Are There Canals Under Paris?

By Alice Nichols

Paris, the city of love and lights, is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. But did you know that there are also canals running under the streets of Paris? These canals are known as the Paris Sewer System.

The Paris Sewer System is a network of underground tunnels and passages that run beneath the city streets. It was built in the mid-1800s to help improve public health by removing waste and sewage from the city’s streets. Today, it serves as one of the largest sewer systems in the world, with over 1,300 kilometers of tunnels.

The system is divided into two main parts: the “dry” sewers and the “wet” sewers. The dry sewers are used for collecting rainwater and carrying it away from the city streets. The wet sewers are used for carrying human waste and other sewage away from homes and businesses.

One of the most famous parts of the Paris Sewer System is called La Petite Ceinture or “the little belt.” This tunnel runs around the edge of Paris and was originally built as a railway line to help transport goods into and out of the city. However, it was later converted into a sewer line when it became clear that a railway line wasn’t needed.

Exploring these underground tunnels can be dangerous due to their cramped conditions, poor lighting, and toxic gases. However, visitors can still experience them through guided tours offered by Les Egouts de Paris (The Sewers of Paris).

In addition to being an important part of Paris’s infrastructure, these underground canals have also played a role in literature and popular culture. Victor Hugo’s novel “Les Miserables” famously features a scene set in these tunnels where Jean Valjean carries Marius Pontmercy through them to safety.

Overall, while many people may not be aware that there are canals running under the streets of Paris, the Paris Sewer System plays an essential role in keeping the city clean and healthy. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll get a chance to explore these underground canals for yourself!