Paris Criminal Past, audioguided walking tour

Experience the Dark Side of Paris with the Criminal Past Audioguide Tour

If you’re looking for a different way to see Paris, this self-guided audio tour offers a fascinating peek into the city’s darker history. Starting at the Eglise St-Germain l’Auxerrois and ending near the Hôtel de Ville, it covers some of Paris’s most notorious crimes and executions, all while giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. For just $11.56 per person, it’s a surprisingly affordable way to add a spooky twist to your Paris adventure.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines history, storytelling, and practicality. The audio commentaries auto-trigger as you walk, providing detailed stories right where they happened, making each stop more vivid and memorable. Plus, the easy-to-use map and geo-localization feature make it impossible to get lost—so there’s no stress about navigation. Also, being able to pause at a café or shop and pick up where you left off is a big plus for those who like to blend sightseeing with some leisure.

A possible consideration is the short duration—the tour itself is flexible but can be completed in as little as 1 minute or as long as 30. If you’re after a comprehensive, in-depth exploration of Paris’s criminal history, you might want to supplement it with other visits. But if you enjoy self-paced adventures and spooky stories, this tour is likely to become a highlight.

This experience would suit travelers who love history with a twist, are interested in more macabre stories, or simply want a flexible way to explore Paris’s less polished sides. It’s especially ideal for those who prefer independent exploration over traditional group tours.

Key Points

• Flexible, self-guided format allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Affordable price makes it accessible for most travelers.
• Audio commentaries provide detailed, location-based stories, making history come alive.
• Easy navigation with a map and geo-localization ensures you don’t get lost.
• It covers iconic sites like Place du Chatelet and Hôtel de Ville, historically linked to public executions and crimes.
• Short stops are perfect for quick visits or combining with other activities.

The Dark Side of Paris: An In-Depth Look

Paris, often celebrated for its elegance, art, and romance, also has a shadowy past filled with bloodshed, conspiracies, and executions. This tour promises to reveal some of those stories, taking you through places that witnessed some of the most notorious crimes and punishment methods in French history. The combination of audio storytelling and real locations makes it a compelling way to learn about a side of Paris often hidden behind its beauty.

Starting Point: Eglise St-Germain l’Auxerrois

The tour begins in front of this imposing church, a site steeped in history and tragedy. Its proximity to historic Parisian streets makes it an ideal starting point for stories of massacres and political violence. The tour highlights a dark chapter of French history, setting the tone for what’s to come. The reviews praise this opening spot as “absolutely genius,” with one reviewer mentioning how it made them realize they didn’t know their own city after 27 years of living there.

Exploring the Halles Quartier

Next, you wander into the Halles neighborhood, once a hub of conspiracies, poisonings, and royal intrigues. This area, once part of the market district, also bears the scars of public executions. The stories here about crimes committed during the reign of the kings provide a vivid picture of life in a Paris where justice was often brutal and public. The detailed commentary makes you feel like you’re walking through a living history book.

Place du Chatelet and Its Darker Tales

This square is famous for its history of public executions, a grim tradition in the Middle Ages and beyond. The stories of public hangings and beheadings are told with a sense of stark realism. It’s a reminder that Paris’s history isn’t all about beauty and art—sometimes, it’s about grim justice carried out in the open. The short stops here allow you to absorb the stories without feeling overwhelmed.

Hôtel de Ville and Its Grim Legacy

Finally, the tour ends at Hôtel de Ville, the iconic city hall. While today a symbol of Paris’s administrative heart, it was once infamous for public executions. The commentary here is full of interesting details about the punitive methods of old Paris, making it clear that even the most grand buildings have dark stories. One reviewer calls this stop “super interesting,” especially for those who prefer stories beyond the usual tourist fare.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Beyond its affordable price and flexible timing, the tour’s greatest strength lies in how it brings history to life through location-specific stories. You’re not just listening to a lecture; you’re hearing about bloodthirsty princesses, assassinations, and executions right at the sites where they happened. This proximity creates a more immersive experience. Many reviewers echo this sentiment, calling it “a trip through time filled with emotion” and “an extraordinary experience.”

The audio-guided nature means you can pause, rewind, or skip stories. If you stumble upon a favorite spot or want to linger, that’s entirely up to you. The app’s map and geo-localization are thoughtfully designed to steer you correctly, even if you take a wrong turn—a useful feature in a city maze.

How Long Does the Tour Take?

The tour is flexible, with durations ranging from just a few minutes to about half an hour. Many travelers complete it in a single sitting, but you could easily spread it out over a day, stopping for a coffee or a snack at any point. This flexibility is perfect for those with tight schedules or those who prefer to blend history with leisure.

What About the Price and Value?

At $11.56, the tour is quite budget-friendly, especially considering the personalized experience it offers. You’re getting a curated collection of stories and locations without the cost of a guided group or private tour. For the price, you’re gaining a unique perspective on Paris’s darker history, something that most standard city tours overlook.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re fascinated by crime stories, executions, and history told from a local perspective, this tour is perfect. It’s well-suited for those who prefer independent exploration and want to avoid large groups. The reviews confirm it appeals even to locals, with some discovering new aspects of their city after many years.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This Paris Criminal Past Tour offers a unique glimpse into the city’s darker stories, wrapped in an easy-to-use, flexible package. Its affordable price point ensures it’s accessible for most travelers, and the self-paced nature makes it ideal for those who enjoy exploring independently without rushing.

Travelers who love history with a touch of macabre, enjoy storytelling in situ, or simply want a different perspective on Paris will find plenty to love here. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, or looking for something a little more offbeat, this tour supplies a fun, informative, and slightly creepy experience that complements your overall Paris adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It depends on their age and interest in dark stories. The stories involve crimes and executions, so younger children might find some content disturbing.

Can I do this tour with my smartphone?
Yes, it’s an audioguide that works on your smartphone. Just make sure to keep your device charged.

Are there any physical tickets or is it all digital?
The tour is self-guided and digital, with no need for physical tickets.

How long does each stop take?
Stops vary from about 10 to 30 minutes, but you can take as much or as little time as you like.

Is there a group size limit?
Since it’s self-guided, the experience is individual or for small groups, with a maximum of 15 travelers if booked together.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

What is the starting point?
The tour begins at 1 Rue de l’Oratoire and ends near Hôtel de Ville.

Is it available year-round?
Yes, it operates every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, through June 2026.

Will I need to print anything?
No, the tour is app-based and uses your smartphone.

What if I get lost during the tour?
The geo-localization feature will help you get back on track quickly.

Embarking on this tour means stepping into a hidden chapter of Paris—a city that has seen both splendor and sin. It’s an experience that can add depth and mystery to your visit, especially if you’re eager for stories that aren’t just about the Eiffel Tower or Louvre but about the city’s gruesome, fascinating past.