Are the Paris Catacombs Mapped?

By Michael Ferguson

The Paris Catacombs are a world-famous network of underground tunnels that stretch for over 300 kilometers beneath the streets of Paris. These tunnels, which were originally created as limestone quarries in the 13th century, have been transformed into a macabre ossuary that contains the remains of millions of Parisians.

One question that many people ask about the Catacombs is whether or not they are mapped. The answer to this question is not straightforward, as there are different levels of mapping depending on who you ask.

At the most basic level, the Catacombs are indeed mapped. There are official maps created by the city government that show the layout of the tunnels and provide information about key landmarks and points of interest. These maps are available to the public and can be found in various bookstores and tourist shops around Paris.

However, these official maps only scratch the surface of what is actually down in the Catacombs. In reality, there are countless tunnels and passages that are not included on these maps. Some estimates suggest that only around 2 kilometers of the total 300-kilometer network have been officially mapped.

This lack of comprehensive mapping has led to a number of urban exploration enthusiasts taking matters into their own hands. There is a thriving community of “cataphiles” who explore the tunnels illegally and create their own maps based on what they discover.

These unofficial maps can be incredibly detailed, showing everything from hidden rooms and secret passageways to graffiti and other forms of art left behind by previous explorers. However, they come with their own risks – exploring the Catacombs without permission is illegal and can be dangerous due to factors such as crumbling walls and low oxygen levels.

So to sum it up – yes, there are official maps available for those who want to explore parts of the Paris Catacombs legally. But for those who want to experience more than what’s offered through those maps, venturing off with the help of unofficial maps may be a tempting but risky option.