Paris and the surrounding region are full of mysteries and hidden corners. Even if you're a Parisian, you'll still find some great secret nuggets. Between little-known spots and well-hidden sites, we reveal unsuspected treasures, far from the hustle and bustle of classic tourist sites. You'll never see Paris and the Ile-de-France region in the same way again once you've discovered these unusual places we've unearthed for you.
Some of these nuggets can only be visited on the rarest of occasions. Others are waiting patiently for you to discover them. If you thought you knew Paris like the back of your hand, think again: the capital will never stop surprising you. So, are you ready to discover these hidden spots?
Paris: On the Île Saint-Louis, this library hides three museums, one of which is dedicated to Chopin.
On Île Saint-Louis, the Polish Library of Paris not only holds a remarkable collection of literary works but also features three intimate museums dedicated to Chopin, Mickiewicz, and Bolesław Biegas—perfect for those eager to explore France's rich cultural ties with Poland. [Read more]
What is that secret passage behind the street library in the Latin Quarter?
Crossing the Rue des Anglais in the Latin Quarter of Paris, you have probably already noticed a strange library. Your curiosity may have already led you to try to pick up one of the books to discover a secret passage. [Read more]
Unusual: In the 5th arrondissement, these fake Roman remains arouse the curiosity of passers-by
This is one of the sights to see when in Paris's 5th arrondissement. Hidden between the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Panthéon and the Val de Grâce, an unusual building entrance takes on the appearance of ancient ruins. We tell you more about these false Pompeian remains and where to find them. [Read more]
Paris: Le Défenseur du Temps, an astonishing automaton clock in the Horloge district of Paris
Ever heard of Le Défenseur du Temps in Paris? This historic automaton clock, recently renovated, awaits you in the Horloge district which gives it its name. Discover its history right up to the present day. [Read more]
The Eugénie Djendi garden, an unusual labyrinth garden in the 15th arrondissement
Adjacent to the Parc André Citroën, the Eugénie Djendi garden boasts architecture that's unique in Paris: it's a great place to get stuck into, to discover this beautiful green space that's almost reminiscent of a labyrinth! [Read more]
Did you know? The Bois de Vincennes is home to Europe's largest Buddha, made entirely of gold.
In the heart of the Bois de Vincennes, a discreet pagoda is home to Europe's largest Buddha and relics from Bangkok, making it a major Buddhist spiritual center. [Read more]
Did you know? In Paris, a forest garden hides in a library
A garden... In a library? Yes, that's the concept of a very famous Parisian library, which boasts a hidden forest right in the heart of Paris. [Read more]
Did you know? BnF's four towers look like open books
Immense and majestic, the four towers of the François Mitterrand National Library dominate the urban landscape of the 12th and 13th arrondissements. We explain their history. [Read more]
The botanical garden of the Faculty of Pharmacy: a secret botanical treasure to be visited without delay
Just a stone's throw from the Jardin du Luxembourg lies a little-known green gem: the botanical garden of the Faculty of Pharmacy. From spring to autumn, this confidential corner of greenery opens its doors to the curious for guided tours that are as instructive as they are exotic. [Read more]
Did you know? The Irish Cultural Centre houses a fascinating heritage library
Nestled in Paris's famous Latin Quarter, the Centre culturel irlandais hides a few secrets. Did you know, for example, that the building houses a fascinating heritage library with a collection of over 8,000 books? [Read more]
The Bouglione family circus museum, a well-hidden nugget - our photos
Well-hidden museums abound in the capital, but the circus museum is only accessible to the lucky few. Located in the heart of the Cirque d'Hiver and owned by the Bouglione family, it features exceptional costumes and priceless memorabilia. [Read more]
Did you know? A swimming pool has been hidden beneath the Cirque d'Hiver ring since the 1930s.
There's no shortage of swimming pools in the capital, but few people have ever been able to swim in the Cirque d'Hiver! Hidden beneath the floor of the ring, it was built in the 1930s for water shows. [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]
Did you know? This is the oldest clock in Paris and its fascinating history.
