Audio GuideParis Sewer Museum

The Paris Sewer Museum offers a captivating exploration of the hidden arteries beneath one of the world's most renowned cities. Situated within Paris’s historic sewers near Pont de l'Alma and Esplanade Habib-Bourguiba, the museum delves into the origins of the city's sewer system, which began in the fourteenth century under the leadership of Hugues Aubriot. During this period, the city expanded rapidly and the need for improved sanitation became evident.

Raph Jog

As time progressed, construction techniques and engineering principles advanced significantly. From the seventeenth through to the nineteenth centuries, developments transformed rudimentary drainage systems into a sophisticated network designed to protect Paris from flooding and efficiently manage waste. A pivotal figure in this evolution was Eugène Belgrand, whose contributions in the nineteenth century modernised the system and incorporated new water treatment methods.

Seb H

The first sewer tours, which started in eighteen sixty-seven, included boat and wagon rides, providing visitors with a unique view of the subterranean environment. As you wander through the museum, you will encounter displays showcasing operational spillway mechanisms, historical measurement stations, and tools once used by dedicated sewer workers. Narratives of day-to-day operations and maintenance underscore the efforts of those who maintained the system in a dynamic metropolis.

Paul LEFEVRE

Today, the museum bridges history with the contemporary urban experience. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary fusion of engineering heritage and urban discovery in the heart of Paris.