Travel Tips - Historical-sights in Paris, France

It is surprising to think that the Catacombs of Paris have been left off the majority of tourist maps for the city, but they are easily one of the most captivating attractions of all that are on offer. Although you might find the queue can have a longer wait time than the Louvre (and it certainly did on the day I visited), this is due to the fact that only a handful of people are allowed enter at a time.

At the end of the 18th Century, Paris was overcome by disease caused by the large number of bodies in the city’s cemeteries. It was up to the churches to solve the problem and what they decided to do was truly unique. Taking the long winding staircase deep under the streets of Montparnasse, dimly-lit tunnels lead you through a maze of skulls and bones – each row of remains meticulously arranged as a sign of respect for the dead – and there are also some astounding crypts and altars where masses were held deep underground.

This vast burial chamber covers nearly two kilometres and you may be glad to be on your way out by the time you reach the exit. Although what has been a somewhat eerie experience will be undoubtedly one of the most memorable of your trip to Paris.