In the Île-de-France region, the mystery surrounding this underground "cathedral" continues to intrigue experts and locals alike.

Published by Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Photos by Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Updated on February 5, 2026 at 01:05 p.m. · Published on February 4, 2026 at 04:59 p.m.
In the Hauts-de-Seine, an underground network of caves stretching beneath the town of Sèvres hides numerous secrets, including a mysterious chamber known as the cathedral, about which very little is still known.

Few know this hidden gem of Île-de-France's cultural heritage, yet it’s sure to captivate anyone who discovers it. Just outside Paris, in the Hauts-de-Seine department, the town of Sèvres hides an underground network of tunnels originally built by local winemakers. Managed by the Sèvres Society for Archaeology and History, Les Caves du Roi are gradually being excavated and restored by a dedicated team of volunteers. And if you think they’ve revealed all their secrets, think again — there’s much more lurking beneath the surface.

Guided tours are offered here, delighting curious and seasoned explorers alike. Throughout this roughly two-kilometer route (covering accessible areas!), visitors can uncover remnants of what we know about the history of these cellars... as well as spaces shrouded in mystery, whose secrets remain intact. 

Les Caves du Roi, les mystérieux souterrains sous Sèvres - DSC 6232Les Caves du Roi, les mystérieux souterrains sous Sèvres - DSC 6232Les Caves du Roi, les mystérieux souterrains sous Sèvres - DSC 6232Les Caves du Roi, les mystérieux souterrains sous Sèvres - DSC 6232 Near Paris, uncover unusual tours inside a hidden network of medieval cellars shrouded in mystery
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. [Read more]

And this is the case with a monumental hall hidden within this labyrinth of underground tunnels. Its striking shape and mysterious alcoves make it stand out, and it’s no surprise that this place is affectionately called the "Cathedral." But what exactly this site was, and what purpose it once served, remains a mystery.

Les Caves du Roi, les mystérieux souterrains sous Sèvres - DSC 6245Les Caves du Roi, les mystérieux souterrains sous Sèvres - DSC 6245Les Caves du Roi, les mystérieux souterrains sous Sèvres - DSC 6245Les Caves du Roi, les mystérieux souterrains sous Sèvres - DSC 6245

The way this so-called " underground cathedral" has been arranged suggests a relatively modern construction, ruling out medieval origins. While it likely served some religious or spiritual purpose, the reversed alcoves raise many intriguing questions about its true history.

If this site has sparked your curiosity, you can explore it firsthand during guided tours arranged exclusively by reservation. Keep in mind, the tour is quite lengthy—about 2 kilometers—and includes some rather tedious passages along with stairs. Comfortable clothing and footwear are highly recommended, as you may get dirtied along the way. For safety reasons, the site is not wheelchair accessible.

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92310 Sevres

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