ZORIAH - A PHOTOJOURNALIST AND WAR PHOTOGRAPHER'S BLOG: Catacombs of Paris

Deep below Paris’ winding streets lies a vast network of subterranean tunnels and caverns stretching more than 300 miles/777 kilometers. Formerly mines and quarries, the catacombs became a dumping ground for human remains in 1786 when Paris’ cemeteries began to overflow from generations of the dead. The catacombs have had many uses over the centuries, including housing members of the French Resistance and a German bunker during World War II.

Now Paris’ Catacombs are explored by small groups of urban adventure seekers and partiers called Cataphiles. They illegally descend into the tunnels to explore, dig, take part in parties — some of which last for days — and place new art and graffiti on the walls. Entering through the city's sewer systems, metro tunnels and other secret entrances begins a game of cat and mouse between the Cataphiles and the French police unit tasked with patrolling the tunnels, the Catafics.

For years I have wanted to explore the Catacombs of Paris but have not been able to get access, as it is even very difficult for most Parisians to get connected with a group willing to take them into the tunnels. On a trip last year I met up with a group of Cataphiles who offered to bring me into their world and allow me to photograph a two-day descent into the Catacombs.

We met late on a Friday night at a house party in central Paris. A five story climb led to an old apartment packed so full of people it took them two minutes to shift themselves around to get the front door open and allow us in. Everyone at the party knew one another and most of them were Cataphiles, although our group for the evening only consisted of eight people.

At midnight, the group met outside and reviewed their maps and made an equipment check, as broken flashlights, lack of food and water, and a host of otherwise minor inconveniences can be disastrous in the underground maze. When everything was sorted out we hopped on the final train of the night to the outskirts of Paris.

A manhole cover leads to a ladder descending deep under the streets of Paris and into the Catacombs.

A Cataphile crawls through a dangerous, narrow passageway leading to a secret corridor and tomb within the Catacombs.

A corridor filled with human remains.

Cataphiles’ headlamps illuminate a passageway as they navigate through the deep water sometimes found in the Catacombs.

Human bones and skulls litter a tunnel floor.

Cataphiles consult a map in a secret room deep within the catacombs. Many rooms are decorated with candle chandeliers, which the Cataphiles place fresh candles in and light for the next group that may discover the room.

A close-up of a map of the Catacombs showing a web of corridors and rooms. Maps are made and updated by the Cataphiles and placed on secret websites distributed within the community.

A group of Cataphiles break from exploration to drink wine, listen to music, cook dinner over an open fire and talk with others whom they have met underground.

A fire-breather performs during an underground party.

A magician performs a card trick for partygoers.

The mud and water-soaked exploration boots of a group of Cataphiles.

Several groups of Cataphiles meet up in an underground chamber for an impromptu underground party.

A catacomb guide, identified by a mobile phone attached to computer speakers hanging from his neck. Guides, who work illegally and without pay because they love the Catacombs, play music and dance through the tunnels, leading groups of varying numbers through the intricate maze of corridors and chambers.

A Cataphile illuminated by his headlamp.

Skull shaped candle holders carved into the wall of an underground chamber.

Carvings indicating the date of one of the tunnels. Dates, street names, intersections and other information dating back centuries are carved into the walls of the Catacombs.

A Cataphile consults a map, illuminated by a small fire.

Graffiti art has been a tradition in the Catacombs dating back to the 18th century. Cataphiles uphold this tradition by painting on and carving into the tunnel walls and leaving tracts, drawings, information and humor that they hide in various places for each other to find and collect. In this photo, a graffiti artist sprays new work onto one of the walls. He agreed to have his photo taken only if his face was hidden.

Spray paint cans scattered on the floor as a new mural is painted on the tunnel walls. Cataphile ethics require individuals and groups to remove all their garbage from the tunnels when they leave and overall these guidelines are followed.

A fresh mural painted on a Catacomb wall.

One of hundreds of paintings on the rock walls of one of the tunnels.

A mural on one of the walls.

A Cataphile scales the walls of an underground corridor in hopes of discovering secret passageways or entrances.

Cataphiles sleep in a hidden chamber deep within the Catacombs after exploring and partying overnight

Post Script: If you believe in independent journalism, please support it! This blog can not and will not be able to continue without your support. Don’t assume someone else will do it.

Please consider a paid subscription to this blog! Paid subscriptions are the best way to ensure I can continue to do my work!

