Maison des arts de Malakoff

While visiting his friend Louise de Vilmorin, André Malraux – writer and sometime Minister for Culture – first laid eyes on the estate of Remise de l’Orme (a favourite of Louis XV’s). An enthusiastic Malraux put the 18th century house firmly back in the public eye, and it wasn’t long before the Malakoff council bought it and converted it into an art gallery. Devoted exclusively to contemporary art, the venue puts on five temporary exhibitions a year, where photos, paintings and sculptures by French and international artists vie for attention. Kids need not feel left out: every two years, the Maison exhibits works by local children. Ideal for checking out up-and-coming talent.