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Comment by Scoundreller | Hacker News Reader

I’m impressed that they still stick to the carbide lamps instead of switching to LEDs

> An acetylene gas powered lamp produces a bright, broad light. Many cavers prefer this type of unfocused light as it improves peripheral vision in the complete dark. The reaction of carbide with water is exothermic and produces a fair amount of heat independent of the flame. In cold caves, carbide lamp users can use this heat to help stave off hypothermia.

> In cave surveys, carbide lamps are favoured for the lead or "point" surveyor, who must identify suitable points in the cave to designate as survey stations. The sooty carbide flame may be used to mark cave walls with a station label.

> The acetylene producing reaction is exothermic, which means that the lamp's reactor vessel will become quite warm to the touch; this can be used to warm the hands. The heat from the flame can also be used to warm the body by allowing the exhaust gases to flow under a shirt or poncho pulled out from the body, a technique discovered almost immediately by cold miners, and nicknamed by cavers the "Palmer furnace".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbide_lamp

A seasoned cataphile invited me for the yearly gathering of the carbide-lamp holders in the catacombs one night last year. It's really like a different dimension of Paris and truly awesome and unique. It was a party of about 100 people or more, with stolen electricity powering a frenchcore rave dancefloor and everything.

While I highly recommend both the public and the illegal part if you have the chance, definitely don't go without an experienced guide as it can be dangerous for real. There are also strict social codes that should be followed when crossing paths with others down there.

>There are also strict social codes that should be followed when crossing paths with others down there.

I'm intrigued... what are they?

The parent may have more direct insight, but the article does discuss the rules: "The rules were few, and clear. Respect the past of the catacombs. Take out what you take in. Resources are to be shared, even with strangers. No selling and no buying: barter exchange or gifting are the only acceptable modes of transaction. Help is to be given wherever necessary. Create with care—and do not destroy."

At least the person who introduced me told me one should be personally introduced - so I will respect it and leave it at that (it's nothing weird or complicated though and I wouldn't be surprised if rulesets have mutated and forked over time and subgroups). If you are ever in Paris and interested, feel free to reach out :)

I didn't actually read the article, but from what I heard the catacombs used to be a lot less safe. I've been told that in the 90s it would be a very bad idea to venture down as one or a small group of women without significant risk for personal safety. Some of the rules definitely come from just being able to preserve the space and experience, but I would guess that some of the social codes also come from enforcing a safer space.

Strict social codes ? Dangerous ?

Your friend might have been been pulling your leg (or taking himself too seriously..)

There are no social codes. That's the appeal of the catacombs. The space imposes no rules or structure. It is a bubble of freedom. Anything you follow is self imposed.

Maybe I should have formulated myself better. Like you say, it's self-imposed/self-enforced.

The danger is definitely real. If you don't know where you're going you might get lost and people get lost for good from time to time. In the more visited parts someone might find you, but if you take a wrong turn and fall in bad luck it's no good.

I don't want a random tourist go unprepared after reading this and have an accident or require medical assistance when it could have been avoided. Just like if you go hiking a mountain or spelunking.

Haha I'm not surprised that you've ventured down there.

Did you go the same way as in the article or via another entrance?

o hai :D Different one.

You'll have to show me if I visit you in Paris ;) I asked Nena if she'd ventured down there while she lived in Paris but she had only been top the ones open to the general public.

For sure! August is a great time to visit FWIW, Parisians flee the city for vacation (and the tourist load is always high here any time of the year anyway), so more quiet and calm.

The catacombs are constant temperature, so a great way to escape the heatwave ;)

Any idea about the crime rate downstairs versus upstairs?

(of course normalized by #people)

The pickpocket rates are lower, but the lost-wallet recovery rate is even lower ;)

...and those are some of the rules right there.

The vast, vast majority of people go with LEDs. Light is important in the catacombs, so it's no surprise that certain lamps are more legendary than others. The carbide lamps are capricious, require maintenance, ruin your night vision, burn your pants and will explode at some point. But they also put out a lovely light, especially for when you're sitting in a room.

A large number of people go down with the lights of their phones these days.

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