Near Paris, unusual tours delve into the heart of a mysterious network of little-known medieval cellars

Beneath the streets of Sèvres in the Hauts-de-Seine, an unexpected network of tunnels uncovers a forgotten heritage. The Caves of the King now provide guided tours that take visitors on a journey through history, catering to curious explorers eager to uncover unusual treasures in Île-de-France.

Beneath the streets of Sèvres, in the Hauts-de-Seine region, lies an unexpected secret that many locals themselves might not even be aware of. Beneath this peaceful-looking town, an underground network dating back to the Middle Ages awaits the curious explorer willing to venture underground. Welcome to... The King's Cellars.

This is a lesser-known cultural heritage piece, diligently preserved by the Société d’Archéologie et d’Histoire de Sèvres. Visitors can explore this impressive site through guided tours, led by Daniel, a passionate enthusiast committed, alongside volunteers from the society, to making these tunnels more accessible and uncovering their secrets. Because yes, some questions still remain unanswered.

What exactly do we know about the Caves of the King? Their origins are believed to date back to the 16th century, when the Île-de-France region was a land of vineyards. These caves once stored wines destined for Versailles Palace, before they were delivered to the Sun King's estate. The French Revolution put an end to this activity, and the caves remained deserted for nearly fifty years.

Later on, the cellars shifted from wine to beer, as the Meuse Breweries moved in. Not long after, the Paris Bottling Company took over the site, specializing in packaging a variety of beverage brands—one of which is especially famous, and you’ll likely recognize its bottles.

Here's a brief overview of the Caves of the King's history. But a visit here is full of surprises! From the start, you're struck by the concrete structures seamlessly blending with these historic underground tunnels. As Daniel guides us through this labyrinth, we notice tool marks on the ceiling, a reminder that part of these caves was excavated by hand. Medieval vaults sit alongside more modern reinforcements, each telling its own story of activity spanning the centuries.

Survivor bottles and towering stacks of barrels stand as silent witnesses to the rich history of these cellars. Yet, as you explore deeper, you'll be surprised to uncover varied landscapes that reveal the vibrant life these underground tunnels have harbored alongside the bustling surface world.

Of the five ice cellars that once stood here, only one remains visible today. During the First World War, these cellars were used to store food shipments headed to soldiers on the front lines. Later, in the Second World War, local residents took shelter in these underground tunnels to protect themselves from bombings.

Throughout the tour, each room offers a new surprise, with some expanding into grand, almost monumental spaces—like the enigmatic underground cathedral whose mysteries are still largely untold. Before reaching it, you'll notice a well, and further along, a mysterious female statue embedded in the wall marks the site of a spring. Keep your eyes open, and along the route, you'll also spot plaster sculptures featuring more contemporary touches. These are much newer creations: artists regularly come here to craft their works in this unique setting.

As you journey through, you're fully immersed in this exploration, sometimes by flashlight, and often captivated by the intriguing anecdotes Daniel shares with genuine enthusiasm. You're drawn to the lingering mysteries surrounding the site, repeatedly asking yourself: how is it that this place isn't more widely known?

Visits are only available by reservation, and it's essential to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Keep in mind that the temperature inside remains steady at around 12°C year-round, regardless of the season. If you have belongings with you, you'll be able to leave them at the reception point before your tour begins. The uneven terrain, with some narrow passages, stairs, and elevation changes along a roughly two-kilometer route, means this visit isn't suitable for individuals with limited mobility.