Would you like to discover unique places in France, far from traditional museums? Places where art meets history in a playful way, where curiosity is rewarded with surprising discoveries. In this article, we invite you to explore France's most unusual museums, those that stand out from the ordinary. Whether you're passionate about cinema, natural history or even magic, we've found the hidden treasures you won't want to miss. Follow us on a unique cultural adventure, simple and enjoyable, to discover these rare gems that will make your tourist experience unforgettable.
1- Musée du Tire-Bouchon in Ménerbes
In the heart of Ménerbes, a charming Luberon village, lies a museum like no other: the Musée du Tire-Bouchon. Here, more than 1,200 corkscrews, from the simplest to the most sophisticated, trace the history of wine from the 17th century to the present day. This unique museum takes you on a journey through time and the French art of living. Whether you're a wine lover or simply curious, you'll be amazed by the diversity and ingenuity of the exhibits. Easy to visit, the Musée du Tire-Bouchon offers an instructive and entertaining experience. Discover the secrets of these small everyday objects, witnesses to a rich and fascinating history .
2- The Magic Museum in Paris
Immerse yourself in a world where magic comes to life in the heart of Paris, at the Musée de la Magie. Located in a secret basement in the City of Light, this museum opens the doors to a world where illusion reigns supreme. With one of the most impressive collections of magical objects, documents and artifacts belonging to the greatest magicians in history. Every visitor, young and old, will find something to marvel at. From magic tricks and trompe-l'œil to half-hourly shows, this unique venue promises discovery and surprise at every turn. Magic keeps its secrets, but at the Musée de la Magie, it invites you to catch a glimpse of its world through a fun and enriching outing for the whole family. See also our selection of unusual restaurants in Paris! Book your magic workshop for 6-8 year olds at the Musée de la Magie !
3- Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace at Le Bourget
Take off on an extraordinary adventure without leaving terra firma! The Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace, located at Le Bourget airport, is the perfect place to do just that. This fascinating museum is a treasure trove for aviation and space enthusiasts. With its collections of aircraft and spacecraft, from the first flying wing to rockets, every visitor can explore the history and technologies that have enabled mankind to take to the skies and dream of space. Flight simulators invite you to take the controls, offering an immersive and entertaining experience. So, are you ready for a fun and instructive discovery? The Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace awaits you for an extraordinary adventure.
4- Cinema and Miniature Museum, Lyon
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of cinema with a visit to the Musée des Miniatures et Décors de Cinéma, located in the heart of Lyon. This museum takes you behind the scenes of the seventh art, where you can admire up close the miniatures, sets, costumes and props that brought your favorite films to life. From Spiderman to Gremlins, browse the 8 themed rooms that reveal the secrets of special effects and filmmaking techniques. Open every day, the Musée des Miniatures et Décors de Cinéma is a must-see cultural getaway for those wishing to discover the magic of cinema from another angle. Come and explore this space where the art of miniature and the grandeur of cinema meet for a unique and memorable adventure.
5- Musée International des Arts Modestes in Sète
Welcome to Sète, where art takes on a whole new dimension at the Musée International des Arts Modestes (MIAM). This venue is a celebration of creativity in all its forms, where modest, handcrafted art is given pride of place. Here, everyday objects are transformed and assembled to become veritable works of art, proving that imagination knows no bounds. Created by artists Hervé Di Rosa and Bernard Belluc, MIAM defies convention and invites visitors to a playful and surprising exploration of art. Open to all, this museum offers an extraordinary experience, far removed from traditional galleries. Discover how the most modest objects can inspire great artistic ideas in this museum like no other, an enriching outing full of surprises in Sète.
6- La Maison Picassiette in Chartres
Enter the world of La Maison Picassiette in Chartres, a habitable work of art where everyday life is transformed into a fairytale. This extraordinary house, entirely decorated with glass and ceramic mosaics, is the passionate work of Raymond Isidore, a simple cemetery janitor. Every wall, every ceiling, every piece of furniture tells its own story, that of a man and his tireless artistic quest. To visit La Maison Picassiette is to walk into a waking dream, where fragments of glass combine to create landscapes, portraits and scenes of everyday life. La Maison Picassiette is an invitation to see the world through a colorful and joyful prism, anexperience not to be missed when visiting Chartres. Discover our Chartres must-sees! Visit Chartres at your own pace by opting for a written guided tour !
