subject: The Dark Side to the City of Lights [print this page] The Dark Side to the City of Lights The Dark Side to the City of Lights
Although nowadays Paris is known for its boutique shopping, fine dining and inescapable romance, this was not always the case. Througout history Paris has been host to some of the most Macabre sights and events in history. Almost every alley you go down has seen some artist or famous playwright die in a gutter after an absynthe fuelled rampage.
There are some of the landmarks of Paris' violent past thata cannot be brushed away, and they are definatley worth a look when travelling there. It's these types of things that gove Paris part of it's charm, not only is it a fashionable, romantic city, but it is also steeped in some of the richest and most famous history of the world.
The three not-to-be-missed macabre things in Paris are:
3. Cimitiere Du Pere Lachaise
One of the largest cemeteries in Paris Cimitiere Do Pere Lachaise is home to more than 70,000 tombs. It is open to the public, just be sure to stick to the path; it's very easy to get lost in the labyrinthine passages of the necropolis. The cemeteries famous inhabitants see thousands of people visit every year. The likes of Oscar Wilde, Marcel Proust, Chopin and Jim Morrison are all buried here. Be sure not to miss the Monument Aux Morts in the centre of the cemetary.
2. The Conciegerie
The conciegrie was a former Parisian palace, that found a new calling after the French revolution. In the years following in the French Revolution it was used to house prisoners of the Revolutionary Tribunal- a court put together to execute anyone who dared oppose them. Thousands of men and women passed through here on the way to the guillotine. It is open to the public now for a few euros entry fee. Mary Antoinette's cell still has some of her personal possessions in there and although the dummies of the guards somewhat cheapen it, it is definitely more chilling than any Madam Tussauds.
1. The Catacombs
During the 18th Century Paris' Cemeteries were becoming overcrowded so they decided to build underground cemeteries using the old quarries and mines that stood empty. The results are the infamous catacombs of Paris. To save room the Parisians didn't bury the dead in their coffins, instead they took the bones and started to fill the empty caverns with them; thousands of bones now decorate this maze of underground tunnels. The catacombs are open to the public and a definitely worth a look to satisfy your morbid curiosity.
Next time you are booking cheap flights to Paris be sure that these three locations are on your to do list. They are wonderful reminders that Paris is more than the city of lights.
Whilst in Paris youmight want to also check out Notre Dam Cathedral. Although the hunchback was a myth, it is easy to imagine him cowering behind one of the collosal gargoyles.
