Visiting the Paris sewers
#1
Original Poster
Visiting the Paris sewers
People often wonder whether or not this is an interesting (or even bearable) visit when they start looking for "different" things to do in Paris.
Well, I went there yesterday (on a sudden whim as I happened to be right there next to the entrance) for the first time since 1971. It is certainly different and quite educational, but it is definitely not for everybody.
So here is the little report that I made which will exempt most of you from ever having to go but which might inspire the engineers and architects among you to take a closer look at it all: http://tinyurl.com/okcseke
Well, I went there yesterday (on a sudden whim as I happened to be right there next to the entrance) for the first time since 1971. It is certainly different and quite educational, but it is definitely not for everybody.
So here is the little report that I made which will exempt most of you from ever having to go but which might inspire the engineers and architects among you to take a closer look at it all: http://tinyurl.com/okcseke
#3
Join Date: Mar 2008
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I have never had any desire to do this tour or the catacombs and still don't, but enjoyed your photos while sitting with my morning coffee!
Thanks again for expanding my knowledge of Paris. The scouring balls reminded me of the scene in the first Indian Jones film, would not want to try to out run one.
Thanks again for expanding my knowledge of Paris. The scouring balls reminded me of the scene in the first Indian Jones film, would not want to try to out run one.
#5
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The sewers was one of the top things I wanted to do during my first Paris trip in the early 1980s. It was only mildly interesting then - there was a guide speaking French and audios for other languages. There were few, if any, displays. I returned in 2001 and the sewers had been completely updated, reflecting what's in these photos. I think some new things have been added since I last visited.
#7
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A chacun son egout.
I visited the drains years ago, before the place had been tarted up a la touriste. Workers served as sort of volunteer guides, for tips in return, presumably not a perk during their regular duties.
On the other hand, predating Les Miserables (The Glums), I was spared having tunes from the musical running through my mind.
I visited the drains years ago, before the place had been tarted up a la touriste. Workers served as sort of volunteer guides, for tips in return, presumably not a perk during their regular duties.
On the other hand, predating Les Miserables (The Glums), I was spared having tunes from the musical running through my mind.
#9
Join Date: Jan 2004
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A few years ago, there was a civil action, closing most of the attractions on the Museum Pass, but the sewer museum was not affected, so I spent an interesting time learning how a modern city manages.
Without the sewer system, no large city could exist with any semblance of a decent modern life. Filth and disease would be everywhere! We should be very grateful to those who keep the system functioning.
Without the sewer system, no large city could exist with any semblance of a decent modern life. Filth and disease would be everywhere! We should be very grateful to those who keep the system functioning.
#10
Original Poster
I had already learned most of the stuff in earlier years, but I realize that many people never think about the importance of such things, so I really think it is a great visit to make especially if you are traveling with anyone who thinks that everything happens automatically, if not by magic (for example, people with teenage offspring). I would also be happy to go there with anyone who thinks that nobody should ever go on strike for better working conditions -- it would be a good base for a debate on the subject.
#15
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Thanks, kerouac, for another vicarious visit. The exhibit is, IMO, pretty well done. It takes a reasoned, rather utilitarian approach and avoids the obvious potty humor in telling a great public health story. Also share your appreciation for the efforts of the sewer workers. Perfect illustration of "it's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it."
Ah you delicate flowers - the smell is not really that bad. Dank but no worse than an old basement in the Spring thaw. It was not that long ago that the sewers of Paris were the venue for fashion shows and too-chic-for-words parties.
Ah you delicate flowers - the smell is not really that bad. Dank but no worse than an old basement in the Spring thaw. It was not that long ago that the sewers of Paris were the venue for fashion shows and too-chic-for-words parties.
#18
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Well, I must say that being the owner of a home with a septic system that needs to be pumped every so often, I do know that odor. Thanks for the photos so that now I will never really need to tour the sewers.