Paris' Red History : Brothels, boudoirs and courtesans

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3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 2 more

Travel back in time, and explore the scandalous side of Paris on a fun and original walking tour. From the Palais Royal to South Pigalle, your guide will tell you risqué stories and anecdotes that feature a cast of sensual and glamorous characters.

You will discover some of the most notorious and luxurious brothels of the Belle Époque and early 20th Century and will learn how these places operated. The tour will finish at an exquisite former maison close decorated in velvet, where you’ll sip a cocktail and soak up the early 20th Century atmosphere.

What's Included

A complementary cocktail in a former brothel in Pigalle
A collection of taboo stories and an entertaining walking tour of Paris
Alcoholic Beverages
Tips on the most sensual Paris hangouts of today
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Le Kiosque des noctambules

Meet your guide at Le Kiosque des Noctambules; the colored metro station at Place Colette. The exact metro station is “Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre” You should take the Exit N. 5 "Place Colette - Théâtres". Your guide will be wearing a special badge with the TOORERS logo, you can't miss it!

End point
Quartier Pigalle

Your tour will finish at the sulphurous Pigalle red-district area, where you will stop for a cocktail at an elegant former brothel. If you haven’t had enough, feel free to explore further with a visit to the bohemian Montmartre district.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    You’ll meet your guide at the very elegant Place Colette, named after one of the most famous sensual themed authors in literature. She will be the first of a long list of many intriguing and scandalous figures that you will learn about on this tour

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Palais-Royal

    Our off-the-beaten track itinerary will include the Palais Royal, some of the most beautiful Parisian 19th Century Covered Passages, and a walk through the little known 9th arrondissement. From Napoleon Bonaparte to Toulouse Lautrec, you will travel back in time to meet some of the most scandalous characters who gave Paris its racy reputation.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Did you know that at the authorized brothels' peak period, there were more than 200 establishments and 150 000 registered filles de joie? How could you recognize a Maison close? What were the rules inside these brothels and who were the famed Belle Époque painters that depicted life here? Who were the most well-known courtesans or cocottes? These are some of the fun facts you’ll learn with your guide on this tour.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Pigalle

    Your tour will finish at the sulphurous Pigalle red-district area, where you will stop for a cocktail at an elegant former brothel. If you haven’t had enough, feel free to explore further with a visit to the bohemian Montmartre district.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Toorers

Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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