Passionate abouthistory and architecture? You've come to the right place, because Paris is brimming with sublime monuments, representative of many artistic eras. In addition to its palaces, cathedrals, churches and the Eiffel Tower, the French capital boasts a large number ofprivate mansions, some 400 of them still standing today, scattered throughout all its arrondissements. While many are concentrated in the historic Marais district, they are also easily found in the more affluent neighborhoods.
Mansion houses are luxurious city residences, with unusual decor and lovely, often secret , green spaces. The term mansion first appeared in the Middle Ages to designate the residence of great lords, and was also applied to the homes of financiers and wealthy bourgeois. By the 17th century, the archetypal private mansion had a main building at the far end of a courtyard, with stables and staff quarters on either side. Generally, the rear façade opens onto a garden.
Some are still inhabited by wealthy owners, and cost several million euros, but the majority have been transformed into exceptional cultural venues, such as museums, libraries and foreign embassies. It's also common to see restaurants and luxury hotels housed in these residences, with sumptuous courtyards hidden from local residents.
The Hôtel Particulier Pereire opens its doors to you in Paris - reservations
The Hôtel Pereire is unveiled for four unique evenings, combining history and immersive theater. A journey through time awaits you every Tuesday evening from April 22 to May 13, 2025. Ready to push open the door? [Read more]
The Maison de l'Amérique latine, a cultural center in the heart of a beautiful Parisian townhouse
The Maison de l'Amérique latine is a not-to-be-missed venue in Paris's 7th arrondissement. This cultural center, nestled in a handsome Parisian townhouse, offers a year-round program of exhibitions, concerts and other events focusing on Latin American culture. [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]
Musée Picasso in Paris: prices, access, opening hours... All you need to know about the Paris museum
If you're a fan of Picasso's work, head to the Musée Picasso to discover the museum's permanent collections, as well as numerous exhibitions on the artist's world. History, access, opening hours, prices... We tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful Parisian museum! [Read more]
The little-known Musée Jacquemart-André and its fine art collection in Paris
The Musée Jacquemart-André is a beautiful, little-known museum in Paris. It holds many treasures, including Rembrandt's Pilgrims to Emmaus, Sandro Botticelli's Virgin and Child and Donatello's Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, all collected by Nélie Jacquemart and her husband Edouard André in the 19th century. [Read more]
The Hôtel de Soubise, a remarkable setting for the French National Archives
In the heart of the Marais district, discover a private mansion and its hidden garden, home to the Archives nationales and a free museum open to all. A chance to admire the sublime architecture of the Hôtel de Soubise! [Read more]
Dover Street Market: the trendy Marais concept store for fashion, cafés, exhibitions & concerts
Dover Street Market, Rei Kawakubo's concept store, arrives in the Marais district, transforming the former 3537 into an 1100 m2 temple of fashion and art. On the program? Shopping with brands such as Comme des Garçons, Prada and Jacquemus, a gourmet café, exhibitions and cultural and musical events! [Read more]
Discover the free Legion of Honor Museum: a journey through the history of honors
Immerse yourself in the history of honors at the Musée de la Légion d'honneur et des ordres de chevalerie, housed in the magnificent Hôtel de Salm in Paris. [Read more]
The Musée Gustave Moreau, the painter's timeless home and studio in Paris
The Musée Gustave Moreau is a confidential Parisian museum nestled in the 9th arrondissement, where you can visit the artist's apartment and studio, and admire his famous staircase and numerous works of the Symbolist movement. [Read more]
The Musée des arts asiatiques - Guimet, an exotic spot in Paris
We take you on a (re)discovery of the Musée Guimet, dedicated to Asian arts. On the program: an exotic tour of historical treasures in splendid surroundings. [Read more]
The Musée Cognacq-Jay in Paris, a collector's museum in the heart of the Marais district
The Musée Cognacq-Jay, located in the Marais district of Paris, boasts a fine collection of 18th-century works evocative of the Age of Enlightenment, acquired between 1900 and 1927 by Ernest Cognacq. It's a free historical plunge! [Read more]
Italian Cultural Institute: program, exhibitions, events... All about Hôtel de Galliffet
Discover the Italian Cultural Institute of Paris, a cultural treasure nestled in the historic Hôtel de Galliffet! Explore its history and its essential contribution to the spread of Italian culture in France. Located in the prestigious 7th arrondissement, this establishment offers language courses, cultural events and a rich library, attracting Italian culture lovers and history buffs alike. Want to learn Italian? [Read more]
Musée Carnavalet, Paris's oldest museum dedicated to the capital's history
The Musée Carnavalet invites you to discover the history of the capital. Discover what awaits you in Paris' oldest museum, which has the advantage of being free... [Read more]
Victor Hugo's house in Paris, an artistic plunge into the world of the famous author
The Maison de Victor Hugo is tucked away on the Place des Vosges in the heart of Paris. This museum dedicated to France's most famous author lets us discover the apartment where the artist and his family lived. [Read more]
The Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris (Paris Historical Library), to learn more about Paris
At the Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris, you can consult a wealth of documents, maps, photos and more on the history of the French capital. You're sure to become an expert on the subject! [Read more]
Did you know? Villa Windsor, the former home of English royalty, is about to be unveiled to the public
The former residence of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, located in the Bois de Boulogne, is to be refurbished and opened to the public by 2025. Perfect for a dive into the history of English royalty, among other things! [Read more]
The Musée de la vie romantique in Paris, a green and charming place
In Paris, the Musée de la Vie Romantique is a confidential place, a real favorite for many of the capital's inhabitants. Take the opportunity to rediscover this charming museum, nestled in the 9th arrondissement. [Read more]
The Musée de la Pharmacie, Paris' most hidden, unusual and free pharmacy - closed for renovation
In the heart of a private mansion near the Parc Monceau lies one of the capital's most discreet museums: the Pharmacy Museum! Here, you can discover, free of charge, the history of the site, which now houses the Ordre National des Pharmaciens and a number of unusual collections. Currently closed for renovation until May 2025. [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]
The Giacometti Institute in Montparnasse
It's official! The Alberto Giacometti Institute awaits you in the beautiful Montparnasse district. Over 350 m² dedicated to his work, in a recreation of his studio, and temporary exhibitions to discover all year round... We say yes! [Read more]
The Forney Library
The Forney Library, a magnificent library dedicated to fine arts and crafts, welcomes you with new, friendly reception areas and renovated exhibition spaces. Let's go there! [Read more]
