Forney Library

Catacombs of Paris, a social mixte for 6 millions Parisians

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• 1 Avenue Du Colonel Henri Rol Tanguy
• The Catacombs of Paris, a vast network of underground tunnels and ossuaries, lie approximately 20 meters below the streets of Paris, covering about 300 kilometers, although only a small section is open to the public. The public pathway, which includes the main ossuary, spans around 1,500 meters and begins at Place Denfert-Rochereau. Access is limited due to challenging conditions like uneven and slippery floors, narrow corridors, and dim lighting, making the site unsuitable for individuals with mobility issues, respiratory problems, or claustrophobia. The history of the Catacombs traces back to the late 18th century. Growing public health concerns related to overcrowded cemeteries, particularly Saints-Innocents, led to a decision to transfer remains to an underground site. In 1786, after Paris's quarries were designated for this purpose, the process began, lasting for several decades and involving the relocation of bones from various cemeteries, including notable ones like the Errancis Cemetery, where victims of the French Revolution were buried. By 1860, the remains of more than six million Parisians had been transferred to these catacombs. The Catacombs serve both as a memorial and a museum. A famous sign reads, “Stop! The empire of Death lies here,” greeting visitors who enter. The public section features bones artistically arranged in walls, pillars, and arches, along with memorial plaques that convey philosophical reflections on mortality. Among the catacombs’ highlights are the Port-Mahón relief, a stone carving of the Spanish island, and "The Barrel," an unusual structure built entirely from human bones. Inspector Héricart de Thury, in the early 19th century, oversaw the decorative organization of the catacombs, emphasizing a monumental style. Beyond the public sections, a restricted network of tunnels exists, maintained by city officials for safety but explored by cataphiles—urban explorers who venture into these unofficial parts. Known as the “cataphiles’ zone,” it includes hidden rooms, pools, graffiti, and makeshift gathering spaces. Despite the legal prohibitions and risks of these excursions, cataphiles continue to explore, marking a subculture tied to the site. Over time, the catacombs have served several purposes. During World War II, both the French Resistance and the German army utilized sections of the catacombs for operations. In 2004, an underground cinema and bar were discovered, installed by a group known as les UX. Additionally, the catacombs have featured in media and pop culture, as seen in the 2014 movie As Above, So Below, the first film granted permission to shoot on-site. The Catacombs are managed by the Inspection Générale des Carrières (IGC), which ensures structural safety across Paris to prevent cave-ins that could destabilize buildings above ground. Unauthorized entry into restricted areas is heavily fined, and special access is typically only granted for research or exclusive events. Overall, the Catacombs of Paris remain a historical, cultural, and scientific landmark, illustrating the city’s complex relationship with death, memory, and urban development.