Looking for secret museums and hidden spots in Paris? Say goodbye to the crowded Louvre and the endless queues at Orsay. We'll take you on a discovery of the capital's little-known nuggets, those confidential museums that conceal unsuspected treasures. From preserved artist's houses to unusual cabinets of curiosities, and former sculptors' studios transformed into cultural showcases, Paris is brimming with secret places just waiting for your visit.
These hidden museums offer a very different experience from the big tourist establishments. Here, there's no rush or stress: you're carried away by the intimate atmosphere of these confidential places, where each work tells a particular story. Whether you're exploring the unspoilt apartment of a Symbolist painter in the 9th arrondissement or wandering through the secret gardens of a writer's house overlooking the Eiffel Tower, these unusual museums promise some truly wonderful discoveries.
The capital is home to a number of free or very affordable museums, nestled in mansions steeped in history or in artists' studios that have remained untouched. These unusual places transport us into the intimacy of famous creators, introduce us to surprising collections or plunge us into totally unexpected worlds.
Maison Boissier opens Galerie Vivienne boutique-museum
Maison Boissier has set up shop in Paris's Galerie Vivienne, unveiling its exceptional confectionery in a historic setting featuring a museum space dedicated to its heritage since 1827. We take you on a tour of this historic covered passageway. [Read more]
The Musée Gustave Moreau, the painter's timeless home and studio in Paris
The Musée Gustave Moreau is a confidential Parisian museum nestled in the 9th arrondissement, where you can visit the artist's apartment and studio, and admire his famous staircase and numerous works of the Symbolist movement. [Read more]
The little-known Musée Jacquemart-André and its fine art collection in Paris
The Musée Jacquemart-André is a beautiful, little-known museum in Paris. It holds many treasures, including Rembrandt's Pilgrims to Emmaus, Sandro Botticelli's Virgin and Child and Donatello's Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, all collected by Nélie Jacquemart and her husband Edouard André in the 19th century. [Read more]
The Maison de Balzac, home of the famous writer, and its secret garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower
The Maison de Balzac, one of the famous writer's homes, is one of the capital's literary gems, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. This house-museum also boasts an incredible garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower, as well as a café. [Read more]
The Musée Bourdelle, a free museum-workshop dedicated to the sculptor in Paris
The Musée Bourdelle, dedicated to the famous sculptor, awaits you in the 15th arrondissement, with an itinerary designed for adults and children alike. As an added bonus, there's a café-restaurant perfect for prolonging the visit. [Read more]
The Musée Zadkine: the sculptor's studio-museum near the Jardin du Luxembourg
On the edge of the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Musée Zadkine in Paris opens its doors to its permanent collection, free of charge, all year round, in the heart of a green setting populated by sculptures. Nestled at 100 bis rue d'Assas, the museum is the former home of iconic sculptor Ossip Zadkine, who lived there from 1928 to 1967. [Read more]
Discover the free Legion of Honor Museum: a journey through the history of honors
Immerse yourself in the history of honors at the Musée de la Légion d'honneur et des ordres de chevalerie, housed in the magnificent Hôtel de Salm in Paris. [Read more]
The Musée des Plans Reliefs, a unique collection in Paris
The Musée des Plans Relief, located in the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, houses some 100 relief plans of fortified towns. Once used for military purposes, they are now preserved in their original state at the Invalides, where you can discover these immense models of French towns. [Read more]
Maison Gainsbourg and its museum in Paris: opening date for bookings
30 minutes of immersion in Serge Gainsbourg's incredible home, where everything has remained unchanged since his death on March 2, 1991. This is the moving and incredible experience that the Maison Gainsbourg has been offering since September 20, 2023. For the occasion, we pushed open the doors of the Maison Gainsbourg. We tell you all about this visit, a real plunge into the singer's intimacy, guided by Charlotte Gainsbourg's voice. And find out when the next reservations will open. [Read more]
The Musée d'Ennery, an incredible secret location a stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
Among the capital's little secrets, the Musée d'Ennery is sure to delight lovers of Asian art. Nestled just off the world's most beautiful avenue, this museum, hidden away in a private mansion, takes us on a veritable journey back in time! [Read more]
Guided tour of Hôtel de la Païva, a mysterious residence with erotic decorations
The Champs-Elysées harbor many secrets, including the home of the Marquise de la Païva, a former courtesan who had an opulent mansion built, also known as the "Louvre of the ass"... Coming for a visit? [Read more]
Le M., Musée du Vin in Paris: tastings, restaurant, exhibitions, concerts & parties!
