Who would have thought that amongst the box hedges, marble statues, and gurgling fountains lurked one of France’s most infamous specters? The Red Man of the Tuileries, as he is known, was a butcher murdered on the orders of Catherine de Médici for the crime of knowing too much about the private affairs of the crown. Lord knows how he acquired this info, but his death knell sounded when he proclaimed to an astrologer that he knew exactly where the queen would die. Legend has it that his appearances foreshadow dramatic moments in the nation’s history. Famous sightings include those by Marie Antoinette and Napoleon I, and during the palace fire of May 23rd, 1871.
Jardin des Tuileries, 113 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Follow