The Catacombs of Paris

by Britty Bee

Stop! Here lies the Empire of Death.

Beneath the charming city of Paris lies the dark, petrifying Catacombs of Paris. The Catacombs are an underground ossuaries of Paris, France located in the Mines of Paris tunnel network. These underground tunnels are located just south of the Barrière d’Enfer, the former city gate now given the name “Gates of Hell.”

The Catacombs were founded in the 1700’s when there were cave-ins and overflowing cemeteries. The remains were relocated to the mass graves of the catacombs and then the tunnels were reinforced. This underground necropolis is now a popular tourist destination, open to the public since 1874.

A quick climb down the sewer transports you to a new, grim world. The walls of the Catacombs are piled to the ceiling with the bones of the deceased. As you walk through the fog alongside the sewer, you’ll stumble upon old coffins and skeletons. The Catacombs are made up of winding tunnels, old tombs, and eerie artifacts.

Surprises lurk behind every corner, with secret passages and frightening scenes that would terrify even the most seasoned explorer. The wrong touch of a wall could lead you to a secret room or even a drawbridge. As you descend into the depths of the Catacombs, you can hear the screams of the dead echo throughout the tunnels, ghosts and orbs floating off in the distance. In the heart of this labyrinth sits a small boat that you can take through the entire route of the tunnel complex, where the Paris tour guide will give you an overview of the sites and the history of the Catacombs.
                                  
The final chamber features the most haunted area. This room is full of unhappy haunts and screams from beyond the dead. This includes a dinner setting that’s perfect for a dark evening alongside a piano playing ghost. Get out and explore the Catacombs the next time you’re feeling adventurous!

Paris 1900 (98,26,24)

Britty Bee