A mythical network. This network is considered as the greatest Lyons network (excluding sewers). Most of the existing maps were untrue or incomplete, probably intentionally to maintain the legend of mystery. Realistically, the size of the network is small, it develops within 2km. By cons, it is full of small surprises and intertwined levels that make it a very funny underground.

Quarries of Paris - The network located in the Val de Grace hospital.

The old quarries of the Val de Grace are medieval. They were exploited from the 13th century to 16th century.

In 1621, Anne of Austria asked Louis XIII transfer Benedictine nuns of the Convent of Bievre in Paris. The venue was the current location of the Val de Grace.

In 1638, the architect Francois Mansart began construction of a church and an abbey. In digging the foundations, he discovers that he is above old underground quarries. These voids are surveyed, mapped and consolidated. But Mansart spending too much money and who is the architect Lemercier completed the job.

For the purposes of work, workers have built a staircase to the underground quarries and give the name of Mansart.

First steps in quarry until his last run, each cataphile notes an improvement in his behavior in the undergrounds. The route passes through several phases where his attitude toward the place, other individuals and especially in relation to itself will evolve.

Step 1: The disease of quarries.

It starts with a proposed descent. Through a friend or media, the neophyte becomes aware of the existence of a city under the city. Torn between the desire for exoticism and fear of the unknown, he went to the rendez-vous. In front of a bar or in front a subway, a diverse group waiting for him. They have all worn and dirty uniforms, each carrying packs of beer in hand, the other monstrous sacks on their shoulders. During the walk to the quarry, the main game is to scare again, both by sadism but also to test it and avoid it falters once inside.

Because everyone knows the strange disease that threatens the neophyte: The disease of quarries. As one who fears seasick when he sets foot on a boat, the apprentice will distressed by the entrance of the cave. Only after twenty meters underground to think he tons of rocks that overlook and threaten. Add to that the narrowness of the galleries, the disorientation and the inability to find the exit in this hellish labyrinth and you get a malaise that will fade with the times. At the exit, greatly relieved to be whole, the beginner will be happy to have survived such an adventure. Most will never return and not deviate from the quarry. Some however will want to repeat the experience and come away with the attack of subterranean depths.

Step 2: Thirst discovery.

Finally, the long-awaited map is formally placed in the hands trembling with emotion of the beginners. The first explorations where the latter takes the responsibility for guiding difficult: The errors and half-turns are frequent. Few were self-taught in this area, learning to move in an underground quarry is not obvious. But the excitement of discovering a new world is huge: There are so many things to see that often runs beyond the required time. At this stage, the cataphile often integrates a group of friends who will evolve. This is the beginning for some the desire to be recognized by his peers.

Bridge of the concorde. This inscription is at the very ending of the quarry, out of the map.