Exploring the Paris Catacombs - A Journey into the Depths

If you’re planning your trip to Paris and want to find something unique and off the beaten path, look no further than the Paris Catacombs!

Highlights

The Paris Catacombs are an often-overlooked historical attraction you should take notice of if you’re in the city. Unlike most touristic attractions, this one doesn’t have much to do with the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre or Versailles, although it’s very close to them (it’s just below).

It has to do with, well… the dead. The ossuary contains the remains of over six million people, making it one of the largest known cemeteries in the world.

If you’re ready to go on an adventure through some dark and eerie tunnels, read on to learn how to visit the Paris Catacombs and why this is an experience you won’t soon forget!

Darkness of Paris Catacombs

What are the Paris Catacombs?

The Paris Catacombs are an underground ossuary located in the City of Lights. They are comprised of a network of underground tunnels and chambers stretching over 300 kilometers beneath the streets of Paris.

These catacombs were created to house the remains of more than 6 million people from the 18th century onwards. The catacombs were originally quarries, but with the rapid growth of Paris’ population and limited cemetery space, the city’s cemeteries became overcrowded.

As a result, many of the deceased were relocated to the Paris Catacombs to free up land for housing and other developments. Visiting the Paris Catacombs can be a unique and memorable experience, giving visitors a peek into the past and a chance to explore something extraordinary.

These underground caverns offer respite from modern life above ground; they provide a sense of tranquillity while still being close enough to the hustle and bustle of the busy world we live in today. Due to its sheer size, one may explore several different sections:

The most famous part is Les Innocents, completed in 1780 and about three stories deep. It was designed by architects Pierre-Adrien Puget and Jacques Gassier as the new burial grounds so that the graveyards outside of town could finally be emptied.

History of the Catacombs

The Paris Catacombs are an intricate underground burial site located beneath the streets of the French capital. The story of the Paris Catacombs started when people realized the public health problems associated with its cemeteries. It then decided to bury them below ground.

When they first started excavating, they found a place that would be easy for those not used to getting around the city. They happened upon an area just outside of Paris – it was right beneath Montrouge, where some old quarry mines dated back centuries ago.

These Tombe-Issoire quarries had been abandoned for years now. When officials came across them, they knew it would be perfect because they could take care of all the preparation there while securing the bones once they got them out of the ground; at least this way, there wouldn’t be any chance for anyone else to get their hands on them!

In 1785, the first catacombs were dug and spanned seventeen years until they were filled up entirely. It wasn’t just one or two people who benefited from this discovery but many people because it was very convenient to bury their dead relatives.

However, these weren’t just any normal caskets; the ones buried deep underground held the remains of their deceased loved ones instead of being put in crypts or above-ground burial places where it’s natural for animals to dig them back up.

This might seem a little morbid, but there is a good reason behind doing this. If you bury someone’s remains higher up, there are more chances for predators to try to scavenge through what could have been left behind and plain out dig them back up.

When you bury someone lower down, there aren’t as many chances for creatures to come along and find themselves some food, so they won’t bother digging around.

Starting in 1809, the Catacombs were opened to the public for guided tours. They had quickly become successful among locals and foreigners alike.

Years after it was first discovered, in 1787, the Count of Artois (soon to be King Charles X), accompanied by a group of courtiers from Paris, visited this tourist attraction.

One year later, Austria’s Emperor Francis I toured them with some friends and family members; near the end of the century, he would make yet another trip when he came down here with his son Napoleon III… During the 19th century, customs for visiting arrangements were in constant flux.

They ranged from totally closed to monthly or quarterly openings. The Paris Catacombs are now available to all who want to visit without requiring authorization and welcome nearly 500,000 visitors each year.

What to Expect When Visiting the Catacombs

Visiting the Paris Catacombs is an experience unlike any other. With a history stretching back centuries, the Catacombs have become a top attraction in Paris.

They are a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the city’s hidden secrets. But before you go, you should know a few things about what to expect when visiting the Catacombs.

First, it’s essential to understand that the Catacombs are not for the faint of heart. The underground labyrinths can be extremely dark and disorienting, so it’s best to visit with a guide.

Make sure to bring a flashlight and comfortable walking shoes since you’ll be walking on uneven ground and stairs.

The Catacombs contain the remains of millions of people, which can make it a painful experience. It’s important to remain respectful while exploring the tunnels and avoid touching or disturbing any bones and artefacts.

The Catacombs are typically open from 10 am to 8 pm and can get crowded during peak hours. Tickets usually sell out in advance, so purchasing them ahead of time is best to ensure your visit.

Visiting the Catacombs can be a fascinating and memorable experience, but it’s important to remember that it is not like a traditional tourist attraction.

Make sure to follow all safety precautions and respect the history and artefacts within the Catacombs, and you’ll be sure to have a great visit.

Tips for Visiting the Catacombs

Exploring the Paris Catacombs can be a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience, but it’s essential to take the proper precautions and know what to expect before you go is vital. Here are some tips for visiting the Catacombs:

• Visiting the Paris catacombs entails a lengthy but worthwhile trek down 131 stairs, followed by about a 1.5km walk through dimly lit tunnels on uneven and potentially slippery surfaces, then back up 112 stairs to street level. If this sounds like too much of an undertaking, then the catacombs in Paris won’t be worth your time – or energy!

• The Parisian catacombs offer a temperature of 14 degrees Celsius all year round, though it might also get damp. As such, you need to wear both comfortable and durable clothing to withstand the slightly uneven terrain while you’re exploring this wonderful wonderland – which is why we recommend wearing shoes with a grip on them and bringing along an extra jacket for warmth.

• Anything over 40 cm x 30 cm isn’t allowed inside, and there is no luggage storage on site. You also can’t carry your backpack as usual – instead, the catacombs ask that you have it either by hand or in front of you.

• Be sure to follow all posted rules and respect the catacombs during your visit, as this is a place of history and culture. While photography is allowed, make sure you turn off your flash and take extra care not to disturb any historical artefacts or graves you may encounter on your journey.

• It’s also important to be mindful of your safety, so keep an eye out for any potential risks and let someone know where you’ll be going beforehand.

With these things in mind, you should have a safe and fantastic experience exploring the Paris Catacombs.

Is it worth visiting the Catacombs?

Is it worth visiting the Paris Catacombs? This underground labyrinth of tunnels, filled with the remains of millions of people, is one of the most unique and fascinating places in the world.

If you’re an adventurous traveler looking for a fantastic experience, then the Paris Catacombs are worth

a visit.

The Paris Catacombs are a unique system of tunnels and galleries carved out of stone, stretching over 400 miles. Initially built to store the city’s excess dead, they became a major tourist attraction over time.

When you visit the Paris Catacombs, you’ll see hundreds of thousands of skulls and bones arranged in macabre patterns on the walls.

You’ll also get to explore the vast and mysterious underground tunnel system, which can be a bit eerie, but ultimately very rewarding. It’s like nothing else in the world!

The Paris Catacombs also offer a unique insight into the history of Paris and the people who lived there centuries ago. You’ll learn about how these underground tunnels were created and how they evolved.

Visiting the Paris Catacombs is an unforgettable experience. Not only will you explore this unique place, but you’ll also learn about its fascinating history.

So if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, add the Paris Catacombs to your list of places to visit!