SCARY MOVIE NIGHT: CATACOMBS OF PARIS

A French Halloween

It’s officially October which means it’s spooky season! The fall season is perfect for staying in with a yummy cup of tea, cozy blankets, and the perfect Halloween movies. The colder weather makes staying in and staying safe so much easier. If you tired of rewatching Psycho and The Adams Family, try watching As Above So Below. This movie is a great scary thriller that is set in the catacombs of Paris! 

Get comfy! Here are OuiPlease’s lounge picks 

If you have never heard of the catacombs, they are such an interesting part of French history. It is a massive cemetery with huge tunnels located UNDER Paris! The tunnels were first created as limestone quarries that were mined to build Paris into a thriving city. But by the 17th century, enough people had lived and died in Paris that they were running out of room! They came up with the solution to place them in the old quarries. In 1786, the Parisians began to move bones from the cemeteries to the tunnels. It took them 12 years to move 6 million bones! After the cemeteries were empty, they began to bury the dead directly in the tunnels during the French Revolution. They stopped burying people in the catacombs in 1860. 

If you are ever in Paris, you can even go in and see the massive cemetery! The public entrance is in Paris’ 14th arrondissement and it takes about 45 minutes to fully explore the public portion. Upon entering, visitors pass under an inscription that reads “Arrête, c’est ici l’empire de la mort!” (Stop! This is the empire of death!). Yikes! 

Photo By: laurabedokis.com

In the mile-long public tunnel, the bones are visible to all. Some are in neat piles along the corridors, others arranged in patterns, and more are haphazardly in groups. There are also sculptures that were created by the original miners and creators of the tunnels.  The main sculpture is of the fortress of Port-Mahon. This is a large island town where the creator, “Décure,” is said to have been held prisoner by the English during the Seven Years War.

More comfy, cozy options 

One thing’s for sure, the catacombs are definitely a great setting for a thriller movie! It’s strange past, massive size, creepy setting, and the millions of bones make it a haunting place. As Above So Below is about a group of archeologists that venture into the tunnels to find treasure. As they go deeper into the tunnels, the explorers find that the cemetery is not quite what it seems. To see how the story ends you will have to watch the movie! Bring a friend, pop some popcorn, and cuddle up! 

Perfect popcorn accessories 

France at your doorstep 

Get the best in French food, beauty, apparel, accessories and more delivered right to your doorstep! Subscribe here and get 25% off your first order with code: OCT25

 

Cred: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/paris-catacombs-180950160/

Photo Cred: @Sweet_Novembrr