Under the romantic streets of Paris lies a world of darkness filled with the skeletal remains of millions of people. The Paris Catacombs hold a strange appeal, drawing those fascinated by the macabre and off-the-beaten-path history.
This subterranean ossuary offers a glimpse into Paris’ past and a somber reminder of our mortality.
I have been fascinated with these catacombs since I learned about them in the movie Interview with the Vampire. In fiction, the Paris Catacombs are home to a diabolical coven of vampires and one of the best scenes in the movie.
The first time I visited the Paris Catacombs was back in 2011. I was in town for a couple of days before going to Hellfest, a music festival that happens close to Nantes, and I wanted to visit the catacombs.
This first experience was peculiar since one of my friends didn’t feel so good and had a panic attack due to the claustrophobic nature of the catacombs. Another one stupidly decided to touch one of the skulls, and that is beyond disrespectful and unsafe. Sometimes, people are stupid.
The second time I went to the Paris Catacombs was, altogether, a better experience. It was winter 2017, and my girlfriend and I spent a week exploring Paris. It was her first time in town, and I remember mentioning to her the catacombs, and she was curious. We went there one morning, and the pictures you can see here are from that trip.
Exploring the Paris Catacombs: A Traveler’s Guide
The story of the Paris Catacombs goes back to the late 18th century. Paris’ cemeteries were crowded and bursting, causing public health concerns. The solution was to use a network of historic abandoned quarries beneath the city.
Millions of dead Parisians were exhumed, and their bones painstakingly transferred to the tunnels, creating the haunting splendor that exists today. Some of them were organized in artistic ways, and those were the ones that caught everyone’s attention.
An Empire of Bones: Uncovering the Paris Catacombs
Before you head to the Paris Catacombs, prepare yourself to descend 130 steps and walk more than one kilometer through narrow, dimly lit corridors. The cool, humid air evokes a sense of the past, and it really feels like you are in a different place.
As you explore this empire of bones, you’ll discover walls ornamented with complex displays of skulls and bones. These poignant reminders praise the lives of those who once inhabited above these tunnels, making your journey both edifying and meaningful.
You’ll encounter plaques inscribed with philosophical musings and literary quotes between the tunnels. The most famous inscription welcomes you: “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort” (“Stop! This is the Empire of Death”). These serve as solemn reminders of where you are and what surrounds you.
A Haunting and Unforgettable Journey
Now that you know more about the Paris Catacombs, you may ask yourself: is it worth the visit?
I believe the Paris Catacombs offer a unique and unforgettable experience that everyone should visit at least once. It’s a place of history, contemplation, and perhaps a touch of the macabre.
Before you go, here’s what to keep in mind:
Planning Ahead: Due to popularity, you are highly advised to book your tickets well in advance. Or else, you might find yourself queueing for hours without even knowing if you will be able to go down there.
The Paris Catacombs are Not for Everyone: Claustrophobic spaces, skeletal remains, and the themes of death may be disturbing to some, and I can completely understand that.
Be Respectful: This is the final resting place of millions of people—treat it as such.
My visit to the Paris Catacombs was a perspective-shifting experience. If you are curious about history’s darker chapters and drawn to the unusual, this may be the perfect addition to your Paris adventure.
The Haunting Beauty of the Paris Catacombs
1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014
Paris, France
