Paris catacombs
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 4
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Paris catacombs
Hello, me and Some friends of mine have the idea to explore the underground catacombs of paris, and not, The tourist way of course, we are searching for a detailed map, or maybe Some cataphiles to acompany us or giving us tips or any kind of information
#2
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,886
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If you mean just wander around down there by yourself I'm not sure this is possible. I know there are large sections closed off because they are potentially unsafe - although many were used by the Resistance in WWII (obviously the Germans presented a greater risk).
If interested I would check out what tours there are.
But then I don't want to be trapped underground with no one knowing where I am.
If interested I would check out what tours there are.
But then I don't want to be trapped underground with no one knowing where I am.
#3

Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,321
Likes: 7
It is a very interesting tour. The Paris catacombs are former underground limestone mines that were turned into ossuaries as old cemeteries inside the city deteriorated. As far as I know, for the one I visited at Denfert-Rochereau, there is one way in and one way out, and you wend your way through it on a self-guided tour like everyone else. Visitors and their personal effects are inspected as they leave, in case anyone is thinking of grabbing some "souvenirs."
#4

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 24,034
Likes: 6
You have to be in touch with <i>cataphiles</i> for a certain amount of time to ever be invited on the visits inside Paris, because by then you would have to have full equipment (boots, ropes, headlamps...) and of course be prepared to pay very high fines that are applied on anybody caught by the police (who regularly patrol the favorite areas). Beginners usually start by visiting the underground quarries of Bougival, the most spectacular one being the "carrière aux lions" which has huge arched ceilings the size of a cathedral. However, the last I heard, it had been completely sealed off again. It takes a while for the cataphiles to break through the door or the find an alternate access.
I was young and foolish back when I used to engage in that activity, and I absolutely do not recommend it.
I was young and foolish back when I used to engage in that activity, and I absolutely do not recommend it.
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#8

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 24,034
Likes: 6
Here is a pretty good overview of subterranean Paris with recommendations, and also some other links at the end:
http://keblo1515.free.fr/souterrinterdit/catacombes.htm
http://keblo1515.free.fr/souterrinterdit/catacombes.htm