Do you know the oldest public clock in Paris, still in operation? Mounted on the walls of the Conciergerie in the heart of the Ïle de la Cité, this clock has been telling the time since 1371. Commissioned by Charles V, the clock marks the king's time. This public clock, still in operation today, embodies six centuries of history and impressive mechanics, we tell you. [Read more]
Did you know? One of Paris's most secret gardens is hidden in the 19th arrondissement.
In the heart of the 19th arrondissement, it's a well-kept secret, but one that we invite you to discover every day during the summer months. Le Centquatre's secret garden is a discreet little island, hidden from view, where you can take refuge all summer long. [Read more]
Did you know? This small cannon in the garden of the Palais-Royal was used as a clock in the 18th century.
The capital really is full of little curiosities, not least in the gardens of the Palais-Royal, where a small cannon takes pride of place. Between 1786 and 1911, it was used not as a weapon, but as a clock! Find out how. [Read more]
The unusual Saint-Serge de Radonège church in Buttes-Chaumont: A hidden Parisian treasure
In the heart of Paris's Buttes-Chaumont district lies the unusual Saint-Serge de Radonège church. Not visible from the street, in the 19th arrondissement, this church is an architectural nugget waiting to be discovered. [Read more]
Discover the magnificent cathedral building on rue Réaumur and its astrological clock
For a little architectural stroll, choose Paris's 2nd arrondissement, and rue Réaumur in particular. It's packed with exceptional facades, including a cathedral building with a clock and astrological wheel. [Read more]
L'Hôtel du Petit Moulin, a secret address hidden behind a bakery in Paris
Did you know? There's a hotel in Paris hidden behind the capital's oldest bakery. Behind this listed façade, the Hôtel du Petit Moulin reveals its secrets. [Read more]
Picpus Cemetery, a secret historic site in Paris
The Picpus cemetery in Paris is a little-known site that nevertheless represents an important part of the capital's history. Listed as a historical monument, it contains the bodies of those guillotined during the Great Terror. [Read more]
This former hunting lodge in the Île-de-France region conceals a stunning garden of monumental sculptures.
In Essonne, south of Paris, tucked away in the woods of Sénart Forest, a former royal hunting lodge hides an unexpected garden of monumental sculptures. Welcome to the Sénart Partridge Farm, an extraordinary place where history and contemporary art intertwine along winding paths. [Read more]
The mystery of the Pierres Frittes de Brunoy, mysterious menhirs in Essonne (91)
In the heart of Brunoy, in Essonne, stand the mysterious Pierres Frittes, ancient Neolithic menhirs whose origins still fascinate. Between legend, history, and a stroll along the Yerres, discover this little-known site, open to the public, a true prehistoric treasure in the Paris region. [Read more]
Unusual: In Île-de-France, this leaning tower is nicknamed the Pisa of the North (91).
Did you know that in the Île-de-France region, more specifically in Essonne, there is a tower whose tilt is reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Here is the story of the Church of Saint-Martin d'Étampes and its astonishing leaning bell tower. [Read more]
This remarkable Dolmen in Île-de-France hides a funerary chamber, a remnant of the megalithic era.
Eager to explore a true prehistoric monument without leaving Île-de-France? Look no further than La Pierre-Plate in Presles, Val-d'Oise. This ancient dolmen, approximately 4,000 years old, invites you to unravel the mysteries of the Neolithic era—hidden deep within the forest’s embrace. [Read more]
Are you familiar with this tiny, tucked-away cemetery nestled deep within the Montmorency Forest?
Hidden beneath the centuries-old trees of Montmorency Forest, Bosc Cemetery is one of those little-known corners of Île-de-France where time seems to stand still. An unassuming site, rich in history, that reveals itself almost by chance during a stroll through the woods. [Read more]
The cellars of Pontoise (95): plunge into the city's mysterious underground world
Beneath the medieval streets of Pontoise, in the Val d'Oise, lies an astonishing treasure: medieval cellars that bear witness to the town's past. An unusual, original and little-known tour of the Île-de-France region awaits you, upon reservation. Find out more about Les caves de Pontoise, an astonishing place within easy reach of the Navigo transport network! [Read more]
Val d'Oise (95): In Saint-Leu-la-Forêt, exceptional tours of the Bonaparte crypt
In the Val d'Oise, the town of Saint-Leu-La-Forêt is home to the crypt of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's family, located within the Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles church. The crypt is open to the public from time to time for special visits. [Read more]
Did you know? There's an unusual troglodyte church in the Val d'Oise, just waiting to be discovered.
