Just a few of the millions of bones in the Paris Catcombs.
I’m thrilled to be a part of Laura Pauling’s wonderful series Spies, Murder, and Mystery to help celebrate the release of her excellent debut novel, A SPY LIKE ME. When she asked me to do a post on the Paris Catacombs, I jumped at the chance.
Some of you may know about the storm drains of Las Vegas–an underground labyrinth of dark, dank flood channels doubling as housing for the city’s homeless population. The infamous tunnels play an important role in my debut novel INTO THE DARK. While the Vegas drains are terrifying, there are no scarier–or more fascinating–tunnels than the Catacombs of Paris. Spanning more than 180 miles, the catacombs date back to the twelfth century and are literally filled with the dead.
Stacy Green, Psychological Suspense Author 
I’ve been to the Paris catacombs … very spooky … but have never heard of the drainage system under Vegas. Sounds like excellent novel fodder! I’m off to google. Thanks!
I’m so jealous! I’d love to go to the Catacombs. Some day. Yes, the Vegas tunnels are heartbreaking and creepy. If you want to learn more about them, Matthew O’Brien has a great book, Beneath The Neon. He spent months interviewing the people who live down there. Thanks!
Oh, man, I love stories about the Parisian catacombs! For a really cool post regarding some of the creepy stories there, read this: http://nicolakirk.wordpress.com/2012/03/06/theyre-all-dead-dave-welcome-to-the-paris-catacombs/
I’m actually planning a short for one I’m very excited about. Thanks for the link, too. Will check it out!
The Paris Catacombs are on my bucket list! There used to be this super cool show on A&E or History Channel where this guy went to all these cities and explored their underground places. Such fascinating things happen under our feet.
Mine, too! I’ve seen that show. It’s just amazing how many bodies are down there and how the entire process came about. Paris in itself is amazing and rich with history. Some day, Tameri!
I’ve been in the catacombs in Rome, and they were awesome; so much history. But we never got a chance to check out the ones beneath Paris. Interesting story about the guy who claims to have gotten attacked an dragged away, and also that there are people who enjoy staying down there for days…I wonder how/if they sleep!
The catacombs in Rome are fascinating, too, although I don’t know as much about them as I do Paris. I’ll have to research them. Much as I’d love to visit, I don’t think I could spend the night in the catacombs.
Thanks!
What a fascinating post, Stacy! Thanks!
Thanks, Laura. Glad you enjoyed it!