Hidden treasures: France's most unusual cultural sites

To visit this unusual and incredible cultural site, bring a snorkel mask and fins. You'll be rewarded with the chance to see six magnificent underwater statues by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. He created the underwater eco-museum in 2021 with the aim of raising public awareness about protecting the Mediterranean Sea. Access is free, and several companies offer regular boat shuttles from Cannes on the French Riviera. 

Designed by architect Alain Bourbonnais, this unusual cultural venue houses a collection of surprising, whimsical works from a movement that experts describe as “art brut.” La Fabuloserie is divided into the House-Museum, which houses the permanent collection of over 1,000 works; the Inhabited Garden, an open-air museum with intriguing sculptures such as Petit Pierre's unmissable animated carousel; and a space dedicated to temporary exhibitions, which change every season. 

The Machine Hall in Toulouse opened its doors in 2018 in the Montaudran district of Toulouse. In this huge glass-roofed building, visitors can watch bizarre shows featuring machines worthy of mad scientists. Giant articulated spiders and minotaurs, a carousel of automatons... An unusual and atypical cultural venue to feed your imagination and the promise of a wonderful time with the family. 

Across 2,000 square meters, the permanent exhibition at this unusual cultural venue unveils a collection worthy of the greatest film sets. Life-size costumes and miniature sets from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Aliens, and Jurassic Park. This atypical venue, located in the heart of the Vieux Lyon district, showcases the miniature creations of the talented Dan Ohlmann. His wish: to introduce people to the wonderful world of “image magicians.”

This is a fascinating mystery that archaeologists are struggling to solve: the megalithic alignments of Carnac, located in Morbihan. From October to March, visitors are free to come and observe these mysterious structures. From April to September, access to the alignments is restricted to paid guided tours, offering detailed lectures and exclusive entry to the sites. 

Beknown as the ”eagle's nest,” the citadel of Corte offers a captivating journey through history with its imposing fortifications and spectacular views. Construction began in the 15th century and continued for 350 years, demonstrating the architectural prowess required at the time. Visitors can explore its cobbled streets and discover the Museum of Corsica in the part known as “the castle.” Now transformed into a cultural center, it was occupied by the Foreign Legion until 1983.

Located in the small town of Caudry, in the Hauts-de-France region, this unusual cultural venue is dedicated to the history of a craft that has been one of the region's sources of wealth since the early 19th century. So much so that Caudry was considered the world capital of lace in the 19th century. The Lace Museum presents three temporary exhibitions a year, as well as activities and events. Although France has since undergone deindustrialization, the town still has a handful of lace makers who export more than 80% of their delicate production.

The largest underground ossuary in the world, the Catacombs of Paris are a must-see among Parisian monuments. Originally used to extract the limestone that built the city, these tunnels were then used as ossuaries in the 18th century to address sanitation issues. Millions of skeletons lie in labyrinthine galleries, creating a unique and unusual place steeped in legend.

The only Benedictine distillery in the world is located in Fécamp. In addition to visiting the sumptuous neo-Gothic building that houses the distillery producing this liqueur made from 27 plants and spices, its museum provides an insight into the manufacturing process. A cultural, sensory, and gastronomic experience.

Inspired by the world of Jules Verne, these monumental machines are sure to captivate visitors. You can embark on a journey aboard the Giant Elephant or visit the Machine Gallery and the Carousel of the Marine Worlds. Visitors are transported to a fantastical world where imagination meets ingenuity and technology. An unusual cultural attraction that is not to be missed during a trip to Nantes. 

Each season has its own charms in the unusual gardens of the Château du Rivau in the Loire Valley. Between humorous nods and outdoor artworks, this place of art and heritage offers a truly dreamlike and botanical stroll. Plant sculptures, fragrant mazes, and themed flowerbeds inspire wonder at every turn. 

Located in the former submarine base in Bordeaux, the Bassins de Lumières offer a unique immersive experience where digital art comes to life on monumental surfaces. These digital exhibitions transform the base's vast basins into giant canvases, projecting works by famous artists such as Gustav Klimt and Paul Klee. This unusual cultural venue offers a fascinating interaction between history, art, and technology, inviting visitors to reflect on the ephemeral nature of art and memory.

Opened in May 2021 by artists Vanina Krcek and Caroline Van der Spek, the MUM exhibits miniature contemporary artworks in sardine tins, on books, and in wall sockets. Armed with a magnifying glass, visitors explore scenes inspired by Vermeer and Hitchcock. Housed in a former bakery in Fontenoy-le-Château, it is an unusual cultural venue full of charm and originality. Small in size, but big in imagination.