Delicate lace, romantic silhouettes, cozy speakeasy-style salons, or candlelit concerts…Over the past few months, a new obsession has taken hold: the 19th-century aesthetic is making a spectacular comeback. From * * to the Victorian romanticism of the film *Frankenstein* or the Netflix series *Victoria*, the dark romanticism of *Wuthering Heights*, the Regencycore of *Bridgerton*, and a certain unapologetic melancholy, this trend is captivating an entire generation in search of poetry and authenticity—a return to our roots in response to a superficial era.
Welcome to an era where we dream of handwritten letters, long dresses, and strolls through English gardens or rose gardens. And what better city to embody this romantic trend than Paris? To dive headfirst into this 19th-century melancholy , here are our recommendations:
Dear Reader… Lady Whistledown herself has announced it: here is the event all of Paris will be talking about. The Candlelight phenomenon : The Best of Bridgerton is coming to the sublime Maison de la Mutualité for an absolutely magical evening. Imagine: hundreds of candles, a cozy atmosphere worthy of the finest London balls, and the iconic music from the Bridgerton series reimagined by a string ensemble… Yes, this is clearly a romantic immersion in the Regencycore style. It’s the perfect opportunity to break out your finest 19th-century-inspired outfit.
To step into the shoes of a historical figure, head to this boutique-workshop at the Viaduc des Arts (12th arrondissement), which specializes in renting historical costumes and taking photo portraits in period attire, with nearly 2, 000 garments available. The immersive sessions last 2 to 3 hours and are available year-round by reservation.
Riding the wave of the grand return of 19th-century aesthetics, step inside the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy: a 75- to 90-minute immersive experience at Club Haussmann in Paris that blends dramatic readings of Poe’s short stories with custom cocktails. A hushed atmosphere, clandestine decor, and sensory scenography are on the menu for a ritualized literary evening.
Amid the wave of 19th-century influences, the rose stands as the quintessential symbol of romanticism. In this regard, L’Haÿ-les-Roses emerges as the perfect floral retreat: just 40 minutes from Paris, its exceptional rose garden ( the oldest in Paris) features over 3,000 varieties of roses, with peak bloom in June.
In this grand tour of 19th-century influences, La Renomméestands out as an ideal stop: a refined spot in the 1st arrondissement housed in a former grocery store founded in 1823, whose two-century-old façade has been magnificently preserved. Open since 2023, the restaurant offershearty French cuisine ( veal chop, rib of beef, sole meunière) and a wine cellar with 700 selections in a 19th-century building.
Want to travel back in time and awaken the poet within you? Head to the 8th arrondissement for La Cité Immersive des Fables. Inspired by the spirit of the Enlightenment and 19th-century Romanticism, this experience transports you to a unique immersive world. At 5 Rue de Berri, discover Jean de La Fontaine’s fables reinterpreted with a 360° staging, projections, lighting, and even period scents. The cast, featuring Laurent Stocker as La Fontaine alongside Alexandre Astier and Arielle Dombasle, brings all the solemnity and panache of the era to a setting reminiscent of 19th-century literary salons and cabinets of curiosities. Between bursts of light, a spellbinding soundtrack by Bon Entendeur, and interactions with the actors, the immersion is total.
It’s impossible to miss a major museum event: Gustave Courbet’s painting “The Desperate Man,” a 19th-century masterpiece, returns to the Musée d’Orsay after 17 years. This iconic work, which explores Courbet’s artistic identity through an iconic self-portrait, will be on display at the museum for five years. Recently acquired by the Qatar Museums Authority, its loan marks a significant milestone for the museum, which already houses some thirty works by the controversial painter. It’s an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the artistic movement of the 19th century within a former train station built in 1900 forthe World’s Fair.
If you’re looking for a spot that perfectly embodies the grand return of the 19th century, head to La Grande Cascade. A former hunting lodge of Napoleon III converted into a restaurant for the 1900 World’s Fair, this gastronomic gem in Paris has held a Michelin star for 59 years. In its Belle Époque setting, guests savor refined dishes, such as the famous macaroni with black truffle and foie gras, in an atmosphere that couldn’t be more chic. And to extend the journey back in time, its terrace overlooking the park offers a romantic getaway, making this restaurant a beloved Parisian institution for over a century.
If you dream of traveling back in time to the 19th century, just like in a Balzac novel, here’s a Parisian activity that will send shivers of excitement down your spine. With Enquête grandeur nature at the Palais-Royal, dive into the heart of 1841 Paris to solve a mysterious case alongside an actor, as if you were one of the heroes of a historical serial. The plot is worthy of the best romantic detective novels: Duchess Blanche de Condrie is found dead near the office of the famous detective Vidocq, and everything seems to point to him. Sherlock, it’s your turn!
Travel through 19th-century Paris while discovering its most fascinating figures—this guided tour is a must. At the Pavillon Marsan, get ready to encounter demi-mondaines, influencers, and con artists who left their mark on French history, all recounted with humor and panache by a guide in period costume. For 90 minutes, immerse yourself in an immersive atmosphere where every anecdote comes to life thanks to an olfactory experience created by a perfumer, who will lead you “by the nose” into the heart of history. From the Marquise des Potins to the Countess des Commères, the Archduke des Quendiraton, the Princess des Pipelettes, and the Duchess des Ouï-Dire, get ready for a wealth of juicy and surprising stories about 19th-century Paris.
