Halloween is the perfect moment to blend travel, mystery, and a rush of adrenaline. This year again, autumn invites you to escape to places where the strange mingles with the beautiful… And above all, places where local legends and a quirky ambiance create their own worlds. So, if you want to experience vacations that aren’t quite ordinary, here are five destinations to prioritize for a Halloween that’s unlike any other!
You’ll see that these aren’t necessarily the scariest spots, but rather the ones that know how to tell a mood. Between old alleyways where shadows stretch out, legendary forests, manor houses steeped in history, mist-wreathed villages… The idea? To plunge into a setting that gives you a gentle chill rather than make you scream in fear.
So, to make this Halloween unforgettable, discover with us these five favorite destinations. Also, a few tips to fully soak up the Halloween vibe. Roll out your capes, your lanterns, and your sense of adventure—we’re taking you on a deliciously eerie journey!
The Most Haunted Castle in France: Fougeret Castle in Vienne
It’s THE spot for those who love the strange with a touch of elegance. This 15th‑century castle, perched on a rocky spur, is renowned for its paranormal phenomena. From whispers and apparitions to temperature fluctuations, it has a reputation. Its owner sometimes hosts immersive Halloween nights, blending history, heritage, and thrills.
The Cathar Enigma: The Ruins of Montségur Castle, in Ariège
Situated on a dizzying ridge, Montségur is as mystical as it is dramatic. The last Cathar stronghold destroyed in the 13th century, it draws those who love places charged with strange energies. The mists of the Pyrenees, the dry wind, and the silence make the ascent almost initiatory. By night, the view is breathtaking… and a little unsettling.
The “Forest of the Druids”: The Tronçais Forest in Auvergne
Less well-known than Brocéliande, Tronçais is nonetheless a millennia-old forest, famed for its colossal trees and Celtic legends. In autumn, the fog clings to it like a veil. It’s said that on certain evenings, the ancient druids still roam beneath the sacred oaks. Ideal for a Halloween stroll by lantern-light.
The Underground Labyrinth Unknown: The Catacombs of Saint-Clément, in the Gard
Forget Paris: in Saint-Clément, near Nîmes, an ancient network of Roman galleries forms a fascinating labyrinth. Few visitors, a mineral and silent atmosphere, and a golden light filtering in here and there… You’ll feel like you’re in a fantasy film set. Perfect for a contemplative Halloween with a hint of claustrophobia.
Between Silence and Dust: The Abandoned Village of Perillos, in the Pyrénées-Orientales
An old village abandoned since the 1970s, Perillos looms in a stark, lunar landscape. You reach it by a narrow winding road, and on-site, only the stones speak. Some say you can feel a “presence”; others see it as the perfect setting for mystery lovers. A place out of time, where beauty and frisson meet.
These five destinations for Halloween 2025 are far more than mere “scary tourist spots.” They are invites to celebrate Halloween differently:
- to wander through worlds reclaimed by imagination,
- to experience nights wrapped in mystery,
- to step outside yourself for a moment out of time.
Autumn is perfectly suited for this dream: the worn hues of the leaves, the oblique light, the brush of mist… it’s a natural stage. But for it to work, you have to let yourself soak in it. Keep your mind open to local legends, wander with no plan, listen to the trees, and let stories be born!
