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]
Olfactivity: a concept for creating your own bespoke perfume a stone's throw from the Champs-Elysées
A stone's throw from the Champs-Elysées, Olfactivity invites you to create your own fragrance in a playful way, with a concept inspired by cartomancy and numerology that will enable you to design your own tailor-made perfume. [Read more]
Drink & Paint: a painting and wine-tasting afterwork with an artist in Paris!
Art lovers and wine tasters, here's a concept that's sure to please! In Paris, an art gallery is offering a "Drink and Paint" afterwork! How does it work? In the company of a street artist, you create your work with one hand, while enjoying your glass with the other. Now that's an aperitif like no other! [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]
Zoo Art Show: the immense temporary street-art museum in Paris La Défense — new extensions announced
4000 square meters of street art to discover across four floors of a building set on the forecourt of Paris La Défense. Here’s what awaits you at the Zoo Art Show, billed as the immersive museum of urban arts. For the occasion, works by more than 500 artists are on view on site. Here’s what you need to know about the Zoo Art Show at Paris La Défense, open to the general public since June 7, 2025. In response to strong demand, the Zoo Art Show is extending its run through December 2026. [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]
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]
Moonlit stroll at Fontainebleau Palace: step into a Summer Night at the royal court
This summer once again, the Château de Fontainebleau offers exceptional late openings for a privileged visit of the monument. Join us from July 4 to September 10, 2026 to experience this magical evening experience. [Read more]
Polpo Plage 2026: a beachfront terrace and boats on the Seine in Levallois
Polpo Plage is coming to Levallois-Perret for summer 2026, inviting you to put your feet in the sand along the Seine, with a Fever-Tree–designed bar, bonfire nights, and rides on permit-free electric boats. [Read more]
The 2026 French Laser Saber Open: competition and introductory sessions for all in Paris
Come see the world’s biggest lightsaber tournament at Gymnase Japy on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The lineup features epic duels and a host of 100% pop-culture activities for Star Wars fans! [Read more]
Yoga concert on a rooftop: a Vinyasa yoga session set to live music
On Sunday, June 14, 2026, the rooftop of a Parisian urban farm becomes a wellness sanctuary for a first-ever fusion of yoga and live music. The event offers an immersive yoga session, set to a DJ performance, with views of the Sacré-Cœur. [Read more]
Monster Trucks, motorcycle freestyle and Transformers: the show has been extended near Paris — reviews and photos
Buckle up, it's going to be wild: the Hells Drivers Danglade Show is extending its run near Paris with monster trucks and spectacular stunts. From May 16 to 31, and then from June 5 to 14, 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]
What if the culprit was at your table? The murder dinner with Ivan, Boris and you back in Paris
On July 1, 2026, the experience “Ivan, Boris and You” returns to Paris with an immersive murder dinner that blends an aperitif, dinner, and an interactive investigation. [Read more]
Immersive detective dinner in Paris: board the La Dame de Canton in June 2026
La Dame de Canton hosts La Dame Secrète, an immersive mystery dinner on the Seine featuring a cocktail reception, dinner, and a puzzle to solve, on Tuesday, June 16, 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.
