Archeological crypt of the île de la Cité, Archaeological museum underneath Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.
The archaeological crypt beneath Île de la Cité is an underground space where overlapping layers of Roman, Frankish, and medieval structures have been uncovered and left in place. The site displays foundation walls, floor levels, and structural fragments from different periods arranged side by side.
Excavations between 1965 and 1972 uncovered the layered remains of the ancient Roman city of Lutetia, the Frankish settlement, and the medieval city. This discovery revealed how Paris developed and transformed over centuries in the same location.
The name refers to the layered remains of ancient and medieval construction that visitors can trace today. These stacked ruins show how the city repeatedly rebuilt itself in the same location across centuries.
The site sits directly beneath Notre-Dame and is easily reached by stairs from the plaza in front of the cathedral. Plan to spend about an hour exploring the layers and reading the information panels at your own pace.
Beneath the ruins, visitors can see the remains of Roman baths with their hypocaust systems that channeled heat under the floors. These preserved heating structures show how advanced technology was already in use here during ancient times.
Location: 4th arrondissement of Paris
Inception: 1980
Official opening: 1980
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Operator: Musée Carnavalet
Part of: Paris Musées
Address: 7 parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul-II, 75004 Paris, France
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00
Phone: +33155425010
Website: https://crypte.paris.fr
GPS coordinates: 48.85361,2.34750
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
France hosts monuments that go beyond common tourist routes. Individual creations like Ferdinand Cheval's Palais Idéal in Hauterives, built stone by stone over 33 years, sit alongside architectural reconversions like the Molitor Pool in Paris or the Contemporary Art Museum set in a 17th-century...
This route covers two millennia of Parisian construction history, showing the architectural layers of the city. It includes Roman remains such as the first-century Lutetia arenas, medieval structures, classical palaces, and modern constructions from the 19th and 20th centuries. Each location...
Notre-Dame de Paris
182 m
Île de la Cité
124 m
Shakespeare and Company
119 m
Point zéro des routes de France
98 m
Great organ of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
182 m
Parvis Notre-Dame - place Jean-Paul-II
66 m
Musée de Notre-Dame de Paris
196 m
Charlemagne et ses Leudes
78 m
Pont au Double
138 m
Petit Pont
51 m
South rose window of Notre-Dame de Paris
195 m
Robinier du Square Viviani
159 m
Quai Saint-Michel
140 m
Choir organ of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
182 m
Sacristy of Notre-Dame de Paris
220 m
Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole
217 m
Quai du Marché-Neuf
119 m
Grand lectern of Notre-Dame de Paris
174 m
Jardin de la place Jean-Paul-II
62 m
Cuartel de la Prefectura de Policía de París
93 m
Église Saint-Blaise de Paris
175 m
Presbytery of Notre-Dame de Paris
155 m
24 rue Chanoinesse
213 m
Notre-Dame des Sept-Douleurs chapel
174 m
Baptismal font chapel
188 m
Orgue de tribune de la cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
182 m
Hôtel de Laffemas
158 m
Chapelle de l'Hôtel-Dieu de Paris
199 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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