How about thinking outside the box and discover the unusual side of Paris? Between original little-known places or secret locations, here are the best ideas the city and its surroundings have for the summer 2022.
Did you know there was a secret garden at Balzac’s House and the Monte Cristo castle was hiding a surprising Moorish lounge? Here are great spots to discover this August in Paris to enjoy surprising and mind-blowing locations.



The Château de Monte-Cristo, Alexandre Dumas' hidden and unusual home
Discover the Château de Monte-Cristo, the residence imagined by the writer Alexandre Dumas. Set in an English garden on the Saint-Germain-en-Laye side of the Yvelines region, this exuberantly styled 19th-century château and its small Château d'If (Yew Castle) are waiting to be discovered. We take you on a tour of this hidden heritage, listed as a historic monument. [Read more]



The Moulin Jaune and its remarkable gardens
Slava the Clown's Yellow Mill is an incredible place to discover. With its remarkable Alice in Wonderland-style garden, it's a unique spot that's a must-see. Please note, however, that it is only open for special events by prior arrangement. [Read more]



The Musée Albert-Kahn and its garden, an exceptional green setting at the gateway to Paris
The Musée Albert Kahn, with its sublime gardens, is a must-see. Imagined as a scenic garden, this 4-hectare space features a magnificent Japanese garden and village, an English garden, a French garden and forests and meadows. A complete change of scenery. [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]



Paris: the Tuileries Tunnel transformed into a street art gallery until 2023 - our photos
The Tuileries Tunnel takes on colors! For two weeks, a dozen artists have covered the Parisian tunnel reserved for soft mobility with colorful frescoes, visible until July 2023. [Read more]



La Coulée Verte de Paris, the unusual and hidden walk from Bastille to Vincennes
Paris's Coulée Verte René-Dumont, formerly known as the Promenade Plantée, is a beautiful, little-known walk for Parisians, taking us on a verdant journey from the Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes over the Viaduc des Arts. It's an unusual and shady way to discover Paris, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. [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 Canopee, the gourmet and festive rooftop at the Beffroi de Montrouge, is back!
As of June 1, 2023, La Canopée, the convivial rooftop of the Beffroi de Montrouge, is back. Offering an oasis of greenery until the end of September, this festive venue offers a great festive and gourmet experience south of Paris. [Read more]



Saint-Jacques Tower, the former bell tower and its sublime view over Paris, currently under renovation.
Saint-Jacques Tower, with its panoramic views over all of Paris, is normally open to visitors from May to November, but this year renovations prevent us from visiting it. Located just a stone’s throw from the City Hall, the historic monument is a must-see, standing 62 meters tall with 300 steps. [Read more]
And for more unusual outings:



30 unusual or little-known places to discover in Paris and the Île-de-France region this summer 2025
Why not take the opportunity this summer to discover the treasures of the Île-de-France region? Paris may be one of the world's most beautiful cities, but the surrounding region also boasts a rich heritage and a host of unusual nuggets! Here's a roundup of original spots in the Paris region! [Read more]



Offbeat restaurants in Paris, our original and immersive picks
Looking for a quirky restaurant in Paris? Here are our top picks for originality: immersive eateries, surprising concepts, rare specialties, and offbeat brunches in Paris and Île-de-France. [Read more]



Unusual parks and gardens in Paris & Île-de-France: Unique walking routes to explore
Paris, often praised for its architectural heritage and vibrant cultural life, is also home to gardens, squares and parks of surprising beauty and originality. Here we reveal the unusual nuggets to be discovered in Paris and the Paris region. Let's discover the most original parks and gardens in the Paris region. [Read more]



Unusual exhibitions in Paris: original art events to see now
Paris is a veritable open-air museum, and beautiful exhibitions are a constant feature of this cultural capital. This time, we're taking you on a voyage of discovery of unusual exhibitions, those whose scenography and themes will surprise you with their originality! So, are you ready to be surprised? [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From July 26, 2022 to August 31, 2022















