The Catacombs of Paris are undoubtedly a place you may not have heard of until now. We all have images of France, particularly the city of Paris, as a glamorous city dominated by the Eiffel Tower, which looms skyward and is surrounded by throngs of tourists during the day and captivates everyone at night with its stunning illuminations. Famous bloggers showcase the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower both day and night to their followers, making it tempting to ignore other aspects of Paris.
However, the truth is that none of them have dared to reveal the real Paris. None have had the courage to show you the city’s old streets and parts of Paris that display all its facets, including its ugliness.
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Paris catacombs and a visit to the head of courage
The Catacombs of Paris are not the only place in this city that requires bravery to visit, but it is one of the most terrifying destinations. If you know it’s true story, you will undoubtedly feel a chill run down your spine!
The reality we know is that Paris is called “La Ville Lumière,” meaning “The City of Light.” Given the images and videos we see online of Paris, if you haven’t yet traveled there, you would undoubtedly consider this name fitting for the city. Paris is enchanting and dreamy, also known as “The City of Lovers.”
Yet, this beautiful bride, seemingly adorned with charm, hides many dark and vile secrets behind her facade. The bustling city of Paris, with a global population of 12 million, conceals an underground realm beneath its streets and alleys that offers nothing but fear. The residents of this place are the 6 million remains of former citizens of the city, who sleep silently in the dark catacombs, accompanied only by rats and insects. This site is an old and famous cemetery known as the “Paris Catacombs.” It comprises a terrifying network of dark corridors, caves, and mines that spread throughout the city beneath the surface.
The crypt of the dead and the narratives surrounding it
Originally, the Catacombs of Paris were a limestone quarry located on the outskirts of the city. It’s worth noting that this quarry had been used since the time of the ancient Roman Empire, and the materials extracted were utilized in the construction of buildings in the city. With these resources, the entire city expanded and grew. This practice continued until the second half of the 18th century. After that, these vast mines, previously on the outskirts of the city, were pulled into the heart of Paris and became a suitable place for burying the dead.
Beginning to bury the dead in the catacombs of Paris
The story begins in 1786, the year when all the old tunnels were consecrated and turned into a burial site for the city of Paris. These underground graves welcomed the bodies of all who had passed away. Additionally, in 1763, King Louis XV of France ordered that no more burials take place in Paris due to the collapse of the main cemetery, leading to the transfer of all the deceased from the old cemetery to these underground catacombs.
It’s noteworthy that in the same year, France experienced heavy rainfall, resulting in flooding that caused the bodies to float into homes and neighboring properties. It took nearly two years to transfer all the remains from the old cemetery to these underground graves. After the Revolution, all bodies were also moved to these catacombs, where their funerals were held in the same location.
In 1859, during a major renovation of the city of Paris overseen by the French architect Georges-Eugène Haussmann, all the bones were transferred to the underground corridors. This transfer was completed in 1860. Seven years later, the cemetery was opened to the public, during which time the catacombs expanded to an area of 300 kilometers (about 186 miles). Today, the entrance to these underground graves is open to the public as one of France’s tourist attractions. However, access to certain parts of this network has been restricted over time. In 1955, entry into some sections of the cemetery was declared illegal and prohibited.
The passage of modernity over the underground tombs of Paris
An interesting point to note is that despite the ban on entering certain sections for the general public, some individuals explored these catacombs illegally during the 1970s and 1980s, conducting numerous clandestine excavations. Thanks to these secretive activities, some areas of the catacombs underwent significant changes and became creatively repurposed spaces. For example, one underground chamber was transformed into a hidden amphitheater, complete with a movie screen, projection equipment, and seating for spectators. Various film reels were also placed there, and a restaurant was established nearby, providing a cozy spot for moviegoers to enjoy snacks while watching films.
Overall, it is estimated that about 300 individuals illegally access the underground cemetery through hidden entrances each week. In the 18th century, bodies were initially buried at the entrance of the mine, which remains a popular area today. However, as time passed, burials continued, and the entire cemetery became filled.
A cemetery as high as the long nights of Paris
For years now, the dead resting in these underground graves have been peacefully sleeping, while countless tourists and travelers visit these catacombs daily to see the remnants of their bodies and bones. The walls are covered with millions of bones, and you will see skulls arranged neatly from the floor to the ceiling throughout the corridors. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to navigate through these passages, depending on how long you pause to observe the underground cemetery. Photography and filming are permitted, but flash lighting is not allowed. This was a brief overview of the catacombs of Paris, but the stories and legends surrounding this site continue to circulate.
Conditions for visiting the catacombs of Paris
The Catacombs of Paris, one of the city’s popular tourist attractions, are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM, with the last entry at 7:30 PM. They are closed on Mondays, as well as on public holidays: January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
To visit the Catacombs of Paris, you need to purchase a ticket. Tickets can be bought online, available through the official Catacombs website.
Contact number: +33 (0)1 43 22 47 63
The Catacombs of Paris are located in the 14th arrondissement, in the Montparnasse neighborhood. The exact address is as follows:
Address:
Av. Du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
To reach the Catacombs of Paris, you can use public transportation. The nearest metro station to this location is Denfert-Rochereau. You can also take buses numbered 38, 68, 88, and 91 to get to the catacombs.
Tickets for the Catacombs of Paris include a 2-kilometer walking tour underground. This tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Tours are offered in French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Tips for visiting the catacombs of Paris
- The floor of the catacombs is stone and slippery, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
- There is insufficient lighting in the catacombs, so it is advisable to bring a flashlight or headlamp.
- The catacombs are very humid, so wearing warm clothing is recommended.
- Eating and drinking in the catacombs is prohibited.
- Smoking in the catacombs is also prohibited.
- Professional photography and filming are not allowed in the catacombs.
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FAQ
What are the Catacombs of Paris?
The Catacombs of Paris are an underground ossuary in Paris, France, which hold the remains of more than six million people. They were created in the late 18th century to alleviate the city’s overflowing cemeteries.
How can I visit the Catacombs of Paris?
To visit the Catacombs of Paris, you need to purchase tickets in advance. The entrance is located in the 14th arrondissement. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the history and significance of the Catacombs.
Are the Catacombs of Paris safe to visit?
Visiting the Catacombs of Paris is generally safe if you follow the rules and stay with your group. It is important to respect the guidelines provided by the staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What can I expect to see in the Catacombs of Paris?
Inside the Catacombs, you will walk through tunnels lined with bones and skulls arranged in a decorative manner. The experience is both eerie and fascinating, offering a glimpse into the city’s unique history and culture.
Are there any restrictions for visiting the Catacombs of Paris?
Visitors to the Catacombs of Paris must be prepared to walk long distances underground and navigate narrow passageways. It is not recommended for individuals with claustrophobia, mobility issues, or respiratory problems. Additionally, photography may be restricted in certain areas to respect the sanctity of the site.