Explore the Shadowy Heart of Paris for $57

The Paris: Darkest Tales, A Night of Secrets & Legendary Bar Tour offers a compelling journey into the city’s clandestine past. Priced at $57 per person and lasting 2.5 hours, this tour takes you through Ile-de-France, focusing on dark legends, scandalous stories, and eerie sites that rarely make it into standard guides. Led by an expert English-speaking guide, the experience promises an engaging blend of chilling tales and unique sights, making it ideal for those interested in Paris’ sinister side rather than its romantic image.

This tour is especially appealing for adventurers who enjoy dark history, ghost stories, and hidden spots. A highlight is the visit to the Dernier Bar Avant La Fin Du Monde, a quirky bar known as “The Last Bar Before the End of the World,” where an included drink adds a special touch to the experience. While it’s accessible in all weather conditions and includes scenic walking routes, participants should be prepared for some walking over uneven cobblestones and streets. The tour’s focus on medieval rituals, the French Revolution, and macabre legends makes it a captivating choice for those eager to uncover Paris’ less glamorous, more sinister stories.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

2.5-hour guided night tour exploring Paris’ dark past
Visit eerie alleyways, hidden streets, and infamous sites
Learn about medieval rituals, plagues, and bloodshed from the French Revolution
Discover body snatchers, disappearances, and notorious criminals
End at the Unusual Bar with a drink voucher included
Suitable for adults in good health willing to walk over cobblestones

Planning evening activities? Here are other after-dark options we've examined in Paris

Discovering the Eerie Alleyways of Medieval Paris

The tour begins at Parvis Notre-Dame, where the guide meets groups 15 minutes before the start time. From this central location, the group walks through shadowy medieval alleyways and silent streets, where the atmosphere instantly shifts from the usual Parisian charm to something darker. Visitors learn about bizarre and grotesque history such as the Square des Innocents, known for its eerie past. The route emphasizes the sinister rituals and plagues that haunted Paris during medieval times, giving a vivid sense of the city’s macabre heritage.

Walking along these historic streets, the guide shares stories about body snatching, disappearances, and infamous criminals like Ravaillac, who murdered King Henry IV, and the prison where Marie Antoinette was held. The group’s pace allows for scenic, sometimes spine-chilling moments, with plenty of opportunities for photos of haunted landmarks. The experience balances history and storytelling, aiming to evoke curiosity rather than just facts.

Haunted Landmarks and Infamous Crimes

Throughout the tour, haunted landmarks take center stage. The guide reveals stories of paranormal activity, including tales of ghosts at the Eiffel Tower and vampires seeking blood in the Paris underground. The Prison of Paris is vividly described as the final stop for Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and revolutionaries, with the scaffold serving as the final act for thousands of prisoners.

Guests hear about scandals, executions, and the unrest that rocked Paris, especially during the French Revolution and Paris Commune. These stories are delivered with entertainment and clarity, making each site feel alive with history and mystery. The guide’s engaging narration keeps the atmosphere lively, even as the stories grow darker and more intense.

The Sins of Medieval Rituals and the Plague

One of the most striking parts of the tour focuses on medieval rituals and the horrors of the plague. Visitors learn how sinister rituals were performed during those times and how plagues ravaged the city, leaving behind macabre tales of disease and death.

These stories are brought vividly to life through visual descriptions and historical context, emphasizing how fear and superstition shaped Paris. The Square des Innocents area, with its grotesque history, offers a tangible link to these dark chapters. The tour highlights the bizarre and grotesque practices that are rarely discussed in mainstream tours, making it perfect for history buffs craving something more offbeat.

More Great Tours Nearby

The French Revolution’s Bloody Spectacle

A key focus of this tour is the bloodshed of the French Revolution. The guide takes visitors to sites where revolutionary violence unfolded and recounts stories of guillotine executions and public spectacles of death. The scenes of unrest, aristocrats’ downfall, and mass executions are vividly described, giving a sense of the chaos and brutality that defined this pivotal period.

