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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
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Montmartre – The bohemian heart of Paris
*Article contains affiliate linksStep into the legendary Montmartre, where history, art and romance merge into an unforgettable experience. Montmartre has inspired world-famous artists and the history of the area fascinates tourists to immerse themselves in the interesting secrets of Montmartre. What would a trip to Paris be without a visit to romantic Montmartre? Spend a day with me in Montmartre and immerse yourself in the bohemian heart of Paris, and pick up the best tips and sights!
Montmartre – the creative soul of ParisMontmartre is located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. The area has been a source of inspiration for many artists, including Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. Montmartre was once a separate village outside Paris until it was incorporated into the city in 1860. It was known for its vineyards, large windmills and, especially, its free-spirited atmosphere, which was different from the rest of Paris. Montmartre was the perfect environment for creativity to flourish and even today the area exudes a bohemian charm that is unparalleled.
Morning at Sacré-Cœur – the queen of viewsA day in Montmartre is best started with the sunrise over the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Perched atop the Montmartre hill, this white church dominates the landscape and offers stunning views across all of Paris. Climbing its dome (300 steps!) rewards you with stunning views.
This Byzantine-style church was officially built as a symbol of peace and national reconciliation after the Franco-Prussian War. However, many locals, including leftists and the working class, never accepted it as such. The reasons for this include political reasons, as the church was built shortly after the 1871 Paris Commune, a short-lived workers’ government opposed to the ruling system. This led to the deaths of thousands of working-class people. Montmartre was one of the rebel strongholds, and many saw the construction of the church on this site as a project of the religious right and a monument to the victory of the conservatives and the church. However, many Parisians saw the Sacré-Cœur mainly as a monument to the fall of the Commune and a kind of symbol of supremacy due to its location, rather than as a sign of peace and reconciliation.
Sacré-Cœur is now a beloved attraction and entry is free. I recommend exploring the surroundings of the church both from afar and up close, from above and below. The morning light makes the church magical, so get there early. Alternatively, sunset is also a wonderful experience at the top of the hill!
Sacré-Cœur 
A walk along Rue de l’Abrevoir – a picture-postcard gemMontmartre is best explored on foot and I really like it. I love exploring places at my own pace and admiring the scenery and beautiful buildings. I recommend walking along Rue de l’Abrevoir, perhaps the most beautiful street in all of Paris, lined with old stone houses and greenery. Don’t miss the famous La Maison Rose, a pink café that has been immortalized in countless paintings and, nowadays, Instagram photos.
Did you know that La Maison Rose is pink because the owner wanted to do something to make the building stand out from the other gray stone houses in the area? He wanted to create a warm atmosphere that would attract artists, and the color made the café look impressive, romantic, and memorable. Pretty well thought out, because you can’t miss this building on the street or in photos!
Rue de l’Abrevoir 
La Maison Rose Artists’ Market Place du Tertre – living history
Next, head to Place du Tertre, where artists paint portraits and landscapes right before your eyes. This square has been a center for art since the 18th century and the atmosphere is still just as present and tangibly inspiring. Here you can still sit in a café on the edge of the square and watch the artists at work, and if we hadn’t just been hit by a gust of rain and strong wind, we would have stayed longer to admire the square and its hustle and bustle. And hey, if you’re looking for a different and unique souvenir, order your own portrait or buy some local art.
Lunch at the legendary Le ConsulatFor lunch (or even a little late lunch), you can sit down at the classic Le Consulat restaurant, where Monet, Picasso and Hemingway once dined. It serves traditional French cuisine in a charming setting. We only managed to snap a few photos of the front of this iconic restaurant, as we had already had lunch elsewhere. I remembered this place a bit late, but maybe someone else will manage to include this experience in their own trip.
Montmartre is full of different restaurants and cafes, so there is a choice for every need. For a little snack, I recommend the crepe, as they are the best in Paris!
Afternoon treat: Café des Deux MoulinsSpeaking of cafes, this one is a must-see. If you’ve seen the movie Amélie, you’ll be familiar with this café. Café des Deux Moulins is like a time travel to the early 2000s, full of the spirit of the movie and delicious pastries. The perfect place to rest before the evening. When I walked around Paris, I felt like I was constantly inside a movie or series. I also experienced the same feeling during my first trip to London and San Francisco. It’s funny to walk around the same place that you’ve only stared at from behind a screen before, right? If this café doesn’t make your taste buds throb, you can also sit down and relax in the other lovely cafés that the district is full of!
The magic of the evening: Moulin Rouge and the glamour of cabaretThe day culminates at the legendary Moulin Rouge, where a show full of energy, dance and French glamour awaits behind the red velvet curtains. This cabaret has been entertaining audiences since 1889, and its charm has not faded.
The Moulin Rouge is strongly intertwined with the history of Montmartre and Paris. As I mentioned earlier at the beginning of the article, Montmartre was once known for its liberal atmosphere. Cabaret was a big part of this liberalism, as the wealthier men who worked and lived in the central Paris area would sneak out of their daily lives to Montmartre in the evening to watch the cabaret girls. In the past, it was not appropriate for women to show any skin, so cabaret was a fascinating thing for many men. The performances did not show much bare skin, but the small part of the upper thigh that was visible from under the skirt was interesting enough to attract both the common people and the city’s elite.
Montmartre is more than a neighborhoodMontmartre is guaranteed to be an experience for all the senses. It is a place where interesting history meets the present and where you can enjoy, admire and feel the atmosphere. I loved spending a relaxed day walking around and looking around and because I was very interested in the history of the area and wanted to dive deeper than the surface, I grabbed a walking tour of Montmartre with a Parisian guide. The tour was practically private, because there were just the two of us and one girl. I was definitely a guide’s nightmare, because I kept asking questions and taking pictures here and there, but I didn’t want to miss anything. I like to plan trips in advance and look up information a little bit, but you just can’t always find all the information and it’s not always even available. Sometimes there is information that only locals can tell you. So if you want to get everything and a little more out of your day in Montmartre, grab this great walking tour with our wonderful Parisian guide!
HAVE YOU BEEN TO MONTMARTRE? WHAT DID YOU LIKE? SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES AND THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS! 🙂<3: Tiina Johanna
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