In a 2004 training exercise, the police ventured into an uncharted section of the Catacombs of Paris beneath the Palais de Chaillot. Entering through a drain, they first encountered a “Building site, no access” sign and a camera recording their movements. As they approached the camera, a recording of barking dogs was triggered, adding to the mystery.
Further into the tunnels, the police discovered a 500-square-meter cavern that had been converted into a cinema. This underground theater featured a giant screen, projection equipment, chairs, and a selection of films. Nearby, they found a fully stocked bar and restaurant, complete with tables and chairs. The installation of electricity and phone lines suggested a professional setup.
Returning with experts from the French Board of Electricity, the police found the power cables cut and a note stating, “Do not try and find us.”
The Catacombs, with their 200-mile network of tunnels, have a history dating back to Roman times. Only a small portion, the Denfert-Rochereau Ossuary, is open to the public. This section contains the remains of six to seven million Parisians, moved from overcrowded cemeteries between 1787 and 1814.
Despite safety concerns, the extensive tunnels attract secret societies, artists, and adventurers. In the 1980s, an exploration movement flourished. Photographer Patrick Alk commented, “There are dozens of other meeting places just like the one the police discovered.”
Following vandalism and theft, the Catacombs of Paris were closed from October to December 2009, reopening with enhanced security measures.
Know Before You Go:
- Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
- Exploring the catacombs on your own is illegal.
- Suitcases and luggage are prohibited, and there are no cloakroom facilities.
The Catacombs of Paris continue to captivate visitors with their mysterious allure and historical significance.