The Paris Sewers Museum is an unusual museum tracing the history of the drainage system in Paris. The museum allows visits to the underground network and offers multimedia presentations. Organised guided tours of the sewer system have been offered since the late 19th century when visitors were guided via boat and wagon through the sewer network.
Today the exhibits showcase the entire history of the sewers, some of which date back to the 15th century. This fascinating tour allows you to see the history of the unsung hero of hygiene and its importance to Paris from the middle ages to today.
Paris Sewer Museum - one of the highlights of 10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in Paris (Read all about Paris here)
Highlights of the Paris Sewers Museum
The Paris Sewers Museum is much more than just a collection of stagnant exhibits. The museum includes an actual tour of the tunnels underneath Paris from their original development by Hugues Aubriot to their modern iteration designed by Eugène Belgrand.
Exhibits also examine the role of sewer workers and water treatment in modern health and hygiene. They include films and multimedia exhibits, with displays of equipment, gear and documentation over the centuries. Collections include history exhibits, statues and sculptures, science exhibits and sewage and treatment methods. A gift shop and book store are onsite for you to learn more or take home a souvenir of your trip.
Good to know about the Paris Sewers Museum
The Paris Sewers Museum was closed in 2018 and has undergone renovations to allow access to people with disabilities, which was not possible before due to the underground nature of the exhibits. Call for the current status and available accommodation for people with disabilities. Reduced rates are available to people with disabilities and free admission is given for an accompanying support person.
The museum is in the Paris city centre and can be reached on foot or by metro, RER train and bus. The metro and train stop at Pont de l'Alma station and the bus stops at Alma-Marceau stop.
Paris Sewer Museum
Locatie: 93 Quai d'Orsay, 75007 Paris, France
Telefoonnummer: +33 (0)1 53 68 27 81