Close your eyes for a moment (just don't fall asleep). When you think of Paris, you probably picture couples walking hand in hand along the Seine, the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night, or a hot coffee with a buttery croissant in a small cafe in Montmartre. But beneath that glittering, romantic, and elegant facade we all know and love, lies a much longer, more juicy, and secretive history.
Why explore it now? Because history is not just about the decisions of generals and kings on the battlefield, but also about what happened in their bedrooms and that of ordinary citizens. That's why I've prepared an extraordinary experience for you: a double lecture that constitutes an in-depth and fascinating virtual tour of the streets of the City of Lights.
On this journey, we are going to peel back the official, the genteel, and the respectable layers of French history together. We are going to discover everything that happened behind closed doors, in dark baths, luxurious brothels, and exclusive clubs. Since the amount of material and spicy stories is simply enormous (the French, as we know, have always known how to live life to the fullest), I have divided the content into two separate lectures. This way, we can delve into each period, each character, and each scandal, without looking at the clock.
Part 1: From lewd baths to lustful restaurants (from the days of Lutzia to the outbreak of the revolution) 🛁
In the first part of our tour, we'll launch our virtual time machine and delve into the city's early history. Starting in the days of ancient Lutetia, we'll carefully navigate through medieval alleys, and arrive at the end of the 18th century, just before the French Revolution took over. Here's a sneak peek of what awaits us:
- The Secrets of the Thermes de Cluny
- The Sinful Streets of the Middle Ages
- The bedrooms of the French monarchy
- Scandals and venereal diseases in the era of Louis XIV
- The restaurants of the 18th century
Where is this happening? Zoom of “French is Poetry.”
When does this happen? Sunday, April 12, 2026. (Please note: the exact time of the lecture is currently missing. As soon as I finalize it, it will be updated here.) Those who are unable to attend the lecture will be able to receive the recording of the lecture and watch it during the week following the end of the lecture.
How much does it cost? Since we are in a state of war and not everyone is working right now, anyone can pay as they please.
Part 2: From the Mythical Brothels to Swingers Clubs (19th Century to the Present) 💋
After understanding in depth how it all began, we will continue our tour straight from the 19th century into the 20th century and to the present day. This is the era in which the entire industry underwent institutionalization processes, developed on enormous dimensions, and became an integral and recognizable part of the cultural fabric of modern Paris.
- How did Napoleon invent the modern brothel?
- What was the hierarchy of the “working girls” in Paris?
- A guided tour of the most prestigious brothels of the City of Lights
- Who was the spy and pilot who destroyed the brothels of Paris?
- How did the nickname “transgender” come about?
- What really goes on in Paris' swingers clubs?
Where is this happening? Zoom of “French is Poetry.”
When does this happen? April 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM. If the time is not convenient for you, you will be happy to know that everyone who orders a ticket will receive a recording of the lecture that they can watch at their leisure.
How much does it cost? Since we are in a state of war and not everyone is working right now, anyone can pay as they please.