Paris is known for its beautiful landmarks, romantic ambiance, and rich cultural heritage. However, it is also infamous for its nightlife and adult entertainment.
Many tourists wonder if Paris has a red light district, similar to the ones found in Amsterdam or Bangkok. In this article, we will explore whether Paris has a red light district and what to expect if you are planning to visit.
What is a Red Light District?
Before we dive into whether Paris has a red light district or not, let’s first understand what it means. A red light district is an area in a city where prostitution and other adult entertainment activities are legal and regulated. These areas are usually marked with red lights outside brothels or sex shops.
Does Paris Have a Red Light District?
The short answer is no; Paris does not have an official red light district like Amsterdam’s De Wallen or Hamburg’s Reeperbahn. Prostitution is legal in France but soliciting on the streets is illegal. Therefore, there are no designated areas where sex workers operate openly.
However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t find adult entertainment venues in Paris. Pigalle, located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, was once known as the city’s unofficial red light district.
It was home to numerous brothels and cabarets during the late 19th century and early 20th century. Today, Pigalle still attracts tourists for its lively nightlife scene with bars, clubs, sex shops, and adult theaters.
What to Expect If You Visit Pigalle?
If you decide to visit Pigalle during your trip to Paris, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
- Safety: Like any other big city’s nightlife area, Pigalle can be unsafe at night. It’s important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Avoid going alone and don’t carry valuables with you.
- Adult Entertainment: Pigalle is home to several sex shops, strip clubs, and adult theaters. If you are not comfortable with these activities, it’s best to avoid the area altogether.
- Tourist Traps: Pigalle is a popular tourist destination, which means that it also attracts its fair share of scammers and pickpockets. Be wary of anyone trying to sell you something or offering you services that seem too good to be true.
Conclusion
In summary, Paris does not have an official red light district like Amsterdam or Bangkok. However, if you are interested in adult entertainment, you can visit Pigalle in the 18th arrondissement.
Just remember to stay safe and be cautious of tourist traps. Paris has plenty of other things to offer tourists apart from its nightlife scene, so make sure to explore all that this beautiful city has to offer!