Voyeurism and Swapping: New Parisian Playgrounds
Like all the great cities of the world, Paris is bathed in both shadow and light. The light comes to us from all the elegant places that we discuss in our various articles. But there’s also the Paris of thrills, which covers an uncertain palette of gray and black. Grungy Paris, creepy Paris, often immoral, taboo for the non-initiated because it breaks so many taboos. Between the two, there is the risqué Paris, where sexual drifters lead less enlightened amateurs to practice sadomasochism, voyeurism, swapping, swinging, and the entire panoply of sexual deviation..
It happened to me one night, on the Rue Quentin-Bauchart. The bartender shot me a look of disapproval, wondering where this extraterrestrial came from. Out of the darkness came two buxom Russians or Ukrainians, who very quickly made it clear that a little glass of vodka in their datcha would do a lot of good for a big little boy like me who had forgotten to grow up. I obviously declined this proposition, knowing full well that my editor would never reimburse me for such investigative journalism. Thus I came up with the idea to reveal to you what hides between certain discreet storefronts, but you may just be tempted to try it out yourself. The following story requires parental permission! 14, rue Keller. Paris 11e In the heart of the trendy La Bastille neighborhood, Keller’s Club doesn’t seem any different that the other nearby bars, except for the monkey at the door who will immediately size you up. If you’re wearing fetishistic attire (leather or latex), you’re obviously a seasoned sadomasochist, and the doors open before your eyes. Once inside, you’ll run into enthusiasts in search of a playmate to spank, whip, and torture. No need to bring your own equipment; everything is available on-site. 6, avenue Marceau. Paris 8e It’s right across from the Yves Saint Laurant maison de couture. The building is modern and luxurious, with a little plaque that reads “Le Baron.” The address is super well-known by CEOs and the premiere sector, just as much for personal consummation as for the use of their foreign clients, who can’t imagine a trip to Paris without any contact with its famous women. Here, the girls are true beauties, and some customers even dream of marrying them (helped along by the effects of champagne). A spectacle of strip tease and other provocations. The hostesses are charming but never leave at the same time as the clients: the rendez-vous takes place several minutes later in a neighboring hotel. The bill can be astronomical, but who’s counting? 1, rue Thérèse. Paris 1er A completely anonymous blue window in a discreet street, situated in the Palais-Royal neighborhood, which was the prime prostitution zone in the 19th century. Inside, everything is set up for the pleasure of the voyeurs: dance floor and risqué lounges. The women wear skirts, often with nothing underneath. As Thierry Ardisson, a famous television personality, has been rumored to say, “In an ordinary club, you drink your glass of champagne and watch the couples dance while imagining their sexual behavior. In this club, you drink your glass and watch them do it.” This place is reportedly one of the most high-class swapping venues in Paris. 41, rue Quincampoix. Paris 4e This place resembles a discotheque: at night, it emanates music that seems to call you, and once you go in, you realize what you’re surrounded by free spirits, and not just any free spirits… Just ask Denise Lascène, who will explain that she published her memoirs as an “échangisme” (swapping) club owner at 106 Rue Saint-Honoré before coming here. She reveals that she likes to display rugby teams who organize genital length contests. Frédéric Beigbeder, once an entertainer in the chic Caca’s Club, and now a literary critic, reveals in one of his books that he lived through unforgettable evenings here, disguised as a drag queen. This place is also cited in the Michael Blanc film, “Grosse Fatigue.” Remember that this is a locale where swapping is practiced only randomly. 5, rue Saint-Bon. Paris 4e The innocuous sign on the door could lead you into an embarrassing situation. Chris et Manu 2 has existed for more than 20 years, and you might think it's just a simple restaurant. While it’s true that the light cuisine makes for a quality dinner, you continue the evening on giant beds in the basement, together with various naked men and women. This establishment is the partner of Chris et Manu 1 (41 Rue de la Rochefoucauld, 9th arrondissement), which author Houllebecq described in his best-seller "The Elementary Particles.” 19, avenue d’Italie. Paris 13e This address may be the best known, even if it’s supposed to be for invited guests only. Vut you’ll have no problem getting in if you look the part. Le Cléopatre is in the spirit of 18th-century libertines, but with a commercial touch: since single men are charged 110€ each, and couples pay 70€ per person. The place is gigantic: 500 square meters, open every night from 9 pm until dawn. It must be said that this place is often frequented by politicians and showbiz stars, although very few clothing designers, since most of them prefer gay clubs (now you know everything). The restaurant can hold a large number of people, all preparing for a jump into the great unknown. Theme evenings are organized as well: fetishist nights and classes in swapping taught by erotic film stars. 10 bis rue du Débarcadère In this street that is known primarily for its restaurants, a hotel sign conceals this den; you enter and go upstairs in the elevator. Here you’ll discover décor reminiscent of an old-ime bordello. Anything goes in these lounges bathed in darkness…. 103, rue Marcadet. Paris 18e As you’re strolling with your special someone Montmartre, you may notice a superb 13th-century building, flanked by a round tower and visible from afar. If your curiosity hasn’t already propelled you to check out this place, know that it’s one of the most popular sites for voyeurism and swapping. At the bar, all you have to do is raise your head to see what’s going on under the skirts of the girls on the upper level! Many little gothic lounges feature very comfortable mattresses, mirrors, and bondage equipment. 184, route de Versailles à Ville-d’Avray (92) Moving out of Paris, the Roi René is an historic swapping locale, an occasional playground for high-profile ministers and personalities in the 1970s. In this exclusively heterosexual environment, you’ll run into a chic clientele – men who seem to have just left a marketing meeting, and 30-year-old women who seem to have come straight from Mass. Proper attire is required, and there’s a restaurant with meals for approximately 100€. The lounges and gardens are well maintained, and erotic films are always playing. Please note that this article isn’t meant to incite naughty behavior; it’s just a current portrayal of some of our contemporaries. Does this mean that Paris, the capital of culture, is fast becoming the capital of sex?
