Paris sewers have a long history going back to 1370. Nowadays, it is possible to visit some doomed parts of the underground. An original visit we will help you get ready for. Follow the guide!
What we think
What we like:
- The originality of the visit.
- The very low price of the visit.
- The two-hour long guided visit, to learn even more about the sewers.
What we don’t:
- The inaccessibility for handicapped people.
- The heat and smell in Summer.
- The small number of rooms accessible.
The visit of the Paris sewers is perfect for people wanting to learn more about the city. It is hard to imagine everything that is hiding under our feet and how important it has all been for the city’s progress.
However, even if the visit is accessible to children, it isn’t very recreational and is more suited for teenagers and adults who won’t get bored. We don’t recommend the visit to elderly people because it is rather long and hardly accessible with its fifty stairs to climb up and down.
Some History
The first Parisian sewers were created in 1370. However, it is only in the 1850s that the construction of the current sewers started, under Napoleon III. Nowadays, the sewers are almost 2500km long, which is the same distance separating Paris and Moscow.
Paris sewers are the oldest in the world and are so big that, just like Paris, they have street names and numbers so not to get lost.
The sewers first opened for visits in the 19th century and have been home to several tragic, but also eerie events such as a crocodile wandering in the sewers. Many stories that the guides will be happy to tell you about.
Visit of Paris Sewers
Access
93 Quai d’Orsay, 75007 Paris
The sewers don’t have a parking lot. That’s why we recommend you to get there using public transport:
- From the metro stop Alma-Marceau (line 9), cross the bridge and follow the indications.
- From the bus stop Alma-Marceau (lines 80 and 63), cross the bridge and follow the indications.
- From the RER C station Pont de l’Alma, follow the indications.
Warnings: Sewers aren’t accessible to handicapped people. There are 42 stairs to climb up and down to access the place and no elevator. Some tunnels are also rather small and narrow. We don’t recommend the visit to people who are claustrophobic or experience panic attacks.
Rates and opening hours
Opening hours:
- From May 1st to September 30th: 11am – 5pm
- From October 1st to April 30th: 11am – 4pm
- Closed on Thursdays and Fridays, on December 25th and January 1st
- Closed until October 1st 2020 because of renovations
The sewers aren’t very pleasant to visit when it’s hot outside because of the heat and smell. We suggest to postpone your visit to a rainy or cloudy day.
The guided visit is two hours long.
Rates:
- Adults: €4.20
- Children (6-16): €3.40
- Free for children below 6
How does the visit go?
You can visit the sewers by yourself, guided by videos, scale models and some audio commentaries, but it is not very recreational. We recommend the guided visit with one of the sewer workers. The guided visits are made for small groups of a maximum of ten people and give you new information about the sewers, not shown anywhere in the museum. The guides will be happy to teach you more about the black and brown waters as well as tell you some funny stories about their job.
You won’t have to pay more to enjoy a guided visit, but reservations are mandatory.
During the visit, you will wander through a dozen of abandoned rooms. Before leaving, don’t forget to check the museum’s gift shop where you can buy some unusual souvenirs such as the sewer rat plushie.
Where To Eat After Your Visit
There is no restaurant dedicated to Paris sewers yet, but here are some places close to the museum where to enjoy a lunch or dinner after your visit.
I Pupi
21 rue Malar, 75007 Paris
I Pupi is the perfect place for a lunch which the whole family will enjoy. Here, you will be able to eat all kinds of pizzas, at all prices, in a friendly atmosphere. Traditional pizzas, vegan and more original ones are waiting for you, welcome to Italy!
Opening hours: Everyday: 12pm – 2:30pm / 7pm – 11pm
Le Mirage
20 rue Clapeyron, 75008 Paris
Le Mirage is located right next to the Sewer Museum. You won’t even have to cross the bridge to enjoy a wonderful Moroccan and Mediterranean menu in a chic and modern place. An exceptional visit and a restaurant which is just as exceptional.
Opening hours: Everyday: 12pm – 2am
Find more information on their Facebook Page
Amorino
42 rue Cler, 75007 Paris
After a visit of the sewers under the warm sun of Summer, there is nothing better than enjoying a nice ice cream. Amorino is one of the best ice cream parlours in Paris and offers a large selection of flavors. In addition to ice creams, you will also get the chance to enjoy some tasty sweets or hot drinks.
Opening hours: Everyday: 10:30am – 10:30pm
More information on their website
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