Le Beffroi

Square Mariette pays homage to the famous Boulogne Egyptologist, frozen in bronze and who, from the top of this pyramid, contemplates the city where he was born in 1821. Auguste Mariette (1821-1881) is one of these great scholars who brought honor to their hometown in the 19th century. Discoverer of major archaeological sites in Egypt and fervent opponent of the dilapidation of Egyptian heritage, Auguste Mariette is the founder of the Cairo Museum, in front of which he is buried. Scholar and man of letters, he is also the author of the libretto of the famous opera Aïda, composed by Verdi. A replica of the funerary and solar boat of the pharaoh Cheops completes since 2004 this commemorative and explicit plant environment.

Under the Notre-Dame Basilica lies the largest crypt in France. A real labyrinth of 1,400 m2 in which breathtaking works are revealed to you. More than 400 pieces are presented throughout the course: goldsmithery including the reliquary of the Holy Blood offered to Notre Dame by Philippe le Bel on the occasion of the marriage of his daughter, bas-reliefs, lapidaries from all periods, paintings without forgetting the 4,000 m2 of murals. Guided or not, more than 2,000 years of history are available to you. A great way to discover the city differently.