From an illegal underground party complete with an orchestra and 100 guests in the 19th century to secret meetings of the French Resistance during World War II, the Paris Catacombs have more than their fair share of history surrounding them.

The bones of 6-7 million people are stored down in this network of tunnels, but did you know that before the catacombs were used to store bodies, they were mined for limestone to build attractions such as the Louvre? It was, in fact, an underground quarry.

Or that there is a group of people known as “Cataphiles” who live, or more accurately squat, down in the tunnels. It’s quite the story. There are police who patrol the tunnels, dubbed the “Cataflics,” who chase the “Cataphiles.” If those tunnels could talk, they’d have quite the story to tell, so join me as I go below the Paris streets to reveal the stories of the Paris Catacombs.

For full notes and details on today’s episode see the links below:

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

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If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance