Top places in France to celebrate Halloween
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From haunted castles to pumpkins, witches, cobwebs, trick-or-treating, and more, Halloween and its spooky lineup have carved out a special place in the festive calendar of cities, tourist sites and theme parks across France during the All Saints' holiday. Follow our family-friendly guide to the top places and destinations to celebrate Halloween in France and enjoy this night of chills and thrills!
A spooky family weekend at a theme park
Looking for the best place in France to celebrate Halloween? Head straight to Disneyland Paris ! It’s the ultimate spot to immerse yourself in the magic and extravagance of Halloween, American style. Book your tickets in advance to join the Halloween Festival with family or friends. Day and night, the park transforms into a festive wonderland. Kids and adults alike can wander through the park amidst mischievous spirits and spooky creatures that come out to play during this season.
At Parc Astérix, you can enjoy a Gallic twist on these celebrations with Peur sur le Parc. Expect haunted houses and spine-chilling encounters, all set in a whimsical atmosphere with your favourite heroes.
The All Saints’ Day holidays are also a perfect opportunity to visit Futuroscope. Discover all the attractions and events of this unique park in Europe and experience the thrill of Futuroween.
Delve into the dark side of Paris
This Halloween, discover the darker side of the City of Lights. Whether you venture alone or follow a guide, embark on a journey that takes you from the infamous Conciergerie prison in Paris to sites steeped in black magic and alchemy, including the Rue de la Ferronnerie, where Henri IV was assassinated.
Paris has no shortage of eerie experiences. Continue your spooky adventure with a visit to the Catacombs. Descend into the depths of the city to explore the world’s largest underground ossuary—if that’s not chilling, what is? Alternatively, wander through the famed Père-Lachaise Cemetery, encountering both famous and unknown souls resting along its pathways.
Wondering where to celebrate Halloween in Paris? The grand department stores are a must-see, transforming into spooky spectacles with creative Halloween displays. Bon Marché, Galeries Lafayette, and Printemps pull out all the stops, dressing their windows and aisles in festive black and orange. Enjoy an afternoon of shopping amidst the enchanting Halloween ambiance!
Howling in a haunted castle
With their towering walls, lofty turrets, and endless corridors, castles provide the perfect setting for a proper Halloween celebration. The grand and sprawling Château des Ducs de Bretagne in Nantes, with its broad moats and crenellated ramparts, promises not to disappoint. In October, the site offers special ghost-themed tours.
Other renowned sites also join in the autumn fun. Depending on your mood, you could choose a torch-lit nighttime adventure at the Château de Chantilly or enjoy Halloween activities in the mysterious park of Combourg Castle, where the legacy of the brooding romantic writer Chateaubriand still lingers.
Fright night at the museums
For a spine-tingling experience, spend Halloween night at one of Paris’s museums! Depending on what suits you and your kids, you can choose the fright night at the Museum of Illusions, opt for the interactive thrills at the Paradox Museum or explore the eerie wax figures at the famous Grévin Museum.
These venues are all conveniently located in central Paris, between Place du Châtelet and Place de l’Opéra, making it easy to visit multiple spots.
For a Halloween night that’s enchanting rather than frightening, consider the Aura Invalides evening, with its stunning light shows and projections. It’s a magical experience in the heart of the Dôme des Invalides.
Explore the legend in the Brocéliande Forest
To truly connect with the roots of Halloween, head to the heart of Arthurian legend in Brittany’s famous Brocéliande Forest. Here, you can join the Autumn Festival and the Samhain celebration, the Celtic festival marking the transition to winter and the precursor to Halloween.
Immerse yourself in tales and legends for all ages within the mystical forest, enjoying storytelling sessions and guided walks that bring the enchanting landscape to life. This nature escape, steeped in mystery, places imagination at its core.
Feel like getting away from it all?
See our suggestions for novel trips and must-see places to visit near your home or holiday destination.