This segment provides a raw look at the violent history beneath Paris’ romantic veneer, making it clear why this city’s past is filled with scandal and tragedy. The stories of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI are told with respect for their historical significance, and the guide’s storytelling skills keep the atmosphere compelling.

For more beverage-focused experiences, here's what we've covered in Paris

Mysterious Legends: Ghosts and Vampires of Paris

The tour also explores local legends and supernatural stories, including the Ghost of the Eiffel Tower and Vampires that are said to seek blood in secret corners beneath Paris. These tales add a fantastical element to the darker themes, engaging those interested in paranormal lore.

While rooted in legend, these stories are shared with enthusiasm and respect for their cultural importance. The guide’s storytelling style makes even the most fantastical legends feel plausible, providing a fun and spooky twist to the tour.

Visiting the Dernier Bar Avant La Fin Du Monde

The tour culminates at the Dernier Bar Avant La Fin Du Monde, a bar known for its quirky, bizarro, and geeky ambiance. Here, a drink voucher is included, giving the opportunity to relax and reflect on the dark tales of Paris. This bar is famous for its bizarre decor and eclectic vibe, making it a perfect ending to a night filled with stories of scandal, ghosts, and legends.

Guests can enjoy their included drink in a setting that feels like a cosmic, surreal world, matching the tone of the tour. The bar’s unique atmosphere provides a fun, laid-back environment to unwind after exploring the city’s more macabre secrets.

Practical Details and Tips for Participants

The tour departs from Parvis Notre-Dame, with late arrivals not being accommodated. Participants should wear comfortable shoes since the route involves walking over cobblestones, hills, and uneven surfaces. The tour runs rain or shine, so weather-appropriate clothing is recommended.

While wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges are discouraged due to uneven terrain, the tour remains suitable for most healthy adults. Children under 18 years are not permitted, as the tour serves alcohol and covers mature themes. The experience includes scenic walking routes through historic sites with unparalleled scares and intriguing stories.

The Guide’s Style and Group Experience

Two highly praised guides—Daniel and Victorie—lead the tours, bringing a blend of entertainment, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Reviewers mention that Daniel’s engaging storytelling and Victorie’s enthusiasm greatly enhance the experience. The guides excel at making dark history fun and accessible, balancing scare tactics with historical accuracy.

Group sizes are designed to maintain intimacy, and the live guide ensures that all stories are delivered clearly in English. The tour is well-paced, allowing plenty of time to absorb each story while moving smoothly through the routes.

Why This Tour Stands Out from Others

What makes this tour unique is its focus on Paris’ dark secrets, scandals, and ghost stories, combined with a visit to one of the most unusual bars in the world. The inclusion of an alcoholic drink voucher adds value, and the 2.5-hour length offers a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed.

Compared to other Paris tours, this experience emphasizes dark history, spooky legends, and quirky nightlife. It’s an ideal choice for curious visitors who appreciate dark humor, macabre stories, and lively storytelling. The fact that it’s suitable for those in good health and involves some walking makes it accessible for most adventurous adults.

Final Thoughts on the Darkest Tales Tour

This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Paris’ shadowy past, combining historical sites, dark legends, and supernatural stories into an engaging package. The knowledgeable guides and quirky ending at the bizarre bar make it a memorable night out, especially for those interested in the city’s darker side.

While not designed for children or those with mobility issues, it provides a well-rounded experience for adults who enjoy history, ghost stories, and a touch of the macabre. At $57, it’s a reasonably priced, entertaining way to explore the hidden, darker corners of Paris after sunset.

✨ Book This Experience

Paris: Darkest Tales,A Night of Secrets & Legendary Bar Tour

5.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children under 18 are not allowed as alcohol is served, and some themes are mature.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 2.5 hours.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Parvis Notre-Dame, in front of the equestrian statue of Charlemagne.

Is participation in the bar included?
Yes, an included drink voucher is provided for the Dernier Bar Avant La Fin Du Monde at the end of the tour.

What should I wear?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing due to outdoor walking.

Can I join if I have mobility issues?
Mobility challenges are not recommended due to uneven surfaces and stairs along the route.