Christmas is fast approaching, and you're hard-pressed to find an unusual gift for your loved ones. But what if we told you that we had some ideas to surprise them while promising them a wonderful time? Yes, a gift doesn't have to be material. Sometimes, you can make a lasting impression simply by offering a wonderful moment that will leave a lasting memory for the person who enjoys it!
So this Christmas, we've put together a selection of unusual concepts to offer your loved ones an original experience. Paris and the Ile-de-France region are bursting at the seams with unusual and crazy plans that you'd never expect! What's more, there's no need to worry about running out of stock: these ideas for holiday gifts are often available as gift cards, so you can always find last-minute plans!
So what unusual experiences in Paris and the Ile-de-France region can you offer for an original Christmas gift? Find them all in the selection below! Please note that this guide is updated as we make new discoveries, so don't hesitate to consult it regularly until you find what you're looking for!
Crazy Moment: tailor-made outdoor adventures and leisure activities in Yvelines
Sponsored - Crazy Moment offers raids, treasure hunts, buggy rentals and much more for families and friends looking for thrills in Yvelines. Find out more! [Read more]
Beer Spa: this unusual spa in Paris offers beer baths - promotional code
Beer lovers, here's a wellness concept that's sure to please! In Paris, the Beer Spa is the first address in the capital to offer "beer baths". And if you're wondering, yes, you can also toast during your relaxation session. Want to try it? We've got a promo code for you! [Read more]
Under the Sea, the first immersive restaurant in Paris by Ephemera that takes us under the ocean
Under the Sea is the name of the first immersive restaurant in Paris. An unusual and affordable concept imagined by the Ephemera group. Head to the 13th arrondissement in the heart of a hidden room of the MK2 Bibliothèque for an original experience during a meal. [Read more]
Illuminating the jungle: our photos of the 2023 Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes
Every year, the Jardin des Plantes Festival of Lights presents a nocturnal light walk in homage to nature! Gigantic statues of animals and plants illuminated at dusk take over the site. The festival returns again this year for a 5th edition in winter 2023-2024, this time taking us to the middle of the rainforests. Introducing the Jungle of Illumination. See you from November 22, 2023 to January 21, 2024. [Read more]
Birthday: unusual experiences to offer in Paris
Giving a present for a birthday is often a complicated task, especially when you don't know what to give, whether you know the person or not. So if you want to make sure you hit the nail on the head, or at least give a gift that will leave a lasting impression, we've put together a selection of outings to offer. Escape games, VR experiences, flight simulators, trampoline parks, amusement parks... Enough to make anyone happy! [Read more]
Neon Brush, a painting workshop and cocktails in the dark in Paris
In a fluorescent decor, enjoy cocktails while working on your creative mind, at the Neon Brush workshops, coming to the 10th arrondissement of Paris in March 2024. [Read more]
Thoiry Lumières Sauvages 2023-2024, the lantern festival plunges us into Asia - our photos
Thoiry Lumières Sauvages returns from October 29, 2023 to March 11, 2024, with a new, even more enchanting itinerary. This year, almost 500 new Chinese lanterns will illuminate the gardens of the Château de Thoiry for a magical stroll in the heart of nature, with Asia as the theme. [Read more]
Mad Golf, the first indoor mini-golf course with a retro and unusual atmosphere in the heart of Paris
At the beginning of September, Paris' first indoor mini-golf course will open in the 2nd arrondissement, with two immersive, unusual 9-hole courses in a unique, colorful retro atmosphere! [Read more]
Dragons and Lanterns Festival: the Jardin d'Acclimatation luminous stroll, last days!
