Unusual places to stay in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, our top tips

Published by Manon de Sortiraparis, Graziella de Sortiraparis · Photos by Margot de Sortiraparis · Updated on November 19, 2025 at 12:37 p.m. · Published on November 5, 2021 at 04:40 p.m.
Tired of staying in hotels that all look the same? Paris and the Ile-de-France region also offer more unusual accommodation, for nights out of the ordinary!

Are you planning a trip to Paris or the Île-de-France region and want to get away from it all? Instead of choosing a typical (not to say classic) hotel, why not opt for more unusual, even downright atypical accommodation? That's good news, because for years now, many hotels in Paris and the Île-de-France region have been offering original experiences for unforgettable nights.

Whether you want to sleep in the heart of nature (and not just camping!) or among wild animals, whether you dream of spending a night in a castle, a historic monument or an amusement park, or whether you're looking fora themed stay in an imaginary and magical world or the world of an artist, you've come to the right place.

Cabins, bubbles, barges, castles... For restful nights that are out of the ordinary, discover the most original and unusual accommodations tobook in Paris and the Île-de-France region. An adventure you won't soon forget!

Unusual places to stay in Paris and the Île-de-France region: our top picks:

Les Escales royales, hébergements flottants en Île-de-France - nos photos - E9DF78EE 8F64 4C4E 8D0E 6A9629B47B4CLes Escales royales, hébergements flottants en Île-de-France - nos photos - E9DF78EE 8F64 4C4E 8D0E 6A9629B47B4CLes Escales royales, hébergements flottants en Île-de-France - nos photos - E9DF78EE 8F64 4C4E 8D0E 6A9629B47B4CLes Escales royales, hébergements flottants en Île-de-France - nos photos - E9DF78EE 8F64 4C4E 8D0E 6A9629B47B4C L'Escale Royale, a night on one of our floating suites in La Ferté-sous-Jouarre (77)
Would you like a suite overlooking the Marne? Whether you've got your sea legs or not, Les Escales Royales, this unusual accommodation on the water, offers you the chance to spend a night (or more, if you prefer) in one of its floating suites near La Ferté-sous-Jouarre. [Read more]

Le Château de Bourron -  A7C9299Le Château de Bourron -  A7C9299Le Château de Bourron -  A7C9299Le Château de Bourron -  A7C9299 Château de Bourron, stay in a truly historic château in the Ile-de-France region
We're off to Seine-et-Marne to discover a hidden treasure: Château de Bourron, a historic 17th-century residence near Fontainebleau, a haven of peace well worth the detour. Stay in this listed monument, lulled by the authenticity and beauty of its 40-hectare park. [Read more]

Ile de loisirs de Bois le Roi - base de loisirsIle de loisirs de Bois le Roi - base de loisirsIle de loisirs de Bois le Roi - base de loisirsIle de loisirs de Bois le Roi - base de loisirs Les roulottes de Bois-le-Roi unusual accommodation for a weekend in the heart of nature
Did you know? On the leisure island of Bois-le-Roi (77), you can spend the night in a traditional gypsy caravan, for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. [Read more]

La Ferme des 4 Etoiles à Auffargis - image00048La Ferme des 4 Etoiles à Auffargis - image00048La Ferme des 4 Etoiles à Auffargis - image00048La Ferme des 4 Etoiles à Auffargis - image00048 Sleep among the animals at La Ferme des 4 étoiles, the country campsite of Greater Paris
Just a few kilometers from Rambouillet, in the Yvelines department, you'll find one of the most original campsites in the whole region. Located in the heart of the Chevreuse Valley, the Ferme des 4 Etoiles is the perfect place for a day or weekend getaway on a farm. [Read more]

Le Royaume des Lions, l'hôtel immersif à la Lumigny Safari Reserve - nos photos - AF274443 0D37 4C96 9312 8AA58749569CLe Royaume des Lions, l'hôtel immersif à la Lumigny Safari Reserve - nos photos - AF274443 0D37 4C96 9312 8AA58749569CLe Royaume des Lions, l'hôtel immersif à la Lumigny Safari Reserve - nos photos - AF274443 0D37 4C96 9312 8AA58749569CLe Royaume des Lions, l'hôtel immersif à la Lumigny Safari Reserve - nos photos - AF274443 0D37 4C96 9312 8AA58749569C Le Royaume des Lions, accommodation to sleep with the kings of the savannah at Lumigny Safari Reserve
At Lumigny Safari Reserve, in the Seine-et-Marne département, a brand new, unusual experience offers you the chance to sleep... One-on-one with the kings of the savannah. [Read more]

