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Are the Paris Catacombs Worth It? Your Ultimate Guide

Visiting Paris and trying to decide if the Paris Catacombs are worth it? Read on for my opinions and recommendations.

Visiting the Paris Catacombs is a fascinatingly morbid attraction in Paris, where you go deep underground to explore passageways of meticulously arranged bones and skulls. Somewhere between 6-7 million people are interred in the catacombs, their remains creating artful designs to mesmerize as you explore.

I’ve been to the Catacombs twice (as part of my 7 different visits to Paris) – one time just walking by myself on the self-guided tour, and one time going with a guided tour. I enjoyed both of these experiences immensely, and each offers a pretty unique experience.

In this guide, I’m sharing why the Catacombs are worth a visit in Paris, plus everything you need to know about visiting the Paris catacombs. This includes what it’s like doing a self-guided tour and a guided tour, and some of my tips and recommendations for visiting.

Quick Links : ✔️ The guided tour I did (and loved) ✔️ Self-guided tickets

Are the Catacombs Worth It? Let’s Discuss!

Brief history of the catacombs.

The backstory of the Paris Catacombs goes back many, many centuries, starting in the Middle Ages. Stone quarrying began in the 1100’s, when Paris was much smaller and centered around the islands in the Seine.

The areas outside of Paris were used as stone quarries, extracting mainly limestone, which was used in the construction of buildings in Paris. Quarries and tunnels were created all throughout the countryside for these limestone quarries.

As the borders of Paris expanded, the city grew over the top of the tunnels. 

The excavation ended in the 1700’s, and many of the remaining tunnels were reinforced to prevent cave-ins. In the mid-1700’s, Paris was also encountering a major crisis with its cemeteries – they were filling up and in many cases, were actually overflowing, creating bad smells and health issues.

In 1780, the Saint-Innocents cemetery, the biggest cemetery in Paris by far, was closed, and starting in 1786, the 2 million deceased in Saint Innocents were dug up and the bones and remains dumped into the now unused quarry tunnels.

Soon other cemeteries followed suit, and above-ground cemeteries were effectively banned in Paris. While most of the bones were transferred in the first two years, the movement of bones continued regularly through 1814, and the final bones were deposited in 1859.

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Can You Legally Visit the Catacombs?

Today, the catacombs are a vast, intricate network of tunnels stretching throughout Paris. While most of the catacombs are boarded up, closed, and not legal to visit, visitors can tour through the one relatively tiny section of the catacombs located on the left bank.

How to Buy Tickets

There are two options for how to visit the Catacombs: You can either go on a guided tour or do a self-guided visit.

Self-guided tickets to the Catacombs MUST be secured in advance – no tickets are sold on-site. Tickets go on sale only 7 days in advance, to prevent reselling, and they can sell out quickly, so buy yours as soon as the window opens.

Alternatively, you can secure your spot in the Catacombs much farther in advance by reserving a spot on a guided tour.

Guided Tour vs Self-Guided Visit

As I mentioned in the intro, I’ve done both the self-guided tour AND the guided tour and there are some significant differences between the two types of visits. In the following sections, I’ll break down the pros and cons, and what each type of visit is like.

Because the guided tour includes all of the aspects of the self-guided tour (plus several extra bonuses), we’ll first start by describing what it’s like to visit the catacombs by yourself.

What a Self-Guided Tour of the Paris Catacombs is Like

Self-guided entrance tickets are timed-entry tickets, but only 200 people are allowed in the catacombs at once, so there can still be a line and wait to enter.

Before you descend into the underground, there is the option to rent an audio guide – this costs €5 and is very helpful.

You will then descend a 131-step tight spiral staircase to reach the underground tunnels. You’ll first walk through a pathway of plain tunnels – no bones – before arriving at the start of the Catacombs themselves.

Then the adventure really begins!

Clearly marked pathways and dimly lit passageways take you through the catacombs, and you’ll walk by bones stacked about 3-4 feet high along the entire route.

