Catacombs of Paris

"Quite contrary to what most would expect of Disney, the catacombs of Paris are host to The Court of Miracles in Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. In the movie, the Court of Miracles is accessed via a door in a cemetery, which gels with the idea of existing within the Parisian catacombs. This network of underground tunnels hold the real-life remains of millions of people. During the 18th century Paris became overcrowded and needed to relocate the remains of those who had since passed to make room for those who were still earthside. The solution was to relocate these remains to the newly constructed subterranean tombs. The catacombs are also where you would find the archaeological Roman ruins of old Paris, which is seemingly where the Court of Miracles is implied to exist in the Disney movie, as it seems fairly devoid of skulls, femurs, etc. Author of the original Hunchback of Notre Dame novel, Victor Hugo, was actually writing about the aboveground slums of Paris when he wrote about them. They existed during a time when the majority of Paris’ people relied on begging to survive. Those crossstreets have since been transformed due to large-scale policing efforts in the 1700s. You can visit the catacombs today for a small fee via the official website, but be sure to check the schedule for hours, closures, and be aware that strikes may affect your ability to enter. Prebooking your timed tickets is highly recommended, as no tickets are sold on-site. "

"The history of the Paris Catacombs starts in the late 18th century when major public health problems tied to the city’s cemeteries led to a decision to transfer their contents to an underground site. Paris authorities chose an easily accessible site that was, at the time, located outside the capital: the former Tombe-Issoire quarries under the plain of Montrouge. In operation since at least the 15th century and then abandoned, these quarries were a small part of the labyrinth that extended under the city over approximately 800 hectares. Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9:45-20:30 CLOSED on Mondays Ticket price: Advance booking 29€ (audioguide included) Last Minute Ticket 18€ (available online the same day except in summer) Getting there: LINE 4 Métro station Denfert-Rochereau LINE 6 Métro station Denfert-Rochereau Tip: In the Paris Catacombs, there are 131 steps to go down and 112 steps to climb up. It can be very humid so dress accordingly. Also, make sure to download the leaflet of the ossuary guide before your visit. "

"The Catacombs of Paris are an eerie and fascinating underground ossuary, holding the remains of approximately six million people. This macabre attraction provides a unique glimpse into the city's history and the way it has dealt with overcrowded cemeteries. Tips on visiting the Catacombs of Paris: Book Tickets in Advance: To avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons, it's advisable to book your tickets online in advance. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Catacombs involve walking through narrow and uneven underground passages, so wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking. Dress Appropriately: The temperature underground can be cooler, so bring a light jacket or layer your clothing accordingly. Be Mindful and Respectful: The Catacombs are a place of solemn remembrance, so maintain a respectful demeanor during your visit."