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Get Spooked on the Catacombs in Paris


Paris is dwelling to a number of iconic landmarks individuals know and love, such because the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. Other than its stunning structure, scrumptious meals, and wealthy historical past, one distinctive attraction within the metropolis typically goes missed: the Paris Catacombs.

This underground tunnel system homes the stays of over six million individuals. Though it may be fairly spooky for some, it provides an interesting glimpse of Paris historical past and a must-see vacation spot so as to add to your bucket listing.

We’ll be digging into (no pun meant) a few of the historical past and info concerning the Catacombs, together with the issues yow will discover inside and ideas that will help you in your journey.



What are the Catacombs of Paris?

The Catacombs of Paris are a 300-kilometer maze of tunnels and chambers discovered 20 meters underground. It’s best recognized for the thousands and thousands of bones resting inside its galleries and partitions.

At this time, the catacombs are open to the general public and entice over half 1,000,000 guests yearly. Whereas solely a portion of the catacombs is accessible for touring (a 2 km strolling route), it stays a preferred vacationer attraction with its distinctive historical past and spooky environment.

Attention-grabbing Information In regards to the Catacombs of Paris

The Catacombs of Paris are positively probably the most distinctive locations within the metropolis. Though they could appear eerie, they’re really an interesting piece of historical past. Listed here are some attention-grabbing info concerning the catacombs:

  • The catacombs had been initially created within the 18th century as a solution to relieve overcrowding in cemeteries. The bones of over 6 million individuals are saved within the catacombs.
  • The whole catacombs aren’t open to the general public—solely a small part is open for excursions.  Nonetheless, the principles don’t cease cataphiles from going into the restricted areas.
  • The 2014 film, As Above, So Beneath, is the primary film granted permission by the French Authorities to movie throughout the catacombs.
  • In 2017, a gaggle of youngsters acquired misplaced within the catacombs earlier than being discovered and hospitalized three days later.
  • Due to how huge the Catacombs are, with some components being inaccessible (and harmful), specialists say it might by no means be absolutely explored.

Catacombs Paris


The place the Bones Come From

The bones of six million individuals resting within the Catacombs got here from the completely different cemeteries round Paris, with the bulk from the defunct Holy Innocents’ Cemetery (over two million stays). Additionally among the many thousands and thousands of stays are the guillotined victims of the French Revolution.

Catacombs Paris France


The Association of Bones

The Catacombs of Paris are an interesting historic web site, and one of many issues that makes them so fascinating is how the bones are positioned.

The stays are organized into elaborate sculptures and designs through the 1800s to make the Catacombs a visitable mausoleum, drawing inspiration from the Roman catacombs. Alternating stacks and rows of tibiae and skulls kind the partitions’ facade, with the remainder of the stays piled behind.

At this time, these rigorously organized bones are nonetheless an interesting sight for anybody visiting the Catacombs. And whereas it may be tempting to the touch these bones (for some!), it’s strictly prohibited as a way to assist protect the positioning.


Additional Historical past

The Catacombs had been opened to the general public in 1809, with many outstanding figures such because the Austrian emperor Francis I and Napoleon III (alongside together with his son) visiting the place. And it was not till the 1860s that the final bone deposits had been made within the Catacombs.


Excursions in Catacombs of Paris

Coming into the First Part of the Catacombs

The journey into the Catacombs begins on the Place Denfert-Rochereau, a small public sq. in Montparnasse district, alongside Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy.

The Catacombs are divided into a number of sections, lots of which had been initially a part of quarries. The primary part takes you 131 steps down underground, the place you’ll navigate a sequence of slender corridors that observe the roads on the floor. You’ll even see indicators telling you the road’s title above (though some are outdated). There are additionally markings that quarrymen again within the day used to navigate round.

Though the bones are nonetheless additional into the tunnels, these nonetheless present an interesting and distinctive glimpse into the historical past of the quarrymen, the Catacombs, and Paris.


Port-Mahon Hall

The Port-Mahon Hall is likely one of the Paris Catacombs’ hottest areas. It encompasses a duplicate carving of Port Mahon in Menorca, Spain, made by French quarryman Francois Decure through the late 1700s. What makes this much more attention-grabbing is that Decure carved it from reminiscence utilizing easy quarryman instruments. You’ll additionally discover Decure’s two different wall sculptures, considered one of Port Philipe and Quartier de Cazerne.

