The crypt, close to the Notre-Dame, reveals some of the foundations of Paris, from antiquity, the Medieval and the Modern Age. The surroundings of Paris were already inhabited long before the arrival of the Celts, around the third century BC. Caesar held a meeting in 53 BC, upon which Vercingetorix rebelled in 52 BC, to be crushed by Labienus, the loyal aid of Caesar. Gallo-Roman Lutetia was born, athough the Ile de la Cité will be the centre from the third century. From about 360 AD will Lutetia become known under the name of Paris. Paris plays an important role in the fifth and sixth centuries and the Roman emperors regularly visit the city. Although Clovis chose Paris as the capital of his kingdom, the Carolingian rulers neglect Paris (ruling from cities furher to the East) and the Vikings have an easy prey. It is only after the beginning of the establishment of the Notre-Dame, in 1163 by Maurice de Sully, that Paris regains its former status, never to abandon it again. The Crypt encloses the foundations of the very beginnings until modern times, including sewers of Baron Haussmann.
Museum: Archeological Crypt in the Parvis of the Notre-DameCity: Paris
Country: France
Address: 1, l'avenue de Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
Website: http://www.paris.fr