Unveiling the Hidden World: Exploring the Paris Sewer Museum

By Author

Published on November 6, 2023

Paris, often referred to as the "City of Light," is renowned for its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. Yet, beneath the romantic streets and grand boulevards lies a secret world that's less celebrated but equally fascinating—the Paris Sewer Museum. This unique attraction offers an intriguing glimpse into the city's underbelly, where a network of tunnels, passageways, and sewers weaves a story of engineering marvels, history, and urban development.

A Journey Beneath the Streets

The Paris Sewer Museum, also known as Musée des Égouts de Paris, traces its roots back to the early 19th century. It all began with the vision of the French engineer Eugène Belgrand, who initiated the construction of a modern sewer system in Paris. His goal was to rid the city of rampant diseases caused by unsanitary living conditions and overcrowding. As a result, this ambitious project aimed to create a cleaner, healthier Paris.

Located in the heart of Paris, the Sewer Museum offers a unique perspective on the city's development. Situated beneath the Quai d'Orsay, along the Seine River, it provides visitors with a direct view of the city's sewer system, which stretches over 2,100 kilometers (approximately 1,305 miles).

Unveiling the Secrets

Upon entering the museum, visitors are transported to a fascinating world below the streets. The dimly lit tunnels, complemented by an audio guide, reveal the evolution of Paris's sewer system and the critical role it played in the city's transformation.

The museum's exhibits include an array of artifacts, including antique machinery, tools, and photographs that chronicle the growth of the sewer system. One of the most captivating displays is a collection of vintage photographs showing how the sewers were built, highlighting the incredible craftsmanship of the engineers and laborers who constructed them.

The museum features several interactive exhibits that provide a tactile understanding of how the sewers function. For instance, you can observe a portion of the actual sewer system with flowing water beneath a glass floor—a rare sight that evokes awe and fascination.

The Paris Sewer System

The sewers showcased at the museum are still functional today. This means they not only serve as a historical display but also continue to play an essential role in the city's waste management and sanitation. Visitors can appreciate the complexity of the sewer system, designed to handle both rainwater and wastewater.

With a blend of engineering precision and human effort, the sewers of Paris are meticulously maintained. Museum visitors can learn about the daily work carried out by sewer workers and the importance of preventing blockages and ensuring the proper flow of waste.

A Journey into Urban Development

By exploring the Sewer Museum, you embark on a journey through time and space, gaining insight into the evolution of a modern city. Paris's sewer system is not merely an intricate network of tunnels but a testament to human ingenuity and the progress achieved in the face of adversity.

The Paris Sewer Museum is a hidden gem beneath the city's picturesque streets, offering an educational, eye-opening, and thought-provoking experience. It unveils a lesser-known aspect of Paris's history and the extraordinary efforts to transform the city into the magnificent metropolis it is today. So, if you ever find yourself in the "City of Light," don't hesitate to take a fascinating journey beneath the streets, as the Paris Sewer Museum invites you to explore a world that is as significant as it is unseen.

Qatar Airways and IHG Form New Partnership for Corporate Travel Rewards

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 24, 2025

Qatar Airways has entered into a partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts to strengthen benefits for business travellers. Through this collaboration, members of Qatar Airways’ Beyond Business and IHG’s Business Edge programme will be able to access shared loyalty privileges, including the ability to earn and redeem points across IHG’s global hotel network.

Beyond Business already offers several perks to corporate travellers. These include earning and redeeming Qrewards, Privilege Club tier benefits, priority baggage, and the option to offset carbon emissions for past and future travel under Qatar Airways’ voluntary carbon offset programme. The programme also supports companies in managing their travel budgets by providing solutions tailored to their spending patterns.

With this partnership, members can now sign up for IHG Business Edge for free and start receiving benefits right from their first qualifying stay. After this stay, they are upgraded instantly to IHG One Rewards Gold Elite Status, get guaranteed discounts at more than 6,800 IHG hotels worldwide, and earn 40% more points on each eligible stay.

IHG Business Edge, launched in 2018, has grown into a dependable programme for small and medium-sized businesses across the world. It helps members simplify their bookings while offering exclusive rates and loyalty benefits. As part of the partnership, IHG Business Edge members who join Qatar Airways’ Beyond Business programme will also receive 50,000 bonus Qrewards on their first Qatar Airways flight. These points can be used for flights, upgrades and more benefits.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “Recognised as the World’s Best Business Class by Skytrax in 2025 for the 12th time, Qatar Airways continually seeks to enhance its corporate travel experience and rewards. We are proud to facilitate businesses and corporate entities through our partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts and their IHG Business Edge programme to deliver greater convenience and elevated experiences to both our members. Qatar Airways delivers a seamless passenger experience to business travellers at each touchpoint, from bookings to efficient transfers to offering Starlink, the world’s fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, for free onboard over 100 widebody aircraft. Through the partnership between our corporate travel programme, Beyond Business, and IHG Business Edge, organisations can now benefit from increased flexibility, exclusive savings, and value, maximising their travel benefits and rewards for greater returns.”

IHG Hotels & Resorts Senior Vice President Global Sales, Mr. Mark Sergot, added: “This collaboration brings together the strengths of Qatar Airways Beyond Business and IHG Business Edge to offer exclusive benefits, enhanced loyalty rewards, and seamless travel experiences. By leveraging our combined networks and expertise, we aim to provide exceptional value and convenience, supporting the evolving needs of our customers and making their journeys as seamless and rewarding as possible.”

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IHCL Signs a Gateway Hotel in Mahapura Jaipur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 24, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a new Gateway hotel in Mahapura, Jaipur. The upcoming property is a greenfield project and strengthens the brand’s presence in one of India’s most culturally rich cities.

Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Witnessing a surge in demand beyond its traditional leisure and MICE segments, Jaipur has evolved into a multifaceted destination. The city’s infrastructural growth and its emergence as a commercial centre has made it a hub for business travel and Gateway Mahapura, Jaipur will cater to this rising demand. We are delighted to partner with Shri Modi Group for this project.”

Strategically located along NH48 Jaipur Ajmer Road, the 161-key Gateway Mahapura, Jaipur will welcome guests to the city’s cultural vibrance. The hotel will offer an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant and a bar. Recreational facilities will include a swimming pool and a modern fitness centre. For gatherings and events, the hotel will feature a spacious banquet hall spread across over 9,000 sq. ft., making it suitable for weddings, conferences and social functions.

Mr. Antariksh Modi, Managing Director, Shri Modi Group, added, “We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL to bring the Gateway brand to Mahapura. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our vision to contribute to Jaipur’s growing hospitality demand.”

Jaipur, known for its rich heritage, continues to draw travellers with iconic attractions such as the Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. With the addition of this new property, IHCL will have 16 hotels in Jaipur, including 5 under development.

About the Owning Company:

Established in 1968, Shri Modi Group is a multi-generational Indian conglomerate with a strong legacy in mining and mineral processing, along with diversified interests in jewellery and real estate. Headquartered in Jaipur, the group is one of India’s key producers and exporters of natural minerals, including levigated china clay (kaolin), premium black marble, quartz, feldspar, limestone and silica sand. With mining operations across Rajasthan and exports to more than 15 countries, the group has built a global presence while staying rooted in its home state. Under the leadership of Mr. Anand Modi, Chairman, and Mr. Antariksh Modi, Managing Director, the group has introduced advanced technologies in marble mining and maintained high-quality standards. In 2010, it expanded into the jewellery segment with the launch of Jewlz by Neelam Modi.