1, Place Denfert-Rochereau. Metro
:
Denfert-Rochereau. Open : 11am-4pm.
The Catacombs of Paris offer to
visitors a spine-chilling trip into the land of phantoms. Popular
amongst those searching out a more intense attraction these underground
tunnels are lined with the bones of thousands of Paris’ former
residents, the story of Paris literally built into the walls. Located
just off the Place Denfert-Rochereau the entrance to the Catacombs can
be found on the east side of Avenue du Géneral Leclerc. Be
prepared though, the Catacombs are humid and muddy, don’t wear your
best shoes! Relocation of the bones to the Catacombs began in 1785,
when overflowing Parisian cemeteries, particularly the Cimitière
des Halles, left authorities with no choice but to act, unfortunate
gravediggers taking 15 months to complete the task. The collection of
bones has since inspired many ghoulish events within the Catacombs, the
Count of Artois, future Charles X, organised fantasy nighttime parties
here, lit only by torches it was transformed into hell on earth. During
WWII members of the resistance sought an uneasy refuge in the two
kilometres of tunnels to avoid the Nazis. A sign at their entrance
perhaps best sums up the character of the Catacombs: “Here begins the
Empire of the Dead!”
