Paris Dark Side with Edgar Allan Poe Actor-Led Fun Guided Tour

Paris , France

Paris Dark Side with Edgar Allan Poe Actor-Led Fun Guided Tour

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About this experience

Discover the grisly legends that haunt Paris on this unique and immersive tour led by a professional actor-guide. As twilight descends, Edgar Allen Poe, master of macabre, will tell you of the ghastly and ghoulish, on a spine tingling journey through the dark side of the City of Light.

Available options

Tour in English

What's included

Venture into Paris’s dark legends as Edgar Allan Poe leads you through chilling tales.

Enjoy a fully guided walking tour with a professional actor-guide

Hear haunting stories of grisly secrets from a master of the macabre.

Experience Paris like never before—where mystery and shadow meet history’s darkest corners.

Feel the eerie twilight atmosphere on a spine-tingling journey through the City of Light.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We’ll start our nocturnal adventure at Notre-Dame de Paris, where your first story involves the devil himself! Immerse yourself in the dark legends and somber anecdotes that haunt the Île de la Cité with a professional actor as your guide, bringing to life the shadowy side of the city. Learn of the bloodthirsty pastry chef and barber, the legend of the unfaithful hunchback, the curse of the Templars and the story of the Festival of Fools.

You’ll then accompany Poe across the Ile de la Cité, where the enigma of the Unknown Woman of the Seine awaits, and delve into the tragic love story of Héloïse and Abélard. Explore the Châtelet district, where mysteries abound, from the regicide on rue de la Ferronnerie (and the terrible and ingenious tortures reserved for the criminals of the time) to the eerie tales emanating from the Fontaine des Innocents. Visit a square that was once a cemetery plagued by restless spirits, before delving into the lore of Parisian alchemists and astrologers at the Medici Column.

Stop 3

Your supernatural journey then takes you to the oldest bridge in Paris, the Pont Neuf. Hear the gripping tale of Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, who was burned at the stake in 1314. Listen as your actor-guide reveals the fiery curse he pronounced—one that would haunt kings and shape history forever.

With Edgar Allen Poe as your guide, immerse yourself in the eerie lore and dark secrets of Paris on this special tour, revealing the city's macabre past in all its chilling glory.

What's not included

Hotel pick up/drop off

Gratuities

Entrances to sites and museums not included. This is an outdoor walking tour.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the Paris Today boutique, 2 Quai de Gesvres, 75004 Paris. The nearest metro is Hotel de Ville.
They will be in costume and will be wearing a badge around their neck on a black lanyard.

Important notes

Please note this tour requires a reasonable amount of walking. Please wear comfortable shoes!

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