Did you know? You can visit Aux Belles Poules, a brothel from the Roaring Twenties.

Once upon a time, the capital abounded in places where pleasure could be found... but since 1946, all places of prostitution have closed, banned by the Marthe Richard law. Today, these naughty, well-hidden places, which numbered 200 at the time, have almost all disappeared, but there's still one brothel that you can visit in Paris's 2nd arrondissement, in all honor, of course! Aux Belles Poules, an emblematic establishment of the Roaring Twenties, offers animated lectures and shows to help you get there!

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This brothel, which has been in existence since 1870, is one of the few to have preserved its decor intact, particularly beautiful thanks to its mosaics and very daring frescoes, with Art Deco ornamentation, the period during which it reached its apogee. Immense mirrors and erotic representations of filles de joie mingle, giving a glimpse of the sultry evenings of debauchery of the period.

Listed as a Historic Monument since 1997, Aux Belles Poules is open to the public for privatizations and tours, so as not to lose this unusual jewel saved from oblivion.

These historical conferences, held several times a month throughout the year, introduce you to the place and the history of prostitution in Paris, as told by Caroline, the current owner. For a little extra spice, choose the lecture-show option with the charming Sœurs Papilles, burlesque dancers and singers who add a touch of glamour.

Don't expect a long tour, however, but rather a lively lecture, as only the grand salon featuring the superb frescoes is accessible, as are the toilets and their unexpectedly beautiful mosaics. The twenty or so rooms where the 31 women worked at the time are not part of the site today.