-
Paris Catacombs – History and Secrets Beneath the City
*Article contains affiliate linksParis Catacombs offer a fascinating dose of history and secrets beneath the city. If Paris first brings to mind the Eiffel Tower, croissants, and the banks of the Seine glowing in the evening sun, you’re not alone. But did you know that beneath the city lies another, darker, quieter world, where time seems to stand still and history creeps up on you? Welcome to the Paris Catacombs, one of the city’s most fascinating (and slightly creepy) places to visit.
The Paris Catacombs were created when cemeteries became fullParis Catacombs were something else entirely in the beginning. In fact, the story of the Catacombs begins long before the first bones were moved. During the Roman Empire, Parisians quarried limestone beneath the city for building material. These disused quarries formed a vast underground network hundreds of kilometers long, which later proved useful for a completely different purpose.
In the late 18th century, Paris suffered from a major problem when the cemeteries could no longer accommodate the dead. Millions of bodies had been buried in the same places for centuries, often one on top of the other and in reused tombs. The largest and oldest cemetery, Les Innocents, was so full that the foundations of neighboring houses began to collapse and a stench of disease spread through the air.
Many factors contributed to the rapid filling of the cemeteries. Rapid population growth, recurring epidemics such as plague and smallpox, and wars increased the number of deaths enormously. Gradually, the stench, the polluted water, and the collapsing cellars created a health crisis in the heart of the city. In 1786, a huge and devout operation began, when the remains of millions of deceased people began to be moved to abandoned quarries beneath the city. The transfers were carried out at night, under the direction of the clergy, and over the years, a silent kingdom of death emerged underground.
Journey to the Catacombs begin ”Arrête ! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort.” Only a fraction of the corridors are open to visitors. Most are closed and access is prohibited.
Paris Catacombs – A Visit to the City of SilenceParis Catacombs have always been an interesting destination for me because of their dark history, so I was really looking forward to this visit. Paris holds many stories and historical events, so it’s definitely worth delving a little deeper into the city when traveling.
Above us loomed the text: “Arrête ! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort.” – “Stop! This is the kingdom of death.” With these words, a walk into the shadowiest part of Paris’s history begins.
The first step down into the catacombs is like entering another world. The staircase descends deeper and deeper, and suddenly you are more than 20 meters below ground level. There is no city noise here, only the crunching gravel underfoot and the occasional drip from the stone roof. If you wish, you can take an audio guide with you, which will take you through the dark underground corridors moment by moment.
The stone walls reveal carvings, dates and small monuments. We walked the corridors for a while, tense, before finally reaching an open space with a view of the bones. Above us, the text: “Arrête ! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort.” – “Stop! This is the empire of death.” With these words, a walk into the shadowiest part of Paris’s history begins.
There were piles of bones and skulls, arranged in rows. They were not randomly piled up, but carefully, almost artistically arranged. This aesthetic arrangement is largely the work of the city’s quarry engineer, Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury, who wanted to transform the barren bone warehouse into a respectful monument.
We explored the catacombs at our paste, guided by the audio guide. There were a few other tourists and a school group wandering the corridors with us. To think that schoolchildren could get to know such interesting history here on their school trip. The group was making a bit too much noise, so we decided to meander away from it.
Paris Catacombs were first opened to visitors in the 19th century, first privately, then increasingly widely. They fascinated writers such as Victor Hugo and Charles Baudelaire, and they continue to inspire films, books and urban legends. Some of the tunnels are still in secret use today, when so-called cataphiles, or illegal adventurers, explore the forbidden areas by torchlight. We would have been interested in a little secret adventure in the tunnels too, but having watched so many horror movies about the place, it wouldn’t have been a good idea. Who knows what we would have encountered and with our luck the flashlight would have broken, just like in horror movies.
The catacombs are not suitable for the faint of heart or the claustrophobic. Breaking bones can result in a fine of up to five figures and a prison sentence. The bones are carefully arranged, making the place a monument.
WHY VISIT THE CATACOMBS?Paris Catacombs are not just a historical site. They make you think about life, time, and history in a new way. They are also the perfect counterpoint to the superficial glitz and mundane attractions of Paris. After admiring Notre-Dame, nibbling on macarons, and making discoveries in the alleys of Montmartre, the Catacombs offer something deeper, literally.
Tips for the Catacombs and good to know:
- Buy your ticket in advance! The catacombs are a popular attraction and the number of visitors is limited.
- Bring long sleeves or a jacket, as it is always a bit chilly more than 20 meters below the ground.
- Bring good shoes, as there is a lot of walking in the tunnels.
- The place is not accessible. The tunnels are only accessible via narrow spiral staircases, and there are quite a few of them, so a moderate level of fitness is essential.
- Not for the claustrophobic. The tunnels are deep underground and are partly shallow and cramped. This is hardly the place you want to have a panic attack.
- You are not allowed to touch the bones. If you break these ancient bones, the fine will be in the five figures.