The bones are all stacked neatly and artfully, with large femur or tibia bones displayed prominently along the way. You can see that smaller bones were more haphazardly thrown in the back of the stacks. Skulls are often used as “decoration”, sometimes creating shapes like hearts in the lineup of bones.

I think it’s interesting how the tunnels are not a well laid out grid, but rather a winding maze with plenty of different twists, turns, and alcoves as you make your way past the bones.

At the beginning of the catacombs there are informational placards about how they were constructed and some of the history.

If you choose the audioguide, you’ll learn more about the history of catacombs as you walk through the tunnels.

Towards the end, you can learn about some notable people interred in the catacombs. These include:

• Moliere – Famed French playwright and poet
• Lavoisier – French chemist who discovered that water is made up of two elements and contributed to the organization of the periodic table
• Jean de la Fontaine – Famous French poet
• Robespierre – A leader in the French Revolution, particularly during the Reign of Terror when most of the beheadings took place
• Nicholas Fouquet – A French nobleman who built the beautiful Vaux le Vicomte chateau not far from Paris

Right before you leave the catacombs and head back up the spiral staircase to the surface, look up to see the original shaft where bones were first thrown down into these tunnels.

Then climb the 112 steps of the small circular staircase to leave the catacombs and return to ground level.

What a Guided Tour of the Paris Catacombs is Like

The guided tour has many similar aspects to just going through the catacombs on your own, but there are some notable differences. I’m going to describe what it was like on the guided tour of the catacombs that we did!

We started by meeting up with our group at a cafe across the street from the entrance, and it was easy to find the spot and the group. Then we crossed the street to the catacombs, skipped the line queuing to get in and went straight to the spiral staircase down to the underground tunnels.

We listened to some stories and history about the entrance, and I enjoyed all the interesting tidbits about the history of the catacombs and the history of Paris. It really set the stage for the exploration of the catacombs.

One little perk was the guide had an iPad with different pictures and maps that helped to illustrate different stories or history we were discussing.

Then we walked through the empty tunnels and went down into a “secret,” exclusive part of the catacombs that only the tours get to enter, known as the Port-Mahon Corridor.

Port-Mahon Corridor

The first exclusive spot is the Port-Mahon Corridor, named for the set of sculptures created by Francois Decure between 1777-1782. Décure was a miner who worked secretly on these sculptures on his lunch breaks.

Before becoming a miner, Décure was a soldier in the Seven Years War and was captured and held prisoner at the Port-Mahon fortress in Menorca, Spain. Décure’s three sculptures are intricate recreations of different landscapes in Menorca and are very impressive for someone who was just a hobbyist.

The Holy Crypt and Altar

Another fascinating, exclusive part of the Catacombs we visited on the tour was the Holy Crypt of the Sepulchral Lamp, which has a cross, altar, and sepulchral lamp.

Because this was a burial ground, the catacombs were considered holy, consecrated ground, and masses were occasionally held down here (although the last mass was in 1950).

Near the Holy Crypt is the location of the first remains ever placed in the Catacombs from the Saint-Innocents cemetery. This noteworthy spot is marked by a plaque.

You’ll notice plaques regularly in the catacombs marking what cemetery those particular bones came from.

1800’s Decorative Entrance

When the remains were moved from Paris’s cemeteries to the underground tunnels in the 1770’s, they were generally just unceremoniously piled up around the tunnels.

However, in the early 1800’s, Napoleon, inspired by the catacombs in Rome, appointed Inspector Héricart de Thury to clean up, organize, and beautify the catacombs for the express purpose of receiving visitors.

With him, the bones were artfully and carefully arranged, and different decorative plaques and markers were installed. Additionally, a beautiful arched entrance to the catacombs was built.

However, this entrance is no longer used, but you do walk through it on the guided tour.

👉If a guided tour sounds like a great option for you, you can check availability and make your reservation here .

Guided Tour vs Self-Guided Tour: Which Option is Better?