Spicy, la péniche où passer la nuit sur la Seine, du côté de Meaux (77)Spicy, la péniche où passer la nuit sur la Seine, du côté de Meaux (77)Spicy, la péniche où passer la nuit sur la Seine, du côté de Meaux (77)Spicy, la péniche où passer la nuit sur la Seine, du côté de Meaux (77) Spicy, the barge to spend the night on the Seine, near Meaux (77)
Along the Seine, near Meaux, in the Seine-et-Marne département, come aboard the Spicy barge, an unusual accommodation for an intimate adventure on the water. [Read more]

Domaine de Maffliers : notre test de l'escapade champêtre et équestre by Demeures de Campagne - IMG 1332 3Domaine de Maffliers : notre test de l'escapade champêtre et équestre by Demeures de Campagne - IMG 1332 3Domaine de Maffliers : notre test de l'escapade champêtre et équestre by Demeures de Campagne - IMG 1332 3Domaine de Maffliers : notre test de l'escapade champêtre et équestre by Demeures de Campagne - IMG 1332 3 Domaine de Maffliers: our test of the country and equestrian getaway by Demeures de Campagne
For a weekend getaway in the countryside and on horseback, head to the Domaine de Maffliers, in the Val-d'Oise, for a timeless experience. The establishment, orchestrated by Demeures de Campagne, offers an experience combining comfort, nature and gastronomy. Relax by the discreet swimming pool, savor the local bistronomic cuisine, and be seduced by the equestrian workshops offered on the estate... We've tried it, we'll tell you! [Read more]

Demeures de Campagne Parc de Coudray : une évasion verte et cocooning à 35 minutes de Paris  - IMG 8283Demeures de Campagne Parc de Coudray : une évasion verte et cocooning à 35 minutes de Paris  - IMG 8283Demeures de Campagne Parc de Coudray : une évasion verte et cocooning à 35 minutes de Paris  - IMG 8283Demeures de Campagne Parc de Coudray : une évasion verte et cocooning à 35 minutes de Paris  - IMG 8283 Demeures de Campagne Parc de Coudray: a green, cocooning escape just 35 minutes from Paris
Located just 35 minutes south of Paris, Demeures de Campagne offers a bucolic getaway in the heart of a 20-hectare wooded estate, the Parc du Coudray. With its elegant spa nestled in a historic château and a wide range of outdoor activities, it's the ideal place for a rejuvenating break close to the capital. Discover the rustic charm of these mansions, the benefits of the Deep Nature treatments on offer and the diversity of sports and wellness activities to be explored on this unique estate. We've tested it, we'll tell you about it [Read more]

Espace nature creux du chêneEspace nature creux du chêneEspace nature creux du chêneEspace nature creux du chêne At Creux du Chêne (77), a nature area with tepees, cabins and unusual accommodation
In the heart of the Seine-et-Marne region, in the small village of Tancrou, near Lizy-sur-Ourcq (77), the "Espace Nature au Creux du Chêne" welcomes families, friends and lovers for a night or more in one of its unusual accommodations. [Read more]

Zoo de Thoiry 2023 - Loup arctiqueZoo de Thoiry 2023 - Loup arctiqueZoo de Thoiry 2023 - Loup arctiqueZoo de Thoiry 2023 - Loup arctique Unusual: sleep with the wolves in the Loudges at Thoiry Zoo (78)
A night alone with the wolves, cap or no cap? From June 2024, Thoiry Zoo will be offering you the chance to sleep up close to these fascinating animals and spend a night at the zoo. [Read more]

Tour d'ArgentTour d'ArgentTour d'ArgentTour d'Argent Sleep at l'appartement de la Tour d'Argent, the oldest restaurant in Paris, on the banks of the Seine.
Would you like to spend the night in an unusual, centuries-old setting? If so, the Tour d'Argent offers you the chance to sleep on its premises, in an exceptional private apartment overlooking the Seine. [Read more]

