- Tours›
- Off the Beaten Path
True crimes and legends of Paris history
Explore the historical center of the City of Light under a different point of view with a professional tour guide revealing the dark secrets and the macabre anecdotes which took place in those streets.
Meeting Point
Pont Neuf (metro line 7), at the equestrian statue of Henry IV in the middle of the bridge
Statue of Henry IV
You will first meet King Henry IV on his horse to know him a bit better as a few stories you will hear that night are related to him.
Square du Vert Galant
In this lovely park well known by Parisians, you will stand right where the last great masters of the Knights Templar were publicly burnt to death to hear about the last days of their lives.
Pont Neuf
Your guide will narrate the stunning ghost story linked to some of the most famous monarchs and emperors which lasted several centuries and ended during one of the troubled times of the French history.
Eglise de Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois
This is the parish church of the Louvre, famous for ringing its bell in 1572 to signal the beginning of a terrible massacre organized against by the French monarchy the Protestants...
Les Halles
Your imagination will be required to visualize the former cemetery of the Saints-Innocents established early Middle Ages right where you will stand. Your guide will tell you about that sad tradition which pushed women to be voluntarily immured in a cell of stone for the rest of their life.
Rue de la Ferronnerie
You will make a stop in the street where Henry IV was assassinated by a catholic when he was in his royal chariot, to hear how that event occurred and see the coat of arms of the Good King Henry, placed as a tribute on the place of the murder.
La Conciergerie
This stop gives a great view on one of the most beautiful monument of Paris called "La Conciergerie". Former royal palace, it was soon turned into a prison which sheltered famous French figures such as the killer of Henry IV, Ravaillac, Damiens, Marie-Antoinette...
Sainte-Chapelle
You will understand why King Saint-Louis built the Sainte Chapelle and discover what happened to him after his tragic death during the 8th crusade.
Notre-Dame
The famous cathedral has many dark stories to offer under its magnificence: you won't see it the same way when your guide will uncover those legends and anecdotes! Plus, she has the most amazing video of the cathedral on fire in 2019, taken from a boat on a Seine river cruise.
Pont d'Arcole
Discover the moving story of the after death of "the Mona Lisa of the Seine", a young lady who became famous worldwide after being fished out of the river and displayed in a morgue behind windows in order to be identified by passers-by.
Hotel de Ville
Your final stop will take place in the former place of public executions, where the regicide Ravaillac suffered a horrible death penalty which lasted hours. Your guide will also explain what happened to Henry IV's body a long time after his burial, and how he got his revenge from his death...
Ending Point
Hotel de Ville
Want to personalize this tour?
- Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
- Click below to tell us what you are looking for:
Inclusions & Exclusions
The guide fee is included but tips are welcome!
Tour Important Information
This is a tour describing true crimes, legends, ghost and violent stories of the French history and some details can be a bit shocking. Kids are welcome if their parents think they can hear about this.
Important message from the guide
I'm available on Saturdays on request
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Paris Tour Reviews
“Incredible tour!”
Leo gave us an amazing tour of The Catacombs Museum in Paris. She is incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of the museum and is a captivating storyteller. It is a once in a lifetime experience to be given a catacombs tour by a Cataphile that lives and breathes their passion. Thank you for such a unique and inspiring experience. This is a memory we will cherish.
Leo K.
(7 reviews)Thank you so much Lisa and Kelsey for this great time with you and this lovely review! I wish you all the best and hope to see you again soon.
“Catacombs ”
Leo was a very good guide with a lot of information. The catacombs are a must!
Leo K.
(7 reviews)Thank you very much! Enjoy your time in Rome.
“Most Excellent”
Leo was most accommodating for us. She was very informative and spoke to our whole family of different ages, engaging us all. Truly appreciate her time.
Leo K.
(7 reviews)Thank you Brooks. Engaging kids or teenagers is always a big challenge so I'm very happy to read your review.
