Who Is Buried in the Catacombs of Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

The Catacombs of Paris are a network of underground tunnels and chambers that were transformed into ossuaries in the late 18th century. These catacombs hold the remains of millions of Parisians and have become a popular tourist attraction for those interested in history and macabre sights.

But who exactly is buried in the Catacombs of Paris? The answer is not as simple as it may seem, as the catacombs contain the remains of individuals from various periods in Parisian history.

One group of people buried in the Catacombs are victims of some of Paris’s most significant events, such as revolutionaries from the French Revolution, soldiers from both World Wars, and victims of disease outbreaks like cholera. These people were buried en masse in the catacombs to make room for more burials in overcrowded cemeteries above ground.

In addition to these mass graves, there are also individual tombs within the Catacombs. One notable example is that of Philibert Aspairt, a doorkeeper at Val-de-Grâce who died in 1793.

His tomb is adorned with a plaque reading “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort” (Stop! This is the Empire of Death).

Another group buried within the Catacombs includes famous figures such as writers, artists, and intellectuals. Some notable individuals include Charles Perrault, author of “Mother Goose” tales, Jean de la Fontaine, writer of fables, and François Rabelais, writer and physician.

Despite their fame above ground, these individuals were buried anonymously within the catacombs alongside countless others. It wasn’t until much later that their resting places were discovered and identified.

The Catacombs also contain many religious figures whose remains were moved from nearby cemeteries during renovations. These include nuns from various convents throughout Paris who were moved to make way for new construction.

In conclusion, the Catacombs of Paris hold the remains of millions of individuals from various periods in Parisian history. From victims of significant events to famous writers and religious figures, the catacombs offer a unique glimpse into the past and serve as a reminder of the fragility and impermanence of life.