True Crime in Paris — Serial Killers, Artifacts and Dark Streets

Paris is world-famous for its beauty — but beneath its wide boulevards and along its narrow back streets lies a far darker history. From the fall of the guillotine to Henri Désiré Landru and Jeffrey Dahmer's glasses displayed behind glass: Paris currently offers some of the most intense true crime experiences in Europe.

Serial Killer: The Exhibition — 1,000+ original objects

In the heart of the Montparnasse district, Galeries Montparnasse has housed one of the world's largest collections of serial killer artefacts since 21 February 2025. The exhibition *Serial Killer: The Exhibition* spans 20,000 square feet across 30 to 40 rooms and runs until 22 June 2026.

Here you will encounter more than 1,000 original artefacts: Jeffrey Dahmer's glasses, Armin Meiwes' refrigerator and Ed Gein's furniture are just some of the objects gathered from decades of investigations and court proceedings. The exhibition also reconstructs crime scenes linked to Jack the Ripper, Ted Bundy, the Zodiac Killer and John Wayne Gacy — with a level of detail and authenticity that leaves a powerful impression.

Psychological profiles of, among others, Dennis Rader, Ed Kemper and Charles Manson are woven throughout the exhibition, and visitors are introduced to the FBI techniques and forensic methods that have played a decisive role in solving these cases. Methods of execution — including the electric chair and the gas chamber — are also documented. The victims are honoured with portraits that serve as a reminder of the human losses behind the cases.

The exhibition is strictly for adults — minors are not admitted. A visit typically takes two to three hours, and tickets start at around €21. You can book your ticket at serialkillerexhibit.com/paris.

Practical information:

Address: Galeries Montparnasse, 22 Rue du Départ, 75015 Paris Metro: Montparnasse-Bienvenüe Open: 21 February 2025 – 22 June 2026 Duration: 2–3 hours Price: From approx. €21 Age restriction: Adults only

Serial Killers: The Darkest Secrets of Paris 2 — Walk in the footsteps of a serial killer

If you would rather experience Paris's dark history out on the streets, the guided walking tour *Serial Killers: The Darkest Secrets of Paris 2* offers a two-hour journey through real crime scenes linked to the city's own serial criminals from the twentieth century.

The tour places particular emphasis on Henri Désiré Landru — known as the *Bluebeard of Gambais*. Between 1915 and 1919, Landru lured at least ten women to him, murdered them at his country house in Gambais and burned their bodies in a stove. He managed to evade justice for more than a decade, but was ultimately convicted in 1921 and executed by guillotine in 1922. His case is one of the most shocking in French criminal history.

The tour also touches on the story of *Doctor Satan* — Marcel Petitgris — who during the Second World War posed as a physician in order to rob and kill. Groups are kept small, with a maximum of 15 participants, and the tour is conducted in English with a live guide. It is suitable for visitors aged 16 and above, up to 100 years old.

Prices and booking details are available via TripAdvisor — contact the organiser for current prices and available time slots.

Les Halles Crime Tour — Crime through the centuries

For those who want a historical perspective on Parisian crime, the walking experience *Les Halles Crime Tour* is an obvious choice. The tour begins at the Fontaine des Innocents on Place Joachim du Bellay (Métro Châtelet) and delves into the neighbourhood's bloody past — from the notorious reputation of Place de Grève as a place of execution to organised gang activity, assassinations and burglaries.

Contact the organiser for prices, duration and availability.

Paris: The Live Thriller — Hunt a serial killer

A more interactive experience can be found in *Paris: The Live Thriller*, a 2.5-hour pursuit event in which participants play an active role in the investigation themselves. The tour runs in both English and French. Contact the organiser via GetYourGuide for prices and to register.

Practical advice for the dark tourist

Paris's true crime scene covers a broad spectrum — from museum experiences featuring original relics to guided walks through real crime streets. The exhibition at Galeries Montparnasse is time-limited and closes in June 2026, so plan your visit well in advance. Book tickets ahead of time, particularly during the summer months, as demand is high.