Paris Night Walking Tour: Ghost Stories & Dark Legends

Summary

Walk old paris at night with stories of ghosts & lost kings

You’ll follow a local guide through Paris after dark, hearing stories of ghosts and legends as you walk past places like Palais de Justice and Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois church. Expect chilling details about Marie Antoinette’s imprisonment and infamous massacres—all while winding through atmospheric alleys most tourists never notice. You’ll leave seeing Paris differently.

What’s the experience like?

I was still thinking about the way the Seine looked under those yellow streetlights when our guide, Lucie, suddenly stopped in front of a narrow alley. She lowered her voice—like she was letting us in on something—and pointed to a window above. “That’s where they say the ghost of a heartbroken poet sometimes appears.” I didn’t see anything but the flicker of a TV inside, but for a second, I could almost believe it. Paris by night is different. The air felt heavier, and even the usual city smells—fresh bread somewhere, wet stone—seemed sharper.

We wandered through the 1st and 4th arrondissements, past places I’d only ever seen in daylight: the Palais de Justice (where Lucie told us about the guillotine crowds—she said it so matter-of-factly I got chills), and then over to Place de l’Hotel de Ville. Someone in our group asked if any executions had happened right there and Lucie just nodded, “Too many to count.” She knew all these small details—like how Marie Antoinette spent her last days at Hotel de Concierge—and she made it sound like she’d met her last week. At one point we passed a couple kissing under a lamp post, totally oblivious to our little ghost parade.

I didn’t expect to feel much at Square du Vert-Galant, but Lucie’s story about the last Knights Templar being burned alive there hit differently when you’re standing on damp grass at night. There was this weird silence except for someone’s phone buzzing and the distant rumble of metro trains underneath us. We ended up at Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois church—she talked about that massacre in 1572 like it was still echoing off the walls. I kept glancing up at those old stones thinking about all that blood and history layered over each other.

Honestly, I’m not sure if I believe in ghosts—but walking those streets after dark with someone who knows every shadow and legend made me wonder. Even now, certain corners of Paris feel less friendly when I pass them alone at night. So yeah, if you want Paris without its mask on, this tour is probably for you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Paris' dark history and legends

• Learn about Paris' dark past
• Pass by Hotel de Concierge
• Visit Square du Vert-Galant
• Visit Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois church
• Pass by Île de la Cité
• Pass by Palais de Justice
• Pass by Place de l'Hotel de Ville

Top questions

How long is the Paris by night walking tour?

The tour covers several key sites in central Paris during an evening walk; exact duration isn’t specified but it’s designed for comfortable pacing.

Does this tour include entry to any buildings?

No indoor visits are included; stories are shared outside historic sites like Palais de Justice and Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois church.

Is this ghost tour suitable for children?

The content involves historical violence and ghost stories; parental discretion is advised for younger children.

Where does the tour go in Paris?

The route passes through the 1st and 4th arrondissements with stops at Palais de Justice, Place de l’Hotel de Ville, Square du Vert-Galant, and Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois.

Who leads the Paris ghost & legends tour?

A local guide accompanies your group throughout the evening walk.

How big are the groups on this walking tour?

The group size is capped at 23 people or fewer per guide.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to both start and end points of the walk.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided walk led by a local expert storyteller through central Paris with groups no larger than 23 people—no need for tickets or transport arrangements since public transit is nearby throughout your route.