Catacombs of Paris France


The Quarryman’s Footpath

As you stroll alongside the corridors of the Catacombs, you’ll come throughout a sealed-off space with a winding staircase that ends with a effectively within the center. That is the Quarryman’s Footpath, utilized by quarrymen again within the day to get water to combine cement for building functions and to wash themselves earlier than returning to the floor.

On the again wall, you’ll see the phrases ‘Bain de pieds des Carriers’, which interprets to ‘quarrymen’s foot tub’ (not path). This comes from the story the place new quarrymen had been despatched down the footpath as a joke, and since the water is crystal-clear, they (and even you!) received’t discover that it’s there till they get their toes moist. Whereas happening the staircase shouldn’t be doable, you’ll nonetheless get a glimpse of it from a secure distance.


Into the Ossuary

“Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort”.

These translate to “Cease! That is the empire of Demise,” and would be the phrases greeting you when you attain the doorway to the Ossuary, the place the Catacombs are principally recognized for.

As soon as inside, you’ll see the bones of over six million Parisians filling up the partitions, with some organized in elaborate designs. You’ll additionally come throughout a number of fashionable sights, just like the Fountain of the Samaritan and The Barrel Of Ardour, which is a supporting pillar surrounded by bones and taking the form of an enormous barrel.

Catacombs of Paris

Catacombs of Paris

Catacombs of Paris


Exiting the Catacombs

After spending an hour or two exploring the darkish, dank passageways of the Catacombs, it may be fairly a reduction to see the sunshine of day once more. Guests can exit the Catacombs by climbing the 112-step spiral staircase on the finish of the tour path, which leads you outdoors Avenue René-Coty. As taking something from the Catacombs is strictly prohibited, remember to have your baggage prepared (if any) for inspection. For souvenirs, there’s a present store by the exit with a lot of cool stuff.

Catacombs of Paris

Catacombs Paris France


Citadel De Mahon

The Citadel is positioned within the Catacombs of Paris, which is a community of tunnels and chambers that was as soon as used as a burial floor. The Catacombs had been constructed within the 18th century to assist alleviate overcrowding in cemeteries, they usually now comprise the stays of over six million individuals. The Citadel is a small chamber that was used as a holding cell for prisoners through the French Revolution. It’s mentioned to be haunted by the ghost of Marie Antoinette, who was held there earlier than she was executed. At this time, the Catacombs are a preferred vacationer vacation spot, and the Citadel is likely one of the hottest sights. Guests can discover the tunnels and chambers, and see the ultimate resting place of Marie Antoinette.

Port-Mahon Corridor


The Decrease Catacombs

Whereas on the tour, you’ll come throughout a crossroads with an space overlooking a steep ramp that connects the higher and decrease ranges of the Catacombs. The ramp was made across the time they created the ossuary, that includes stable stone columns on the entrance which help the quarry ceiling.

Catacombs of Paris


The Barrel Of Ardour

The Barrel of Ardour is likely one of the most fascinating sights contained in the Catacombs. It consists of a pillar (which helps the ceiling) surrounded by a whole bunch of skulls and ankle bones, taking the form of an enormous barrel.

An evening live performance was as soon as held right here on April 2, 1897, attracting a whole bunch of individuals to listen to ‘Funeral March’ by Chopin and the ‘Danse Macabre’ by Camille Saint-Saens.

Catacombs of Paris


The Nicely

In contrast to its title, the Fountain of the Samaritan is a small, spherical effectively surrounded by partitions of bones that got here from the Holy Innocents’ Cemetery. Quarrymen used the water from the effectively to make the mortar for the hagues.

In 1813, a politician/man of science within the title of Hericart de Thury put 4 goldfish into the basin of the effectively to see how they might dwell far beneath floor as a part of an experiment. Though the fish survived, they grew to become sterile and blind.


Buy Paris Catacombs Tickets Forward of Time

For those who’re planning a visit to Paris, the Catacombs are a must-see. Whereas it’s doable to buy tickets on the day of your go to, it’s typically a lot simpler (and fewer crowded) to purchase them prematurely. There are a couple of alternative ways to do that.