7- Musée du Fumeur in Paris
In the heart of Paris lies a unique space dedicated to the art and history of smoking: the Musée du Fumeur. This original museum takes visitors on a journey through time and cultures, exploring the ancient practice of smoking in all its forms. From pre-Columbian America, where tobacco was first discovered, to the present day, visitors can discover a varied collection of objects, artworks and artifacts linked to this tradition. The museum illustrates how the act of smoking has evolved, reflecting social, cultural and artistic changes over the centuries. It's an ideal destination for those seeking to understand little-known aspects of social and cultural history, in a setting that's both intimate and welcoming. A visit to the Musée du Fumeur is an enriching experience, inviting reflection on the traditions and transformations of a worldwide custom.
8- Musée des Vampires et Monstres de l'Imaginaire in Paris
Hidden in the shadows of Paris' s alleyways lies the Musée des Vampires et Monstres de l'Imaginaire, a sanctuary dedicated to creatures of the night and urban legends. This unique venue invites you to explore the myths and stories of vampires, ghosts and other fantastic beings that populate our nightmares and fictions. Through rare objects, antiquarian books and works of art, the museum reveals the secrets of these mysterious entities, bearing witness to their impact on culture and literature down the centuries. Accessible by appointment only, the Musée des Vampires et Monstres de l'Imaginaire promises an intimate and memorable experience, a journey into the world of the imaginary and the unknown.
9- Musée International de la Chaussure in Romans-sur-Isère
In Romans-sur-Isère, the Musée International de la Chaussure offers a unique exploration of the history and culture of footwear. From ancient sandals to contemporary heels, this museum presents the world's largest collection of shoes, offering a fascinating panorama of this everyday accessory that has become an object of fashion, art and society. It's the ideal way to discover how, over the centuries, footwear has evolved tomeet both practical needs and aesthetic desires. Come and walk in the footsteps of mankind and understand why footwear is so much more than a simple accessory.
10- Pierre Loti's House in Rochefort
This house, once owned by writer and traveler Pierre Loti, is a work of art in itself, reflecting its owner's travels and passion for exotic cultures. From the Renaissance dining room to the Turkish salon and the bedroom, each space transports you into a different universe, the fruit of Loti's fertile imagination. A visit to the Maison de Pierre Loti is not just a journey into the history of art or literature, but an immersive experience into the mind of a man who lived between reality and fiction. Come and explore this unique home, offering a rich and inspiring cultural experience in Rochefort.
11- Les Bassins des Lumières in Bordeaux
Welcome to Les Bassins des Lumières in Bordeaux, one of the world's largest digital art centers. Housed in a former submarine base, this magical venue transforms the dark history of its architecture into a celebration of art and light. Here, works by the great masters of painting come to life on gigantic dimensions, projected onto the immense walls and reflected in the water, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle. It's an invitation to rediscover the masterpieces of art history in a totally new and captivating way. Les Bassins des Lumières offers a walk through art and history, enriched by technology and innovation. Book your immersive immersive experience at the Bassin des Lumières !
12- Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin in Blois
In Blois, in the heart of the Loire Valley, lies a magical place dedicated to the art of illusion: the Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin. This museum, the only one of its kind in Europe, celebrates the history of magic and pays tribute to Robert-Houdin, the French magician and inventor considered the father of modern magic. As you walk through its doors, you enter a world where optical illusions, automata and interactive exhibits arouse your curiosity and stimulate your wonder. It's a captivating experience that reveals the well-kept secrets of magicians while honoring the legacy of a man who transformed magic into a true art. Perfect for a family outing, this museum promises a day full of discovery and fun, a true tribute to imagination and creativity.
See also our selection of 15 unusual places to visit in France, or our Top 10 unusual places to stay in France!
What's the best way to visit a museum?
The best way to visit a museum is to buy tickets in advance to avoid queues, visit outside peak periods, research the museum and its collections beforehand, and wear comfortable clothes. Observing the building's architecture, strolling through the rooms paying attention to the works and their scenography, and respecting rules such as not touching the works are also important. Limiting the length of your visit can help maintain a high level of concentration and appreciation.
Which is the most visited museum in the world?
The world's most visited museum is the Musée du Louvre, located in Paris, France. Every year, millions of visitors from all over the world flock to admire its vast art collections and famous masterpieces, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The Louvre is not only an emblematic place of culture and history, but also a universally recognized and appreciated symbol of art.
