The Saucy Side of Pigalle
Join local expert Lily Heise for a stroll through South Pigalle, the Paris neighborhood once famed for courtesans, cabarets, and creative rebels. On this walk you’ll trace its evolution from the Romantic salons of Delacroix and Chopin to its Belle Époque pleasure houses and today’s vibrant cocktail bars and boutique hotels. You’ll pass secret squares, provocative landmarks, and insider addresses where past and present mingle. This tour is for curious travelers, history lovers, and anyone intrigued by Paris’s sultry side. You’ll leave with a fresh lens on how pleasure, art, and nightlife shaped this unforgettable district.
Created by Lily Heise
Lily Heise is a Canadian writer and romantic expert based in Paris. She is known for her blog "Je T’Aime, Me Neither," where she shares her personal experiences and insights on love, romance, and dating in Paris. Her writing often explores the nuances of modern relationships and the unique romantic atmosphere of the French capital. In addition to her blog, Heise has authored books, including "Je T’Aime, Me Neither" and "Paris, My Sweet," which delve into her adventures and misadventures in love.
"From Fernando. Amazing tour, the only time I picked up the AI voice was when a French name is said haha. Very legit recommendations. No problem getting to the starting point. Pace was good as well. " - Fernando W.
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What you'll walk and learn about
Notre-Dame de Lorette
Start your journey behind the Notre-Dame de Lorette Cathedral
St-Georges Mansion
Renaissance luxury in the 1840s
Chez Christiane
Visit a 19th century brothel
Hotel Amour
Hear why this pink hotel was a luxury for its time
A City Divided
Stand where a taxation wall once acted as a border in Paris.
Les Folies Pigalle
Site of The Absinthe Drinker by Degas
Chez Mune
Visit a one-of-kind ladies only club
Moulin Rouge
End in front of the world famous cabaret
"This tour brings Paris alive! The history of Pigalle is just like a novel. Loved the mansion of La Marquise de la Paiva!"
"From Fernando. Amazing tour, the only time I picked up the AI voice was when a French name is said haha. Very legit recommendations. No problem getting to the starting point. Pace was good as well. "
"Had a great time visiting the Notre-Dame de Lorette. It's stunning, and the tales about the courtesans were fascinating!"
"Super interesting to learn about the old courtesans, felt like I was in a different world, highly recommend!"