In the late 1700’s, Paris’ authorities realised that something needed to be done about the city’s overflowing cemeteries. Basements neighbouring church cemeteries were collapsing due to the weight of centuries worth of bones. The ingenious plan was hatched to fill a series of unused underground mining tunnels with exhumed skeletons. Over 2 years from 1785, the majority of Paris’ cemeteries were emptied and moved.

In 1810, it was decided the catacombs should be prettied up a little. Tidied up to invite guests over, if you will. Bones and skulls were stacked and displayed, and tablets displaying the origins of the bodies were created.

There are over 6 million skeletons gathered in this, the largest necropolis in the world. At the entrance, a sign reads Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort (Stop! This is the empire of Death). You may think it’s morbid to see the bones piled high in the old quarries. Cam and Milana said it made them feel uncomfortable…that seeing ex-people piled up was too confronting. I see it as a good reminder that we’re all just part of a bigger picture. That these people all walked and ate; loved and learnt like we do. That’ll be us soon enough, so do all the things now while you can!

It’s hard to believe that the ossuary takes up only 1/800th of the underground mines that still lay beneath Paris. Secret parties are held in hidden sections of the catacombs. A movie theatre, including a stocked bar and restaurant, was uncovered by the cops in 2004. Rebellious Parisians have used the space to party for centuries. In 1897, a bunch of intellectual mad lads held a subterranean candle-lit concert including a 45 piece orchestra playing funeral marches!

The Catacombs of Paris cost 29 euro (students 23, kids 10). Book in advance, but timed tickets are only released a week before hand due to forgery issues. As we’ve found with most touristy things, go later in the day when older folk are sleeping off their wine and cheese, and you’ll have the place to yourselves!