Haunted Paris

With a city as imbued with history as Paris, there are bound to be tales of death, intrigue and ghostly encounters. Take a tour of Paris’ haunted destinations -- the stories might surprise you.

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Paris Catacombs

Sixty-five feet below the streets of Paris, 6 million people were laid to rest throughout 180 miles of labyrinth-like tunnels. Only a small portion of the catacombs is open to the public for tours -- the rest is only accessible through secret passageways hidden throughout the city.

Eiffel Tower

Legend has it that a man tried to propose marriage to his girlfriend at the top of the Eiffel Tower, but when she said she wanted to break up instead, he pushed her off the top in a fit of rage. And after a suicide in 2009 heightened security, paranormal investigators have been flocking to the famous landmark.

Parc Montsouris

The beautiful Parc Montsouris south of the city’s center is said to be haunted by the headless ghost of a man who was murdered here by bandits centuries ago. It was also the testing ground for the guillotine, adding to its creepy history.

Notre Dame Cathedral

One of the most famous cathedrals in the world, Notre Dame has hosted its fair share of powerful French figures ... who met untimely deaths. And with all the creepy gargoyles hanging around reminding people of the afterlife, it’s no wonder that haunted tales about the cathedral abound.

Jardin des Tuileries

Commissioned by Catherine de Medici in 1564, the garden of Tuileries Palace was opened to the public in 1667. But it’s believed that “The Man in Red,” Catherine de Medici’s confidant, continues to haunt the gardens after she had him murdered.

Palace of Versailles

The royal chateau of Versailles is arguably one of the most famous attractions in France. But in the 18th century, it was also Marie Antoinette’s playground, and many witnesses claim to have seen her ghost -- mostly in the Petit Trianon, her personal apartment on the grounds.

Parc de Buttes Chaumont

Located in northeastern Paris, Parc de Buttes Chaumont, the fifth largest park in the city, opened in 1867. But for as beautiful as it is, the park sits on some seriously sinister ground. It was the location of the Gallows of Montfaucon, where people were hanged in groups and left to disintegrate before being buried below the gallows.

Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise

Paris's largest cemetery is also the final resting place for many famous people, including Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde. With more than 300,000 people buried there, your chances of seeing a ghost are pretty high -- in fact, witnesses claim to have seen Chopin wandering the grounds.

Pont Marie

Linking the Île Saint-Louis to the Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville, the stone arch bridge known as Pont Marie opened in 1635. The story goes that during World War II, a woman would meet her husband on the bridge to share information she had gleaned about the Nazis. But one night, when he didn’t show up, she died waiting for him in the cold. Visitors say you can still hear her sobbing.

The Louvre

Despite its status as one of the most famous museums in the world, the Louvre’s history isn’t commonly known. Beneath the galleries and the famous glass pyramid lies a 13th-century, cylindrical dungeon, where many visitors snapping photos have caught mysterious orbs on film.

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Haunted Paris

Related To:

Shop This Look

Paris Catacombs

Eiffel Tower

Parc Montsouris

Notre Dame Cathedral

Jardin des Tuileries

Palace of Versailles

Parc de Buttes Chaumont

Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise

Pont Marie

The Louvre

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