (78) invites you to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour from April 11 to May 3, 2026. This rare opportunity offers a glimpse into the making and daily life of its miniature monuments, painstakingly crafted millimeter by millimeter.

Maison des Jardies in Sèvres: Explore the former homes of Honoré de Balzac and Léon Gambetta in the 92nd arrondissement

In Sèvres (92), the Maison des Jardies, recognized as a House of Illustrious Figures, hides behind its trellis facade a rich and captivating 19th-century history. Once a refuge for Balzac and later for Gambetta, this former winemaker’s home now opens its doors to visitors eager to explore. Just a short drive from Paris, it offers an intimate dive into France’s cultural heritage.

The Merovingian Crypt of Jouarre: A Must-Visit Treasure in Seine-et-Marne (77)

Are you eager to uncover the treasures of Seine-et-Marne? Experience a step back in time with a visit to the Merovingian crypt at Notre-Dame de Jouarre Abbey, one of the few remaining monuments of its kind that’s open to the public.

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).

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.

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.