Explore the Catacombs beneath Paris

On my last trip to Paris I contacted a group of Parisians over the internet that led me and my friends through the catacombs. We went down through a man hole cover in some back alley and spent the entire night exploring, it was awesome.

It would be cool to see the touristy part, but the best thing would be to really explore the “real” catacombs, where it’s possible to go for miles and miles without encountering daylight, like where the Mexican Perforation group has their shows.

It’s been a few years since I was in the Catacombs, though it’s always one of the must-see recommendations I would give to those visiting Paris. The ‘tourist’ visit is roughly a 2km walk through a dark, underground tunnel with a rather mucky floor and walls of bones….mostly skulls and femurs, so far as I remember. (If you ever want to see a Skull and Crossbones, this is the place to do it). It’s just like stepping into a real-life Scooby Doo adventure…Utterly brilliant !

Now to see the even-more impressive bone-chapel in Italy!

I’ve been to Paris twice, and both of those times I’ve managed to just miss seeing the catacombs. One day…

The Catacombs are nothing short of breath taking. It cost about five euros to get in and the gates close at 5. You start by going down a set of stone spiral stairs and then you walk for a few minutes until you start to see the bones. It goes on for awhile then gradually it leads you to a boneless tunnel and you walk reach till you reach another set of spiral stairs, you walk up and then your a good few blocks from the entrance. Oh and if you we’re thinking about taking any souvenirs, I’d be careful there’s a good chance they’ll check your bags before you leave =]

I’ve read articles and seen pictures that make it look really interesting. The historian in me wants to see things that date back to the 1700’s, things that are in their natural state and have yet to be transported to a museum. The kid in me just wants to run around in the dark/dirty tunnels.