Buzz
Dive into the shadowy and enigmatic side of Paris as we guide you through the city's ten most haunted sites. From forgotten asylums to historic catacombs, Paris boasts a variety of spine-chilling spots rumored to be inhabited by spirits from the past. Among the most famous are the Paris Opera House, where the apparition of a young ballerina is said to roam, and the Catacombs of Paris, where the skeletal remains of countless Parisians rest. Don’t just rely on our tales—brace yourself for an exhilarating and eerie exploration as we delve into the myths, legends, and tales surrounding Paris's haunted landmarks.
10. Rue des Chantres
Locals regard this street as the most haunted in Paris, and with good reason. Throughout history, Rue des Chantres has witnessed numerous tragic events. In the early 20th century, a hotel on this street served as a quarantine zone for severely ill children. These children, however, were far from pampered. Instead, they were crammed into the hotel's dark basement, isolated from their loved ones and the outside world.
To make matters worse, a devastating storm swept through Paris, causing Rue des Chantres to flood. Water infiltrated the hotel's lower level, trapping the children with no means of escape, leading to their tragic drowning. Today, many claim to hear the anguished cries of these children echoing through the street at night.
9. The Eiffel Tower
Yes, even Paris's most iconic landmark has its share of ghostly tales. The spirits here are tied to the city's theme of love, albeit in a dark and tragic manner. Each ghost's story revolves around love, often leading to their untimely demise. One of the most famous legends involves a man who proposed to his girlfriend atop the tower. When she refused, he pushed her in a fit of rage, causing her to lose her balance and plummet to her death.
This incident is said to have occurred in the 1920s, leaving little documentation behind. However, the tale remains plausible. Visitors to the tower have reported sightings of a young woman dressed in 1920s fashion, walking along the railing before vanishing. Could this be the restless spirit of the woman who rejected the proposal?
8. The Apartment of Marcel Petiot
Situated close to the Eiffel Tower is an upscale apartment complex that once belonged to one of Paris's most infamous serial killers. Marcel Petiot, a doctor with a chilling history, exhibited severe mental health issues from a young age. Despite alarming behaviors like bringing a gun to school at 11 and stealing military supplies during his service, he faced no consequences.
Somehow, he became a physician, and during his practice, he deceived and murdered between 27 to 150 people in just three years. Posing as a compassionate figure, he lured Jews escaping the Nazis with promises of safety.
Once he gained their trust, he administered lethal injections under the guise of protecting them from diseases. He amassed a fortune by stealing jewelry, furniture, and other valuables from his victims. His crimes were only exposed when neighbors complained of a foul stench emanating from his apartment. Today, his former residence is believed to be haunted by the spirits of those he killed.
7. Pont des Suicides
Known as the suicide bridge, this stunning structure is crafted from stone and surrounded by lush greenery. Its serene appearance belies its dark history. Shortly after its opening in 1867, the bridge and adjacent park became the site of numerous deaths, with suicides peaking in the 1890s. In 1896 alone, there were at least 29 suicides reported every month.
Today, the bridge is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who took their own lives there. At night, passersby and park visitors often report hearing the eerie sounds of these tragic events.
6. Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
Père-Lachaise Cemetery, one of Europe's largest and most haunted burial grounds, houses over 70,000 graves. Among its famous spirits are Mademoiselle Clairon, a renowned actress, and her obsessive admirer. By chance, they were buried near each other. In life, the man desperately sought her affection, and after being rejected, he tragically ended his own life.
Another well-known tale is that of the 'Wandering Woman,' a spectral figure dressed in black who roams the cemetery in search of her lost child. Visitors have reported sightings of her, often accompanied by the sound of a child's cries. Other apparitions include a top-hatted man in the older sections and a woman in white.
5. Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece situated in the heart of Paris, was constructed between the 12th and 13th centuries. As one of the city's most iconic landmarks, it attracts countless visitors annually. Many believe the cathedral is home to several spirits, including the ghost of Quasimodo, the famed hunchback, who is rumored to roam the halls at night.
Other reported sightings include a spectral black cat and a mysterious hooded figure, accompanied by eerie noises and unexplained sounds emanating from within the cathedral. While no definitive proof exists, the tales and legends of its hauntings continue to captivate the curious.
4. Catacombs
The Catacombs of Paris, often referred to as the 'Empire of the Dead,' are an extensive underground network housing the remains of millions. Established in the late 18th century to address the city's overcrowded cemeteries, the bones were relocated and artistically arranged along the tunnel walls, creating a macabre yet fascinating display.
The Catacombs are steeped in tales of hauntings and eerie phenomena. Many believe the spirits of those interred within the tunnels still wander the underground passages. Visitors often describe feelings of discomfort, being watched, or encountering unexplained noises and cold spots. Some have even reported sightings of ghostly figures or sensed an unseen presence accompanying them during their exploration.
3. Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier, also referred to as the Paris Opera House, is a magnificent and historic venue situated in Paris's 9th arrondissement. Designed by architect Charles Garnier and completed in the late 19th century, it boasts lavish and intricate architecture. Since its inauguration in 1875, it has served as the home of the Paris Opera and is famously linked to the story of The Phantom of the Opera.
While The Phantom of the Opera is fictional, some eerie elements are rooted in reality. For instance, a lake does indeed lie beneath the opera house. In 1896, a massive chandelier fell, resulting in a fatal accident. Another tragedy occurred in 1873 when a stage fire claimed the life of a ballerina and severely injured a pianist, who later succumbed to their injuries.
Despite these events, the most frequently sighted ghost is not connected to these tragedies. Instead, it is said to be an elderly woman wandering the exterior of the Opera House, searching for her lost love.
2. Museum of Vampires and Monsters of the Imagination
Indeed, this museum is as haunted as it sounds. A spectral figure of a man is frequently spotted seated in an orange armchair. Believed to be the grandfather of the museum's current owner, Jacques Sirgent, it is said he took his own life outside the building, driven by matters of the heart.
The museum's hauntings extend beyond the ghostly grandfather. Its walls are adorned with an extensive collection of vampire and monster memorabilia. Among the artifacts is a pre-loaded crossbow, displayed as if ready to fend off any lurking vampires.
During his academic years, Jacques focused on 'the physical embodiment of evil.' His fascination with the dark and Dracula inspired him to establish the Museum of Vampires and Monsters of the Imagination. He dedicated years to sourcing and curating its unique collection.
1. Hospital Psychiatrique Maison-Blanche
Hôpital Psychiatrique Maison-Blanche, also known as the White House Psychiatric Hospital, was a mental health facility located in the outskirts of Paris. Operational from 1878 to 1997, it housed thousands of patients, many of whom reportedly endured harsh and inhumane treatment.
The hospital's dark past has made it a hotspot for tales of hauntings and paranormal activity. Visitors often report feelings of unease, as if being watched, along with unexplained noises and sudden drops in temperature. Some have even witnessed ghostly figures or sensed an unseen presence. Stories persist of former patients roaming the halls, accompanied by chilling laughter and screams echoing through the desolate buildings.
