The Basement: Underground Paris

 

Most buildings in France have basements. We went to check out ours. Wow. It was straight out of a movie.  

Dark, damp, steep spiral stone staircase and vaulted. We share it with three tenants. Each has their own room in the basement.

French Husband lead the way, followed by his mother, I was last, scary place to be last. French Husband had the only flashlight. So either I stayed close or got lost.

Yes, that is my spry Belle Mere in her pretty silk dress and carrying a purse. Always fashionable even when going to check out the basement. 

 

 

 

 

Though our apartment building is about two hundred years old, the basement is older. French Husband thinks maybe it is 16th century. I said,"If you added a Princess, and a dragon we could be a "Disneyland's Dungeon".

 

 

 

 

In the middle of the basement, with French Husband leading he yelled, "Rat!"

I nearly jumped out of my skin. I didn't know where to run or climb as it was dark.

He thought he was funny. I thought, "I'll get you my pretty!"

We didn't see any rats, and it was too dark to see if there were any rat droppings.

 

 

 

 

Two passages stem from the bottom of basement's main room.

Either way the basement the basement is full of junk. Except in the corner there was one very large stone. A carved stone. Maybe one they didn't need when they were building long ago....

I hope we can use it at the base of the bathroom sink. French Husband cleaned the entire basement out with a crew today. He saved the stone.

 

 

Pretty cool isn't it?!

Comments

[Tracy A.]

Very cool indeed!

[jeanie]

Hello, Corey,

I come from Annie's blog -- as a Paris fan, I had to check it out and of course will be back!

I had to laugh at this -- when I visit Paris I stay with a friend in the Marais. His cave is packed to the gills -- but he wouldn't let me down there. I'm not known for my grace and he said "You'll never make it up without incident!" So it's fun to see yours!

[Jillayne]

Yes, so cool -- what an inspired idea to sort out the base of your sink - I hope it works!
Your belle-Mere is an inspiration... I usually feel like such a rumpled mess and to see her going down those stairs, dressed so well, is awesome. She is testament to the brilliance of the French way of life!

[Julie]

Wow, what an interesting expedition the three of you had! Can't wait to see what the carved stone looks like--keeping my fingers crossed that it will work as your sink base.

[Ruth]

Its very cool...would make a fun little place for a wine cellar/cafe...

[Laurie SF]

Paris, cool.
Way cool.

[gail]

Wow, fascinating! Makes you wonder what history has been lived down there! Very intriguing!!! More! Where do the tunnels lead??

[Betty]

WOW! Does the basement go with just your apartment or do you have to share with the other tenants? I guess you would want to be running for your life up or down those stairs. LOL!

[Jeannie]

Oh my gosh!!! Imagine the haunted house tours your could host in your basement! The base for your sink was there all along. :)

[Patti]

Exciting! I can't wait to see the carved stone. Your base will have a story!!

[sue j.]

watching this reno in real time has been fabulous. thanks.

[Monica]

That is indeed a basement! Wonderful.

[Alan from Chicago]

That is really awesome and cool

[Momof5]

Way cool!' Except for the rat part.

[Mire]

The guy in the photo? Yea, way cool!

[martina]

You seem to find stuff in the most unexpected places! and the "basement" stone is a great idea. When I grow= up, I want to dress like you mother-in-law and be dignified (most of the time).

[head in the sun]

I can see your red painted toenails.

[Nicol Sayre]

So Cool.... I can just feel what it must be like after your neighbor took us a tour of his! Love it!

[La Contessa]

YES!VERY COOL!AS COOL AS THE LITTLE NEW ROYAL BEING BORN ON MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WHAT A GIFT!
Perhaps, one SON can sleep there?!!!!!

[Marilyn]

It is cool. It looks like something out of an old movie.

[Elaine LaMonk]

I saw a National Geographic the other day and it was about all the tunnels that are beneath Paris. They were once part of the rock quarry that produced the rock for the buildings. At one time this area Of Paris was outside the city. It was so interesting, because young people have been known to go into these areas and party. They also showed some beautiful artwork that had been done.
~elaine

[Celeste]

God sure smiles on you Corey!

[Patti Lloyd]

looks like a perfect wine cellar..or catcombs..you could shift the focus of your apartment to "haunted" and everyone would want to stay there!

[Shelley]

Enticing...eerie and beautiful!!! Wine cellar and tasting room?

[Robin]

Not just pretty cool - that basement is wicked cool. Thanks for sharing!

[judyo]

WOW!!!

[Peggy Braswell]

adore seeing how you redo the apt + yeah for finding the carved stone. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

[Brother Mathew]

Either way the basement is full of JUNK??

[Val]

I hope the basement is earthquake safe. Nevertheless very fascinating! Looking forward to seeing your carved stone!

[Brenda, Walker, LA]

I have a question about sharing it with three others....would they have access to your doorway into your apt? That's kinda scary! You could definitely blog about that! Otherwise, what an awesome cool adventure....gave me the goose bumps!~Brenda
[email protected]

[Rebecca from the pacific northwest]

Very cool indeed!

(No treasures other than the carved stone? and the space itself)

[Rebecca from the pacific northwest]

And, poor worker guys having to schlepp the heavy carved stone up that staircase as well as the next two levels!

[jeanne stone]

Such a totally amazing basement. Afraid that I would always have to have my husband accompany me there... however the stone does seem pretty fascinating! Have you figured out its purpose yet.