Scandalous Paris, audioguided smartphone tour

Imagine wandering through Paris’ lively South Pigalle district, where stories of brothels, courtesans, and risqué nightlife come alive right on your smartphone. For just $11.55, you can spend roughly an hour to an hour and a half uncovering the city’s more daring past, guided by passionate narrators whose stories float through your earbuds as you stroll. This self-guided tour, offered via the Rewind app, takes you from Place Saint Georges to the Moulin Rouge, stopping at iconic and secretive sites that historically made Paris a hub of libertine adventure.

What we love most about this experience is the blend of authentic storytelling and flexibility. You can pause at any moment to enjoy a snack or take a photo, then pick up where you left off. Plus, the geo-localization feature ensures you won’t get lost — even if you take a wrong turn. That’s a rare combination of informative, entertaining, and practical.

One thing to consider: this tour is not suitable for kids under 16 or those looking for a tame sightseeing experience. It’s definitely aimed at adults curious about Paris’ naughty reputation beyond the surface. If you’re interested in a themed, offbeat exploration of Paris that’s light on logistics but heavy on stories, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

This experience is well-suited for history buffs, curious travelers, or anyone who enjoys exploring cities through stories behind the streets. Whether you’re visiting alone or with friends, you’ll appreciate the personalized pace and the engaging tales that make the district’s reputation come alive.

Key Points

• Authentic stories of Paris’ brothels and courtesans from the 19th to 20th centuries.
• Flexible, self-guided experience that you can pause and resume at will.
• Affordable price offering a unique glimpse into Paris’ scandalous past.
• In-depth stops at iconic locations like Moulin Rouge and Rue Frochot.
• User-friendly technology ensuring you stay on track with clear directions.
• Suitable for adults interested in Paris’ more risqué history.

A Detailed Look at the Tour

Start in Place Saint Georges and the “New Athens” District

Our journey begins in Place Saint Georges, nestled in what was once called “New Athens” in the 18th century. Here, the tour offers a fascinating look at how this neighborhood evolved from a quaint area into a **”paradise of pleasure”. The narration paints a vivid picture of the transformation from mundane to risqué, emphasizing the long-standing reputation of Pigalle as a hub for adult entertainment.

One reviewer, AnneMarie_W, described it as “Une visite en audio guide très intéressante,” appreciating how it revealed a different side of Paris and helped her understand the history of the district. The short 15-minute introduction sets the tone for the more intimate stories ahead.

Rue Saint-Georges and the Courtesans Who Changed Society

Next, we move along Rue Saint-Georges, where stories of notorious courtesans who challenged societal norms are told with a dash of explicit detail. The narration highlights how these women blown wind into a puritan society, and Romain_D called this part “Super” — noting the humor and passion woven into the stories.

This section offers a glimpse into the liberty and rebellion that courtesans represented, and you might find yourself fascinated by how these women shaped cultural change.

Rue Saint-Lazare and the Lorettes

Continuing on Rue Saint-Lazare, the guide discusses “lorettes”, courtesans known for their lighter morals. These women were often more accessible and less clandestine, making this a key part of the district’s character.

Rue des Martyrs: The Brothel Boom

By the time you reach Rue des Martyrs, the story becomes more tangible — over 700 brothels once lined this street, with access reserved for the wealthy, comparable today to driving a Ferrari. The narration explains how brothel ownership was a sign of social importance and wealth, giving you a sense of what it meant to be part of that world.

Tristan_J remarked, “Je recommande vivement cette visite,” showing how engaging this part of the tour can be, offering insights into the social fabric of historic Paris.

Rue de Navarin and the Fabled Clients

Moving past Rue de Navarin, you’ll learn about famous clients who patronized the district’s famous establishments. This behind-the-scenes look at Parisian nightlife adds a layer of intrigue and glamour.

Rue Frochot: Artists and Libertine Hangouts

This street was home to Toulouse-Lautrec, Edgar Degas, and Pissarro, who loved capturing the libertine atmosphere on canvas. The narration paints a lively picture of artists mingling with the city’s notorious crowd, and you might imagine early paparazzi snapping photos of the scene.

Rue Victor Massé and the French Cancan

The French Cancan, known for its erotic dance moves, gets a spotlight here. It was a provocative dance, often performed at cabarets like Moulin Rouge, and the narration explains how it symbolized rebellion and freedom.

Moulin Rouge: The Icon of Risqué Entertainment

Finally, the tour culminates at the famous Moulin Rouge, the world’s most recognizable cabaret. Here, stories of its glamorous, scandalous history come alive. The guide details the provocative shows and the famous figures associated with it.

The Experience You’ll Get

The smartphone-guided tour is remarkably easy to follow. Once you purchase, you receive an email with activation codes that unlock the content on the Rewind app. The audio automatically triggers at each stop, and the clear map and directions make navigation straightforward. The ability to pause and resume the tour at any point is a real plus, especially if you want to stop for a coffee or a quick photo.

Travelers have said they appreciated the informative stories and humor of the narrators. Romain_D appreciated the humor and passion in the storytelling, while Tristan_J called it an “Excellente visite,” praising the small details and hidden corners uncovered during the walk.

The length fits well with a typical sightseeing window — an hour to an hour and a half — making it a low-commitment way to add some colorful history to your day.

Practical Considerations

• Price: At just over $11, the tour offers excellent value for such a themed, niche experience.
• Duration: The flexible timing allows you to skip or linger at sites.
• Accessibility: You’ll need your smartphone and earbuds, and the tour is not recommended for those under 16.
• Location: Starts at 28 Place St Georges and ends near the Moulin Rouge, in a central, easily accessible part of Paris.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re fascinated by Paris’ more daring history, enjoy stories with a touch of humor, or want to see the city through a different lens, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s especially suited for adults with an interest in cultural behind-the-scenes stories. It’s less ideal for families with young children or for those seeking a traditional sightseeing experience.

FAQs

What is the price of the tour?
It costs around $11.55 per person, making it an affordable way to explore a unique aspect of Paris.

How long does the tour take?
The typical duration is between 1 hour and 1.5 hours, but you can pause and restart as you like.

Do I need to bring any special equipment?
You just need your smartphone and earbuds. The tour is self-guided, so you control the pace.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 28 Place St Georges and finishes near the Moulin Rouge at 46 Rue Pierre Fontaine.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for those under 16 due to adult themes.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.

What if I get lost or want to stop midway?
The geo-localization feature and clear directions help keep you on route, and you can pause the tour at any time.

Final Thoughts

This Scandalous Paris tour offers a fun, cheeky look into the city’s less polished past, blending storytelling with modern technology for a seamless experience. For those who love history with a twist, enjoy urban exploration, or simply want to unlock stories behind Paris’ most famous landmarks, it’s a worthwhile addition to your trip.

It’s particularly well-suited for curious adults eager to learn about Paris’ libertine reputation without the fuss of guided groups or expensive tickets. The affordable price combined with the personalized, flexible pace makes it a smart choice for a quick yet memorable adventure through the risqué corners of Paris.

Whether you’re a history lover, art enthusiast, or nightlife aficionado, this tour promises a lively, informative, and playful peek into the hidden stories of Paris — stories that are sure to add color to your visit.