Ivan T.
Google
If you are an archaeology lover, this place is a must-visit. However, it can be a little hard to spot at first because it's underground, just look for the staircase leading to the entrance (This place is included in Paris Museum Pass).
This is a really cool archaeological museum right in the heart of Paris, under the square in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral. It’s like stepping back in time because it shows you layers and layers of the city’s history, literally buried beneath the streets we walk on today. The site covers over 2,000 years of Paris’ past, from Roman times to the Middle Ages.
When you visit, you get to see old ruins, foundations, walls, and even streets that were part of ancient Lutetia—the Roman city that eventually became Paris. There are also artifacts like pottery, tools, and bits of old buildings that give you a glimpse of what life was like back then. It’s kind of wild to think about how many people lived, worked, and walked around these very spots centuries ago.
The whole thing is set up really well, with clear signs and some interactive displays that make the history easy to understand, even if you’re not a history buff. Plus, it’s a peaceful escape from the busy city above. If you’re into history or just curious about how Paris grew into the amazing city it is today, the Crypte Archéologique is definitely worth checking out. It’s a hidden gem 💎 that shows a side of Paris most tourists don’t get to see.