As Halloween approaches, France prepares for a month filled with spooky events and thrilling experiences. Although Halloween is relatively new in France compared to its stronghold in the United States, the celebration has steadily grown in popularity, especially in Paris and the Île-de-France region. This year, Halloween 2024 promises a mix of family-friendly activities, eerie adventures, and vibrant nightlife that will offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore haunted attractions, enjoy themed parties, or immerse yourself in ghostly tours, France has plenty to offer for this spooky season.
Spooky Attractions and Haunted Tours in Paris
Explore the Dark Side of Paris
For those fascinated by Paris’s rich and mysterious history, Halloween offers a chance to explore some of the city’s darker, hidden corners. The famous Catacombs of Paris provide a spine-chilling experience any time of year, but they’re especially popular around Halloween. Several locations around Paris are hosting ghost tours, allowing visitors to learn about the eerie legends and ghostly tales that surround the city’s historic sites. From hidden cemeteries to haunted streets, these tours offer an engaging way to experience Halloween while discovering Paris’s rich past.
Halloween at Parc de Saint-Cloud: Parc de l’Étrange
This year, Parc de Saint-Cloud will transform into “Parc de l’Étrange” (The Strange Park), an attraction open from October 18 to November 2. Families and thrill-seekers alike can roam through the park’s creepy pathways, where surprises lurk around every corner. With spooky decor and interactive experiences, the Parc de l’Étrange promises an eerie outdoor adventure, perfect for those who love Halloween in a natural setting.
Family-Friendly Halloween Events
Festivities for Kids Across Île-de-France
For families, Halloween in France has plenty of kid-friendly options. Parc Astérix, one of France’s most popular amusement parks, hosts its annual “Peur sur le Parc” (Fear on the Park) event. Running from October 5 to November 11, Peur sur le Parc includes themed rides, haunted houses, and interactive shows suitable for a younger audience. Kids can also enjoy pumpkin carving workshops, costume parades, and themed crafts, making it an ideal destination for families.
Additionally, Gally Farms, located in Saint-Denis and other areas around Paris, celebrates Halloween with its famous Pumpkin Festival. From October 24 to October 31, visitors can enjoy activities such as pumpkin picking, carving workshops, and hayrides. This event provides a fun and educational experience for children and adults alike, making it a delightful Halloween outing.
Halloween Parties and Nightlife in Paris
Parisian Nightclubs and Halloween-Themed Bars
As Halloween night approaches, Paris’s nightlife scene comes alive with costume parties, themed bars, and special events. Numerous bars and nightclubs across the city are hosting Halloween parties on October 31, offering a perfect opportunity for adults to enjoy the holiday. The famous Pachamama club in Paris hosts the “Circus of Horror” party, complete with eerie decor, live performances, and a dance floor filled with costumed revelers.
For a unique Halloween twist, Aquarium Club at the Trocadéro Gardens will host an underwater-themed Halloween party. Expect to see ghostly mermaids, marine monsters, and a lively crowd dancing under the glow of aquatic lights. If you’re looking for a more glamorous setting, Le Georges restaurant at the Pompidou Center offers a Halloween rooftop party with sweeping views of the Paris skyline, cocktails, and spooky decor.
Halloween Cruises on the Seine
For an unforgettable experience, join a Halloween cruise on the Seine. On the night of October 31, Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf will host a spooky boat party where guests can enjoy Paris’s famous sights under the moonlight. The themed cruise includes ghost stories, Halloween-themed drinks, and a guided tour of the city’s haunting history. This unique experience is perfect for those who want to celebrate Halloween while soaking in the beauty of Paris from the water.
Cultural Events and Themed Experiences
Themed Theater and Cinematic Experiences
For fans of the performing arts, Halloween in Paris includes a variety of theatrical performances and horror-themed film screenings. Forum des Images will host a night of horror video games on October 31, where players can experience some of the scariest survival-horror games on the big screen. Additionally, theaters across Paris will showcase classic horror films and thrillers, creating an immersive cinematic experience for Halloween enthusiasts.
For a more immersive experience, visit Le Manoir de Paris, which offers “It’s Alive! Halloween Horror Stories,” an interactive performance that takes participants through themed rooms filled with creepy characters and jump-scares. This event runs from October 17 to November 3 and is a must-see for anyone looking to dive into Halloween thrills.
Halloween at the Museums and Castles
Even some of Paris’s most iconic cultural landmarks are getting in on the Halloween spirit. The Musée Rodin will host a special Halloween-themed evening centered around the museum’s famed “Gates of Hell” sculpture, with storytelling and eerie ambiance to set the tone. Meanwhile, Château de Thoiry offers an immersive escape room experience, challenging visitors to solve puzzles while evading zombies in the castle’s crypt.
Celebrating Día de los Muertos in Paris
For those who want to celebrate something a bit different, several venues in Paris also host Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities, embracing Mexican culture. One of the highlights is the rooftop party at the Terrass” Hôtel in Montmartre, where guests can enjoy Mexican-inspired cocktails, face painting, and festive decorations with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
Embrace Halloween in Paris in 2024
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, terrifying haunted experiences, or vibrant nightlife, Paris offers a variety of Halloween events to suit every taste. From ghost tours and eerie parks to rooftop parties and escape rooms, the city has embraced Halloween in a uniquely French way. So get your costume ready and prepare for a spooky celebration in the City of Light this Halloween season.