3 Strange Paris Destinations Not to Be Missed
By Nicole Evans
Paris, the city of love and lights. While known popularly as a romantic honeymoon destination, Paris’ rich history means that it has far more to offer than just moonlit strolls along the Seine and artistic cafes full of the beautiful, chic French. Paris has a dark past that she reveals only begrudgingly, but get lucky and you might be able to see the stranger side of sights in Paris.
3 Strange Paris Destinations
The Paris Catacombs
Topping the creepy scale of Paris destinations are the Paris catacombs. Les catacombes stretch for miles under the oblivious, bustling Paris streets. These catacombs are a reminder of when the many plagues and wars that have ravaged Europe over the centuries. The miles of tunnels are lined, filled, and built of the uncountable bones of the dead. Many of them were excavated from overflowing Parisian cemeteries in the 18th century. As more bones were added, so the Paris catacombs grew into the spiraling maze that it is today. While a small portion of them are open to the public for touring, many of the tunnels are still closed off – and both illegal and dangerous to sneak into. People have died after becoming seriously lost in the creepy underground streets of the dead. Others, however, utilize the space as underground art cinemas, galleries, and secret meeting spaces. Tres chic – and tres creepy.
Le Musee des Vampires – Museum of the Vampires
Le Musee des Vampires is a small museum that may seem like a tourist trap, but with an obscure location on the edge of town and visits by appointment only, it takes some effort to get to. Run by a man who has written multiple books on the subject of vampires, the Museum of the Vampires in Paris makes for one edifying yet bizarre experience. Though it’s on the edge of town, you can reach Le Musee des Vampires in fifteen minutes on the Paris metro. It’s a Paris destination you definitely shouldn’t miss, especially if you’re curious to learn more about the folkloric and cultural history of vampires in Europe.
Le Musee de l’erotisme – Museum of Erotica
This may be the most touristy sight in Paris on this list, but for a reason. With our eternal fascination for the forbidden and socially uncomfortable topics, sex is right at the top of the list. Le Musee de l’erotisme is a seven-story museum with artifacts and the history of sex and the culture surrounding it from all over the world. It is near the Moulin Rouge area of Paris in Pigalle, so if you’re already there for sightseeing then it’s worth checking out. You can also print a 3-euro voucher on their website to reduce the admission price.
