Although the French capital is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, its tumultuous history is nonetheless filled with chilling dramas. It is therefore no surprise that ghost stories have been circulating throughout Paris for centuries.
One of the best known is probably that ofthe Red Man of the Tuileries. This legend is closely linked to the history of the Tuileries Palace, now gone, and that of Catherine de Medici, Queen of France. It is said that when she lived in this royal residence, she had Jean, nicknamed "the Skinner," who worked in a nearby slaughterhouse, murdered on the pretext that he knew secrets about the royal family. Before he died, he predicted to his murderer that he would return. His ghost then appeared, covered in blood, earning him the nickname "the little red man of the Tuileries."
Each of his appearances heralded a coming tragedy. He is said to have predicted to Catherine de Medici's astrologer that the construction of the Tuileries would lead to the queen's downfall. Over the centuries, he is also said to have appeared to other famous figures, announcing their doomed fate,including , Marie Antoinette, and Napoleon I. The legend continued until the destruction of the Tuileries Palace, with which he is said to have disappeared.
In the footsteps of vanished monuments: Where can you see the remains of the Tuileries Palace in Paris?
Did you know? The famous Tuileries Gardens once housed a palace. It was the Palais des Tuileries. Remnants of this now defunct royal residence are now scattered around the world. Here's where to find them in Paris. Ready to explore the capital's past? [Read more]
In the footsteps of vanished monuments: Where can you see the remains of the Tuileries Palace in Paris?
