Created as an initiative by the city, Paris Face Cachée (whose name means "The Hidden Side of Paris") is an original event that takes place in February and is designed to enable people to discover the capital in an original way and enjoy a unique experience. For three days, a hundred or so sites that are original or usually closed to the public are open to visitors. There is a choice of three areas: private properties that are normally closed to the public, unusual custom-made adventures in places that are usually open, and shows in surprising and unexpected places like the belfry at the Gare de Lyon station.
Bookings are online only, and the location is kept secret and only revealed on the ticket. The rule of the game is to choose an experience without knowing who the organiser is or where it is happening. The names of the experiences are deliberately evocative or mysterious: "sweet secrets", "time travellers", "when thread has style"… The number of places is limited and you have to be fast because the tickets sell out in a few hours! The tours last between 1 and 3 hours, and some of the experiences are free of charge.