Paris Underground: Get a flavour for Paris in the Sewers

While a trip down the city’s drains won’t appeal to all, for many the Paris Sewers are fictionally immortalized in Victor Hugo’s account of the “fetid, wild, fierce” tunnels though which the wanted Jean Valjean is pursued as he carries the wounded Marius to safety in Les Misérables.

The real sewers of Paris perhaps aren’t quite so romantic. The oldest part of the system was built under Philippe Auguste in 1200 to collect and deposit the city’s wastewater. In the 19th Century, Baron Haussman and his engineer Belgrand designed the complex system that’s used today. This network has been continually upgraded to meet the needs of a growing population.

When organized tours first began in the 19th Century visitors were transported in boats and wagons. Thankfully, for health and safety reasons, tours today are held at more of a distance. You will also learn about the lives of sewer workers and methods of water treatment.The museum is located beneath the Quai d’Orsay on the Left Bank. Allow 60 minutes for your visit. Short and sweet…

Okay, we won’t be advising you to rent an apartment right next to the sewers. But if you’re planning to visit the Musée d’Orsay or fancy zipping up the Eiffel Tower, then one of our furnished rentals in the 7th arrondissement could be just for you!

 

 

Address: Pont de l’Alma, Place de la Résistance, Paris, 75008
Metro: Alma-Marceau (Line 9)
RER: Pont de l’Alma (Line C)
Bus: Pont de l’Alma (42, 63, 80, 92)
Opening Times: Saturday-Wednesday,
May-September, 11.00-17.00,
October-April, 11.00-16.00
Entry: €4.40, Concessions: €3.60

For more information, visit parisinfo.com//Musee-des-egouts-de-Paris.

Are you familiar with Paris’ forgotten train stations? See our next post!

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