Did you know that Paris has its own wine museum? Located in the capital's 16th arrondissement, this historic institution invites you to stroll through its 15th-century vaulted cellars and discover all the secrets of wine culture. Renovated and renamed M. Musée du Vin, the venue promises a rich program of restaurants, tasting courses, taste experiences, temporary exhibitions, concerts and Parisian soirées. [Read more]
The Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie Comparée, the Museum's nugget in the Jardin des Plantes
You've heard of the Muséum and the Galerie de l'évolution, but what about the Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie comparée, nestling at the entrance to the Jardin des Plantes on the Gare d'Austerlitz side? From living creatures to extinct dinosaurs, discover the world of bones in this sublime museum, well worth a visit. [Read more]
Choco-Story, the gourmet chocolate museum in Paris
Few can resist it: we love chocolate! Discover its history and secrets with Choco-Story, the ultra-gourmand and fun chocolate museum in Paris. [Read more]
The Musée Clemenceau: a little-known historic site in Paris
Did you know? There's a little-known museum in Paris that plunges us into the private life of Georges Clemenceau. Nicknamed the Tiger, this former French minister left his mark on the history of the Third Republic. The Musée Clemenceau takes us into his apartment and garden, a timeless place! [Read more]
The Freemasonry Museum: an organization steeped in history and mystery
Discover the influence of Freemasonry on French society and history over the centuries, at the heart of the Grand Orient de France. Learn all about the mysteries of this organization! [Read more]
The Musée d'Histoire de la Médecine in Paris: a unique showcase of medical curiosities
Curved knives, a hand prosthesis dating back to the 16th century, a trepanning box more than 500 years old, porcelain dentures from the 18th century or the first portable electrocardiograph... all these objects and instruments can be discovered at the incredible Museum of the History of Medicine, nestled at the headquarters of Université Paris Cité. Would you like a tour? [Read more]
The Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy: an unusual and enchanting museum in Paris
Enjoy a magical immersive experience in Paris at the Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy, a museum that plunges you into a funfair atmosphere. A place that appeals to young and old alike! [Read more]
Musée Delacroix: a must-see museum for Eugène Delacroix lovers in Paris
Discover the Musée Delacroix, a jewel in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, dedicated to the famous painter Eugène Delacroix. Explore the fascinating history of the museum, from its rescue to its transformation into a cultural space, and immerse yourself in contemporary exhibitions. A must for art and history lovers! [Read more]
The Musée de la vie romantique in Paris, a green and charming place
In Paris, the Musée de la Vie Romantique is a confidential place, a real favorite for many of the capital's inhabitants. Take the opportunity to rediscover this charming museum, nestled in the 9th arrondissement. [Read more]
Unusual Paris: the incredible Musée des Moulages at Hôpital Saint-Louis
Want to immerse yourself in unusual Paris? We'd like to introduce you to the incredible and fascinating Musée des Moulages, located in the heart of the Hôpital Saint-Louis. Inside this unique place? A collection of over 4,900 medical waxes tracing the history of dermatological diseases, listed as a Monument Historique in 1992. [Read more]
The Musée de la Pharmacie, Paris' most hidden, unusual and free pharmacy - closed for renovation
In the heart of a private mansion near the Parc Monceau lies one of the capital's most discreet museums: the Pharmacy Museum! Here, you can discover, free of charge, the history of the site, which now houses the Ordre National des Pharmaciens and a number of unusual collections. Currently closed for renovation until May 2025. [Read more]
Pavillon Carré de Baudouin: the free cultural venue in Paris
Pavillon Carré de Baudouin, the free cultural space in Paris's 20th arrondissement, has reopened its doors, offering a dynamic cultural program and renovated spaces. From contemporary art to unusual experiences, we're off to discover the place. [Read more]
The Nissim de Camondo Museum in Paris in pictures
The Musée Nissim de Camondo, part of the Decorative Arts department, located on the edge of the Parc Monceau, is dedicated to French decorative art of the second half of the 17th century. [Read more]
La Villa des Arts, one of Paris's last artists' housing estates
La Villa des Arts, one of Paris's last remaining artists' housing estates, is open to the curious. Nestled on the hillside of Montmartre, you can climb up to discover an arty 19th-century island and discover new talent in the adjoining gallery. Tempting? Follow the guides, Dorothée and Barberine, from the association La Ville A Des Arts. [Read more]
