Paris

Best Places for Dark Tourism in Paris

Dark Paris

Paris is better known for its bright lights and romantic ambiance than its darker side, but there are plenty of places in the city to explore it if you know where to look. Dark tourism in Paris is the same as other places in the world; visitors can explore the cemeteries, dark corners of history, and underground areas hidden away from the naked eye. To help you find where to go, here is a list of the best places for dark tourism in Paris.

Pere Lachaise Cemetery
The Pere Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world, and is a destination in its own right, whether you’re visiting Paris for dark tourism or not. The largest cemetery in the city center, it is home to the graves of famous people throughout history. These include Moliere, Oscar Wilde, Honore de Balzac, Frederic Chopin, Marcel Proust, and Jim Morrison. Pere Lachaise is also known for its beautiful gravestones and peaceful ambiance, making it a great place to explore and get away from the urban bustle.

The Catacombs
The Catacombs are another of Paris’ dark tourism highlights. The tunnels in the underground ossuaries are lined with the bones of six million people. Originally a quarry, the space was later filled in and used as a space to house the bones of Paris’ deceased. Visitors can tour the catacombs, walking through the tunnels and exploring the rooms lined with femurs and decorated with skulls and other human bones. Entry lines for the catacombs are often very long, and it can take several hours to get in. As such, make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Les Egouts
Les Egouts, or the Sewers of Paris, are another popular destination for fans of dark tourism. The extensive underground sewer system was developed between ancient times and the 19th century, and is open to the public. Hour-long tours allow visitors to learn about Paris’ water cycle and the projects of the sewer workers. The tour goes through the vast network of tunnels, where machines and pumps can be seen along the way.

8 Best Cities to Visit in France

Avignon

France is best known for two things: Paris and the French countryside. But the country is home to some great urban centers that are worth a visit to get a feel for France’s various regional cultures. From north to south, east to west, here is my list of the 8 best cities to visit in France:

Avignon
The former seat of the Popes, Avignon is best known today for its famous medieval bridge, which is only partly intact. It also has a stunning medieval walled city with a pretty maze of streets to explore. There are also great markets, cafes, and restaurants, as well as the historic Avignon Cathedral and Palais des Papes.

Lille
Located in the north of France and known for being a stop on the Eurostar train between London and Paris, Lille is worth a visit in its own right. The beautiful city center exudes historic charm, and there is no shortage of patisseries and cafes to tempt the tastebuds.

Nice
The capital of the French Riviera needs no introduction. One of the largest cities in France, Nice still manages to maintain a laid-back beach vibe. But there’s also plenty to see and do away from the water, including the great markets in Old Nice, the famous Matisse and Chagall museums, and the hilltop castle. Nice also makes a great jumping-off point for day trips to other destinations along the Cote d’Azur.

Chartres
Home to the most famous cathedral in France, Chartres attracts visitors from all over the world. An easy day trip from Paris, the city can be reached by train, and its compact center is easily explored on foot. While Chartres Cathedral is the main attraction, the area around it is worth a wander as well.

Reims
Another famous cathedral city, Reims also makes a great day trip from Paris. But it is best known for another of France’s famous goods: champagne. The capital of the Champagne region, Reims is home to many tasting rooms and wineries where visitors can take tours and learn all about how champagne is made.

Bordeaux
Speaking of wine, Bordeaux is another of the best cities to visit in France. Wine lovers can enjoy tastings and tours, as well as day trips into the vineyards in places like Medoc. But even those that aren’t wine enthusiasts can enjoy Bordeaux’s historic streets, great shopping, and excellent cafes.

Lyon
The gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is the perfect city for foodies. Known for its abundance of great restaurants and food markets, the city is a virtual heaven for those of the culinary persuasion. Beyond food, Lyon has a rich historic city center with beautiful architecture, a number of hills with great views over the city, pristine parks, and more shopping than one could possibly imagine.

Paris
No list of the best cities to visit in France would be complete without the French capital. The heart of the country and seat of its government, Paris is home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, cafes, and monuments. No trip to France would be complete without a stop in Paris.

Afternoon Tea in Paris

Afternoon Tea

When it comes to afternoon tea, London may be the most famous place to indulge, but the trend has caught on in Paris and the French capital is starting to rival its British counterpart. After all, there’s no place like France for patisserie, and the cakes and pastries in Paris show it. If you want to sample the goods yourself, here are a few of the best places for afternoon tea in Paris.

Mariages Freres
Address: 30 rue du Bourg-Tibourg, Paris 75004

Tea and Mariage Freres are synonymous in Paris, what with the famous French tea house being established way back in 1854. There’s no better tea to be found in Paris, and the tearoom in the Marais is the perfect place to indulge. I love the colonial ambiance and signature teapots (for sale in the shop if you want to take one home afterwards), and the tea menu is as extensive as you’ll find anywhere. Their afternoon tea selection consists of sandwiches filled with duck foie gras and Empereur Chen Nung flavored smoked chicken, as well as sweets like millefeuilles, creme cakes, crumbles, fresh fruit tarts, and macarons.

Four Seasons George V
Address: 31 avenue George V, Paris 75008

If you’re looking for the most luxurious afternoon tea in Paris, the Four Seasons George V is the place to go. The hotel offers several different options to choose from, all of which include fine teas, an assortment of savories like foie gras and smoked salmon, homemade scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and pastries like canneles from Bordeaux, Madeleines, and Financiers. All of it can be enjoyed with a glass of champagne in the beautiful setting of La Galerie, which has stunning Flemish tapestries and 19th century paintings and furniture. As an added bonus, a pianist plays every day from 3:00pm.

Hotel Daniel
Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris 75001

Hotel Daniel is one of the most popular places for traditional afternoon tea in Paris. A Relais & Chateaux property, the hotel exudes elegance and and offers a luxurious place to indulge in tea and pastries. The menu features exotic teas from all over the world served with an assortment of finger sandwiches, traditional scones, and a selection of pastries. Champagne is optional, but encouraged. This is Paris, after all.