Dark Heart of Paris: History, Legends & Mysteries Walking Tour

4.3 (1,016 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

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1,016 reviews

4.3

Ghosts, Mysteries and Legends Night Walking Tour of Paris — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

For many, Paris by night is a place of romance and moonlit walks along the Seine. For others, it’s a place of mystery, shaped by the darker stories of its past. This walking tour of Paris’ mysteries and legends takes you on a journey through the city’s hidden side – when the City of Light is finally dark. As you visit tucked-away streets off the beaten path, you’ll hear intriguing tales and legends that bring Paris’ fascinating past to life, along with little-known facts about the city and its history.

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At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–20
Guide: English
Operated by: City Wonders Ltd

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local guide
Included: Groups of 20 people or less

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

The Seine

Passing by

Paris, the City of Light, has a remarkably dark and stormy past. Before the city earned its reputation for culture, art, fashion and romance, it endured centuries of strife – gruesome murders, torture, and beheadings, political and social unrest, brutal monarchies and wars, not to mention terrible plagues. This tour will bring to life Paris's mysterious and often horrific past – its dark stories, legends and historic personalities. You’ll see both rarely visited and well-known sights in a whole new way!
Conciergerie

Passing by

See the Hotel de Concierge, where Marie Antoinette was once imprisoned.
Eglise St-Germain l'Auxerrois

5 min

You’ll visit the 7th century church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, and learn how and why around 30,000 Huguenots were murdered in the infamous St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre of 1572.
Ile de la Cite

Passing by

Pass by the Île de la Cité, an island in Seine river in the center of Paris, which in the 4th century was the site of the fortress of the Roman governor.
Palais de Justice de Paris

Passing by

You’ll learn that the Palais de Justice - which was awarded the Grand Prix de l'Empereur as the greatest work of art produced in France in that decade - was where unfortunates were judged guilty during the French Revolution and sentenced to the guillotine in front of cheering crowds – even if they were Kings or revolutionaries themselves!
Hotel de Ville

Passing by

Place de l'Hotel de Ville was used for parties organized by the municipality and to celebrate births and marriages of the royal family, but it was also the place for important executions from 1310 to 1830, including those of Ravaillac and La Brinvilliers.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet at the statue of Henri IV, in the middle of Pont Neuf- at the western end of Ile de la cite. Pont Neuf is the bridge that links Ile de la Cite to both the left and right banks of Paris. The statue is of a man on a horse sitting in the middle of the bridge. Nearest Metro: Pont Neuf (7) or Cite (4)

End point

Using your ticket

We are unable to accommodate late arrivals. Missed tours or tickets due to late arrivals cannot be refunded. Please plan on being at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the meeting time.
Our City Wonders guides will be holding a sign at the meeting point for easy recognition.
This tour involves a fair amount of walking, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Gratuities for your guide/driver that provided excellent service are appreciated!