Parisian monuments are undoubtedly among the most famous buildings in the world: the Bastille Opera House, the Invalides, the Comédie-Française... They all have a story to tell and they all have many treasures that a classic visit does not always reveal.
To explore the Capital in greater depth, go behind the scenes of Paris’s monuments! Accompanied by a specialist guide, unravel the secrets of places that make the City of Light so rich and multifaceted: concert halls, sporting complexes, a photo studio, museums, cabarets and even the Eiffel Tower will hold no more secrets for you!
© Unesco
Cultival is offering a guided tour of the Paris headquarters of Unesco, situated between the Eiffel Tower and the Ecole Militaire. An invitation to discover the behind the scenes of this institution housed in an impressive building with works by major architects and artists of the 20th century: Bernard Zehrfuss, Marcel Breuer, Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, Eduardo Chillida, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti and Brassaï.
Available in French
© Mobilier national Thibaut Chapotot
Cultival takes you on a unique and exclusive guided tour of the collections of the Mobilier National, the former furniture storage unit of the French monarchy created in 1863, today tasked with furnishing the official palaces of the French Republic. Visitors discover the furniture of the offices of Vincent Auriol, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, François Mitterrand… and can admire collection items (fabrics, trimmings, velvet…).
Available in French
© Didier Herman
The Manufacture des Gobelins is one of the entities of the Mobilier National. It is in charge of the tapestries and has occupied the current site - in the 13th arrondissement - Since the 17th century. Cultival is offering a visit to a part of the workshops still in activity. The tour can also include a visit to the Galerie des Gobelins if there is a temporary exhibition programmed.
Available in French
© Stade de France® Macary Zublena et Regembal Costantini architectes ADAGP Paris 2014 F. Aguilhon
Follow in the footsteps of the greatest international sportsmen and women and singers by exploring this legendary stadium and hearing a myriad of anecdotes. From the corridors to the dressing rooms, the Stade de France unveils areas normally closed to the public providing you with the opportunity to go into the main arena of the largest sporting and cultural venue in France.
Available in French and English
© Manuel Bougot
Situated on the Boulevard Haussmann, Printemps is Paris’ temple to shopping. Discover the secrets of this department store, from the sublime view of its roof garden to its impressive underground passages, its sumptuous Art Deco dome and more. Dive into the history of Printemps’ founding, reflective of a time of social, technical and architectural reinvention.
Available in French and English
© OTCP Marc Bertrand
The curtain is also lifted on national opera at the Bastille! Outside opening hours, visitors can explore one of the most prestigious Parisian institutions. Discover the places where stage sets are kept, the public foyers, the huge auditorium, as well as the machinery and workshops of this prestigious monument! A great way to unlock the secrets around the staging of the greatest operas.
Available in French
Book an exclusive tour of the Bastille Opera's secret vegetable garden with Greets Paris
© Riccardo Tinelli DR
Who could be more qualified to guide you backstage in one of the most famous cabarets in the world than one of its own dancers? Share a glass of champagne with your unique guide and immerse yourself in the history of the venue and its countless surprises!
Friday and Saturday evening in French. Sunday evening in English.
© Thinkstock
Commissioned by Louis XIV, the Hôtel des Invalides is one of the most prestigious buildings in Paris. Discover its many secrets in the company of a guide for a privileged visit that includes the impressive main courtyard, the Dôme church … not to mention the tombs of military men who have marked history, such as Vauban or Foch, and the monumental tomb of Napoleon.
Available in French
© DR
A replica of the Radio City Music Hall in New York, the Grand Rex cinema is a movie theatre with quite remarkable decor. This historic listed building unfolds its secrets in the course of a visit behind the screen.
The audio guide is available in the following languages: French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian.
© Laurent Blossier
La Seine Musicale is one of Paris’ new cultural hotspots. Its modern design, conceived by architects Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines, gives the illusion of a liner floating on the Seine. Step into this unique building and explore its theatre, its interpreting booths and recording studios, its dressing rooms, its auditorium and more. A venue sure to impress any music lover!
Available in French
© Bernard Fidel via Flickr
The largest wholesale food market in the world welcomes you for a surprising visit! Immerse yourself in an incredible world to discover the hidden side of this hotspot for French gastronomy, with cheese, flowers, seafood, fruits and vegetables and much more on offer. Accompanied by a guide, stroll through its aisles and finish off the visit with a great locally-sourced breakfast!
Available in English and French
© Jean-Christophe Ballot BNF
The unique architecture of the Bibliothèque François Mitterrand practically calls out to whoever may pass by. With its four book-shaped towers over 80 m high, the library hides rooms reserves for researchers, 14 million books and publications tucked away in the archives and even the gigantic globes once owned by Louis XIV. Accompanied by a guide, explore the halls and floors of this stunning and unmissable cultural site.
© Cosimo Mirco Magliocca collection
A veritable institution for theatre in France, the Comédie-Française is housed in the building of the Palais-Royal. In February 2016, it offers a privileged backstage visit of this monument – a landmark site in the history of theatre!
Saturdays and Sundays at 11am
Available in French and French Sign Language
© CIBILLE, Philippe pour Aéroports de Paris
For aviation enthusiasts and those simply curious to find out more, don't miss this behind-the-scenes guided tour of one of Paris’s two international airports! Get close to the planes and observe how they are handled, meet the runway staff and go behind the scenes of this amazing site. The opportunity for children and adults to become experts on the subject!
Available in French
An interactive and cultural tour of the largest cinema in Europe!
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