There was once a time when there were too many bodies in the graveyards of paris, and bodies were turning up everywhere. Whilst dogs were happy, people thought it was below them, and they were understandably disconcerted when they found their ancestors weren't. So all the bodies were dug up and put into some empty mines whence most of the rock of parisian architecture had already come.

You too can view all the old skeletons and walk under Paris. However, there are a few things to note before descending:-
    1. They check your bags on leaving, so you cannot take a skull with you as a momento.
    2. If you are claustrophobic or squirmish looking at skeletons, it is probably best to give it a miss, unless you want to entertain the other people present.
    3. I spent ages working out what they did with the ribs / pelvic bones. I think they put them at the back
    4. The above historyof les Catacombes is actually a load of rubbish. The bodies are the result of a selective breeding / genocide program initiated all those years ago to make the French the people they are today. It has been kept very hush - hush.

If you ever find yourself with a dead body on your hands in Paris. Perhaps you have just eaten your wife and don't know what to do with the bones. The Catacombes present a great way to dispose of the evidence. They don't check your bags on the way IN.

Note: The opening times are quite restricted.

These pictures free for non commercial private perusal. ©cip, 1998,2006

Email me at:cip1000@sobi.org