$25 Per Month Subscription

Comments

yet another great post from the world's best photojournalist.

Posted by: unxpektd | February 24, 2009 at 18:36

This is fascinating!

Posted by: Flaneurbanite | February 25, 2009 at 14:51

Nice pictures!! ^^

Posted by: Pu | March 09, 2009 at 05:13

is this not illegal???

Posted by: chech | May 08, 2009 at 18:36

this is really amazing.

Posted by: Amber Moore | October 05, 2009 at 20:28

That is amazing. I really need to get in contact wth these Cataphiles...

Posted by: Maria | November 24, 2009 at 16:42

Why is the enemy cat?I like cats, because they are very docile. But even the dogs don't like mice, as far as I know, the dog will go after them, and seize it.

Posted by: AJF 4 | June 19, 2010 at 09:01

use Flatr to collect money for your blog....$25 is far to much to pay...u won't earn much

Posted by: pss7 | August 15, 2010 at 11:03

Truly amazing and very good pictures! Compliment! :-)

Posted by: Daikyu | August 15, 2010 at 16:09

Posted by: chanel bags | November 01, 2010 at 09:17

I wonder if we are friend,as you know a word that good company on the road is the shortest cut.

Posted by: ugg outlet | November 08, 2010 at 08:33

Learning English can be fun. Open sesame.

Posted by: supra skytop | November 18, 2010 at 09:25

You really need to update this blog.

Posted by: Penny Stocks | November 24, 2010 at 11:07

tiffany & coスウォッチグループジャパンはこのほど、東京?銀座のニコラス?G?ハイエックセンター内に「ティファニーウォッチショールーム」をオープンした。男性向けの「アトラスジェントスクエアクロノグラフ」、女性向けの「ティファニージェメア」をはじめ、希少性の高いアイテムも展示、販売される。Tiffany Rings

Posted by: Tiffany ネックレス | January 17, 2011 at 09:06

OMG, it is amazing!

Posted by: Led Headlamp | February 23, 2011 at 03:31

Hola,
Ha hecho un trabajo muy bueno. Hay muchas personas en busca de eso ahora van a encontrar suficientes fuentes por tus consejos.
espera para obtener más consejos acerca de que

Posted by: Generic Cialis | March 15, 2011 at 08:25

SUMOMAX, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, is produced in hygienic conditions without human touch, you can find the professional help to nutritional supplements to gain weight. Sumomax take it you expect the product to help lose weight, gain weight, depending on the constitution and use help. This great product, a great way from the first day you start to use you to feel hunger and eating 2-3 times the normal range will help.

Posted by: sumomax | March 24, 2011 at 16:58

Posted by: 精力剤 | April 04, 2011 at 10:57

Lots of specialists state that mortgage loans aid a lot of people to live their own way, just because they can feel free to buy needed things. Furthermore, different banks give small business loan for different persons.

Posted by: LYNNCHERRY | April 06, 2011 at 08:52

Posted by: 精力剤 | April 11, 2011 at 11:40

Posted by: 精力剤 | April 14, 2011 at 08:14

Posted by: 精力剤 | April 14, 2011 at 08:18

Posted by: 精力剤 | April 16, 2011 at 10:10

Posted by: 精力剤 | April 18, 2011 at 09:13

grea post i like it

Posted by: ズファジラン | April 23, 2011 at 14:52

Posted by: 精力剤 | April 26, 2011 at 09:23

Posted by: 紅蜘蛛 | April 26, 2011 at 09:26

Posted by: 紅蜘蛛 | April 28, 2011 at 10:34

Posted by: 精力剤 | May 05, 2011 at 09:40

Posted by: RMT | May 10, 2011 at 10:14

Posted by: Generic Cordarone | May 13, 2011 at 12:55

There are may person searching about that now they will find enough resources by your post,

Posted by: Mobile Computing | May 13, 2011 at 13:35

I made it to the gym today in the snow storm... .*-*It really is. Looking forward in this workout. Wishing everyone a productive week. \\**\\

Posted by: oakley outlet | May 17, 2011 at 03:53

Posted by: Acid reflux | June 12, 2011 at 21:31

Why can't write in English? It's such a great language!

Posted by: drazzick | June 21, 2011 at 02:22

Is est vere interesting, tristique eget nulla ipsum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet quaeris ultra victum et tuos contulit vester iste stipes. Sed facilisis mi in amicabiliter networks dedi!

