As Halloween approaches and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to dive into the spooky stories that lurk in the shadows. France, famous for its culture and beauty, also hides a collection of crimes that have left a lasting mark. From royal scandals filled with betrayal to unsettling murder mysteries, these tales span centuries.
In this article, we’ll explore nine notorious crimes that continue to haunt France, from the 1670s to today. Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast or just in the mood for a good scare, join us as we uncover these eerie tales that highlight the darker side of French life.
By Margot Tievant
1. Affair of the Poisons (1670s–1680s) – A Potion-Fueled Royal Scandal
During King Louis XIV’s reign, The Affair of the Poisons bubbled up like a cauldron of chaos. Nobles were caught buying poisons and black magic from witches to knock off their rivals. Even the king’s mistress, Madame de Montespan, got tangled in the scandal. This dark chapter turned into a royal witch hunt, full of betrayal, murder plots, and enough drama to spook the entire French court.
- L’affaire des poisons | Ministère de la justice
- Episode du Podcast “Pepites d’Histoire”
- The show Versailles (available on Amazon Prime) in its second season mainly deals with the Affair of the Poisons.
2. The Affair of the Diamond Necklace (1785) – Deception, Diamonds, and Downfall
In one of the juiciest scandals of the 18th century, Jeanne de la Motte (a.k.a. Jeanne de Valois) tricked a cardinal into thinking that Marie Antoinette was secretly in love with him—and wanted a fancy diamond necklace. Jeanne faked love letters, snatched the necklace, and sold it for cash, leaving the poor cardinal and Marie in the dust. When the scheme unraveled, poor Marie got blamed, adding fuel to the French Revolution fire.
3. The Papin Sisters (1933) – A Domestic Nightmare
In 1930s France, the Papin sisters turned a quiet household into a horror show. Christine and Léa Papin, two live-in maids, shocked the nation when they brutally murdered their employer and her daughter. The gruesome crime left the French public in disbelief. What drove these seemingly mild-mannered sisters to such violence? Was it madness, class struggle, or something more sinister? The murders became a nationwide scandal, transforming the Papin sisters into symbols of dark, domestic terror.
4. The François Renaud Case (1975) – Phantom Bullet
Trigger Warning: Murder
In 1975, Judge François Renaud, a crime-fighting hero, was found mysteriously gunned down in his car in Lyon. Was it the Mafia striking back? A shadowy political plot? The truth is still locked away in the shadows, making this a haunting unsolved mystery. Rumors swirl to this day, and the tale was even turned into the chilling film Le Juge Fayard dit Le Shériff.
5. Jacques Mesrine (1970s) – The Ultimate Criminal Trickster
Trigger Warning: Violence, police shooting, murder
Jacques Mesrine – France’s very own “Public Enemy No. 1” – was a true criminal mastermind able to pull off heists, prison breaks, and wild getaways that left police scratching their heads. His story ended in an epic showdown on the streets of Paris in 1979. Trick or treat? For Mesrine, it was always a trick.
- Article: Public Enemy #1, Kamikaze of Crime
- Watch “Mesrine: Killer Instinct” and “Mesrine: Public Enemy Number One” available on Amazon Prime
6. The Gang des Postiches Heists (1980s) – Bank Robbing with a Flair for Disguise
Trying to stay in the Halloween spirit, here is a gang of criminals in wigs and disguises. The “Gang des Postiches” took Paris by storm in the 1980s, pulling off stylish bank heists with flair. They became legendary for their clever tricks and sneaky escapes, leaving everyone wondering: who’s under the mask?
7. The Gregory Villemin Murder (1984) – A Haunting Family Secret
Trigger Warning: Child death, unsolved murder
In 1984, the body of 4-year-old Gregory Villemin was found in a river in the northeast part of France. The case sent shockwaves through France and remains unsolved to this day. With family members persistently under suspicion and no clear resolution, the tragedy has left a lasting impression on the nation, becoming one of its most enduring and unsettling mysteries. The case is still ongoing; the most recent police interview of a family member was in 2017.
- Article: The Unsolved Murder of Gregory Villemin
- Video: Gregory, A French Crime Story (Netflix Trailer)
8. The Thierry Paulin Case (1987) – The Grim Reaper of Paris
Trigger Warning: Serial murders, violence against elderly women
Thierry Paulin, infamously dubbed “The Granny Killer,” terrorized Paris in the 1980s by preying on elderly women, robbing and murdering them to fund his lifestyle. His violent spree caused widespread fear, and though he was eventually caught, the legacy of his crimes left a profound and lasting impact on the city, reminding many of the vulnerability of its most defenseless citizens.
- Watch episode 20 of “World’s Most Evil Killers” available on Amazon Prime or Peacock
9. The Dupont de Ligonnès Case (2011) – For Fans of Mysteries
Trigger Warning: Familicide, violence
Unfortunately, this is a recurring story arc in true crime: a patriarch fears losing status and decides to end his family’s life thinking it will save them from shame. In 2011, Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès allegedly killed his wife and four children, buried their bodies under the family home, and disappeared without a trace. Despite numerous leads, he’s never been found, making this one of France’s most captivating mysteries. If you’re tired of trying to solve the case of JonBenet Ramsey, give this one a try.
- Article: The Mystery of Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès
- Available on Netflix: “Unsolved Mysteries: House of Terror”
