Not Your Typical Paris

Insider stories and NFTs pegged to exclusive experiences are bringing a fresh perspective to Paris' historical palaces and hotels.

- GRACE MA

The Louvre museum, Eiffel Tower, and Chateau de Versailles are well-known landmarks in Paris that often top tourist itineraries in the French capital. But, unbeknownst to many, the city has a handful of under-the-radar museums and palaces whose riveting histories are only revealed through exclusive private tours with their owners or historians.

These extraordinary sites, often shrouded in mystery, have started collaborating with luxury travel curators who recognise the appeal of an exclusive experience that goes beyond the ordinary tourist attractions.

One such curator is Singapore-based bespoke travel designer Intriq Journey who was about to take me on a whirlwind tour that would reveal the captivating histories and artistic treasures of Paris in an entirely new light.

A REFUGE FOR AN EMPRESS 

We start with Chateau de la Petite Malmaison, a 19th century residence belonging to the first wife of Emperor Napoleon, Empress Josephine Bonaparte. It was her special place for hosting friends and indulging in her love for botany and animals.

As I stepped through the steel gates, another world unfurled. The urban sprawl of Paris faded away, and in its place was a foliage-filled wonderland, dressed in rich shades of green after a spring shower, framed by grey skies overhead. Through the trees peeked the white walls of the chateau, and at the top of a flight of stone steps stood a smiling Stefan Czarnecki, the amiable gentleman who owns and lives in the mansion.

Located in the town of RueilMalmaison — a 30-minute drive from Paris — the mansion was bought by Czarnecki’s father in 1947. Czarnecki now dedicates his time to making this hidden gem’s history come alive through concerts by young musicians, soirees, and guided tours like mine.