Having visited the Catacombs both ways, I can say that both are excellent options.

The self-guided tour allows you to go through faster (your visit will be less than an hour), which is helpful if you are very pressed for time in Paris.

You’ll still get to see the main catacombs area, there are some informational placards at the start and end of the tunnels, and you’ll get some history if you choose to get an audioguide.

The guided tour, however, gives you a much more comprehensive experience, as you get to explore the exclusive sections of the catacombs. You’ll also get a much more in-depth history lesson and hear plenty of fun stories and anecdotes.

I thought it was fascinating to learn all the backstory and see the extra parts of the catacomb, so I do think the guided tour is absolutely worth it if you have the time (closer to two hours).

And it’s not just me – this experience has over 550 5-star reviews from other travelers. (You can check out the reviews here .)

Practical Information

✔️ Touch Nothing and Take Nothing With You

It is forbidden to touch or take any of the bones or objects in the catacombs. As you exit the tunnels, there is a worker who will check your bags to make sure nothing from below has come with you to the surface. Removing bones can incur a €15,000 fine or even imprisonment.

✔️ How to Get There

The entrance to the Paris Catacombs is at 1, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. This is decently far south of the Seine, and is not particularly close to any other main attraction in Paris.

The catacombs entrance is right next to the metro station Denfert-Rochereau, which is served by Lines 4 and 6, as well as RER B.

You can also access the catacombs via multiple nearby bus stops.

To figure out exactly how to get to the catacombs by public transit, I’d recommend just using Google Maps and looking at the public transit tab, which will show you step-by-step instructions on how to arrive from your chosen place of departure.

Because the catacombs are so far south, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to arrive. It takes about 25 minutes to get there from the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower , and the Louvre , 40 minutes from Sacré Coeur , and 15 minutes from the Jardin de Luxembourg .

And if you’re doing a guided tour, definitely plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early, as the tour leaves the meeting point exactly on time.

✔️ Opening Hours

The Catacombs are open from Tuesday-Sunday: 9.45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The entire site is closed Monday. It is open all year long, except January 1, May 1, and December 25.

✔️ How Long Does It Take to See the Catacombs?

Guided tours last 2 hours, since you’re hearing more stories and visiting more exclusive sections. A self-guided tour generally takes 45min-1 hour. The self-guided walking route is 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile), and the guided tour route is a little longer – around 2 km (1.5 miles).

✔️ Entrance and Exit Are in Different Spots

The route through the catacombs is one way, and you’ll exit at a different location than you entered. The exit is at 21 bis, Avenue René-Coty, which is only a 7 minute walk from the entrance at 1, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy.

✔️ Temperature in the Catacombs

The catacombs always stay a humid 14°C/57°F all year round – which isn’t cold, but is definitely a little chilly. Consider bringing a sweater.

✔️ Are the Catacombs Scary?

The catacombs are well-lit and with clear paths to follow. Overall, I don’t consider the catacombs scary – it’s not a haunted house – although it is maybe a touch creepy, in a fascinating way.

I do think being with a tour guide and a group with helps make it feel less creepy. If you’re doing the self-tour, you may occasionally be by yourself in the tunnels.

✔️ Will I Feel Claustrophobic?

The catacombs are 65 feet/20 meters underground. The spiral staircase going down is fairly small, and the tunnels have relatively low ceilings. I’m a tall woman (6’0″ or 182 cm), and the ceilings were close; sometimes I needed to duck my head a little bit. Overall, the passageways were fine to walk through without issue.

I think most people with some claustrophobia will be fine here because it’s not a tight cave, and there’s plenty of room around you. However, when we went on the guided tour, one of the people on the tour got claustrophobic just descending the spiral staircase and had to leave immediately – so it does affect some people.

✔️ Accessibility

The catacombs are not wheelchair accessible – the only way down and up is by spiral staircase. Once you’re in the catacombs, you’ll mostly be walking on flat ground.

