25 unusual visits in Paris

We'll never run out of praise for Paris. The capital is, among other things, the city of fashion and luxury, the city of arts and culture, or the city of gastronomy and modernity. France's largest city is known for its monuments and museums, parks and gardens, esplanades, starting streets and emblematic avenues. It also owes its fame to the boutiques and brands of haute couture, the big names in jewellery and perfumery...

There are other less well-known but equally interesting and exciting faces when one visit Paris. They are facets as disparate as they are unusual, and are quick to arouse the curiosity or astonishment of visitors. We invite you to discover some of the most unlikely places in the city of love and romance.

1. Molière's fake house

The house in question is located at 31 rue du Pont-Neuf, in the first arrondissement. Its facade can mislead visitors, being decorated with a bust of Molière, under which one can read : "J.B. Poquelin de Molière. This house was built on the site of the one where he was born in 1620. " The famous playwright's real home is actually located at 96 rue Saint-Honoré. Moreover, his death plate indicates that he is "Born in Paris on January 15, 1622." not 1620. The actor died in February 1673 and rests in the Père-Lachaise cemetery, in the 20^th arrondissement, like so many other personalities.

Address (of Molière's fake house): 31 rue du Pont-Neuf, 75001.

2. The cathedral building

The first competition for the city's facade is organised at the end of the 19th century.^th century. This episode will have a particular echo in the Rue Réaumur where "art nouveau" architects Philippe Jouannin and Edouard Singery roll up their sleeves to showcase their talent. They created a building with the façade of a Gothic cathedral.

Address: 61 rue Réaumur, 75002.

3. The library of the National Institute of History and Art (INHA)

The institution of higher education and research specializes in art and archaeology. It is often considered one of the most beautiful reading places in the capital. The library is particularly known for its magnificent Labrouste Hall. It is accessible in particular during the guided tours organized by the National Library of France.

Address: 58 rue de Richelieu, 75002.

4. The nap bar

Somewhere in the second arrondissement is the only bar in France where Parisians come to take a nap. The establishment presents itself above all as a haven of peace, a place of relaxation for city dwellers who are often tired or stressed by the daily routine. The public is entitled to a relaxation bubble and massage sessions.

Address: 29 Passage Choiseul, 75002.

5. The Fearless John Tower

This medieval tower is one of the unlikely sites to be found in the heart of the capital of modernity. It is in fact the last vestige of the hotel of the Dukes of Burgundy. The origins of the building date back to the 15th century.^th century. Open to the public, the tower offers temporary exhibitions.

Address: 20 rue Etienne Marcel, 75002.

6. Nicolas Flamel's house

Nicolas Flamel is a renowned French alchemist. He was part of the 14th century Parisian bourgeoisie. A little known figure in history books, the man is quoted in the Harry Potter saga. He is also known for his house of 1407, the oldest house in Paris.

Nicolas Flamel is a renowned French alchemist and public writer. He is a member of the 14^th century of the Parisian bourgeoisie. A little-known figure in history books, he finds himself projected into the light with the Harry Potter saga. The man, before that, is also known to have left behind him a beautiful house of 1407: the oldest house of Peers.

Address: 51 rue de Montmorency, 75003.

7. The passage of the Anchor

The Passage de l'Ancre is a Parisian alleyway sublimated by the colourful facades of the shops that line it. The small passage offers a setting that is both unusual and peaceful, perfect for a walk with family or friends, to relax and discover an unfamiliar face of the capital.

Address: Passage de l'Ancre, 75003.

8. The Billettes Cloister

This is the very last medieval cloister in the capital. The origins of the building date back to the 15th century.^th century. The cloister offers a peaceful setting for relaxing and strolling in the heart of the Marais district. It only opens its doors to the public on the occasion of temporary exhibitions.

Address: 24 rue des Archives, 75004 Paris.

9. The ball and chain of the Sens hotel

The archbishops' mansion of Sens is one of the many mansions in the Marais district. Listed as a historical monument, the building dates from the 15th century.^th century. It differs from the other hotels by a detail that is unusual to say the least: a cannonball that has remained embedded in the wall of its facade since 1830. The building now houses the Forney Library, which is open to the general public.

Address: 1 rue du Figuier, 75004 Paris

10. The arenas of Lutetia

In practically all the cities they conquered, the Romans brought their know-how and culture. The gladiatorial fights organized in the arenas of Paris, then called Lutèce, are perfect examples of this. The Parisian amphitheatre could then accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. The arenas are among the monuments not to be missed in the Latin Quarter, just like the Pantheon or the Collège des Bernardins.

Address: 49 rue Monge, 75005 Paris.

11. The Great Mosque of Paris

The Great Mosque of Paris is also one of the emblematic sites of the Latin Quarter, in the fifth arrondissement. If Gothic architecture is omnipresent among Christian buildings, visitors can admire here one of the beautiful achievements of Moorish architecture. This style of a particular kind also contrasts with that of the Haussmann-style buildings in the surrounding area.

