Book Paris hotels with Hotel Direct for a fascinating glimpse into history

When the thousands of holiday makers flock to the wonderful hotels in Paris for a relaxing European break, they will be greeted by a world of fine art, culture and architecture that brilliantly represents the beauty of this historical city.

But beneath the museums, galleries and restaurant lies a world just as fascinating, but a lot spookier, for there occupies France’s Empire of the Dead.

The Paris catacombs, which are a 200-mile network of quarrels, tunnels, and old caves, plays host to the skulls and bones of 6 million who were buried there when, in the 18th century, they became a solution for the city’s overcrowded cemeteries. They were also used in the Second World War, with Parisian members of the French Resistance taking advantage of its winding tunnels.

With much of the network out of bounds to the public, a small section of the catacombs have been made open to some adventure-minded tourists, which can be found off Place Denert-Rochere in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, near the Montparnasse district.

Confronting our past might not be the most pleasant thing in the world, but those who have tried are calling it ‘crazy and gruesome and fun all at the same time’.

Just one of many fun and interesting activities to enjoy whilst on a break in one of the fine Paris hotels, the French capital is a must for your summer vacations.