One choice is to buy your tickets on-line by means of the Catacombs ticketing web site. You’ll must create an account and supply some primary info, however when you’re all arrange, shopping for tickets is fast and straightforward. Audiobooks are additionally out there for a charge.

An alternative choice is to ebook a guided tour with a skip-the-line entry to the Catacombs. That is usually the costliest choice, however it may be a sensible choice should you’re brief on time or want to not navigate the Catacombs by yourself.

Whichever choice you select, don’t wait till the final minute to purchase your tickets – the Catacombs are considered one of Paris’s hottest sights, they usually typically promote out effectively prematurely. We needed to wait in line for 3 hours to get in!

Get your tickets/excursions right here:


Know Your Limits

The Catacombs of Paris are a necessary cease for any historical past buff or horror fan visiting town. Whereas the catacombs generally is a fascinating and spine-tingling place to discover, there are some things to bear in mind as a way to take advantage of your go to.

First, remember to put on comfy sneakers as you may be doing a number of strolling. Second, convey alongside a flashlight because the tunnels will be fairly darkish. Lastly, don’t overlook to buy tickets prematurely as they typically promote out rapidly. By following these easy ideas, you’re positive to have a spooktacular time exploring the Catacombs of Paris.

On a aspect be aware, most (if not all) of the tunnels across the Catacombs are slender, so this will pose a problem for claustrophobics.

You Can Look, However Don’t Contact

Whenever you go to the catacombs in Paris, you’ll see indicators in French and English that say “Ne touchez pas les ossements” or “Don’t contact the bones.” It’d seem to be a easy request, however there’s an excellent cause why touching the bones is discouraged.

The catacombs are dwelling to the stays of thousands and thousands of individuals, and lots of the bones are fragile. If too many individuals contact the bones, they may begin to deteriorate. As well as, the Catacombs are a historic web site, and it’s vital to protect them for future generations. So whenever you’re visiting the Catacombs, remember to respect the bones and hold your fingers to your self.

Catacombs of Paris RF


You’re Solely Allowed to Go to Sure Elements

With the Catacombs stretching over 300 kilometers beneath the bottom, one could be tempted to discover its many winding tunnels and see what issues they may discover. Nonetheless, it is usually as simple to get misplaced (and even worse), to not point out some components are deemed structurally unstable. Due to this, solely a 2 km half is open to the general public. Nonetheless, it doesn’t take away how thrilling and thrilling exploring the Catacombs will be.

Catacombs of Paris

Catacombs of Paris


You’re Welcome to Take Photos

With loads of fascinating issues to see contained in the Catacombs, it’s unattainable to not take footage to recollect the expertise. Though taking images is okay, utilizing cumbersome tools corresponding to digital camera tripods within the already slender area is prohibited, as it could get in the best way of different guests.

Catacombs of Paris


Anticipate Your Bag to Get Searched

Whereas the catacombs in Paris are positively value a go to, it’s vital to concentrate on the safety measures in place earlier than you go. All baggage are topic to look earlier than and after entry, and enormous backpacks or suitcases aren’t allowed. Guests are additionally required to stroll by means of a steel detector. Nonetheless, the safety measures are fast and environment friendly, they usually assist to make sure that everybody has a secure and gratifying expertise. So don’t overlook to pack your digital camera, however depart the massive bag at dwelling.


Be Aware of Your Clothes Selections

When visiting the catacombs in Paris, it’s vital to decorate appropriately. The temperature within the catacombs is a continuing 14 levels Celsius, so it’s vital to put on garments that can hold you heat. It’s additionally vital to put on comfy sneakers, as you’ll be doing a number of strolling. And eventually, keep away from carrying garments which can be unfastened or flowing, as they may simply get caught on one thing. With the following pointers in thoughts, you’ll remember to have a snug and gratifying go to to the catacombs.

. . .

As you’ll be able to see, the Paris Catacombs is a well-liked vacation spot that gives a singular and spooky expertise for guests, from its wealthy historical past to its maze-like tunnels to the intricate design of its thousands and thousands of bones. It simply reveals that there are as many desirable sights to see beneath as there are above. In fact, remember to observe the principles and pointers whereas inside for a secure and memorable tour, and keep in mind to respect the lifeless.

This publish might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. For those who make a purchase order by means of my hyperlinks, I earn a fee that helps to maintain this weblog operating—at no additional value to you. You possibly can learn my full disclosure right here.

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