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 consequences, with landslides and fatal accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A notable example is the collapse of Denfert-Rochereau in 1774, which resulted in the formation of a gaping chasm in the heart of the city. Another serious incident occurred in Clamart in 1776, where a collapse caused considerable damage to surrounding properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faced with these dangers, the General Inspection of Quarries was created in 1777 under the reign of Louis XVI and headed by Charles-Axel Guillaumot. Its main purpose was to monitor and control voids in the Paris region. This creation was a direct response to the landslides that threatened public safety. The Inspectorate undertook mapping, consolidation and documentation work on existing quarries. Surveillance was strengthened for new extraction activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n