This past May, Crayères of Montquartiers, the majestic underground quarries located in Issy-les-Moulineaux, a southwestern suburb of Paris about 6 km from the city center, opened its newly renovated doors, reports Quotidien de Tourisme.
With meandering galleries, the cool, humid walls of the former chalk mine were once home to mushroom growers, brewers, wine merchants, and even weapon storage for the Germans in World War II.
Since then owner Gerard Trouvé has transformed Les Crayères des Montquartiers into wine cellars, reception halls, gallery and restaurant. Today, visitors can relive the history of these caverns before sampling some tasty Basque specialties.
The cellars are a great idea for a Paris day trip. The Auberge Basque is available for private parties, and English-speaking tour guides are available. The restaurant La Table des Montquartiers is open to the public for lunch Monday through Friday.