Address: bis Place du Puits de l'Ermite, 75005 Paris.

12. The Lucha libre ring

It is still in the Latin Quarter that you can discover the only bar in Europe that has a wrestling ring. The latter is installed in the basement of the establishment, and hosts fights that never cease to amaze visitors. This bar of such a special kind is open from Wednesday to Saturday evenings, except in August.

Address: 10 rue de la Montagne Sainte Geneviève, 75005 Paris.

13. The Michelet Centre

If you go through the Port-Royal district, in the sixth arrondissement, you will certainly notice this amazing red brick building. The architecture is unusual to say the least. The building is no less prestigious. It is indeed the Institute of Art and Archaeology, which houses the History and Art Faculties of Paris I and the Sorbonne.

Address: 3 rue Michelet, 75006 Paris.

14. The universal pharmacy Bully 1803

The name may seem strange, at least for a perfumery that has made a name for itself in the capital since 1803. Making a detour to this historic establishment is like taking a trip back in time. You can also learn more about the company's products, which are all made in France.

Address: 6 rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris.

15. The Lavirotte building

The building of the 7^th arrondissement continues to fascinate, in particular by the beauty of its facade. It is indeed thanks to this architectural achievement that Jules Lavirotte, an architect representative of the "art nouveau" movement, won the competition for the most beautiful facade in Paris in 1901. Among the details that arouse curiosity, there are above all these plant, flower and animal decorations, or even this door in the shape of an upside down phallus.

Address: 7 avenue Rapp, 75007 Paris.

16.  Deyrolle

The Maison Deyrolle has been specializing in the repackaging of animals since 1831. The establishment is one of the most surprising cabinets of curiosities in the capital. Visitors can discover stuffed animals and insects in the shop, with their eyes wide open.

Address: 46 rue du Bac, 75007 Paris.

17. The Alsatian house on rue Saint-Lazare

The house seduces by its architecture but especially by its facade, realized in 1894 by Jacqueminot Graff, an Alsatian restorer. The current owner of the premises did not want to remove the sign of a former brewery "Au roi de la bière", displayed at the same time as that of McDonald's, which now occupies the premises. It is this amazing mix of styles and eras that is most intriguing.

The sign of a former brewery can still be seen on this facade "to the King of Beer".

Address: 119 rue Saint-Lazare, 75008 Paris.

18. Loo House

This Chinese pagoda is the former home of the collector Ching Tsai Loo. It now houses a private museum of Asian art, with thousands of photos, books and rare objects.

Address : 48 rue de Courcelles, 75008 Paris.

19. The billiard room at the Olympia

The public can visit this magnificent billiard room. Appreciated for its architectural beauty, the hall is one of those Parisian secret gems - far less known than the emblematic monuments, they are no less fascinating. The billiard room hosts parties, stand-up, dj sets and other events.

Address: 28 boulevard des Capucines, 75009 Paris.

20. The Laundromat

After a walk or a kind of theatre, how about a detour to this unique laundromat. Behind the washing machines is... a bar. It's an interesting place to end a Parisian escapade in a beautiful and original way.

Address: 30 rue René Boulanger, 75010 Paris.

21. The Smokers' Museum

Smoking is part of sacred rituals in some civilizations. The Smokers' Museum gives the public, through objects, works or plants, a glimpse of the forms this practice takes in different regions of the world. After visiting a "classic" museum, this establishment offers you a visit off the beaten track.

Address: 7 rue Pache, 75011 Paris.

22. The City of the Fig Tree

If you're planning to go through the 11th arrondissement, make a detour into this little dead end. The décor here is sublimated by palm trees, fig trees and colourful facades... So many details that make you think of a small Cuban alleyway in the heart of Paris. Don't forget to take a picture of the turquoise blue front engraved with elephants, which dates from the 1900 Universal Exhibition.

Address: Cité du Figuier, 75011 Paris.

23. The Fairground Arts Museum

The museum will certainly make the children happy. If you go alone, as a couple or with friends, it will awaken the child in you. The visit will allow you to admire splendid rides and objects from all over Europe.

Address: 53 Avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris.

24. The shop without money

The concept of the shop is essentially based on solidarity. It consists of bringing items you don't need. In exchange, you get one or more products available in the establishment free of charge. This allows in a certain sense to give a second life to the objects, to avoid waste. The shop without money goes further in terms of solidarity: you are free to give without taking or vice versa.

Address: 2 rue Edouard Robert, 75012 Paris.

25. The pagoda of the Bois de Vincennes

The temple is home to the largest Buddha in Europe, a golden statue more than 9 meters high. The pagoda is also the headquarters of the International Buddhist Institute. It only opens its doors to the general public on the occasion of ceremonies such as the Buddhist festival in May or the Tibetan festival in September.

Address: 40 bis route de la Ceinture du Lac Daumesnil, 75012.