When it comes to the most original ideas for a day out, we’ve found the winner: the village of Naours. A charming village that hides a secret: an underground city, dug by hand since the 3rd century. An impressive gallery that served, among other things, as a hiding place during the Thirty Years’ War. Discover one of the most unusual places in the Somme.
An underground city located 2 hours from Paris
This small village in Picardy with barely 1,000 inhabitants seems very peaceful at first glance. And yet , this village hides an underground city that is over 1,800 years old. While it is not unique in the region, this underground hideaway is one of the most impressive: 28 galleries and 300 rooms lie hidden beneath our feet, more than 30 meters below the surface.
The pretty village of Naours
Originally, these hideaways (known locally as “muches”) served as shelters for the region’s inhabitants during conflicts and invasions. They could house up to 3,000 people, as well as around a hundred animals in a stable carved out of the rock by hand. There are various communal areas, six fireplaces, and, most impressively, a chapel carved out of the chalk. Occupied from the Middle Ages until the 17th century, the city fell into disuse for centuries before being rediscovered by Abbé Danicourt in 1887.
Underground city Paris
During the two world wars, these immense galleries were transformed into a war hospital and a warehouse for weapons and ammunition. They were meticulously restored by the men of the village, who took care to clear everything by hand… A titanic task!
A sublime underground city near Paris
Covering 12 hectares, this exceptional site offers a 900-meter tour, where you can admire the city carved into the chalk and its hidden treasures. Please note that the underground city has a constant temperature of around 9°C all year round. So be sure to bring warm clothes for your visit, as well as a small flashlight if necessary (some areas are dimly lit).
📍 Location: About 2 hours from Paris
💶 Price: From €11 (free for children under 5)