Three Parisian paranormal legends

Published by Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Published on October 9th, 2023 at 12:31 p.m.
Sometimes we like to immerse ourselves in supernatural and terrifying legends, and Paris has no shortage of chilling anecdotes! We take you on a tour of 3 legends and paranormal stories from the capital.

Sometimes our desire for thrills leads us to delve into the darkest legends. And believe it or not, Paris is full of terrifying paranormal stories. Since the supernatural fascinates you, we invite you to discover three urban legends whispered in the capital.

At the tomb of the founder of spiritualism

If you've ever taken a stroll through the Père-Lachaise cemetery, you may have been surprised by an intriguing dolmen-shaped tomb. In fact, it's considered the most flower-filled tomb in the cemetery. Sometimes, you may even have witnessed strange scenes: visitors trying to touch either the neck of the bust or the back of the dolmen. Strange, strange...

You may not have known it then, but this isAllan Kardec's final resting place. But just who is he? He's no more and no less than the founder of spiritualism. His best-known work, The Book of Spirits , is one of the most widely read books in the world, second only to the Bible.

According to legend, Allan Kardec said during his lifetime: "After my death, if you come to see me, place your hand on the neck of the statue that will overlook my tomb, then make a wish.If your wish is granted, come back with flowers". Even today, visitors still try to make their wish at his tomb, and the many plants placed there keep the legend alive. So much so that a sign on the back of the dolmen denies the superstition and urges people not to indulge in this ritual.

His fortune to the one who will keep him company in death

Still at Père-Lachaise, an enormous mausoleum overlooks the neighboring tombs of the 19th division. It is in this majestic tomb that lies Elisabeth Alexandrovna Strogonoff-Dominoff, a countess of Russian origin. Behind the beauty of this funerary monument, however, lies a dark urban legend.

It is said that, in a will deposited with a Parisian notary, the Countess indicated that she would bequeath a fortune equivalent to two million roubles to anyone who agreed to spend 365 days and 366 nights in her tomb. During this period, the person would have to stay close to the coffin and not leave it under any circumstances.
"She was not averse tohaving expensive food next to her, or to reading amusing books. But she was not to be left for a second. She made this an express condition of her generosity."

Adventurous souls would then have tried their luck, but none would have managed to keep this deadline without going mad. According to some obscure rumors, this tomb actually housed a direct entrance to... hell.

The red man in the Tuileries

The French capital may be one of the world's most beautiful cities, but its tumultuous history is no less full of chilling drama. So it's no surprise that ghost stories have been circulating around Paris for centuries.

One of the best-known is probably that of theRed Man of the Tuileries. This legend is closely linked to the history of the now-defunct Palais des Tuileries, and to that of Catherine de Médicis, Queen of France. It is said that when she lived in this royal residence, she had Jean, nicknamed "l'écorcheur" (the skinner), who worked in a nearby slaughterhouse, murdered on the pretext that he knew secrets about royalty. Before dying, he is said to have predicted to his murderer that he would return. His ghost then appeared, bathed in his own blood, earning him the nickname of the Little Red Man of the Tuileries.

Each of his appearances was a harbinger of tragedy to come. To Catherine de Médicis' astrologer, he was said to have predicted 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, such as Marie-Antoinette and Napoleon 1st, foretelling their doom. The legend continued right up to the destruction of the Tuileries Palace, with which it disappeared.

More anecdotes :

L’Histoire du cimetière du Père Lachaise à ParisL’Histoire du cimetière du Père Lachaise à ParisL’Histoire du cimetière du Père Lachaise à ParisL’Histoire du cimetière du Père Lachaise à Paris Did you know? 3 unusual anecdotes about Père Lachaise cemetery
Père Lachaise is one of the world's most famous cemeteries. Its famous tombs, its mysteries and its fascinating history. But how much do you really know about it? We reveal 3 unusual anecdotes about the Père Lachaise cemetery. [Read more]

Les Catacombes de ParisLes Catacombes de ParisLes Catacombes de ParisLes Catacombes de Paris Did you know? 3 unusual anecdotes about the Paris catacombs
The Catacombs of Paris are among the capital's most mysterious places. But how much do you really know about these ancient Parisian quarries? We reveal three unusual anecdotes about the Catacombs of Paris! [Read more]

Practical information
Comments
Refine your search
Refine your search
Refine your search
Refine your search