Christmas is fast approaching, and you're hard-pressed to find an unusual gift for your loved ones. But what if we told you that we had some ideas to surprise them while promising them a wonderful time? Yes, a gift doesn't have to be material. Sometimes, you can make a lasting impression simply by offering a wonderful moment that will leave a lasting memory for the person who enjoys it!
So this Christmas, we've put together a selection of unusual concepts to offer your loved ones an original experience. Paris and the Ile-de-France region are bursting at the seams with unusual and crazy plans that you'd never expect! What's more, there's no need to worry about running out of stock: these ideas for holiday gifts are often available as gift cards, so you can be sure of finding last-minute plans!
So what unusual experiences in Paris and the Ile-de-France region are there to offer for an original Christmas gift? Find them all in the selection below! Please note that this guide is updated as we post new listings and make new discoveries, so be sure to check back regularly until you've found what you're looking for!
ATTENTION: This guide is updated as we make new discoveries.
iFLY Paris, the indoor freefall address for an unusual flying experience
Sponsored - iFLY Paris welcomes the general public, companies and experienced skydivers for indoor skydiving in a huge glass tube. iFLY lets you fly, risk-free and inexperienced, from 5 to 105 years old! SUMMER OFFER: 3 baptisms for the price of 2! [Read more]
Karafun Paris, for your karaoke parties in Paris - promo code!
Sponsored - It's time to get away from traditional parties! Unleash your inner rock star and make way for a colorful evening of karaoke at KaraFun Paris! Whether you're the type to sing "Bohemian Rhapsody" solo, or prefer a collective remix of "All I Want for Christmas is You", this year the spotlight is on YOU! [Read more]
Jurassic illumination: the 2024-2025 Festival of Light at the Jardin des Plantes
This year, the Jardin des Plantes is hosting a new edition of its famous lantern trail, entitled "Jurassique en voie d'Illumination". On view from November 20 to January 19, 2024, this exhibition takes us back in time this year. Monumental prehistoric creatures come to life through majestic light sculptures, transforming the park into a veritable open-air museum. Explore the mysteries of the Jurassic period, while enjoying a magical stroll under the stars. A not-to-be-missed event at the end of the year. [Read more]
Under the Sea, the first immersive restaurant in Paris by Ephemera that takes us under the ocean
Under the Sea is the name of the first immersive restaurant in Paris. An unusual and affordable concept imagined by the Ephemera group. Head to the 13th arrondissement in the heart of a hidden room of the MK2 Bibliothèque for an original experience during a meal. [Read more]
Thoiry Lumières Sauvages 2024-2025, the journey to the center of your Dreams
Thoiry Lumières Sauvages returns from October 27, 2024 to March 2025 with a new, even more enchanting itinerary. This year, the largest lantern trail in the Ile-de-France region takes us on "Voyages Extraordinaires", inspired by the works of Jules Vernes. [Read more]
Sim Drivers, the first automotive simulation center in the heart of Paris
Sim Drivers is the capital's very first car simulation center, located on Boulevard Saint Germain in the Odéon metro station, where you can awaken your inner racing driver on a virtual circuit! The Sim Drivers center broadcasts sports events, from motor sports to other sporting competitions! [Read more]
Festival des Lanternes: the dinosaur ball, the Jardin d'Acclimatation light trail
Dinosaurs come to the Jardin d'Acclimatation! From November 29, 2024 to March 2, 2025, 2,000 illuminated lanterns, including 100 creatures from the Mesozoic era, invade the aisles of the Parisian theme park. After the success of the Shanghai lanterns, get ready for a magical, prehistoric immersion, perfect for the holiday season! [Read more]
At the heart of the pack, cani-rando forest walks in Val-d'Oise
Near Parmain, in the Val-d'Oise countryside, Au cœur de la meute invites you and your huskies to embark on a cani-balade in the heart of the Ile-de-France forest. [Read more]
Wave In Paris: Indoor surfing in Paris!