The smoker's museum, between rites and culture
This week we take you to the Musée du Fumeur. Don't let your preconceived ideas get the better of you: this place isn't a cannabis cult. On the contrary, with its exhibits and plants, it will introduce you to the history of the smoker and the introduction of this practice in Europe. [Read more]
Musée Jean-Jacques Rousseau: visit the famous philosopher's house museum in Montmorency (95)
The Maison-Musée Jean-Jacques Rousseau, better known as the Petit Mont-Louis in Montmorency, opens the doors to the refuge where the philosopher wrote his masterpieces. Between his study, his bedroom and contemporary art exhibitions, this listed historic monument combines heritage, philosophy and nature to offer an inspiring visit in the heart of Val-d'Oise (95). [Read more]
Maurice Ravel House-Museum: the Boléro composer's haven of peace in Montfort-l'Amaury (78)
In Montfort-l'Amaury, in the Yvelines department, Maurice Ravel's home can be visited like a jewel box, untouched since the composer's death. With rare objects, carefully selected furnishings and a piano ready to sound, you can enjoy an intimate visit to the place where his music was born. [Read more]
House-museum of painter André Derain (78): visit the studio and park of a pioneer of Fauvism
In Chambourcy, in the Yvelines region (78), the Maison-musée André Derain opens the doors to the intimacy of a giant of Fauvism, in a setting that blends heritage, creation and nature in technicolor. A rare visit, organized one weekend a month, where every detail plunges you into the vivid, vibrant palette of an emblematic artist. [Read more]
Datcha Tourguéniev: visit the Russian writer's home and museum in Bougival (78)
Ivan Tourguéniev's Datcha, a house-museum nestled in the woods of Bougival (78), whispers the life of a literary giant. Built in 1874, this Swiss-Russian residence, which has the Maison des Illustres label, was his refuge until his last breath. A literary treasure to be visited from March to the end of October, on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. [Read more]
The Mont-Valérien military pigeon museum (92): the history of the carrier pigeon
Atop Mont-Valérien, in the heart of a military fortress, lies a little-known museum dedicated to pigeon racing, particularly within the army. An educational tour of the museum takes us on a journey through the history of carrier pigeons, from antiquity to the present day. [Read more]
The Petit Moulin des Vaux de Cernay is transformed into a cultural restaurant with terrace (78)
Alert friends, the famous little Moulin des Vaux de Cernay in the Vallée de Chevreuse in the Yvelines (78), is being revived and transformed into a cultural restaurant that combines a place to eat, have a drink and relax in the sun with a cultural gallery where you can enjoy ephemeral exhibitions in a place steeped in history. [Read more]
The Maison Jean Cocteau in Milly la Forêt, a bucolic interlude between art and history in Essonne
We're off to Essonne, and more precisely to Milly-la-Forêt, to discover the former Maison du Bailli, a place steeped in history that was once the home of Jean Cocteau. Now a museum, the Maison des Illustres is waiting to welcome you. [Read more]
La Maison de Fer de Poissy, the unusual museum nestled in the Parc Meissonnier
La Maison de Fer à Poissy, a monument dating from 1896, is an atypical museum on the town of Poissy, to be discovered in the heart of the Parc Meissonnier. Discover its unique industrial architecture and history, and immerse yourself in the evolution of the town of Poissy. [Read more]
The Maison Zola, the Dreyfus Museum in Médan, Yvelines
In the heart of the Yvelines region, the Musée Dreyfus, in the grounds of the Maison d'Émile Zola, stands as a place steeped in literary and judicial history. Located in Médan, just an hour's drive from Paris, this historic house and museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the life and work of Émile Zola, as well as the Dreyfus Affair, two major elements of late 19th-century French culture. [Read more]
Musée Aéronautique et Spatial Safran: a plunge into the history of aviation
The Musée Aéronautique et Spatial Safran in Réau, near Melun, invites enthusiasts to rediscover the evolution of aeronautical propulsion since 1905. Why not visit this free museum, which is well worth the detour? [Read more]
The Château de Fontainebleau's hidden Chinese museum
Did you know that the Château de Fontainebleau houses a Chinese Museum? Discover this unique collection of murals, furniture, sculptures and textiles. Created in 1863 by Empress Eugénie, this hidden museum is housed in the château's Gros Pavillon. Its spaces feature some 800 objects of art and furniture, mainly gifts from China, Japan and Thailand. [Read more]
So, why not treat yourself to theoriginal and set off to conquer these secret museums that are well worth the detour?
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