5 unusual things to do in Paris
When you visit Paris for the first time, there are the must-sees: strolling around the Eiffel Tower, admiring the features of the Mona Lisa in the Louvre or embarking on a bateau-mouche. But beyond the traditional tourist circuits, there are also extraordinary experiences to be had that are still little known to the general public.
Maison Favart has put together a selection of five unusual activities to help you discover the capital in a whole new way. Whether you're looking for breathtaking panoramic views, unique sensory experiences, riddles to solve, royal relaxation or gourmet pleasures, Paris has everything you need to delight your senses.
1. Contemplate one of the finest views of Paris from the top of the Tour Saint-Jacques.
With its 54-metre-high summit, the Tour Saint-Jacques offers a unique perspective on the city. A guided tour will explain the fascinating history of this tower, built in the 16th century, before you climb 300 steps to discover the grail: a breathtaking panoramic view! In front of you are all the capital's landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, the Beaubourg Museum, Notre-Dame and even the Sacré-Coeur. To make the experience even more magical, remember to check the sunset time and book the last slot of the day. With a little luck, the view will be all the more beautiful!
Tour de la Tour Saint-Jacques
Square de la tour Saint-Jacques, 4th
Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 6pm, April to November
Book in advance: https://boutique.toursaintjacques.fr/
12€
2. Create your own fragrance at Studio des Parfums
Located in the heart of the Marais district, the Studio des Parfums is the ideal place for delicate noses eager for refined scents. During a 2-hour workshop, you'll have the opportunity to become the creator of your own personalized fragrance. Guided by a master perfumer, you'll explore a variety of rare aromas and essences to compose a fragrance that's just like you. An olfactory and sensory adventure that will allow you to leave with the perfume of your dreams, the one that suits you to perfection.
Le Studio des Parfums
7 Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 4th arrondissement
https://studiodesparfums-paris.fr/
From €95
3. An incredible investigation in the heart of the Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier is much more than an opera house, it's a place steeped in mystery and captivating history. You'll have the chance to find out all about it in a unique escape game on the theme of Arsène Lupin, the famous gentleman burglar. In the heart of this emblematic monument, you'll be plunged into an immersive investigation where you'll have to solve riddles and uncover well-kept secrets. This unique experience promises thrills and spills in a prestigious setting.
Arsène Lupin and the opera
Palais Garnier
Place de l'Opéra, 9e
https://lupin-opera.cultival.fr/
28€ (adults), 20€ (children)
4. Relax in an ass's milk bath like Cleopatra
At Hammam Les Cents Ciels, you can feel like Cleopatra as you immerse yourself in an authentic donkey's milk bath, inherited from ancestral beauty rituals. This bath takes place in a sumptuous setting reminiscent of that of the Egyptian queen. Donkey's milk, renowned since ancient times for its moisturizing and skin-soothing properties, will plunge you into deep relaxation. An exceptional wellness getaway that will leave you feeling like the greatest in the world.
Hammam les Cent Ciels
7, rue de Nemours, 11e
https://paris.hammam-lescentciels.com/soins/jardin-du-nil
From €125
5. Spend the evening in a wine and ice cream bar
It's a unique combination that will delight even the most seasoned palates. At Folderol, glasses of unadulterated wine and sundaes of homemade ice cream (to choose from over 50 flavors) are enjoyed together in an explosive awakening of the taste buds. Whatever the season, this is the ideal place to cool off and relax after a long day of unusual experiences.
Folderol
10 Rue du Grand Prieuré,11e
https://www.folderol.com/
