In the beautiful streets of Montparnasse, you would never expect that just 20 metres below, lies the final resting place for millions of Parisians. Back in the late 17th century, Paris was not always as beautiful as what it is today. In fact, it stank. The cemeteries were over full and becoming an increasing risk to public health. Especially as a lot of the food markets were in this area. It is said that the stench of decomposition was so bad, the milk would churn and the wine would sour. So in 1786, the bodies of over 6 million were moved to a former underground quarry, to rid the streets of the foul smell.
This process took 12 years to complete and today is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris. For me, it was my favourite attraction. A little morbid yes, but fascinating!
When we arrived at the Catacombs, the line was well over 200 people. I can’t express how chuffed I was that I had bought our tickets online, and only had to wait in a que of five. It costs about €5 extra to do this and it goes without saying, it was definitely worth it!
Quoted from the poet, Victor Hugo, “Paris has another Paris under herself.” This couldn’t be more true. 130 steps down a narrow, spiral staircase and we were in the other Paris. As we chose to have an audioguide and not be part of tour, it was literally just Chloe and I down there. Other than the occasional muffled rumble of the metro, it was eerily quiet. The tunnels are long and narrow. I’m just about 5’2 and I could touch the ceiling on my tip toes. In such a confined, quiet space and knowing what waits ahead, its pretty creepy!
As you can see in the image above, there is a black line on the ceiling. This line leads through the tunnels to the catacombs for when it was explored by torches.
Eventually we got to the entrance and joined the crowd, shuffling around the skeletons. Even though the skulls are staring you straight in the face, its shocking that they are actually real and so old.
The barrel was my favourite part of the catacombs and an image that many will recognise, if they have googled the catacombs before. We were behind a tour group at one point and ended up over hearing some of the talks the guide was giving (which was pretty handy as we had finished our audioguide). She was telling the group how a lot of the bones down here would of been people that were beheaded. The last beheading in Paris was in 1977, which is a mere 41 years ago! It was a man named Hamida Djandoubi who was originally from Tunisia. He was given the death sentence for murdering and torturing his former girlfriend, Élisabeth Bousquet in March 1977 and killed six months later.
When we’re reached the end of the tunnel it was back up to the land of the living to have our bags checked. When you’re in the catacombs and wearing a back pack, you have to hold it to avoid damage to the displays so I would suggest wearing a small one!
THE BLOG OF TRAVEL 
Absolutely love this! The catacombs have been on my bucket list for a long time. Dark tourism is a surprisingly powerful motivator in my travels.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLike
I had no interest in visiting the Catacombs until reading your blog and seeing the photos. Thank you so much for sharing your adventure. It’s now on my list.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! 😊
LikeLike
How very very interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The catacombs are one of my favorite places in Paris. You might also want to check out the Paris sewer museum.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great post! I’ve heard about the catacombs but didn’t really know much about them – thanks for changing that! Very interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, thanks for reading 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved the catacombs! One of my favorite activities in Paris. I need to do that when I go back, it’s been too long.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Didn’t really know much about the catacombs so your post was brilliant. Looks very morbid and a little scary but fascinating at the same time. Great photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was such a fascinating post. Loved it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 😊
LikeLike
Very cool but oh-so creepy. I think this was one of the first places I discovered that I suffer from claustrophobia.
LikeLike
Hi Emily,
Amazing! A lot like spelunking, right? So I imagine a lot of the bones are organized and decorating and the walls? So there is a certain reverence for the dead? Many adventures in Paris. Funny thing I teach in Perris, CA. Not as exotic.
Gary
On Fri, Nov 16, 2018 at 2:59 PM The Blog of Travel wrote:
> Emily posted: “In the beautiful streets of Montparnasse, you would never > expect that just 20 metres below, lies the final resting place for millions > of Parisians. Back in the late 17th century, Paris was not always as > beautiful as what it is today. In fact, it stank. Th” >
LikeLike
This sure is creepy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very very cool! I had no idea this existed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are brave to actually travel through the catacombs. Sounds like really good inspiration for a horror flick. Hell, I might actually go there one day. You know, for writing research.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is a horror film based on the catacombs, it’s called As above, so below. Haven’t watched it yet, didn’t think it wise before actually going there myself! 😅
LikeLike
It looks really interesting. A friend asked if I’d done this on my visit to Paris and I wasn’t even aware it was a thing. Definitely something I’ll be doing when I go back. Thanks for sharing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jason! Definitely do it, it was my favourite place in Paris 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! This is so interesting, I’ve always thought about going but it is very creepy… did you feel any weird vibes when you were down there?
LikeLike
Oh definitely! You descend down a very long spiral staircase to get down there and instantly it’s a weighted atmosphere, just very strange. We ran down the tunnel at one point because we spooked ourselves 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person