The Dragons and Lanterns Festival continues until March 3, 2024. We're off to the Jardin d'Acclimatation to discover the grandiose lanterns and light structures of Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden. An experience never before seen in Europe, where dragons and fantastical creatures come to life along a family-friendly nocturnal stroll, fusing Chinese culture with the soul of Paris for an unforgettable spectacle. A winter wonderland that lights up the park. [Read more]
Battlekart: our test of Mario-Kart and Rocket League-style augmented reality karting
Calling all racing fans: an unusual karting track is coming to the Paris region. Battlekart, a promising concept, has been waiting for us at Paris Nord Villepinte since early May 2022. On the program: a crazy race in which you challenge your friends, throwing bonuses to slow them down like in Mario Kart, or playing a game of soccer like in Rocket League... We've tested it, and we'll tell you all about it! [Read more]
Wave In Paris: Indoor surfing in Paris!
How about surfing in the heart of Paris? The first indoor static wave sports complex awaits you in the capital's 15th arrondissement. A unique new venue, where you can experience unprecedented sliding sensations on flowboard and bodyboard boards, a mix of surf, snowboard and skateboard. [Read more]
Bâton Rouge: the eco-friendly, made-to-measure lipstick lab-boutique in Paris
Looking for the perfect lipstick? Why not opt for made-to-measure? That's what Bâton Rouge, an unusual boutique nestled in the Marais, has to offer. The concept? Create your own 100% eco-responsible lipstick, from color to texture to fragrance. [Read more]
The Live Thriller, a life-size, immersive murder investigation game in Paris
Ever wanted to solve a murder like in the movies? That's what The Live Thriller is all about: a life-size team investigation in the heart of Paris's 18th arrondissement. [Read more]
Maison Laugier, a niche perfume boutique-workshop where you can create your own bespoke fragrance
After its first boutique-atelier in Lyon, Maison Laugier has arrived in Paris! In this spot dedicated to haute-parfumerie, you'll discover a line of niche perfumes, but above all you'll come to create your own fragrance. [Read more]
Unusual: we tested a hot-air balloon flight in Fontainebleau over the Ile-de-France region - promo
How about a breathtaking view over Fontainebleau? We're off to try out hot-air ballooning over the Île-de-France region, a magical experience we'd like to share with you. [Read more]
Art in Nature: Dali's works in a luminous and extravagant tour of Paris
An arty stroll through the works of surrealist artist Salvador Dali, that's what's in store for us this autumn-winter in Paris! From November 16, 2023 to January 7, 2024. [Read more]
Manufacture Arribas, official glassblower of Disneyland Paris, opens its doors to you
If you're a lover of fine glassmaking, get your diary ready! Manufacture Arribas, known as the official glassblower at Disneyland Paris, is offering tours and workshops at the Château de Condé Sainte-Libiaire, in the Val-de-Marne region of France. An opportunity to learn more about this exceptional craft! [Read more]
Fort Boyard Aventures: our test of the TV-style action game in Essonne
Have you always dreamed of playing Fort Boyard? Otium Leisure offers an action game in the spirit of Père Fouras, Fort Boyard Aventures, at Brétigny in Essonne, just 30 minutes from Paris. We've tested it, and we'll tell you all about it! [Read more]
Top karaoke places in Paris to sing like a star
Looking for good karaoke in Paris? Awaken your inner Céline Dion or Johnny Halliday with a karaoke session at one of these Parisian spots! [Read more]
Karafun Paris, for your karaoke parties in Paris - promo code!