Archides : des suites hôtelières familiales en écho à l'Histoire de ParisArchides : des suites hôtelières familiales en écho à l'Histoire de ParisArchides : des suites hôtelières familiales en écho à l'Histoire de ParisArchides : des suites hôtelières familiales en écho à l'Histoire de Paris Family hotel suites echo the history of Paris, an unusual accommodation concept
Familiar hotel suites in homage to the capital's heritage: that's the unusual concept proposed by Archides. The result? High-quality apartments for families that capture the Parisian dream! [Read more]

C'est la vie, la péniche amarrée à Asnières, pour un séjour romantique au fil de l'eauC'est la vie, la péniche amarrée à Asnières, pour un séjour romantique au fil de l'eauC'est la vie, la péniche amarrée à Asnières, pour un séjour romantique au fil de l'eauC'est la vie, la péniche amarrée à Asnières, pour un séjour romantique au fil de l'eau C'est la vie, the barge moored in Asnières, for a romantic stay on the water
Quai Aulanier, in the town of Asnières-sur-Seine, is home to C'est la vie, a bucolic barge where you can spend a night or more, lulled by the sound of the water. [Read more]

Insolite : vivez une nuit dans l'ancienne gare Godillot transformée en chambre d'hôtes à Saint-OuenInsolite : vivez une nuit dans l'ancienne gare Godillot transformée en chambre d'hôtes à Saint-OuenInsolite : vivez une nuit dans l'ancienne gare Godillot transformée en chambre d'hôtes à Saint-OuenInsolite : vivez une nuit dans l'ancienne gare Godillot transformée en chambre d'hôtes à Saint-Ouen Unusual: spend a night in the former Godillot station converted into a bed and breakfast in Saint-Ouen
Rue Godillot, a stone's throw from the Puces de Saint-Ouen, is home to the Gare Godillot, a former railway station serving the town of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine. Once used on the line linking La Plaine to Ermont-Eaubonne, the station has been out of use since 1977. Recently, the site has been refurbished to enable the general public to stay in this exceptional place for a night or more. [Read more]

Hôtel CabaneHôtel CabaneHôtel CabaneHôtel Cabane Unusual: spend a timeless night in a hidden cabin in the heart of the 14th arrondissement
In the heart of the Montparnasse district, a timeless cabin is said to be hidden in the courtyard of a hotel: just the thing for an unusual night out in the capital. [Read more]

Le Domaine des Cabanes de l'Île - IMG 5518Le Domaine des Cabanes de l'Île - IMG 5518Le Domaine des Cabanes de l'Île - IMG 5518Le Domaine des Cabanes de l'Île - IMG 5518 Le Domaine des cabanes de l'Île: unusual floating cabins for a night on the water in Andrésy
Near Andrésy, in the Yvelines département, the Domaine des cabanes de l'Île offers you the chance to spend an unusual night in one of its floating cabins, accessible by rowing boat. A change of scenery guaranteed. [Read more]

Kabanéo, les cabanes avec bain nordique à Samois-sur-Seine -photos - 20191015 171640Kabanéo, les cabanes avec bain nordique à Samois-sur-Seine -photos - 20191015 171640Kabanéo, les cabanes avec bain nordique à Samois-sur-Seine -photos - 20191015 171640Kabanéo, les cabanes avec bain nordique à Samois-sur-Seine -photos - 20191015 171640 Kabaneo, eco-labeled mini-chalets and cabins with Nordic spa in Samois-sur-Seine (77)
Near Samois-sur-Seine, in the Seine-et-Marne département, Julie and Marianne offer you the chance to spend a night in unusual accommodation, close to nature, in their ecolodges. [Read more]

