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Top 5 Urban Exploration Spots in Paris

undefined undefined 28 février 2025 undefined 18h00

The Editor

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We all know that, just on the surface, Paris is an extraordinary playground. But there are also some hidden spots, kept secret, and most of the time underground, that could quickly become your new favorite place to explore. Abandoned houses, ghost stations, or mysterious strolls—get ready to discover these unique gems!


The Unofficial Catacombs

Alright, let's start with a big classic. Beyond the catacombs overrun by tourists and curious little explorers, there are the "cata" of the shadows. Those unofficial ones, right below our feet, roamed by a crowd of night owls who aren't easily scared (not cold at all, actually). Once you find yourself stuck in these hidden underground alleyways, be careful not to get lost : rooms, graffiti, very very narrow tunnels, and a few slightly strange encounters… In short, it's definitely more fun to experience than to describe!


The Bunker at the Gare de l’Est

In a word: breathtaking! At the Gare de l’Est, beneath the thousands of travelers rushing to catch their trains, an underground bunker from World War II is revealed. Still owned by SNCF, this 120 m² shelter was used during bombings and is still in very good condition. But be careful, to access it, you need to find a locked hatch located on one of the train tracks. It’s like a sort of escape game before a return to a past that is as amazing as it is astonishing.


The Mausoleum

At the Porte de La Villette, not far from the ring road, there is a massive old supermarket that has been transformed into a secret exhibition hall for graffiti artists of all kinds. We won’t tell you how to get in, but you'll find the answer in the book by those who discovered this temple of graffiti, Lek and Sowat. It’s forbidden, of course, but that’s also what makes this place so appealing. Inside, each room is transformed by plays of perspective, anamorphoses, and lettering. The journey is worth the detour, not just for the symbolism of the place, but also for the beautiful works of art you can see there, despite all the efforts to hide them from the world.


The Ghost Metro Stations

Did you think you were an expert on the Paris metro and knew all the stations by heart? But did you know that some stations closed to the public are right beneath our feet? Sometimes places of debauchery, sometimes filming locations (like Porte des Lilas), they’re fascinating! Our recommendation? Saint-Martin Station, located in the 10th district, right in front of the Théâtre de la Renaissance. No longer a true ghost, it has been home to a day shelter for the homeless for a few years now. But at night, all explorations are welcome…


The Little Belt

We all know this legendary spot in Paris. It has always drawn us in, but with a little twinge of the heart tied to the idea of transgression. We never really dared to climb over the gates. Well, now’s the time! Between Alesia and Porte d'Orleans stations, an entrance behind a wall that’s almost waist-high opens up to a lush pathway, lined with tracks. If we move a bit further, we stumble upon a abandoned building whose original purpose we can hardly make out, but it’s, as they say, a haven of silence and serenity. Perfect for an aperitif or a cozy picnic, far from the construction work cluttering the capital.