Be first to see Paris's richest tourist attraction

If you are in Paris at the end of September, you could be one of the first people to visit a palace that has never before been open to the public.

The Monnaie de Paris, the French mint, will open its doors to the public for the first time on September 30 - and anyone in the capital that weekend can enjoy what's inside for free.

The ancient mint was created by Charles II, known as Charles the Bald, in 864, when he ordered the development of 10 coining workshops. It moved to its present location, at Quai de Conti, in 1775.

Inside the building, visitors will be able to enjoy spectacular architecture dating to the 18th century, a museum dedicated to money and currency that has more than 170,000 artifacts, a gallery of contemporary art - and a three Michelin star restaurant.