Tourists descended through a hatch into the abandoned catacombs of Paris (38 photos)

Paris is a city with a rich history and ancient architecture. Paris is a great tourist destination with unique places, worth seeing. And if the spirit of adventurism is alive in you, then you like the choice of sights that the heroes of this made photo essay. They went to the abandoned catacombs where the bones lie 6 millions of people and where few dare to go, and captured everything happening on film.





Catacombs under the streets of Paris are not worth perceiving thoughtlessly. The famous Parisian catacombs are the ossuary, the place where the remains of more than 6 million people are buried. Ossuary can serve box, room or, as in the case of Paris, a whole system of underground passages and premises. The reasons are quite prosaic: the remains did not have enough space for cemeteries. Lack of space is a common problem for any city in which is experiencing rapid growth, which happened to Paris in the 17th century.



So, a few friends came to Paris for the first time and ventured into the adventure. Down there, it's pretty creepy, dark and light. get lost. Therefore, the guys who wished to try themselves in the role urban explorers needed a knowledgeable guide. Fortunately they met just such a person: every week he once descended into this underground labyrinth and was ready to arrange a tour.





The conductor asked them not to "shine" on the street while he looking for the right hatch. Then they climbed through the hatch and down the old steel stairs down, trying to do all this as quickly and as possible imperceptibly. The descent was long, but the adrenaline rushed it noticeably. They knew that no one would catch or stop them below, because no one will dare to follow them into these ancient abandoned labyrinths.



The conductor warned in advance that you need to wear a strong clothes and shoes. And he said that the route would be difficult and uncomfortable, but guaranteed to leave an impression for a lifetime.



Once below, they felt at the same time and relief, and fear. They were glad that they had finally reached a firm soil under your feet. But felt a brand new fear, not because of the likelihood of being caught by the police upstairs, and the fear of something unknown what might be lurking below.



“So, look at the walls around you; here are medieval inscriptions left long ago by limestone miners and graffiti, left by yesterday's cataphiles,” the guide began to explain. AND along the way, he spoke about the rules, or the code of honor of the cataphiles, to which must be followed while in the catacombs."



Cataphile is someone who enjoys exploration vast catacombs of the underworld of Paris. Cataphile is one who pushes his research to the limit, relegating security to second plan and living underground by strict rules.



The rules of cataphilia are quite simple, but very important:

"In the unlikely event that we happen to meet other cataphiles on our journey tonight, we are recommended being friendly but generally not revealing how or where we got in Or how are we going to get out?

"Leave no trace."

"If we get lost, we stay put and wait (hope they find us) and don't try to get through tangled tunnels.



Long underground tunnels stretch for miles. Under the light of small gas lamps, the novice explorers kept walking farther and farther. They had no idea what was in store for them and could hardly contain the excitement.



Several tunnels have been marked for better orientation. street signs. These marks are quite rare. so they don't really help when you're trying to find your way in dark places. tunnels.



It seemed like an eternity had passed. And so the researchers approached a place that looked like a dead end. It was stone a wall blocking a tunnel with a small opening leading to the other side.



After an exciting journey, friends were already ready turn back, when suddenly, within a few seconds, their guide disappeared into this hole. But it seemed to them impossible.



The hole was very small. It was scary, but I had to follow the guide. And what was the choice?



The guide reassured the researchers. He said that they just followed him. And here the right one came in handy equipment.



It soon became clear that the task was completely solvable. Yes, turned out not as graceful as a person who crawls through there regularly, but also nothing. Only had a few scratches.



Further, the travelers found themselves in the likeness of a grotto.



Creepy installation.



It was the perfect setting for a quick bite to eat. Dried figs, peanut butter sandwiches and red wine to gain strength for further achievements!



The guide had many candles with him, which created the perfect atmosphere for a unique dinner.



It was a strange mixture of peace and fear.



After a delicious meal in the underworld, the explorers were ready continue. After a few turns they ended up in what used to be was a gigantic air raid escape bunker.



The bunker was quite spacious. Its walls were covered ancient inscriptions and modern graffiti. Truly unique spectacle. It's time to light the torches to see everything in details.



Let's move on.



The stairs lead to a sealed door under the post office in Paris. It is completely hidden or closed from above, because there was no no signs of disturbing the historic entrance.



The guide told about an extravagant secret dinner, which he arranged in the catacombs when he first began to explore huge underground world of Paris.



He shared a photo of that memorable night. It looks like a party that many people would love to attend!



This night was a completely different feeling. Like you're all alone and got lost in a dangerous place that literally breathes history. IN a dark and scary place that makes adrenaline flow through the veins and quickens breathing. Actually, this feeling attracts real cataphiles.



As we move under the romantic light of torches, then here, then wall paintings appeared there, and each step riveted the eye to something new and interesting.








When the researchers entered the new room, they noticed something that reminded them of a scene from a horror movie. They were so addictingcheny on their journey that they did not notice how the walls slowly moved until they stood still.



I really wanted to scream and run away. But I had to stay calm and overcome your fears. Take a look at the walls.



These creatures were everywhere and seemed to be attracted to torches, following them as they go. And when researchers stopped, these creatures began to come closer and closer, and their it got bigger and bigger.



The small insects moved very fast, like spiders, but looked like very large crickets.



Friends who descended into the Parisian catacombs were so they are fascinated that they have completely lost track of time. It turned out that they spent almost four hours there! This is a good start for rookie cataphiles.



The guide brought them back to civilization, to a place where everything is normal and routinely. Before they had time to get out of the catacombs, they already began to miss him.



“We appeared like deer in headlights, literally. headlights passing cars shone in our eyes when we got out of the hatch, dazed, still full of adrenaline. And after a few seconds the hatch returned to the place, and we disappeared into the Parisian night, as if only this was not. Like it was a dream."