Imagine a labyrinth of tunnels, stretching for almost 200 miles, hidden beneath the bustling streets of Paris. This underground world, a network of limestone quarries, has been used for centuries, from medieval times to the present day. While these deserted tunnels are strictly off-limits to the public, they have attracted a group of adventurous souls known as cataphiles, who dare to explore these hidden spaces.
The Catacombs: A City of the Dead
The cataphiles have found adventure in these tunnels, hosting underground parties, art exhibitions, and even secret movie screenings. But the most famous of these underground spaces is Les Catacombes de Paris, a vast ossuary containing the remains of six million Parisians. This legal and fascinating site attracts tourists from all over the world, offering a glimpse into Paris’s macabre history.
The story of the Catacombs begins in 1774 when a sinkhole swallowed houses near Place Denfert-Rochereau. This event highlighted the dangers of the unstable quarry network beneath the city, prompting King Louis XVI to commission an architect to map and secure the galleries.
A few years later, a collapsing retaining wall near the Cimetière des Innocents exposed a horrific sight: rotting corpses from a mass grave. This incident, coupled with the city’s overcrowded and unsanitary cemeteries, led to a decision to move the dead to a new, underground resting place, inspired by the Catacombs of Rome.
A Journey Through Time: From Ghost Stations to Sewers
Les Catacombes de Paris officially opened to visitors in 1809. The site became a popular destination for nobility, artists, and scientists, each drawn to its unique atmosphere. The catacombs even hosted an orchestra performance in 1897. Today, the site continues to attract visitors, who are greeted with the inscription: “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort—Halt! This is the empire of death.”
Beyond the Catacombs, a network of ghost stations, abandoned metro lines, and sewers contribute to the fascinating hidden world of Paris. The ghost station of Saint-Martin is a forgotten relic of the post-war era, with colorful advertisements decorating its walls. These abandoned platforms still offer a glimpse into the past for passengers on the metro.
The sewer system of Paris, a complex labyrinth of tunnels and pipes, has long captivated the public. The Paris Sewer Museum offers visitors a chance to explore this underbelly of the city, once visited by boats during the Universal Exhibition of 1867. The sewer system, a testament to the engineering brilliance of Eugène Belgrand, plays a vital role in maintaining the city’s hygiene and sanitation.
Beneath the Streets: A World of Secrets and Stories
The sewers of Paris have played a role in both history and literature. In Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, the sewers serve as a path for the protagonist to escape from both the authorities and the rebels. Today, sanitation workers, equipped with protective gear and sensors, navigate this subterranean maze, ensuring the city’s continued functionality.
The hidden world beneath Paris is a testament to the city’s evolution and the ingenuity of its people. From the Catacombs to the sewers, these underground spaces offer a glimpse into the city’s past, its present, and its future. They serve as a reminder of the unseen forces that shape our lives, and the stories that lie beneath the surface.
