Photo : Jean-Charles Le Vasseur, Etienne Jeaurat, v. 1770. Source : WikiCommons
Guided Tour: History of Prostitution in Paris
Forget the usual romantic clichés and uncover the gritty, fascinating evolution of sex work hidden within Paris’s storied streets. This eye-opening walking tour sheds light on how law, morality, and desire have shaped the city’s identity since the Middle Ages.
Métro Cité (Paris 4th)
About
Uncover the hidden history of the sex trade in the French capital with this guided tour focusing on the evolution of prostitution from the Middle Ages to the present day. This immersive experience delves into police regulation, social perceptions of sexuality, and the daily lives of those involved throughout the centuries. Designed for an adult audience, the tour takes place in the 4th arrondissement, starting at the Cité metro station. The route is fully accessible for wheelchair users, ensuring everyone can participate in this deep dive into the historical and social narrative of Paris.
From the Middle Ages to the present day, dive into the world of Parisian prostitution. Who were these women, called harlots, streetwalkers, debauched, and many other names? How many were there? How did they live? Who were their clients? How did they refer to themselves? What role did the police play regarding these women? How were laws and repression shaped in Paris, only to spread across the territory later? Were there male prostitutes?
In the heart of Paris, come discover the answers to all these questions. This tour sheds light on both the past and the present, on the subject of prostitution and sex work, but also on our perceptions regarding sexuality, women, violence, and more.
Our take on this event
Gain a new perspective on the history of Paris by examining the development of prostitution and its impact on the city's legal and social landscape. The tour addresses complex questions regarding the daily lives of sex workers, the role of authorities, and how laws concerning sexuality were established and enforced across the capital and the nation.
Sessions are available on Saturday, November 07, 2026, from 14:30 to 17:30, and Sunday, December 13, 2026, from 14:00 to 17:00. Participants should meet at the Cité metro station, Place Louis Lépine, located in the 4th arrondissement.
Tickets are priced at 17 € per person. Please note that this activity is restricted to those aged 18 and over. The entire tour route is wheelchair accessible.