- Take an audio guide or a guided tour for the best experience. Just staring at the bones as such does not necessarily give the same experience as hearing the background information and history.
CHECK OUT THE GUIDED TOURS AND GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE CATACOMBS HERE:
HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE PARIS CATACOMBS? SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND EXPERIENCES BELOW! 🙂<3: Tiina Johanna
Remember to follow me on Social media!
Instagram:@tiinaunderthecoconut
Facebook:Kookospalmun alla
Blogit.fi:Kookospalmun alla*Photos: Tiina Johanna, blogger
-
Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame – The heart of Paris
*Arcticle contains affiliate linksParis is known for its many iconic sights, but one of its most stunning and well-known places is the Île de la Cité and its centerpiece, Notre-Dame de Paris. This historic cathedral and its surroundings offer a journey back in time to medieval splendor, beautiful architecture, and a sense of living history. For us, Notre-Dame was a must-see during our short trip, as the place is a big part of Paris’ history.
WHAT IS NOTRE-DAME?Notre-Dame is one of the most famous and influential Gothic cathedrals in the world. Its construction began in 1163, when the Bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sully, decided to create a new great church in the heart of the city. According to tradition, the foundation stone was laid by King Louis VII himself. The construction of the cathedral took over 180 years and was not completed until the mid-14th century.
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary (“Notre-Dame” means “Our Lady”), Notre-Dame has been a central part of French religious, cultural and political life for centuries. The cathedral is particularly known for its magnificent rose windows and stained glass windows, its massive towers and gargoyles, and its protruding and imposing buttresses.
Why visit Notre-Dame and what is it famous for?Notre-Dame is not only a religious monument, but also a central part of Western cultural history. The cathedral became known worldwide thanks to Victor Hugo‘s novel Notre-Dame de Paris (1831). Hugo’s work brought the cathedral to public attention at a time when the building was in danger of decay and loss.
Visiting the cathedral is free, but it is recommended to book your entrance in advance to avoid long queues. During your visit, you will be able to admire the beautiful cathedral and medieval art inside, and experience a unique atmosphere of history.
Notre-Dame has also been the scene of major historical events, as in 1431, King Henry VI of England was crowned King of France there. Later, in 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself emperor in the cathedral, largely demonstrating his desire for power.
Notre-Dame’s history, fire and present dayThe cathedral’s history is full of twists and turns. In the Middle Ages, it was the religious and social center of the city. It suffered greatly during the French Revolution, when ecclesiastical symbols were destroyed and the cathedral even served as a warehouse. In the 19th century, Victor Hugo’s novel sparked a huge conservation movement that led to an extensive restoration led by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Many of the cathedral’s famous details, such as the famous gargoyles, date back to this restoration.
In 2019, the whole world watched in shock as a devastating fire broke out at Notre-Dame. The fire destroyed much of the roof and the famous central tower. Fortunately, many important structures, such as the iconic rose windows and important religious objects, were saved. This fire was truly horrible, and I will never forget the sight of it on the news, filled with thick smoke and high flames. Shortly after the fire, a large-scale and meticulous restoration project began, and although work is still ongoing (January 2025), the doors have already been opened to the public.
WHAT IS Île de la Cité?Île de la Cité is an island on the Seine River and is considered the birthplace of Paris. It is still full of history and attractions, and offers a unique atmosphere right in the heart of the city. The shores of the Île de la Cité are wonderful places to walk, stop for a little picnic and admire the boats moving along the Seine, and enjoy the views of old Paris.
The main attractions on the island are, in addition to Notre-Dame Cathedral, the 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle chapel, whose stunning colorful stained glass windows are some of the most beautiful in the world. It is also worth visiting the Conciergerie, a former royal palace and later a prison during the Revolution, where Marie Antoinette spent her last days. The Marché aux Fleurs is a charming flower market that offers flowers and plants as well as wonderful small gift items, if you haven’t bought any souvenirs yet. Finally, you should head to the Pont Neuf bridge, the oldest bridge still standing in Paris.
Île de la Cité would have deserved a little more time from us, but we mostly focused on Notre-Dame. I can definitely recommend a visit to the island and the cathedral itself, as it is really beautiful and interesting. After the visit, it is wonderful to relax in the Seine River scenery and have lunch, or as we like, a crepe, heh. We also bought the famous macarons, as I had never tasted one before. What could be better than enjoying your first macaron in Paris on the Pont Neuf bridge, with the Eiffel Tower in the background?SEE THE BEST TOURS, EXCURSIONS AND ATTRACTION TICKETS IN PARIS HERE:
HAVE YOU BEEN TO NOTRE-DAME AND Île de la Cité? SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE COMMENTS! 🙂<3: Tiina Johanna
Remember to follow me on Social media!
Instagram:@tiinaunderthecoconut
Facebook:Kookospalmun alla
Blogit.fi:Kookospalmun alla*Photos: Tiina Johanna, blogger