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Paris Catacombs

Paris attractions and monuments

Paris Catacombs - ghoullish? ghastly? You be the judge

Paris Exposed

The Paris Catacombs are one of the more well-known Paris attractions which visitors flock to. I'll be honest - I've never been - and I'm not quite sure that I want or need to. Still - as far as Paris monuments go, many people love visiting the underground Catacombs.

Did you know THIS about the Catacombs in Paris?

Did you know Victor Hugo used his knowledge about the catacomb tunnel system in his book, "Les Misérables"?

Did you know that in the book, "Interview with the Vampire", vampires are residents of the catacombs in Paris? (I love this series of books about Lestat the vampire.)

Did you know there is a relatively recent film called "Catacombs" which is set in the Paris catacombs, even though there was no permission granted for the filming. This movie has both the singer Pnk and the actress Shannyn Sossamon as cast members.

And one last movie reference, inthe "Tomb Raider III" expansion, "The Lost Artifact", Lara Croft explores a hidden area deep within the catacombs of Paris.

I bet you didn't realise how widely referenced the catacombs in Paris are - neither did I! :-)

How to get to the Catacombs

Location: Metro Denfert-Rochereau
Open: Tue-Fri 2-16, Sat-Sun 9-11 14-16
Fee: Adults 33 FF, Children 22 FF.

Quick History

In 60 B.C. the first tunnels were built as roman quarries.

On 4th April, 1777, an Inspection Générale des Carrières was created to survey the quarries of Paris, and to fortify the foundation to prevent fontis (collapses.

In 1785, 350 of the underground rock quarries were converted into subterranean mass graves.

On 19th June, 1994 the catacombs were finally opened to the public, and have been a source of fascination ever since.

Ready to come check out the catacombs of Paris? It'll be a visit you'll never forget!

Would you like to make a comment about the catacombs?

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