The Solo Scale:

---

If you want a unique museum or experience, Paris has several options for you. You could visit one of its cemeteries or head into the catacombs and walk alongside skulls. You could admire the funky architecture at Centre Pompidou and the modern art inside. Or, you could head down into the sewers and learn about how they work and the history of the sewers in Paris at the Musée des Egouts.

It’s probably only eclipsed by Victor Hugo’s descriptions of the sewers in the Les Misérables novel.

I’ve been meaning to visit this museum for years. It’s not one of the options on the Paris Museum Pass, but it’s a very economical ticket. When I went, it was 9 Euros. There are also guided tour options available, but they will cost more.

I did pre-purchase my tickets. It wasn’t because I thought it would sell out, but because I very much subscribe to the Planner frame of mind. For me, planning out my ticket purchases, restaurant reservations, and plans before my trip in small increments makes me feel like I get to enjoy the trip a little more.

When I arrived, I handed off my ticket and then received my guide binder. This is to help with translations as the museum only displays in French.

In a somewhat surprising turn, you won’t actually smell anything in the sewers. I had been expecting a pretty noxious smell, but there really wasn’t anything to worry about. There are definitely flowing systems into the museum, but there’s clearly treatment plants somewhere upstream before it arrives. No nose plugs will be required for your visit!

The museum itself isn’t too big. There are a couple longer videos that you can sit and watch, but they are in French. This is where the binders come in handy. Given that all the placards and displays are in French, the binders have a matching number system so you can follow along. They have these options in multiple languages and you can drop it off when you finish, but it does mean you’re carrying around a notebook-sized item through your visit.

In all, my visit lasted about an hour. While it is a small museum and does have guides on the floor, you can absolutely get turned around. It means that you might do a little doubling back to make sure you’ve seen everything.

If you want a truly unique visit in Paris, then this is something you should consider. It’s affordable and definitely doesn’t have crowds that the Louvre are fighting off. You can learn a little about history, ecology, and see a working sewer system right in the heart of Paris. It might get a few raised brows, but it’s absolutely worth an hour of your time.

If this is right up your alley (or down your sewer, in this case), check out the website for the Musée des Egouts for more information and to buy tickets!

---