One of the stranger dreams I have is to write a book/do a travel vlog series documenting vampire-related cultural tourism around the world. Many of these sites relate to Bram Stoker’s Dracula (from Poenari Castle, home of Vlad the Impaler, to Whitby, where Dracula first landed on English soil), while others are tied to the folklore of the vampire and the history of superstition (see Sozopol, Bulgaria, where in recent years a number of graves containing “vampire” skeletons have been unearthed by archaeologists) – and that is just in Europe alone.

Sadly, right now I am stuck in New Zealand where the best I can do is watch What We Do In The Shadows and point out all the places I know. Or better yet, write about all the vampire tourism locations around the world.

Le Musée des Vampires

Just a few kilometres from the centre of Paris is Le Musée des Vampires, a private museum dedicated to vampires in folklore and popular culture. Its curator is author and historian Jacques Sirgent (note: link is in French) who has been studying the vampire since the 1970s. Over the years he has put together quite an impressive collection, ranging from a large collection of vampire books in multiple languages, to a 19th century vampire hunters kit and a section dedicated to the Blood Countess herself, Elizabeth Bathory. And in addition to the signed photograph of Bram Stoker, there are also signed photographs of every actor to ever star as Dracula in a Hollywood film.

It is important to note that all viewings of this private museum are by appointment only; don’t just show up as you won’t be let inside. And for larger groups, take note: the guided tour is limited to ten people or less.

For the more adventurous (like me!), the website also advertises the following: Every night from 8PM til midnight: dinner on reservation (maximum 10 guests) including full meal, a guided tour, a choice of vampire related group games, and a choice of thematic topics to discuss. Doesn’t that sound like so much fun?

With its mix of traditional folklore and modern pop culture, Le Musée des Vampires is very obviously a stop on anyone interested in vampire tourism. It’s definitely on my wishlist.

 
FURTHER READING

• Le Musée des Vampires
• Cool Stuff In Paris: The Vamnpire Museum
• Atlas Obscura: A Visit to the Vampire Museum

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons