Paris is not all about glitz and glamour. A darker and more mysterious side lies below its beautiful boulevards and famous tourist sites. The Catacombes de Paris is one of the most interesting places that tourists should visit.
You will experience a maze of underground tunnels lined with the remains of more than six million Parisians. If this is the kind of tour you want to experience, then this article is for you. Read and understand what you can expect before you book catacombs Paris tickets.
The Entrance to the Catacombs
The trip starts at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy. Tourists go down a circular staircase of about 130 steps. Their tickets are scanned first before getting to the tunnels about 20 meters below. Expect the temperature down here to be only about 14°C or lower. The cold sets the mood and makes you feel how far below you are from the busy streets of Paris.
Learn About the Catacombs’ History
It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to walk through 1.5 kilometers of tunnels. Tourists will see displays and signs that explain how the bones were moved and assembled. As they walk by, tourists can find quotes in French and Latin. This tunnel has been made a massive memorial to those who passed.
This was not built to store remains. These caves used to be limestone quarries. City graves started to become overly populated by the end of the 18th century. The remains were moved to the underground when sanitation started to become a problem.
The Ossuary – “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort”
As the tour progresses, you will reach the ossuary. This is the most famous part of the tour. The ossuary is marked by a stone inscription that says, “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort.” This means, “Stop! This is the empire of death!” From here on, the experience becomes more serious.
The walls have human bones that are set up in the shape of certain patterns. The displays are very well-arranged and look more like a tribute. Tourists can take photos and videos without using the flash. Make sure to remain respectful because even professional photographers stop and pay respect.
Be Quiet and Respectful
Remember that visiting the catacombs is a unique experience. Tourists are expected to understand that they should be quiet and respectful. People who visit often speak quietly. The purpose is not only to see the place, but also to honor the dead.
Do not expect tour guides or displays that you can interact with. You don’t even have to go in groups. This can mainly be experienced independently. If you want to be prepared, you can look up audio guides online. Some prefer to buy catacombes paris tickets with guided trips. The guide can give them more interesting information about the history of this catacomb.
The Exit – A Warm Welcome to the City
The exit is not the same as the entrance to the catacomb. After going down the steps, you will reach street level. This is just a few blocks from where you started. You will be underground for about an hour. And as you exit, you will be welcomed by the warm environment of the busy city streets. The tour is life-changing for those who have experienced it.
Conclusion
This tour is packed with history that every tourist should experience. Many go to learn more about the history. Some just want a unique experience while in Paris. The Catacombes de Paris tour is a unique experience.
