How to Halloween in Paris

The French are still not sure about the whole Halloween thing. Sure, it seems like a good way to sell some stuff, and who doesn't like candy? But their suspicions that it's yet another American commercial scam (or something that only little kids should care about) means that you'll have to make a real effort if you're set on celebrating Halloween in the City of Light.

Costumes

Remember when you were a kid and you dressed up like a witch, a mummy, a vampire, or a zombie? Of course we all moved onto more creative costumes as we got older (like Sexy With, Sexy Mummy, Sexy Vampire, and Sexy Zombie), but the French are still new at this so they think you have to be scary, and will look a bit confused if you just show up disguised as something else. Not that it's hard to find costumes of all sorts. After all, they do have costume parties, Carnival, and period balls. Here are some of the best shops (keep in mind that by tomorrow you may have slim pickings):

Au Fou Rire: 22bis rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 9th

Clown Montmartre: 22 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 9th

A la Poupée Merveilleuse: 9 rue du Temple, 4th

Au Cotillon Mderne: 13 Boulevard Voltaire, 11th

Arlequin Sommier: 33 rue Brochant, 17th

Also, I found an awesome shop this week that specializes in feathered boas, headresses and capes for showgirls, RD Plumes de Paris (26 Galerie Feydeau, 2nd), one of the side passages off Passage des Panoramas, behind the old Stern engravers. The prices are amazing for the quality.

Where to Go

Okay, so now you've got a costume, but don't expect to just go door to door getting free candy. You'll have to find an event to attend if you want to celebrate in you new duds.

Disneyland Paris: Well, why not celebrate an American holiday in an American theme park? It's still all in French, so you can feel all cosmopolitan. There are two nights for Halloween, the 30th October and the 31st, with separate early shows for the young kids and a late night opening for the adults. you may have to search around for tickets, the official website says they're sold out (there are always people selling extras outside the gates).

Curio Parlor (16 rue des Bernadins, 5th): This trendy little speakeasy style bar is having a Halloween themed party from 8:30pm-4am, costume required.

Le Bus Palladium (6 rue Fontaine, 9th): There's plenty of space for Halloween clubbing on the 30th at this live rock music venue, hosted by Master-of-Disguises Nicolas Ullmann. Entrance €5 (free with a cool costume), from 9:30pm-6am. Concerts start at 10pm.

Cantada II (13 rue Moret, 11th): This Goth/Punk Bar with the large selection of Absinthe is hosting another "Cabaret du Néant" for the Steampunk/CyberPunk/Burlesque/Turn-of-the-Century crowd on the night of the 30th. Half-priced absinthe from 6-9pm (L'Heure Verte).

Also, keep in mind that most of the expat bars in Paris are having Halloween parties, including the Violon Dingue and the Moose (they're Canadian, but they're okay). 

Mysteries of Paris Ghost Tour: For a fun and spooky tour of Paris and its gruesome history, sign up for a ghost tour of Paris.

Le Jour des Morts: The French actually celebrate Toussaint (or All Saints Day) on November 1st, which is more festive in Mexico. Join in the annual Mexican-style El Día de los Muertos at the Belleville art gallery Association pour l'estampe & l'art populaire on the 31st from 6pm. 

Don't forget the Jack-o-Lantern! Get yours at the pumpkin patch at Gally Farm, just outside of Paris, through the 31st October.

Happy Halloween!

Comments

[Melissa]

Excellent post Heather. I am def going to check out the feather store!

[TN]

Halloween is a GREAT holiday. It's a giving day not commercialized. Dressing up GOOD, Acting Spooking GOOD, Candy GOOD, Making Candy Apples GOOD, Decorating a Pumpkin GOOD. It's just FUN so why not is what I think. I am making a tradition in my Belle-Famille (French) so my son can grow up knowing what Halloween is while we live here in France. I also found the same shops for costumes. We had a hard time finding one since my son is 16 months old. We went to Au Cotillon Mderne: 13 Boulevard Voltaire, 11th and bought a Monkey Costume. I did try A la Poupée Merveilleuse: 9 rue du Temple, 4th, BHV and Mille Fetes (6eme) and they did not have much selection for little ones. For the activities a lot of the EXPAT clubs are having parties but we are attending a kids party at a friends house. That is what we would have done in the US as well since our son is too young to trick or treat. But when it comes time for him to do that I will consult with our neighbors to conform too ;-) For the sake of the children