Posted by: Seo Services India | June 22, 2011 at 14:31

I think you are right when you say this. Hats off man, what a superlative knowledge you have on this subject…hope to see more work of yours.

Posted by: Generic Viagra | June 23, 2011 at 13:09

thnk you for sahring

Posted by: escort | July 27, 2011 at 02:38

Thanks for writing this and thanks for the work you do to help these kids.

Posted by: Umbrella-manufacturers-in-China | July 29, 2011 at 10:26

That's a great idea, Art. She loves dark chocolate. I also bring her flowers, which she adores.

Posted by: Straight-umbrella | July 29, 2011 at 10:30

Thanks Jeanette, with both you and your husband being terrific artists I'm not surprised that you understand.

Posted by: crystal-bottle-stopper | July 29, 2011 at 10:33

We all need to have some humility about what we can reasonably control or we drive ourselves nuts. But this isn't easy when there's a lot at stake.

Posted by: crystal-gift-decoration | July 29, 2011 at 10:36

Ég held að þú ert rétt þegar þú segir þetta. Límmiðar á maður, hvað Greinar þekkingu sem þú hefur um þetta efni ... vona að sjá meiri vinnu ykkar.

Posted by: Generic Drugs Exporter | August 01, 2011 at 15:37

You are right, it doesn't have to be one or the other. If God is truly transforming us as leaders, the creativity should be evident and coming out of our pores.

Posted by: supra shoes | August 10, 2011 at 05:58

Evliçiftlere özel arkadaşlık kameralı sohbet odalarında sizlerde evliçift arkadaşlarınızla tanışabilirsiniz. Dostluk arkadaşlık adına sohbetler reel bilikteikler kurabilirsiniz hersey biz evliçiftler için. Eger biz swinger evliçiftiz diyorsanız buradan siteye özel uye olabilirsiniz. Swinger evliçiftlerin buluşma noktası.
Escort bayanlar http://www.eliteskortilan.com
evliçiftler http://www.evliciftlerdiyari.com
swinger evliçiftler http://www.gizemlipartner.com
escort bayan jigolo partner http://www.escortbayanlardiyari.com

Posted by: Escort Bayanlar | August 13, 2011 at 05:58

Evcil hayvan ilanları olarak satılık kanarya, satılık güvercin, satılık muhabbet kuşu, satılık akvaryum, satılık akvaryum balıkları ve diğer evcil hayvan ilanlarımız ile sizlere hizmet vermekten mutluluk duyuyoruz.

satılık kanarya http://www.evcilhayvanilan.com

Posted by: Satılık kanarya | August 13, 2011 at 06:00

Işıklı tabela, dijital baskı, fuar stand tasarım, araç giydirme, araç kaplama hizmetleri
http://www.girdapreklam.com

Posted by: Tabela Dijital Baskı | August 13, 2011 at 06:02

I really liked your article and I shared with my friends in my facebook account ..

Posted by: DC Hats | September 01, 2011 at 13:24

Thank you for you efforts looking for this great list. Welcome to the do follow community I am hoping for a great work from you in the future.

Posted by: iPhone Developer | September 08, 2011 at 09:59

Ola idea, Niza,
cousas boas, hai moita xente buscando sobre iso, agora van atopar fontes bastante polo seu post.
Estamos ansiosos para obter máis detalles sobre isto

Posted by: Generic Tadalafil | September 12, 2011 at 11:04

Hello, this is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting in your blog especially on how to determine the topic. keep up the good work.It’s really great article.

Posted by: Dunk Low Lover Shoes | September 13, 2011 at 05:46

I would like to appreciate your work and would like to tell to my friends.Fantastic website, and it appears like you have a lot more site visitors as well, because the last time I was right here.

Posted by: Supra Skytop NS Shoes | September 13, 2011 at 05:50

i am very glad to share ideals with you there. the weather is good, life is beautiful. and cheap supra sheos make all of this nicer. supra sheos store welcome at any time and thinks for your visit.

Posted by: Supra Skytop NS Shoes | September 14, 2011 at 04:20

Posted by: Supra Cruizer Shoes | September 14, 2011 at 04:22

Posted by: Dunk Low Men Shoes | September 14, 2011 at 04:24

I truly appreciate your master approach. I would like to thank you for the efforts you made in writing this post.

