I’ve always loved the atmosphere of Halloween… I can’t exactly tell you why… Maybe because I love the supernatural, unexplained phenomena, or just because the imagination that this celebration sparks remains, for me, a unique moment in the annual calendar.
In any case, here is my traditional selection of top picks to enjoy during this hair-raising celebration which will take place this year on the night of Saturday, October 31st… Due to the curfew, this 2020 selection will be a bit lighter than usual, but I hope you will still all find the urge to give yourselves a scare for the occasion!
A bit of history:
At the origin of this celebration lies the day of Samhain, which marked the end of the Celtic year and provided an opportunity for spirits to haunt the homes of the living. For a long time, the Catholic Church sought to get rid of this pagan commemoration.
The festival of Samhain (which dates back to the 3rd century BC) consisted of 3 days of solemnities: the first dedicated to the memory of heroes, the second to the memories of the deceased, and the third to popular and family festivities around a banquet.
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Table of Contents
The Manoir de Paris in Halloween mode
You know that I often talk about the Manoir de Paris on the blog because it is a place where I enjoy going (well, figuratively speaking). The venue is obviously organizing a special event for the occasion with hours adapted to the curfew.
This year, here is the pitch for the Halloween period: For some time now, a new poison has been spreading through the city, infiltrating you to unleash your worst instincts. Who is hiding behind this fatal venom? The residents are terrified. The only clue is an omnipresent signature: “KQ”.
The Manoir de Paris 18 rue de Paradis 75010 Paris From October 26th to November 8th, 2020 from 4 PM to 7 PM Halloween Pass: €35 Halloween Fast Pass: €45 Show suitable for ages 12 and up
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Halloween at the Chocolate Museum
For the occasion, we will be able to create unique “trick or treat” chocolates to play pranks on friends: broccoli, garlic, camembert, and anchovy flavors (all in chocolate, of course :p).
Halloween Workshops from October 24th to November 1st, 2020 Price: €35 / person (includes museum visit) Reservation required Chocolate Museum 28 bd Bonne Nouvelle, 75010 Paris
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The Mysteries of the Château de Chantilly
I have already talked to you about the Château de Chantilly several times on the blog, and this year, for the All Saints’ holidays, the site is offering Halloween-themed events: tours focusing on the secrets of the Château de Chantilly, presentations of unusual objects, spine-tingling anecdotes, autumn-flavored whipped cream making classes, exhibitions, and other activities…
Château de Chantilly 8-10 rue Blondel, 75003 Paris From October 17th to November 1st, 2020
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Pumpkin carving workshops at Ferme de Viltain
To keep your children busy during the All Saints’ holidays, the Ferme de Viltain (which I have already mentioned on the blog several times) is offering a fun, creative, and budget-friendly activity: Pumpkin Carving Workshops.
Ferme de Viltain Chemin de Viltain, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas From October 26th to 30th, 2020, from 10 AM to 5:30 PM Price: purchase of a pumpkin €5.10 upon reservation
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Halloween at the Paris Zoological Park
During the All Saints’ holidays, from October 17th to November 1st, 2020, the Paris Zoological Park is hosting the Fantastic Creatures event. This wild rendezvous offers a fantastic journey tracking chimeras—fantastic creatures that are half-man, half-animal—through a brand-new exhibition, guided tours, entertainment, and workshops.
On top of that, on Saturday, October 31st, the Paris Zoological Park is celebrating Halloween with a “spine-chilling day” from 10 AM to 5 PM, offering a 20% discount on entry tickets for visitors who come in costume! The program features a grand parade of fantastic creatures (by the Zizanie Company), games, and original workshops on the theme of chimeras for both young and old.
Zoological Park Avenue Daumesnil 75012 Paris Rates: €20 for adults / €17 for students / €15 for children Saturday, October 31st from 10 AM to 5 PM: -20% for visitors in costume on adult and child tickets
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Halloween at FrogPubs bars, restaurants, and micro-breweries
An unmissable rendezvous in October, Halloween will be celebrated in style at FrogPubs bars, restaurants, and micro-breweries (a brand I really like and talk about regularly on the blog) in Paris and Bordeaux.
You can also go to taste the Halloween-dedicated burger, the Smokey Pumpkin Burger (with 100% French beef, smoked cheddar, smoked bacon, iceberg lettuce, fried onions, mayonnaise, and of course, pumpkin chutney).
As for drinks, it will also be the perfect opportunity to taste the Bewitched Pumpkin Ale, a beer infused with pumpkin, butternut squash, cinnamon, and nutmeg!
Top tip: on Saturday, October 31st, the burger bun will magically transform into a pumpkin with a Special Limited Edition Smokey Pumpkin Burger available at The Frog & British Library, The Frog & Rosbif, Frog Hop House, and Frog XVI, and there will also be candy distribution for the kids!
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Terror at Parc Astérix
Since I talked to you about Parc Astérix in an article last year, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to tell you about it for Halloween as well, since the park is also famous for this event!
As every year, it is organizing the Peur Sur le Parc (Terror at the Park) event until November 1st, 2020!
Additional info: due to the health crisis (capacity limited to 50%) and the success of Peur sur le Parc, Parc Astérix will be fully booked from Wednesday, October 28th to Sunday, November 1st.
Parc Astérix From October 3rd to November 1st, 2020 On the website: Billet Futé 7 days in advance €43 adult and €40 child / full price €51 adult and €43 child Fear Pass €25 flat rate (includes the new haunted house: The Catacombs)
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