Summary
Esplanade Habib Bourguiba, Pont de l’Alma, 75007 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 53 68 27 84
Overview of the Musée des Egouts
One of the city’s odder tourist attractions, the Musée des Egouts (Paris Sewer Museum) offers visitors an intriguing glimpse into the historic sewer system, established around 1370 and gradually extended over the centuries.
Comprising a complex network of over 2,400 km (about 1,491 miles) of tunnels and galleries, the gouts (sewers) were not entirely developed until the late 19th century. During that era, Baron Eugène Haussmann, known for reshaping the Parisian cityscape, collaborated with engineer Belgrade to create a modern and efficient waste and water management system.
Today, visitors can explore part of this groundbreaking network, gaining a unique perspective of Paris from below ground.
The Parisian “égouts” have long sparked interest and imagination, featuring in classic literature such as Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables and Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera. Thus, reserving some time for this quirky and under-appreciated attraction is highly recommended.
Is It As Disgusting As It All Sounds?
In brief, the “ick” factor is significant during this tour; visitors walk along raised pathways, witnessing the sewage flowing below. If unpleasant smells easily bother you, this museum may not be your best choice.
Location and Contact Information
The Sewer Museum is located in the elegant 7th arrondissement of Paris, not far from significant landmarks.
Address:
The museum can be accessed via the Pont de l’Alma, left bank, facing 93 quai d’Orsay.
Metro/RER: Alma-Marceau (Metro line 9); cross bridge to reach the museum; Pont de L’Alma (RER Line C)
Tel : +33(0)1 53 68 27 81
E-mail/for information: Visite-des-egouts@paris.fr
Opening Hours, Tickets, and Other Practical Details
From October 1st to April 30th, the Musée des Egouts is open from Saturday through Wednesday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. From May 1st to September 30th, it is open Saturday through Wednesday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The museum remains closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
Tickets: Individuals can purchase tickets without reservations. The full-price ticket costs €4.30, while discount tickets are available for students, groups of ten or more, and children ages 6 to 16 at €3.50. Admission is free for children under six.
Group Tours: Groups of ten or more can reserve guided tours in advance by emailing Visite-des-egouts@paris.fr. Individual visitors do not need to reserve in advance for a guided tour.
Sights and Attractions Nearby
- Eiffel Tower
- Musee d’Orsay
- Launch points for Paris boat tours: simple sightseeing and dining cruises are available
- Quai Branly Museum (Dedicated to indigenous arts from Asia, Oceania, and Africa)
- Musée de l’Armée (Army Museum) and Les Invalides (site of Napoleon I’s tomb)
- American Church in Paris
History and Visit Highlights
The Sewage Museum narrates the fascinating history and development of Paris’s water and sewage systems. During your visit, which lasts about an hour, you’ll learn about the evolution of sewers from the Middle Ages to the present day, alongside water treatment methods.
As you navigate through the sewer tunnels, leading to a genuine water treatment area, you’ll observe water-purifying engines and other tools used for sewage and water treatment. This experience may evoke gratitude for modern sanitation and pity for those who lived in an era of raw sewage running through Parisian streets.
Filming and photography are permitted throughout the tour, so be sure to capture your visit.
Read More About the Museum
For a detailed exploration of the fascinating world beneath Paris, we recommend checking out this review of the museum from Cool Stuff in Paris.