Posted by: Seo Expert Services | September 14, 2011 at 09:50

These kind of post are always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content so I happy to find many good point here in the post

Posted by: Cheap UGGs Boots Sale | September 16, 2011 at 04:06

Posted by: discount jerseys | September 19, 2011 at 14:07

die besten crosstrainer im test und wann hört das auf mit anderen laufband vergleich soweit es geht mit dem abnehmen

Posted by: crosstrainer | September 21, 2011 at 19:30

I wonder how you got so good. This is really a fascinating blog, lots of stuff that I can get into. One thing I just want to say is that your Blog is so perfect!

Posted by: Generic Viagra | September 26, 2011 at 14:06

I really like the work that has gone into making the post. I will be sure to tell my blog buddies about your content keep up the good work. Thanks

Posted by: Buy Stratterra | September 27, 2011 at 07:58

The blog article very surprised to me! Your writing is good. In this I learned a lot! Thank you!
i like the way you blogged about this topic .

Posted by: Jason Witten Jersey | October 06, 2011 at 09:22

It's always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! I'm sure you had fun writing this article.

Posted by: Jason Witten Jersey | October 06, 2011 at 09:23

He believes Governor Beshear has provided strong leadership and a steady hand during some of the most difficult times in our Commonwealth’s history.

Posted by: cheap jerseys | October 07, 2011 at 04:41

Many thanks to the person who made this post, this was very informative for me. Please continue this awesome work. Sincerely...

Posted by: Cheap NFL Jerseys | October 07, 2011 at 10:00

I wonder how you got so good. This is really a fascinating blog, lots of stuff that I can get into. One thing I just want to say is that your Blog is so perfect!.

Posted by: Penegra | October 08, 2011 at 10:31

Have a family of three live in the mountains. One day, the daughter wants to go out to play, women way: "don't go outside, bear!!!!!" Daughter not letter, women and men say: "you out to dress up as the bear!!!!!"
The man immediately set had run on to the forest, and then came a real bear, frighten of men ran back to the house, blocked the door.
The girl looked at her door, and look at the father, little bear dressed as a track: "ha ha, you are afraid of the wife?!"

Posted by: belstaff | October 12, 2011 at 04:44

GOOD, IT IS VERY NICE. I LIKE IT.following time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to learn.

Posted by: True Religion Outlet | October 12, 2011 at 09:23

This is one of the highly informatics and attractive blogs that has not only educated also informed me in a very effective manner. There are very few blog like this one I have read.

Posted by: String Bikini | October 13, 2011 at 11:51

This was a useful post and I think it is rather easy to see from the other comments as well that this post is well written and useful.

Posted by: Cheap NFL Jerseys | October 13, 2011 at 14:36

thank good share

Posted by: jigolo | October 19, 2011 at 09:33

Great information you got here. I've been reading about this topic for one week now for my papers in school and thank God I found it here in your blog. I had a great time reading this.

Posted by: Generic Viagra | October 24, 2011 at 13:11

Hi, where did you get this information can you please support this with some proof or you may say some good reference as I and others will really appreciate. This information is really good and I will say will always be helpful if we try it risk free. So if you can back it up. That will really help us all. And this might bring some good repute to you.

Posted by: Crystal iphone4s cases | October 27, 2011 at 11:41

Goalkeeper Ilya Bryzgalov made 23 saves to give the Coyotes their second victory over the Oilers in four days.

Posted by: wholesale jerseys | October 28, 2011 at 07:19

Posted by: kartal bayan escort | October 29, 2011 at 12:19

Terrific paintings! That is the type of information that are meant to be shared across the web. Shame on the search engines for no

longer positioning this post higher! Come on over and consult with my web site .

Posted by: NFL Jerseys Wholesale | November 01, 2011 at 12:56

Great informative post and i really likes your information, most of the peoples are likes your blog because its having the good knowledge. thanks for your good informative post.

Posted by: iPhone Developer | November 01, 2011 at 14:56

Vous n'avez pas peur de marcher dans de telles expéditions? J'ai aimé qu'il fascine

Posted by: casino | November 04, 2011 at 12:04

Es la altura de los trabajadores de cuello blanco, los estudiantes universitarios, las prácticas del ejercicio del yoga, dama de ojos puerto de compra, constitución física del hombre y la gente que necesita realizar ejercicios sin embargo, no tienen tie
mpo adicional para llevar a cabo.

Posted by: wholesale jerseys | November 14, 2011 at 07:34

it will look for investments in companies valued between $2 million and $7 million where it can invest from $1 00k to $3 million for an initial investment.

