Party in the Historic Paris Catacombs, But Don't Tell! (Video)
In the heart of Paris lies a subterranean world of catacombs, a network of underground tunnels and rooms that span hundreds of kilometers beneath the city’s streets. These catacombs house the remains of over six million people, a solution devised in the 18th century to address the overcrowded cemeteries of the city. This vast, hidden world has given rise to a subculture known as the cataphiles, individuals who illegally venture into the catacombs to explore, create art, and even host clandestine parties. The Paris catacombs, with their rich history and eerie backdrop, provide a haven for these individuals to escape the mainstream, to embrace the underground literally and metaphorically, and to find camaraderie in shared secret experiences. Some of these cataphiles have become artists in their right, using the catacomb walls as canvases for their works, fusing the old and the new and adding a modern layer to the historical depths of Paris.
- Tales from the Crypt: Exploring the World's Most Famous Catacombs
- The Dark Underworld of the Paris Catacombs
Top image: A ‘cataphile’ inside the Paris catacombs. Source: YouTube Screenshot / The New York Times.
