The tiny French village near Paris that has a secret ‘underground city'
HIDDEN AWAY The tiny French village near Paris that has a secret 'underground city'
NAOURS might look like your classic French village, but underneath is a labyrinth of secret tunnels.
There are around 300 chambers beneath the surface that have since become a popular tourist attraction.
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There are almost two miles worth of tunnels under Naours
Credit: Alamy
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The tunnels were used as hideouts during wars
Credit: Alamy
Naours is a quiet village two hours outside of Paris - and in 2022, just 1,055 people called it home.
It does get some visitors though who go to see the La Cité Souterraine De Naours - the underground tunnels.
They date back to the 3rd century and were used up until the 17th century as a place for locals to hide from intruders during invasions.
In the end, the tunnels became a complex system of caves and rooms, including chapels, piazzas, and even a bakery with ovens.
The underground city was rediscovered in 1887.
The tunnels are 106 feet below ground and the pathways linking these run for between one and two miles in a westerly direction and under the streets of Naours.
The Naours tunnels were used during World War II, particularly by the French and Australian soldiers as a hideout.
If you visit today, you'll be able to see graffiti throughout the caves.
One visitor said: "One of the most amazing natural cave systems in the world, the connection to 1st and 2nd World War history is very interesting, knowledgeable guides and easy access, well worth a stop."
A guided tour of the underground city of Naours costs €13 (£11.04) per adult.
Charming French Villages You Must Visit
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Amiens has been called the "Venice of France"
Credit: Alamy
Naours is easy to get to from the UK as it's a 1hr 40 drive from Calais or two hours from Paris.
Lots of reviews on Tripadvisor recommend seeing the tunnels, especially if you're visiting the nearby city of Amiens.
Amiens is 25-minutes away from Naours, and 75 miles north of Paris.
Amiens is divided by the Somme river and is known for its Gothic Cathedral and medieval bell tower.
Shops and cafes line the Quartier St. Leu's narrow streets and there are floating market gardens in the canals - which are called 'hortillonnages'.
In fact because of this, Amiens is known as the "Venice of France" by those in the know.
You can take a stroll along the waterfront at any time of year and it will be fairly uncrowded - despite the excellent French restaurants that line the route.
Check out the unspoilt 'French Cotswolds' holiday region with world-famous cider and cheese that can be reached without flying.
And another little-known French town that's been likened to Cornwall with riverfront cottages and new UK flights.
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