On the surface, Paris is a fascinating city, but the secrets it hides beneath our feet are just as fascinating! Between the catacombs, ghost stations, secret bunkers and underground lakes, a whole strange, timeless world unfolds in the bowels of Paris. So, are you ready to discover underground Paris?
If you're used to taking the Paris metro, then you've probably noticed those disused stations that your train passes through without ever stopping. We call them ghost stations. There are 16 in all. Some have been closed or moved, others have never been opened. Their mysterious allure remains as fascinating as ever.
Most of these ghost stations closed during the Second World War. During this period, metro service was reduced to 85 stations. While the majority of stations have reopened, others have joined the clan of ghost stations. But what purpose do they serve today? In turn, they have become filming locations, advertising sites, training grounds and workshops for RATP staff.
Underneath Parisian monuments, there are also hidden places that are off-limits to the public. Through Le Fantôme de l'Opéra, many have learned of the lake beneath the Opéra Garnier. But did you know that an underground river called the Grange Batelière runs beneath the Printemps Haussmann?
Parisian bunkers are also little-known. Yet the Gare de l'Est and theHôtel-Dieu both house one. Under the Monnaie de Paris is an air-raid shelter. Even under the Champs de Mars is the so-called Eiffel Tower bunker!
Yes, when it comes to visiting Paris, we all imagine taking in the sights of the Eiffel Tower, strolling through the streets of Montmartre or marvelling at the Opéra Garnier... But we think less of strolling underground. Yet Paris's underground world is just as interesting. But before long, the sewers of Paris, the archaeological crypt of Notre-Dame and the Catacombs of Paris will hold no more secrets for you!
Parvis de Notre-Dame de Paris: the former underground parking lot transformed into an indoor promenade
With Notre-Dame Cathedral due to reopen in December 2024, the area around the building is to be redeveloped, with work scheduled to start in autumn 2025. While the creation of a large square is on the agenda, the City of Paris also reveals that the underground parking lot, located beneath the forecourt, will be transformed into an "interior promenade". We tell you all about it. [Read more]
The Musée des Égouts de Paris (Paris Sewers Museum): discover the underbelly of the capital
The Musée des Égouts de Paris is one of the capital's most cult and unusual experiences, where you can wander six feet underground in a slightly damp atmosphere! [Read more]
Unusual: Visit the ancient Lutetia thermal baths and their underground galleries in Paris
Did you know? In Paris, you can immerse yourself in antiquity with a visit to the Roman baths in what was once northern Lutetia. Visit the Musée de Cluny to discover these ancient baths during weekend tours. [Read more]
Did you know? There are a dozen ghost stations in Paris. Do you know them?
While many Parisians take the metro every day, few are aware that the capital is home to a dozen ghost stations. Operated then finally abandoned or never opened... what are these ghost stations and where are they located in Paris? We tell you all about them. [Read more]
Did you know? The Opéra Garnier houses a hidden artificial lake
An artificial lake hidden in the underground passages of the Opéra Garnier in Paris? No, it's not an urban legend, but reality. So why is it there, and can you visit it? We tell you all about it. [Read more]
Ghost metro stations: discover why Gambetta station is unique in Paris
Served by lines 3 and 3bis of the Paris metro, Gambetta is located in the 20th arrondissement, west of Paris. [Read more]
The Catacombs of Paris, an unusual visit to the bowels of the capital
Have you ever ventured into the Catacombs of Paris? Let's go and discover this creepy brown place, known to all but where most have never been. A fascinating and historic site, a guided tour of the Catacombs is well worth the detour, as well as keeping you cool on hot days. [Read more]
Did you know? Model trains lurk beneath the Gare de l'Est!
There's no shortage of hidden places in Paris. Under the Gare de l'Est train station, you can walk along tracks 4 and 5 on a world of miniature trains, run by the Association Française des Amis des Chemins de Fer. [Read more]
The Paris archaeological crypt under Notre-Dame Cathedral
The archaeological crypt beneath the forecourt of Notre-Dame in Paris is a real step back in time. Here's what to expect when you visit. [Read more]
Did you know? There is a subway washing machine in the Paris underground.
Have you ever seen a metro go through the washing machine? Under our feet, between Nation and the maintenance workshops on line 2, our trains are regularly sprayed to keep them clean! [Read more]
Did you know? There is a ghost metro station under the Parc des Princes.
Paris-Saint-Germain fans wouldn't have minded a metro station just a stone's throw from the Parc des Princes. But for security reasons, Porte Molitor never opened and is now one of Paris's ghost stations! [Read more]
Did you know? This metro stop is the largest ghost station in Paris.
If you squint your eyes as you pass between Strasbourg-Saint-Denis and République stations, you might see the ghostly station of Saint-Martin, the largest of the 12 abandoned stops on the Paris metro! [Read more]
Did you know that? A monster is hiding in the underground of La Défense
While tens of thousands of people from the Paris region rush to La Défense every day to go to work, a monster has been lurking in the underground passages of the business district since 1973! We tell you the incredible story of the "Monster" by Raymond Moretti. [Read more]
Paris Face Cachée 2023: we visited the "sunken cathedral" in the underground of La Défense
A world-famous business district, Paris La Défense also hides some well-kept secrets. For example, have you ever heard of the "sunken cathedral"? As part of Paris Face Cachée, we visited this place, which is unknown to the general public and hidden in the underground of the Hauts-de-Seine, a stone's throw from the capital. [Read more]
Did you know? Châtelet-Les Halles is the world's largest underground station.
Who hasn't got lost in the Châtelet-Les Halles metro station? You've got a good excuse, because this underground station is the biggest in Europe, and even in the world - a real labyrinth! [Read more]
Paris: the Marx Dormoy metro station under renovation unveils remnants from the 1960’s
The renovation of the Marx Dormoy metro line 12 station in Paris unveils remnants from the 1960’s. when commuting on the RATP network, stop by this station in the 18th arrondissement, on the platform towards Aubervilliers to enjoy the station’s historic walls, uncovered until September 30, 2022. [Read more]
The Cinema Station: when RATP and the 7th art meet at the Porte des Lilas
This ghostly station located at Porte des Lilas, in Paris, could have a place at the Cannes Film Festival: countless films, commercials and video clips have been shot there, just a stone's throw from the metro passengers. Discover the Cinema Station, the most mysterious and magical place of the RATP. [Read more]
History: these WWII bunkers hidden under Paris
Are you ready to discover what is hiding beneath your feet? Before the Second World War, many bunkers were built in the depths of Paris, and can still be visited today for special occasions. [Read more]
Did you know? 3 unusual anecdotes about the Paris catacombs
The Catacombs of Paris are among the capital's most mysterious places. But how much do you really know about these ancient Parisian quarries? We reveal three unusual anecdotes about the Catacombs of Paris! [Read more]
Thematic tourism in Paris, our ideas for addresses and walks to discover the capital differently
Would you like to discover cheap Paris, cultural Paris, gourmet Paris, cinema Paris or LGBT Paris? Discover all the facets of the City of Light by following our recommendations! [Read more]
Thematic tourism in Paris, our ideas for addresses and walks to discover the capital differently