Did you know that in the Val d'Oise, the Church of the Annunciation at Haute-Isle is the only troglodyte church in the entire region? Carved directly into a chalk cliff and listed as a historic monument, it's an unusual nugget to discover. [Read more]
Did you know? There’s a hidden crystal cave tucked away in a forest in Île-de-France.
Less than an hour from Paris, the Fontainebleau Forest harbors a little-known treasure: a cave adorned with glittering crystals. This geological marvel, a prized gem of the region’s natural heritage, captivates visitors with its mystery and allure. [Read more]
Les souterrains de Provins: discovering medieval cellars
Want to explore the underbelly of a medieval city? In Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an unusual visit awaits you. Beneath the ramparts and houses of yesteryear, an underground network steeped in history invites you on an architectural, mysterious and historic adventure. [Read more]
The Merovingian Crypts of Jouarre, a treasure to visit in Seine-et-Marne (77)
Want to discover the treasures of Seine-et-Marne? Immerse yourself in history in the Merovingian crypts of Notre-Dame de Jouarre Abbey. [Read more]
In the Yvelines, this remarkable golf course is home to historic remnants
In Chambourcy, in the Yvelines, Joyenval Golf isn't just a sports venue. Nestled on the edge of a forest, its courses wind through the quiet ruins of a 13th-century abbey. An unexpected fusion of golf and heritage. [Read more]
Fort du Trou-d'Enfer, a testament to the Franco-Prussian War in the Yvelines
Discover the Fort of Trou-d’Enfer, a little-known fortress in the Yvelines built in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Hidden within the Marly Forest, this historic military site is open to visitors during special events and provides a captivating glimpse into 19th-century defensive architecture. [Read more]
In the Yvelines, this historic aqueduct once supplied water to the gardens of the Palace of Versailles.
Discover the Louveciennes Aqueduct, an iconic monument in Yvelines built under Louis XIV to transport water pumped from the Seine to the lavish gardens of Versailles and Marly. This hydraulic masterpiece from the 17th century remains a striking sight to this day. [Read more]
Are you familiar with the mysterious "Fairy Cave" in the Yvelines, a relic from the Neolithic era?
In Brueil-en-Vexin, Yvelines, a centuries-old stone monument continues to intrigue hikers and curious visitors alike. Dubbed the “Fairy’s Cave,” this Neolithic relic is shrouded in legends…but it also holds a genuine chapter of prehistory. [Read more]
These curiosities are nuggets that reveal the richness and diversity of Paris. We've revealed these well-kept secrets to you - now it's your turn to embark on an adventure! Enjoy these unique experiences and share them with friends and family.
For further exploration:
Secret gardens and squares in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, hidden nuggets to discover
Parks, squares and gardens attract Parisians in search of a breath of fresh air or a desire to go green. Discover little-known spots in Paris that are still secret or hidden, ideal for a quiet stroll. A selection specially designed for explorers! [Read more]
Secret museums in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: hidden places that are a must-see
Looking for secret museums in Paris? We reveal the most beautiful hidden nuggets of the capital and Île-de-France, from artists' houses to cabinets of curiosities, perfect for escaping the crowds and making beautiful discoveries. [Read more]
Speakeasy bars in Paris, our favorite hidden bars
Paris's speakeasy bars open their doors to you for an intimate and confidential evening. Sophisticated cocktails, dim lighting, and a retro atmosphere await you behind each secret facade. [Read more]
The most secret concepts and spots in Paris: hidden outings in the city
Feel like discovering the best-kept secrets in Paris? Come along and discover hidden spots and concepts, these surprising outing venues set all around the city. But shush! [Read more]
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