Dark Heart of Paris: History, Legends & Mysteries Walking Tour
At a glance
Dark Heart of Paris: History, Legends & Mysteries Walking Tour is a 1h 30m small-group experience in Paris, France, operated by City Wonders Ltd. Travellers rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 1,013 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $17.18 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Local guide, Groups of 20 people or less.
Highlights
- Small group of up to 20 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 6 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1h 30m
- Group
- Small group, up to 20 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
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.
What's included
What's included
- Local guide
- Groups of 20 people or less
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
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Stop 1
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!
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Stop 2
See the Hotel de Concierge, where Marie Antoinette was once imprisoned.
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Stop 3 · 5m
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.
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Stop 4
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.
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Stop 5
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!
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Stop 6
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
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)
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Dark Heart of Paris: History, Legends & Mysteries Walking Tour take?
The experience lasts about 1h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $17.18 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Local guide; Groups of 20 people or less.
Where does it start?
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…
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 1,013 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Paris.