How about surfing in the heart of Paris? The first indoor static wave sports complex awaits you in the capital's 15th arrondissement. A unique new venue, where you can experience unprecedented sliding sensations on flowboard and bodyboard boards, a mix of surf, snowboard and skateboard. [Read more]
Mad Golf, the first indoor mini-golf course with a retro and unusual atmosphere in the heart of Paris
Paris's first indoor mini-golf course awaits you in the 2nd arrondissement, with two immersive, unusual 9-hole courses in a uniquely colorful retro atmosphere! [Read more]
Manufacture Arribas, official glassblower of Disneyland Paris, opens its doors to you
If you're a lover of fine glassmaking, get your diary ready! Manufacture Arribas, known as the official glassblower at Disneyland Paris, is offering tours and workshops at the Château de Condé Sainte-Libiaire, in the Val-de-Marne region of France. An opportunity to learn more about this exceptional craft! [Read more]
Neon Brush, a painting workshop and cocktails in the dark in Paris
In a fluorescent decor, enjoy cocktails while working on your creative mind, at the Neon Brush workshops, which have set up shop in Paris's 10th arrondissement. [Read more]
Bâton Rouge: the eco-friendly, made-to-measure lipstick lab-boutique in Paris
Looking for the perfect lipstick? Why not opt for made-to-measure? That's what Bâton Rouge, an unusual boutique nestled in the Marais, has to offer. The concept? Create your own 100% eco-responsible lipstick, from color to texture to fragrance. [Read more]
Beer Spa: this unusual spa in Paris offers beer baths - promotional code
Beer lovers, here's a wellness concept that's sure to please! In Paris, the Beer Spa is the first address in the capital to offer "beer baths". And if you're wondering, yes, you can also toast during your relaxation session. Want to try it? We've got a promo code for you! [Read more]
Vive les Mariés: we tested the immersive dining experience at Tesoro d'Italia - new dates
Discover "Vive les Mariés", the immersive theater experience that combines comedy and upscale dining in a sumptuous setting. Join this culinary and artistic adventure in the heart of Paris's 10th arrondissement, at Le Tesoro d'Italia-Paradis restaurant on weekends for a special dinner on New Year's Eve 2025, and also every Wednesday and Sunday from February 5, 2025. We've tried it, we'll tell you! [Read more]
The Live Thriller, a life-size, immersive murder investigation game in Paris
Ever wanted to solve a murder like in the movies? That's what The Live Thriller is all about: a life-size team investigation in the heart of Paris's 18th arrondissement. [Read more]
Become the heroes of a romantic comedy with this unusual experience in Paris
Here's an original surprise for your soulmate: make your couple the heroes of a romantic comedy thanks to an unusual concept waiting for you in Paris: an immersive cinema studio! [Read more]
Maison Laugier, a niche perfume boutique-workshop where you can create your own bespoke fragrance
After its first boutique-atelier in Lyon, Maison Laugier has arrived in Paris! In this spot dedicated to haute-parfumerie, you'll discover a line of niche perfumes, but above all you'll come to create your own fragrance. [Read more]
Potions & Co: the escape-bar organizes an original and fun Valentine's workshop
Do you like cocktails and puzzles? Escape game fans can now discover Potions & Co, Paris' first escape bar offering an immersive cocktail experience. [Read more]
The Edge: the virtual reality revolution in the heart of Paris' 3rd arrondissement
Virtual reality fans, THE EDGE opens a monumental space in the heart of Paris! Dive into an immersive VR experience inspired by "Ready Player One", where realistic sensations and space adventures await you. [Read more]
Pop Central: the museum for fans of vintage movie cars and arcade games
Who hasn't dreamed of getting behind the wheel of the Batmobile or reliving the atmosphere of the arcades of the 90s? In Étréchy (91), the Pop Central Museum awaits you on Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends, for a total immersion in pop culture, with legendary movie cars and vintage arcade machines galore. [Read more]
Ganymede: our test of The Edge's innovative virtual reality experience
Since September 6, 2023, The Edge, a virtual reality center in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, has been offering its very first new and innovative VR experience, Ganymede. For around 45 minutes, solve riddles on a space base and try to escape from it! Book now for a trip into space! [Read more]
Spa Gemology: treatments and massages based on the benefits of minerals for the skin
Discover the benefits of minerals and trace elements from precious stones, with face and body treatments that give you a new youthfulness, just a stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe. [Read more]
Le Crime de l'Orient Express, the escape game/Murder Mystery at The One Escape
Fans of escape games and Agatha Christie novels will want to check out Le Crime de l'Orient Express, an escape game by The One Escape that plunges you into the heart of a murder on the legendary train... except that one of you is the criminal! Except that one of you is the criminal! [Read more]
Unusual in Paris: Water skiing on the Seine
Water skiing on the Seine? Yes it is possible and it happens in Paris! A club offers 3.5km of skiable water with learning workshops. Whether it's for bi-skiing, mono-skiing or even to learn how to do tricks or even to practice wakeboarding, here is the unusual spot that could well make you discover a new passion. [Read more]
Body Float, sensory deprivation floatation sessions for deep relaxation
How about relaxing in the heart of Paris? Near Bastille, Body Float offers floating relaxation sessions in a sensory deprivation room, to be enjoyed solo or as a duo! [Read more]
Unusual: go for a ride with sled dogs in the Fontainebleau forest (77)
The Fontainebleau forest is a paradise for hikers and rock climbers, so in the heart of this natural paradise, you can also enjoy an even more unusual hike, with sled dogs. [Read more]
Fort Boyard Aventures: our test of the TV-style action game in Essonne
Have you always dreamed of playing Fort Boyard? Otium Leisure offers an action game in the spirit of Père Fouras, Fort Boyard Aventures, at Brétigny in Essonne, just 30 minutes from Paris. We've tested it, and we'll tell you all about it! [Read more]
Chemical Hallucinations, our test of The One Escape's stunning escape game
Ready to discover a stunning escape game? Head to The One Escape to discover a new kind of room, Chemical Hallucinations at Dr. Grant's. A most unusual adventure, since it takes place in a universe that's... totally inverted! [Read more]
Make It Clap: create your own sitcom with the new "PopCorn" experience
Make It Clap launches "PopCorn", a unique experience for creating your own sitcom in the style of "Scènes de Ménage" or "En Famille". [Read more]
