Paris by Night Walking Tour: Ghosts, Mysteries and Legends

Paris , France

Paris by Night Walking Tour: Ghosts, Mysteries and Legends

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(910 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

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

Available options

Ghosts, Mysteries and Legends Night Walking Tour of Paris

What's included

Local guide

Groups of 23 people or less

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass 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 ghosts, legends and historic personalities. You’ll see both rarely visited and well-known sights in a whole new way!

Stop 2 Pass by

See the Hotel de Concierge, where Marie Antoinette was once imprisoned.

At the beautiful, romantic Square du Vert-Galant - created in honor of Henry IV and his mistresses and recently declared an “Espace vert ecologique” (an ecological green space) – your guide will describe a different scene, when the last Knights’ Templar was burned at the stake here.

Stop 4

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.

Stop 5 Pass 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.

Stop 6 Pass 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!

Stop 7 Pass 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.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.1

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Tripadvisor 4.7

261 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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)

Important notes

• 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!

About Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is a city steeped in history, art, and romance. Known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming neighborhoods, Paris offers a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern vibrancy. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city is a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems.

Top Attractions

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is Paris's most iconic landmark and a symbol of France. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, it offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours €17.10-€26.80 (depending on the level)

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. It houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Museum 3-4 hours €17 (full price), free for under 18s and EU residents under 26

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It has been undergoing restoration since the 2019 fire.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (towers and crypts may have reopening fees in the future)

Montmartre

Montmartre is a historic and artistic district known for its bohemian past, charming streets, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Cultural Half-day Free to explore (Sacré-Cœur dome visit €6)

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790.

Historical Full day €18-€28 (depending on the pass)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Croissant

A buttery, flaky pastry made from laminated dough. Best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy

Baguette

A long, thin loaf of French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Often served with cheese or ham.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains gluten

Steak Frites

A classic French dish consisting of steak and French fries, usually served with a side of salad and béarnaise sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten (if served with fries) and meat

Crêpes

Thin pancakes that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as Nutella, cheese, or ham.

Snack/Dessert Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon rides Rock climbing in Fontainebleau forest Kayaking on the Seine Picnicking in the Luxembourg Garden Boat tours on the Seine Spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting museums and galleries Attending a cabaret show

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Paris is generally safe for travelers, but pickpocketing and petty theft can be a problem in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Charles de Gaulle Airport • 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center
Orly Airport • 14 km (8.7 miles) from city center

By train

Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon

By bus

Bercy Seine, Porte Maillot

Getting around

Public transport

The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient and extensive subway systems in the world, covering all major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, G7

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Le Marais Montmartre Latin Quarter Saint-Germain-des-Prés Champs-Élysées

Day trips

Versailles

17 km (10.5 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790 and is famous for its opulent interiors and vast gardens.

Giverny

75 km (47 miles) from Paris • Half day to full day

Giverny is a charming village known as the home of the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. The village is home to Monet's House and Gardens, which inspired many of his most famous works.

Château de Fontainebleau

55 km (34 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Château de Fontainebleau is a grand royal château and park located just outside of Paris. It was a residence of the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III and is known for its beautiful architecture and vast forests.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21st (annual) Paris Fashion Week • February and September (annual) Nuit Blanche • First Saturday in October (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Use public transport, walk, or bike to get around the city and avoid traffic and parking issues
Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or a multi-day public transport pass to save money on attractions and transport
Explore the city's many neighborhoods and hidden gems, not just the major tourist attractions
Try local specialties and enjoy the dining experience slowly and leisurely