Demeures de Campagne Domaine de FontainebleauDemeures de Campagne Domaine de FontainebleauDemeures de Campagne Domaine de FontainebleauDemeures de Campagne Domaine de Fontainebleau Escape to Fontainebleau: discover the Demeures de Campagne and their unique activities
Discover the country escape offered by Demeures de Campagne at Demeure de Fontainebleau, a haven of peace located between the imperial château and the lush Fontainebleau forest. Explore a variety of outdoor activities, from creative workshops to gourmet cooking classes led by renowned Chef Adrien Germanicus. Immerse yourself in the perfect harmony between nature and history, while enjoying a relaxing break with family, friends or couples. [Read more]

Les lodges de Thoiry - dormir à Thoiry en Terres d'Afrique - Photos -  A7C3278Les lodges de Thoiry - dormir à Thoiry en Terres d'Afrique - Photos -  A7C3278Les lodges de Thoiry - dormir à Thoiry en Terres d'Afrique - Photos -  A7C3278Les lodges de Thoiry - dormir à Thoiry en Terres d'Afrique - Photos -  A7C3278 Thoiry Zoo's new lodges in Terres d'Afrique: an immersion among elephants
After the unusual dens, Thoiry Zoo is now launching a new zone called "Terre d'Afrique", featuring an educational and immersive area with a new Elephant House and 5 cosy lodges where you can sleep in total immersion among the elephants, right in the heart of the African plain. And reservations are now open! [Read more]

Château de Brinville, chambre d'hôte en Seine-et-Marne - 5EA11927 D9BD 4582 9187 D183A9E17A18Château de Brinville, chambre d'hôte en Seine-et-Marne - 5EA11927 D9BD 4582 9187 D183A9E17A18Château de Brinville, chambre d'hôte en Seine-et-Marne - 5EA11927 D9BD 4582 9187 D183A9E17A18Château de Brinville, chambre d'hôte en Seine-et-Marne - 5EA11927 D9BD 4582 9187 D183A9E17A18 Le Château de Brinville, a charming bed and breakfast where you feel like a friend.
Just 45 minutes from Paris and 18km from Fontainebleau, Château de Brinville offers an unforgettable B&B experience nestled in 2 hectares of verdant parkland. Ready to immerse yourself in the calm of the countryside, in an atmosphere steeped in history and conviviality? [Read more]

Le Château de Breteuil, ses jardins remarquables et contes de Perrault Le Château de Breteuil, ses jardins remarquables et contes de Perrault Le Château de Breteuil, ses jardins remarquables et contes de Perrault Le Château de Breteuil, ses jardins remarquables et contes de Perrault Spend the night at Château de Breteuil (78), the inspiration for Charles Perrault's fairy tales.
The Château de Breteuil in Choisel, in the Yvelines region of France, is one of the places where you can experience the life of a château. You can spend a night, a weekend or a week here, for an enchanting stay. [Read more]

Sport Hostel, la première auberge de jeunesse sportive de l'UCPA à ParisSport Hostel, la première auberge de jeunesse sportive de l'UCPA à ParisSport Hostel, la première auberge de jeunesse sportive de l'UCPA à ParisSport Hostel, la première auberge de jeunesse sportive de l'UCPA à Paris Sport Hostel, UCPA's first sports youth hostel in Paris
UCPA has opened a unique place between a youth hostel and a sports multiplex in Paris, in the 19th district. The opportunity for travelers to sleep and do sports in the same place, in a friendly environment. [Read more]

Parrot World, le parc animalier immersif d'Île-de-FranceParrot World, le parc animalier immersif d'Île-de-FranceParrot World, le parc animalier immersif d'Île-de-FranceParrot World, le parc animalier immersif d'Île-de-France Sleep in an Amazon jungle surrounded by parrots at Parrot World in the Paris region
Did you know that there's an immersive wildlife park in the Paris region that transports you straight to the Amazon? At the heart of Europe's largest aviary, you can even sleep among parrots, ibises and even jaguars! We invite you to spend a night in the Parrot Word lodges. [Read more]

Find the location of all these addresses by clicking on the map at the bottom of the article.

OFF Paris Seine - SuiteOFF Paris Seine - SuiteOFF Paris Seine - SuiteOFF Paris Seine - Suite Original and unusual hotels in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, our best addresses
In Paris and the Ile-de-France region, hotels are vying with each other to offer you a unique and original stay. This way to original and unusual hotels! [Read more]

So, where can we stay to get off the beaten track?

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