As the City of Light‘s elegant façade yields to the whispers of its turbulent past, a sinister narrative unfolds. Beyond the romantic Seine and iconic landmarks, Paris harbors a complex history of crime and intrigue, waiting to be unearthed. This audio-guided walking tour invites you to venture into the shadows, where notorious figures like Pierre Loutrel once roamed, and infamous sites like Rue Saint Honoré bore witness to public executions. As you navigate the city’s hidden corners, the lines between reality and myth begin to blur, beckoning you to explore the darker side of this enchanting metropolis.
Key Points
• Explore Paris’ dark past through a 1.5-hour self-guided walking tour with an audio guide on your smartphone.
• Explore the city’s criminal history, featuring notorious figures like Pierre Loutrel, public enemy number one.
• Visit iconic landmarks like Rue Saint Honoré, once a site of public executions, and the Hotel de Ville, the City Hall of Paris.
• Discover hidden gems, such as Passage des Petits-Pères, and uncover the secrets behind Paris’ elegant façade.
• Enjoy a flexible and wheelchair-accessible tour, available in French and English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
More great tours and experiences nearby.
Uncovering Paris’ Dark Past
Beneath the City of Light‘s elegant façade, a labyrinthine narrative of crime and intrigue awaits discovery, shrouding the French capital in an aura of mystery and fascination.
Explore the shadowy recesses of Paris’ history, where notorious figures like Pierre Loutrel, public enemy number one, left an indelible mark.
The city’s seemingly tranquil streets conceal a dark past, where public executions once took place on Rue Saint Honoré.
As you wander through the city’s historic quarters, the audio guide will regale you with tales of crime and punishment, revealing the sinister underbelly of this beautiful metropolis.
Prepare to uncover the hidden secrets that lie beneath Paris’ elegant veneer, and discover a side of the city that few travelers ever experience.
Self-Guided Walking Tour Experience
With the flexibility to explore at your own pace, this self-guided walking tour allows you to explore the darker side of Paris’ history without the constraints of a traditional guided tour.
Equipped with an audio guide on your smartphone, you’ll embark on a 1.5-hour journey through the city’s lesser-known stories and hidden gems.
From the Church of Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois to the Hotel de Ville, you’ll discover the eerie tales behind Paris’ elegant façade.
With the freedom to pause, rewind, or fast-forward at your discretion, this tour caters to your individual learning style.
Take in the atmospheric settings, absorb the intriguing narratives, and uncover the secrets of Paris’ criminal past at your own leisure.
Notorious Crime Figures Revealed
One of the most infamous crime figures in Parisian history is Pierre Loutrel, also known as ‘The Lone Wolf,’ whose brazen exploits would earn him the dubious distinction of being public enemy number one. This enigmatic figure’s criminal career spanned decades, leaving a trail of mystery and terror in its wake. His notoriety was cemented by a series of daring robberies and daring escapes, earning him a reputation as a master thief.
Loutrel’s exploits inspired numerous films, books, and plays, cementing his legendary status in French popular culture.
He was known for his cunning and charm, often using his charisma to evade capture.
Despite his criminal nature, Loutrel remains a fascinating figure, symbolizing the darker aspects of Paris’s rich history.
Exploring the City’s Hidden Side
Beyond the elegant boulevards and picturesque riverbanks, Paris conceals a labyrinthine network of hidden alleyways and secret spaces, waiting to be unearthed by curious travelers. These hidden gems offer a glimpse into the city’s intriguing history, revealing a world of mystery and intrigue. Our audio guide walking tour takes you on a journey through the city’s lesser-known quarters, exploring the hidden side of Paris.
| Hidden Gems | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Rue Saint Honoré | 1st arrondissement | Once used for public executions |
| Passage des Petits-Pères | 2nd arrondissement | Historic pedestrian passage |
| Cimetière des Innocents | 1st arrondissement | Oldest cemetery in Paris |
| Le Musée de la Contrefaçon | 16th arrondissement | Unique museum of counterfeiting |
| La Rue Cremieux | 12th arrondissement | Colorful and Instagram-worthy street |
Through our expertly curated tour, you’ll uncover the secrets and stories behind these hidden spaces, gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s complex history and cultural heritage.
Audio Guide Tour Details
Your 1.5-hour audio-guided walking tour is carefully crafted to explore the City of Light‘s darker side, navigating you through a labyrinth of crime-ridden alleys, infamous landmarks, and hidden corners that reveal the mysterious underbelly of Paris.
