John Harpoon

Paris, often known as the "City of Light," is renowned for its iconic landmarks, romantic ambiance, and vibrant culture. Yet, beneath its grand boulevards and charming streets, lies an entirely different world—an underground labyrinth that has shaped the city in ways few know or understand. From ancient Roman origins to the modern-day metro system, Paris’s subterranean spaces are a testament to the ingenuity, mystery, and resilience of the city.

The underground world of Paris is not merely a collection of tunnels and chambers; it is a complex network that has served multiple purposes throughout the ages. Some of these spaces were created for practical reasons—such as the quarries that provided building materials for the city's growing skyline—while others evolved into places of mystique and darkness, such as the famous Catacombs, now home to the remains of millions. What began as a means of resource extraction gradually became a vault of history, culture, and secrets.

This book delves into the hidden depths beneath Paris’s streets, exploring the lesser-known aspects of the city's subterranean heritage. It examines the origins of these tunnels, from the Romans who first began to carve through the limestone to the workers who later expanded them into extensive catacombs. It also explores the multifaceted role these spaces have played throughout history: as a refuge during times of war, as a setting for revolutionary movements, and as a sanctuary for those who choose to live outside the city's mainstream society.