Sponsored - It's time to get away from traditional parties! Unleash your inner rock star and make way for a colorful evening of karaoke at KaraFun Paris! Whether you're the type to sing "Bohemian Rhapsody" solo, or prefer a collective remix of "All I Want for Christmas is You", this year the spotlight is on YOU! [Read more]
The Edge: the virtual reality revolution in the heart of Paris' 3rd arrondissement - promotional code
Virtual reality fans, THE EDGE opens a monumental space in the heart of Paris! Dive into an immersive VR experience inspired by "Ready Player One", where realistic sensations and space adventures await you. [Read more]
Unusual in Paris: Water skiing on the Seine
Water skiing on the Seine? Yes it is possible and it happens in Paris! A club offers 3.5km of skiable water with learning workshops. Whether it's for bi-skiing, mono-skiing or even to learn how to do tricks or even to practice wakeboarding, here is the unusual spot that could well make you discover a new passion. [Read more]
iFLY Paris, the indoor freefall address for an unusual flying experience
Sponsored - iFLY Paris welcomes the general public, companies and experienced athletes to indoor skydiving in a huge glass tube. iFLY lets you fly, risk-free and inexperienced, from 5 to 105 years of age! [Read more]
Spa Luxury Paris, an immersive relaxing moment in a dreamy setting
Needing a relaxing moment on your own, with your partner or friends? Head to Spa Luxury Paris providing you with a break in Bali, Greece, or the Caribbean, without leaving Île-de-France! [Read more]
Potions & Co: the escape-bar organizes an original and fun Valentine's workshop
Do you like cocktails and puzzles? Escape game fans can now discover Potions & Co, Paris' first escape bar offering an immersive cocktail experience. [Read more]
Spa Gemology: treatments and massages based on the benefits of minerals for the skin
Discover the benefits of minerals and trace elements from precious stones, with face and body treatments that give you a new youthfulness, just a stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe. [Read more]
Make It Clap: create your own sitcom with the new "PopCorn" experience
Make It Clap launches "PopCorn", a unique experience for creating your own sitcom in the style of "Scènes de Ménage" or "En Famille". [Read more]
Le Crime de l'Orient Express, the escape game/Murder Mystery at The One Escape
Fans of escape games and Agatha Christie novels will want to check out Le Crime de l'Orient Express, an escape game by The One Escape that plunges you into the heart of a murder on the legendary train... except that one of you is the criminal! Except that one of you is the criminal! [Read more]
Maison ELLE: colorimetry workshops to define the colors that suit you best
Maison ELLE reveals the essence of Parisian style through exclusive experiences such as the Colorimetry Workshop in collaboration with EKH Paris. Accompanied by a drink and a slice of delicious homemade cake, this unusual workshop aims to reveal your color palette to sublimate your style! [Read more]
Body Float, sensory deprivation floatation sessions for deep relaxation
How about relaxing in the heart of Paris? Near Bastille, Body Float offers floating relaxation sessions in a sensory deprivation room, to be enjoyed solo or as a duo! [Read more]
Vive les Mariés: we tested the immersive dining experience at Tesoro d'Italia - new dates
Discover "Vive les Mariés", the immersive theater experience that combines comedy and upscale dining in a sumptuous setting. Join this culinary and artistic adventure in the heart of Paris's 10th arrondissement, at Le Tesoro d'Italia-Paradis restaurant on weekends for a special dinner on Saturdays from February 17, and on Sundays from February 4, 2024 for aperitivo formulas. We've tried it, we'll tell you! [Read more]
Become the heroes of a romantic comedy with this unusual experience in Paris
Here's an original surprise for your soulmate: make your couple the heroes of a romantic comedy thanks to an unusual concept waiting for you in Paris: an immersive cinema studio! [Read more]
Ganymede: our test of The Edge's innovative virtual reality experience
Since September 6, 2023, The Edge, a virtual reality center in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, has been offering its very first new and innovative VR experience, Ganymede. For around 45 minutes, solve riddles on a space base and try to escape from it! Book now for a trip into space! [Read more]
Hotel Paradiso Cinema Gift Sets: The Must-Have for Film Enthusiasts
Discover the unique Hotel Paradiso by MK2 cinema gift sets, for an immersive room-cinema experience that will delight enthusiasts. [Read more]
"Twilight, Chapter 1: Fascination" in cine-concert at Salle Pleyel this weekend
Romantic immersion for the 15th anniversary of "Twilight" at the Salle Pleyel on February 17, 2024! This first post-Valentine's Day weekend, (re)discover the film "Twilight - Chapter 1: Fascination" in cine-concert at one of Paris' most majestic venues. A great last-minute gift idea for your Valentine! [Read more]