Posted by: cheap jerseys | November 14, 2011 at 14:58

I like this so much.Thanks for posting

Posted by: Custom jerseys | November 15, 2011 at 04:12

Nice one, there is actually some good points on this blog some of my readers may find this useful, I must send a link, many thanks.

Posted by: Wholesale Jerseys | November 16, 2011 at 03:35

This blog is fantastic.I would like to introduce this nice website to my friends.

Posted by: Wholesale Jerseys | November 17, 2011 at 02:04

This information is really good and I will say will always be helpful if we try it risk free.

Posted by: air max shoes | November 18, 2011 at 20:56

My god are horrible.

Posted by: cheap jerseys | November 27, 2011 at 09:18

These people are so brazen, I don't dare to the grave.

Posted by: replica gucci shoes | November 27, 2011 at 09:20

The elder brothers too bold, admire their courage.

Posted by: cheap nfl jerseys | November 27, 2011 at 09:23

How have so many die together?

Posted by: cheap nfl jerseys | November 27, 2011 at 09:25

right.you are right.

Posted by: juicy couture handbags | November 28, 2011 at 03:06

nor prob jld ls

Posted by: juicy couture handbags | November 28, 2011 at 03:09

Happy to see your blog as it is just what I’ve looking for and excited to read all the posts. I am looking forward to another great article from you.

Posted by: Painting Services | November 28, 2011 at 13:46

Excellent information to many people like to read articles to learn about these issues of great interest.Oups… my blog disappeared from Les Explorers list ; )So many people leave a coment in your blog, For this we can know that your blog is very Wonderful,Cheers for your performance, I hope you continue to post such good articles.

Posted by: Orlando Web Development | November 28, 2011 at 13:56

Thank you for you efforts looking for this great list. Welcome to the do follow community I am hoping for a great work from you in the future

Posted by: paul smith | December 01, 2011 at 10:16

Welcome to the do follow community I am hoping for a great work from you in the future

Posted by: gucci on sale | December 06, 2011 at 10:29

Hey everyone. Interesting idea for a blog. I have been checking out a lot of blogs and forums recently. Some are really informative some are entertaining and some are a real crack up. I’ve got to admit it, good job on this blog, I’ll be sure to look in again real soon.

Posted by: cheap oakley sunglasses | December 08, 2011 at 02:17

Hi,

Thank you for your nice article on

I like for your good writing.

Thanks

Posted by: John Vizcarrondo | December 08, 2011 at 14:24

Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic however I'd figured I'd ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My site goes over a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Superb blog by the way!

Posted by: garment accessories | December 10, 2011 at 10:08

Behind that, a tunnel held a desk and a closed-circuit TV camera set to automatically record images of anyone passing. The mechanism also triggered a tape of dogs barking, "clearly designed to frighten people off," the spokesman said.

Posted by: online pharmacy | December 14, 2011 at 14:07

Nice one! Never thought of it. I used to add on delicious, but your idea is more better.

Posted by: Cheap Nike Shoes | December 20, 2011 at 04:16

Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts.

Posted by: Cheap jerseys | December 22, 2011 at 02:26

Verify your Comment

Previewing your Comment

Posted by: |

This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.

Your comment could not be posted. Error type:

Your comment has been posted. Post another comment

The letters and numbers you entered did not match the image. Please try again.

As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.

Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.

ZORIAH - A PHOTOJOURNALIST AND WAR PHOTOGRAPHER'S BLOG

WWW.ZORIAH.COM

SUBSCRIBE

Direct Links

Other Sites

Categories

Top Posts

My Favorite Photojournalists

My Favorite Photographers

Published In:

SADR CITY

Lectures

Support Independent Journalism

A RETURN TO BAGHDAD ER

Available Workshops: Location Tailored to Interest

Biography

THE RED ZONE

About

Rights and Usage

Be @ Home

Ads

Become a Fan

February 24, 2009

Catacombs of Paris - The Real French Underground

TrackBack

Comments

Verify your Comment

Previewing your Comment

Post a comment

Ads

Custom Made Picture Frames

Support Independent Journalism

Support/Donate!

Zoriah's Twitter Updates

One-time donation

:: ZORIAH'S :: PORTFOLIO

Testimonials

THE RED ZONE

Support Zoriah: PayPal DONATION

Counter

Link Back Button

Archives