The attitude towards life and death reveals the French insight

The Paris Catacombs, located about 20 meters beneath the center of Paris, are among the world’s most famous underground cemeteries. The weather in Paris has been lovely, but today it suddenly turned gloomy and cold 🥶. I grabbed a coffee to steady my nerves before setting off. The entrance to the underground empire is very discreet. You’d never find it if it weren’t for the line of people queueing up. 🎨Descending a long, spiraling staircase leads you to the entrance of the underground world. People from different countries are unusually united, sticking close together, afraid of getting separated. The passageway is very narrow, just enough for two people to pass, with an uneven ground and limited height, making it quite oppressive. My mind quickly flashes through scenes from horror movies, yet I’m also looking forward to seeing a different kind of scenery ahead. The romantic French have turned death into an art form. 🌟The Paris Catacombs originated in the late 18th century when Parisian cemeteries became too crowded, especially the mismanaged Cimetière des Innocents, which led to severe public health issues. To address the problem, Paris authorities decided to transfer large numbers of bones to the abandoned limestone quarries. These bones were neatly arranged, forming a unique “bone art palace.” Under the dim light, millions of skeletons are intertwined, recording different stories of the city. 👻Below the streets of Paris, there exists a group of unique artists. They use the distinctive atmosphere of the underground space to create many astonishing works. In addition to massive murals, some artists have built quirky art installations in the abandoned tunnels (I’ve accidentally been intrigued by the Bone Church). Tip: The site can accommodate up to 200 visitors. It’s necessary to arrive early and queue for entry. If there are too many people, entry may be temporarily suspended. Warning: Stealing or attempting to steal bones within the Paris Catacombs will result in immediate prosecution. #ParisTravel #MuseumCheckInChallenge