Explore the Paris Catacombs with AESU… if you dare!
Paris may be a city known for its romantic scenery and unique charm, but it’s hiding a dark secret below the cobblestone streets. Underground lies a network of ossuaries, several centuries old, containing the remains of over six million Parisians. In the spirit of Spooktober, delve deep into the Paris Catacombs, and discover what lies in the tunnels beneath the City of Light.
Uncharted Territory
It’s currently estimated that the catacombs consist of 320 kilometers of tunnels, but specialists have only mapped a portion of the ossuaries. The city sometimes relies on the knowledge of local cataphiles, urban explorers who tour the mines illegally. Most access to the mines is restricted, and only a small section of the catacombs is open to the public. Cataphiles have been known to spend several days exploring the depths of the mines; painting murals, digging narrow tunnels and creating new maps.
Home to Secret Meetings
In 2004, the local police were assigned a training exercise in an unmapped portion of the Paris Catacombs. After descending deep into the tunnels, the police uncovered a large cavern equipped with a cinema screen, projection equipment, a fully stocked bar, and other makings of a secret amphitheater. A few days later, the police returned to learn more about the cavern. Instead, they discovered that the electrical lines had been cut and a note left for them read, “Do not try and find us.”
Not Your Average Support Beams
Initially, the bones of the dead were taken down into the tunnels with carts and placed haphazardly throughout the catacombs. As the tunnels grew, workers began arranging the bones to create more space and the arrangements transformed into shapes and decorations. The Barrel is one of the most well-known displays in the Paris Catacombs and consists of a large pillar filled with bones and remains. Many of these creations support the integrity of the tunnel system and serve a purpose great than aesthetic.
Travel The World With AESU in 2019
AESU offers unique, thrilling travel programs for college students and young professionals at affordable rates. Each trip is action-packed and informal—designed just for people your own age. We are also able to design custom tours just for your group.
Experience an exhilarating adventure on the Cosmopolitan, Explorer, and Continental tours. It’s never too late to get a taste of a multitude of exciting cultures!
2019 tour dates and prices are now available! If you have any questions or want help booking your European adventure, please contact AESU by calling 800-638-7640, or fill out the contact form found on our website!