At a Glance

The Paris Sewer Museum (Musée des Égouts) opened in 1867 — nearly 160 years ago — near the Eiffel Tower. Reopened May 2021 after renovation. A 500 m walk through actual 19th-century Paris sewers.

A Mirror City Underground

Designed by Eugène Belgrand in the 1850s, the sewers mirror the streets above. Jean Valjean's escape in Les Misérables and the Phantom of the Opera's underground lake both trace back to this system.

Highlights

• 500 m underground sewer walk.
• 19th-century design plans and tools.
• Sewer-worker (égoutier) diorama.
• Historic sewer tourism posters.
• Modern water-treatment models.

Visiting Tips

Alma-Marceau metro. €10. 1–1.5 hours. Closed Mon–Tue. Bring comfortable shoes and a light jacket — 15°C year round.