On 1er avril, the tradition is to pull pranks on those around us. From fish stuck on the back to prank calls, not to mention the classic whoopee cushion, this day is the favorite celebration for budding jokers. In Paris and in Île-de-France, there’s no need to conjure up outrageous stories to surprise and amuse those nearby: the region’s towns are brimming with funny, unexpected activities, and even downright incredible ones!
Exploring the region’s unsuspected heritage of Île-de-France, a creative activity, a mad dash, or an offbeat celebration: the Parisian and Île-de-France agenda never fails to surprise. And that’s what gives this region its charm! You never tire of such surprises on the program.
If you're looking for something to entertain yourself this April Fools’ Day, you're in the right place. We've handpicked a few offbeat outings—as unusual as they are real—to help you spend a memorable day! For April Fools’ jokes, head toward the chocolatiers, or wait for the reopening of the swimming pools this summer...
Climbing District Saint-Lazare, a climbing gym and coworking space hidden in a chapel
How about a climb in an atypical location? Climbing District is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, close to the Saint-Lazare train station. Housed in a hidden former chapel, this climbing gym, which looks like an old library, is sure to surprise. Tip: coworking spaces with free wifi and coffee shop. [Read more]
Zoo Art Show: the huge temporary street art museum in Paris La Défense - extended
4,000 m² dedicated to street art, spread over four floors of a building located on the forecourt of Paris La Défense. That's what awaits you at the Zoo Art Show, described as an immersive museum of urban arts. For the occasion, works by more than 500 artists are on display. Find out more about the Zoo Art Show in Paris La Défense, open to the general public since June 7, 2025. Due to its success, the Zoo Art Show has been extended until June 2026. [Read more]
Jungle Palace, Ephemera's immersive restaurant in Paris: our review
After Under the Sea and Stellar, Ephemera unveils a third immersive restaurant in Paris. Head for the capital's 10th arrondissement to discover this concept, which this time takes us to the heart of the animal kingdom. [Read more]
Unusual: the PanoraMagique balloon at Disney Village, a hot-air balloon for a magical view
Did you know that you could fly over Disneyland Paris and enjoy a unique view of the park and its village? The PanoraMagique balloon, the largest tethered balloon in the world, offers an unusual experience, so why not take to the skies? [Read more]
The Underground Extatiques: an introspective artistic journey beneath the Grand Arche of La Défense
Venture into the hidden tunnels beneath Paris's La Défense, usually closed to the public, to encounter the Extatiques, a meditative art experience running from April 3 to 26, 2026. [Read more]
THANK YOU INTERNET: the new immersive venue to enjoy with friends or colleagues in Paris’s 9th arrondissement
Sponsored - THANKS INTERNET, the immersive entertainment spot in Paris’s 9th arrondissement that brings the internet’s best concepts to life, launches Spicyyy Pastry Class, a new group game designed for groups, outings with friends, and team-building events in Paris. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
On this historic racetrack in the Île-de-France region, driving courses are offered for motorsport enthusiasts.
Looking for an adrenaline rush in the Paris region?
The legendary Linas-Montlhéry circuit is welcoming driving experiences on tracks featuring Ferrari, Alpine, or Formula Renault models. Explore this iconic location where speed, history, and motorsport passion come together for an unforgettable thrill. [Read more]
Espace Rambouillet: a forest and wildlife park to reconnect with nature
Sponsored - Nestled within 250 hectares of forest, explore a one-of-a-kind site in Île-de-France dedicated to European wildlife—animals that are currently found in France or once part of its fauna: red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, wolves... You’ll also discover its bird-of-prey center, home to more than 200 raptors with live flying demonstrations. Don’t miss the 1,500-square-meter of giant trampolines suspended among the trees, or the Forest Mission playground. An offering sure to delight families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to reconnect with what truly matters: the living world. [Read more]
Nighttime stroll at the Château de Fontainebleau: experience a Summer Night at the Court
This summer, once again, the Château de Fontainebleau is staging exceptional late openings, letting you explore the monument in a privileged way. Mark your calendars for July 4 to September 10, 2026 to experience this magical after-dark experience. [Read more]
A Monster Trucks show, motorcycle freestyle and Transformers lands near Paris — reviews and photos
Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride: the Hells Drivers Danglade Show is rolling into the Paris area with its monster trucks and spectacular stunts. From May 16 to 31, 2026, head to Soisy-sous-Montmorency, just a stone’s throw from the Enghien-Soisy Hippodrome, for this explosive family show. Read our review. [Read more]
Sleep with the Wolves: We spent a night in a cozy bivouac in the Rambouillet Forest
Want to sleep as close as possible to wolves and deer? L’Espace Rambouillet is offering a bivouac night in the heart of the forest, a rare, magical immersion in wildlife that we put to the test. [Read more]
Sunset Tea Rave: a free tea tasting at the Buttes-Chaumont as the sun sets
Buttes-Chaumont Park transforms into a giant tea salon on May 21, 2026. This collective tasting invites Parisians to savor a good cup of tea as they watch one of the capital’s most beautiful sunsets. [Read more]
You, Roof, My Roof: the free rooftop festival perched on the rooftops of Seine-Saint-Denis and Paris
What if we climbed onto the roofs? From June 12 to 14, 2026, Seine-Saint-Denis unveils its peaks at the free festival "Toi, toit, mon toit!", featuring guided tours, workshops, aperitifs, and brand-new panoramas of the region! [Read more]
Live the Eiffel Tower's epic saga with a unique virtual reality experience
Discover the immersive virtual reality guided tour of the Eiffel Tower, brought to you by Viality Tour. Relive the construction and inauguration of the Iron Lady during the 1889 World’s Fair. A new edition, more faithful to the tower’s history than ever before, was released on March 31, 2026. To celebrate, we’ve got a promo code for you! [Read more]
Join a human-sized green ribbon in support of organ donation, set against the sparkling Eiffel Tower.
On June 22, 2026, the Pont d'Iéna is set to mark National Organ Donation Day with a citizen-led mobilization. Help create a life-sized green ribbon at the foot of the Eiffel Tower for a powerful visual and symbolic performance! [Read more]
Immersive murder-mystery dinner in Paris: set sail aboard La Dame de Canton in May 2026
La Dame de Canton hosts La Dame Secrète, an immersive mystery-dinner on the Seine, featuring an aperitif, dinner and a puzzle to solve, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. [Read more]
Shake up your routine and dive into these original activities—outings like no other!
April 1: 12 Parisian anecdotes you’ll have a hard time believing.
April 1 may be the day for jokes and pranks, but we’ve chosen to surprise you with quirky anecdotes you might find hard to believe... And yet! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On April 1, 2026
April 1: 12 Parisian anecdotes you’ll have a hard time believing.
