- History and visit to Paris Sewer Museum
- The Evolution of Parisian Sewers and the Museum’s Features
- Shared Taxi transfer to the National Museum Eugene Delacroix in Paris
History and visit to Paris Sewer Museum
Nestled beneath the bustling streets of the seventh arrondissement, in the Tour Eiffel – Invalides district of Paris, lies a unique and intriguing attraction, the Museum of the Sewers. This underground museum, with its entrance located on the esplanade Habib Bourguiba by the Pont de l’Alma, directly across No. 93 on the Quai d’Orsay, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the city’s vital underbelly. Despite initial skepticism about the museum’s creation, it has proven to be a hit with the public, drawing approximately 90,000 visitors annually. Accessible via the first metro line 9 to Alma-Marceau station or the RER C line to Pont de l’Alma station, the museum is conveniently located for those eager to explore this unusual aspect of Parisian infrastructure. Bus stops Alma-Marceau for lines 42, 63, 80, and 92 are also nearby. The museum welcomes visitors from 11 am to 4 pm between October and late April, extending its hours until 5 pm from June to September, while remaining closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
The Evolution of Parisian Sewers and the Museum’s Features
The Paris Sewer Museum stands as a testament to the city’s long and complex relationship with sanitation and urban planning. Initially, Parisian sewers were rudimentary and failed to effectively manage the city’s waste, rendering the air unbreathable, especially during the 13th century. The evolution of the sewers can be traced back to Roman times, with significant developments occurring in the 14th century under Marshal Hugh Aubriot, who initiated the construction of vaulted sewers and a comprehensive network of pipes beneath the city’s streets. By the 18th century, the realization that seepage from cesspools was contaminating groundwater led to reforms, culminating in the 19th century with a 50 km network of underground sewers, expanding to today’s 2400 km, overseen by engineer Eugène Belgrand. The museum, part of this still-active sewer system, was designed to educate visitors about this critical aspect of Paris’s history. It features exhibits on sewer construction, maintenance, and the modernization efforts, including the addition of a settling pond and a wastewater treatment plant in 1930. Admission is charged for visitors over six years of age, and tours require prior reservation. Although boat tours were once offered, they have been discontinued to ensure visitor safety. The museum is closed on most holidays, but photography for non-commercial use is permitted, and a gift shop offers souvenirs of this unique Parisian experience.
Shared Taxi transfer to the National Museum Eugene Delacroix in Paris
As experts in private luxury car rental services with professional drivers for a range of transfers, we warmly encourage you to reserve your private shuttle with our skilled team for your visits to the captivating destinations within the city. Notably, the Sewer Museum, an intriguing site, stands 23.2 kilometers away from Orly Airport, spans a distance of 30.3 miles from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, and is situated 87.4 km from Beauvais Airport. These distances make it a conveniently accessible location for those looking to explore the unique aspects of Paris, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey to the National Museum Eugene Delacroix among other significant attractions.