This expertly curated tour provides a unique perspective on the city’s history of crime, allowing you to explore at your own pace with an audio guide on your smartphone.
Audio guide available in French and English.
Wheelchair accessible route ensures inclusivity.
Reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
What to Expect on Tour
Delving into the City of Light‘s mysterious underbelly, this 1.5-hour audio-guided walking tour masterfully weaves together tales of crime and intrigue, expertly guiding you through a labyrinth of infamous landmarks and hidden corners that reveal the lesser-known stories behind Paris’ elegant exterior.
As you wander through the historic streets, your audio guide will regale you with stories of notorious crime figures, public executions, and the darker side of Paris’ past.
You’ll visit Rue Saint Honoré, once a site of public executions, and hear about the infamous Pierre Loutrel, dubbed public enemy number 1.
The tour culminates at the Hotel de Ville, the City Hall of Paris, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the city’s complex history.
Meeting Point and Essentials
To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience, please meet at the designated starting point, Rue de l’Oratoire, conveniently located near the Louvre – Rivoli metro station (line 1), where you’ll begin your crime-ridden journey through the City of Light.
Before commencing your tour, please ensure you have the following essential items:
A fully charged smartphone with internet access
A pair of headphones to learn about the audio guide
The downloaded app and reservation number to activate the tour
With these essentials in place, you’ll be ready to embark on a captivating exploration of Paris’ criminal underworld. Take your time, and let the city’s dark history unfold before your eyes.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
As you prepare to embark on this captivating journey through Paris’ criminal underworld, it’s reassuring to know that previous travelers have shared their positive experiences, with an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 6 reviews. Our customers have praised the tour’s unique perspective on the city’s history, engaging storytelling, and user-friendly audio guide. Here’s a snapshot of what our customers have to say:
| Rating | Reviewer Type | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | Couple | "Fascinating stories, beautifully presented!" |
| 4/5 | Solo Traveler | "A fresh take on Paris’ history, loved the audio guide!" |
| 5/5 | Family | "Our kids were captivated by the crime stories, great tour!" |
| 4/5 | Group of Friends | "Well-organized, interesting, and a great way to explore Paris!" |
| 4/5 | Solo Traveler | "Unique perspective, would recommend to history buffs!" |
With such positive feedback, you can trust that this tour will deliver an unforgettable experience in the City of Light.
We've also reviewed these nearby activities
- Closing Time at the Louvre: the Mona Lisa at Her Most Peaceful
- Eating Paris: Montmartre Food & Wine Tour
- Private Transfer From CDG or ORY Airport to PARIS City
- Private Guided Professional Photoshoot by the Eiffel Tower
- Paris Catacombs Skip the Line Guided Tour
- Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour by Train From Paris With Skip-The-Line
Activating Your Audio Guide
Upon arrival at the designated meeting point, Rue de l’Oratoire, ensure you have downloaded the required app and followed the simple activation steps to unlock your audio guide, thereby gaining access to the captivating narrative that will accompany you throughout your 1.5-hour walking tour.
To activate your guide, follow these essential steps:
- Visit the provided URL (https://rewindstories.com/en/activation/) and enter your reservation number and email address.
- Download the app and ensure you have a stable internet connection.
- Launch the app and start your immersive journey through Paris’ criminal history.
Note:
Not for you? Here's a few more great experiences in the region
- Paris: Luxembourg Gardens Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG)
- Versailles: Palace of Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
- From Paris: Roundtrip Shuttle to Versailles
- Round Transfer to Fontainebleau and Vaux Le Vicomte From Paris
- Discovery of Rum and Cuban Cigar
- Paris: Discover the Flavors of Saint Germain Des Prés
- Vintage Shopping Tour in Paris With a Guide
- Louvre Guided Tour With Ticket & Certified Artist (6ppl Max)
- Arrival Private Transfer From Paris ORY Airport to Paris City by Luxury Car
- Paris: Private Museum and Highlights Tour for Families
- Unforgettable Photo Shoot in Paris
Final Words
This self-guided walking tour provides an immersive exploration of Paris’ lesser-known narrative of crime and intrigue.
By delving into the city’s darker side, participants uncover the labyrinthine history of public executions, notorious figures, and hidden gems.
The audio guide expertly navigates the complexities of Paris’ criminal past, revealing a multifaceted portrait of the City of Light.
This tour offers a unique perspective on Paris, shedding light on the shadows that have shaped its history.
