The ochre quarries of the Luberon
Through a series of images and panoramas, retrace the history of a hidden heritage rich in color! Discovering the Underground Quarries of the Massif des Ocres In this article, we…
This collection gathers photographs of diverse subterranean sites, ranging from the ochre quarries of the Luberon and Parisian stone quarries to Picardy creutes, Wales’ Milwr Tunnel, military bunkers, crypts, and troglodyte cellars. Readers learn about historical infrastructure like service access wells, groundwater management systems, basement consolidation techniques, and stone transport using wooden carts. The visual archives also detail religious underground spaces, including ossuaries and chapels used for daily prayers or celebrations like Christmas and Easter.
Underground Chapels
Introduction These chapels were used for daily prayers, but also on a more exceptional basis to celebrate major religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter, or to say mass and…
The creutes
Overview of the creutes In the Picardy region, particularly around the Chemin des Dames near Soissons, the term "Creute" or "Bove" refers to the numerous cavities carved out over centuries…
Milwr Tunnel
The Incredible Epic of the Milwr Tunnel Wales hides beneath its hills an exceptional industrial heritage. Among these underground treasures, the Milwr Tunnel stands out for its scale and ingenuity.…
Strategic bunkers: History and functions of military underground shelters
Introduction to strategic bunkers Strategic bunkers are fortified underground structures designed to protect essential personnel, equipment, and operations in the event of conflict or disaster. These often secret facilities play…
The underground quarries of Paris
The history of underground quarries in Paris goes back centuries. These quarries were exploited to provide the building materials needed for the city's growth. However, these exploitations often had disastrous…
Groundwater management
Groundwater is more than just a resource for mining and quarrying; it is also a crucial element in the architectural beauty of existing structures. In the underground world of mining…
Wells and access
Service wells with steps or ladders The plates to access them are heavy and dangerous to handle, it is easy to lose your fingers. They allow the ventilation of the…
Crypts and ossuaries
Introduction Crypts and ossuaries, silent witnesses of human history and spirituality, offer a fascinating journey through time and culture. These underground places, full of mystery and symbolism, tell the story…
Cellars and troglodyte sites
French Wine Cellars and Underground Breweries Wine cellars in France represent an iconic element of the country's viticultural heritage. They have been used for centuries to store and age wine…