10 day in Paris: Dark Tourism edition
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Dark tourism, also known as thanatourism, involves visiting sites associated with death, tragedy, or suffering. Paris, with its rich history, offers numerous opportunities for such exploration. Here's a 10-day dark tourism itinerary for Paris:
Day 1: Arrival and Introduction
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Photo by Sarah Sheedy on Unsplash
Arrive in Paris and settle into your accommodation.
Visit the Père Lachaise Cemetery, where notable figures like Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Edith Piaf are buried.
Explore the Catacombs of Paris, an underground ossuary containing the remains of over six million people.
Day 2: World War II Sites
Visit the Holocaust Memorial in Le Marais district, dedicated to the memory of the Jews deported from France during World War II.
Explore the Shoah Memorial, which documents the history of Jewish life in France before, during, and after the Holocaust.
Day 3: Revolutionary Paris
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Explore the Conciergerie, a former royal palace turned prison where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution.
Explore the Musée de la Libération de Paris (Museum of the Liberation of Paris), which commemorates the liberation of Paris from Nazi occupation during World War II.
Day 4: Haunted Paris
Take a ghost tour of Paris, exploring haunted sites and hearing spooky tales of the city's dark past.
Visit the Hôtel de Sens, rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a former resident.
Day 5: Crime and Punishment
Visit Place de la Concorde, where many executions took place during the French Revolution, including that of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
Explore the Museum of Police Headquarters (Musée de la Préfecture de Police), which showcases Paris's criminal history and police work.
Day 6: Literary and Artistic Tragedies
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Visit the Musée d'Orsay and explore its collection of artwork, including pieces by artists who lived tragic lives, such as Vincent van Gogh.
Take a tour of the Left Bank, exploring the haunts of famous writers like Ernest Hemingway and Sylvia Beach.
Day 7: Medical and Scientific Tragedies
Visit the Musée Dupuytren, which houses a collection of anatomical specimens and medical oddities.
Explore the Musée Fragonard, known for its collection of anatomical wax models and exhibits on the history of medicine.
Day 8: Parisian Disasters
Visit the site of the Paris Opera House fire of 1887, which claimed the lives of many.
Explore the Musée Carnavalet, which documents the history of Paris, including disasters such as fires and floods.
Day 9: Dark Arts and Entertainment
Visit the Musée de la Magie (Museum of Magic) and the Musée des Automates (Museum of Automata), which showcase the history of magic and entertainment in Paris.
Explore the Théâtre du Grand-Guignol, known for its gruesome and macabre plays.
Day 10: Reflection and Departure
Spend your last day reflecting on your experiences in Paris, perhaps revisiting some of the sites that made the biggest impression on you.
Depart from Paris, taking with you the memories and insights gained from your dark tourism journey.
Remember to approach these sites with respect and sensitivity, acknowledging the tragedies and suffering they represent.