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Private tour in Paris Frederic B
Scandalous Paris: Prostitution during the Belle Époque
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2 hours
30 minutes
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2 hours
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Frederic B.
4.9
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Ohlala! Here's your favourite Belgian guide in Paris! Hi, I’m Frederic—a Belgian licensed guide and former Cultural Tourism lecturer at the Sorbonne University, based in Paris since 2012. With a professional background in the arts, architecture, and literature, I specialize in alternative walking tours of Paris that reveal the hidden side of the city. If you're looking to escape the tourist crowds and discover authentic Parisian neighborhoods, I’ll take you to the places locals love—full of history, creativity, and charm. My tours explore themes like urbanism, contemporary art, literature, migrations, and French culture – all delivered with warmth, depth, and storytelling. As a foreigner, I have discovered Paris through the districts I was living in, which were the first ones I started to guide through. I was -and still am- a foreigner, yet also a localer, up to show you where to go and what to do, and at the same time, understand you like no Frenchmen would! :-) My tours are perfect for curious minds, return visitors, and anyone who wants to connect with the real Paris. À bientôt ! Please note all my tours can be customized and adapted to your needs. - Licensed guide - 10+ years living in Paris - Masters degree in Translation (English-Spanish) - Masters degree in Social Communication - 10+ years experience teaching (English and Cultural Tourism at the Sorbonne University) - 5+ years experience guiding in Paris - Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) level 2 in wine - Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) level 1 in sake - Civic Prevention and Rescue Level 1 PLEASE NOTE: - I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or arrange for a separate car and driver. - I don't do High School groups. PLEASE READ MY PROFILE CAREFULLY BEFORE CONTACTING ME: I DO NEITHER MUSEUMS (Louvre, Versailles, Orsay, Catacombes…) NOR THE EIFFEL TOWER
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Frederic B.
Exploring the Secrets and the Origins of the City of Love
Overview of your Paris tour
The early 20th century saw Paris turning from the City of Light to the city of Love and Desire. Behind the grand boulevards, a hidden world of luxury brothels and secret encounters sparkled. This tour invites you to step back into the Belle Époque, when pleasure was a business and scandal part of everyday life. We begin at the Palais Royal, once the beating heart of vice, before passing by former bordellos offering discreet entrances and hidden escapes, among which the legendary Le Chabanais. We’ll slip into covered passages, down to the dazzling Folies Bergères, where performers blurred the line between stage and seduction. We’ll wander through the former red-light district around Notre-Dame de Lorette and end in front of the Opéra, where all of Paris 19-cent. "who's who" was to be seen. Join us on this provocative walk through scandalous history. You’ll uncover tales of famous courtesans and the ways in which the world’s oldest profession helped shape the myth of Paris as the capital of love and lust.
Your Paris tour itinerary
WHAT WE'LL TALK ABOUT: Belle Époque, seduction, prostitution, famous writers, female writers, gay district ITINERARY: - Meeting on place Colette (in front of café Nemours) - Palais royal - Rue des Moulins - Covered passages - Bourse - Folies Bergères - Finish in front of the Opéra Note: The walk can be adapted to your needs and preference - Don't hesitate to mention them upon contact.
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Transport details
Type: Walking
Walking tour - Wear comfortable shoes (no high heels)
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
2 Place Colette, Paris, Île-de-France, 75001, France
Meeting in front of café Le Nemours on place Colette
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English
French
SpanishActivity level
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2 hours
30 minutes
1
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2 hours
30 minutes
1
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