Place: The Catacombs of Paris
Location: Paris, France
Address: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 43 22 47 63
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Admission: €29 (standard ticket); €5 (audio guide, optional)
Website: Les Catacombes de Paris
History: The Catacombs of Paris are an extensive network of underground ossuaries holding the remains of over six million people. Established in the late 18th century, they were created to address public health concerns arising from overcrowded cemeteries.
The decision to transfer remains to these subterranean passages was made following incidents like the 1774 collapse of a house near the Holy Innocents’ Cemetery due to the weight of mass graves. From 1786, nightly processions moved remains from various Parisian cemeteries to the former limestone quarries beneath the city.
In 1809, the Catacombs were opened to the public, offering a unique and macabre insight into Paris’s history.
Hauntings: Visitors and explorers of the Catacombs have reported various unsettling experiences. Some claim to hear whispers echoing through the tunnels and have witnessed apparitions that vanish suddenly.
A notable legend involves Philibert Aspairt, a doorkeeper who ventured into the Catacombs in 1793 in search of a hidden liquor stash and was found dead 11 years later, identified by his hospital key ring.
It’s said that his ghost haunts the labyrinth every November 3rd. Additionally, tales of a “Phantom Choir” describe faint singing deep within the Catacombs, believed to be echoes of long-dead choirs.
Personal Experiences: While many visitors report feelings of unease and disorientation within the Catacombs, specific personal accounts of paranormal encounters are scarce. Some explorers have described the environment as inducing claustrophobia and existential terror, with a few recounting experiences of getting lost in the maze-like tunnels.
Paranormal Activity Rating: Medium (Regular activity)
The Catacombs’ extensive history and the vast number of human remains contribute to its reputation as a site of paranormal intrigue. While many experiences can be attributed to the environment’s natural eeriness, the reported phenomena and enduring legends suggest a medium level of paranormal activity.
These videos offer a glimpse into the mysterious and haunting world beneath Paris, providing both historical context and firsthand accounts of the Catacombs’ enigmatic atmosphere.