Want to Visit Other Notable Tombs and Graves in Paris?

The Père Lachaise Cemetery is a beautiful cemetery with above-ground tombs and ornate headstones, and is a lovely area to walk through.

The Pantheon, located in the Latin Quarter, is a gorgeous hidden gem in Paris , with an underground crypt where notable French philosophers, writers, artists, scientists, and some military leaders are buried.

Is It Worth Visiting the Paris Catacombs?

Oh absolutely. I love the catacombs – they’re such a fascinating and unique place to visit in Paris, and if you have more than a couple days in Paris, I think it’s definitely worth the time to come explore this underground labyrinth of bones.

Grab Your Tickets: ✔️ The guided tour I did (and loved) ✔️ Self-guided tickets

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Stephanie is obsessed with everything having to do with France, and she's visited the country 10 times (including a 3 month stint when she lived in Paris). She draws on her extensive knowledge of the country to bring you detailed and helpful guides, from the perspective of a fellow traveler.

Skip-the-Line Paris Catacombs Tour with Special Access

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Why take this tour?

• Submerge yourself beneath the surface of the city streets
• Explore the intricate network of tunnels which comprise the Paris Catacombs
• Learn more about the events which led to the creation of one of Europe's largest communal burial grounds
• Step inside parts of the Catacombs rarely seen by the public
• Immerse yourself in the 'Empire of the Dead' and hear the story behind the structure
• Choose 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM or 5:30 PM time for a smaller group size (6 guests)
• Sites Visited
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• Local English-speaking guide
• Expertly guided walking tour
• Skip-the-line ticket for Paris Catacombs

Take a (special access!) walk through Paris's eerie City of the Dead

Total customer reviews: 585, latest reviews.

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The 5 Best Paris Catacombs Tours [2024 Reviews]

Over many centuries, there wasn’t room for more of those who passed away to fit into the already crowded Paris cemeteries. There wasn’t room for more cemeteries and they needed room for housing and services for the growing population.

Starting in 1783, Paris began moving those who had been buried in the city’s cemeteries to the tunnels underground. It is estimated that there are between 6 and 7 million remains in the 200+ miles of tunnels beneath Paris.

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Louvre Guided Tours and Eiffel Tower Tours .

Best Paris Guided Catacomb Tours

Plan the Ultimate Paris Vacation : See our 5 Day Itinerary of the Best Things to do in Paris!

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Paris Catacombs Tours For 2024

• Best Skip-the-Line Tour: 2-Hour Paris Catacombs Small Group Skip the line Tour
• Best Family Tour: Catacombs of Paris Private Tour for Families
• Best Sightseeing Tour: Catacombs of Paris – 2-Hour Tour with Priority Entrance
• Best Semi-Private Tour: Paris Catacombs Special Access Entry Ticket
• Best Small Group Tour: Catacombs of Paris – Restricted Access Tour

We’ve chosen these top rated Paris Catacomb tours because they offer a wide range of experiences and will fit into everyone’s budget.

Paris Catacombs Tour Reviews

1. best skip-the-line tour: skip the line 2-hour paris catacombs small group tour.

• Departure Point : 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
• Departure Time : 12:30 PM
• Duration : 2 hours (approx.)
• Includes : Skip-the-line entrance ticket, expert guide, a small group of up to 19 guests

Want to see the doorway over which is inscribed “Beware the Realm of Death”? Your expert guide will take you on a 2-hour tour of the catacombs beneath Paris. These catacombs are now home to over 6 million once-living humans.

Something that makes these catacombs completely unique is that the skulls and bones, and sometimes full skeletons, are neatly stacked along the walls of these tunnels.

The tunnels were used to quarry limestone that was used to build many of Paris’ most iconic buildings and even bridges. You and just 18 other people will follow your guide through a maze of tunnels, pointing out specific locations within them that are notable.

Perhaps a secret society met there? Maybe they still do? Plus, the remains of those who were once well-known, whether famous or notorious. Underneath the beauty and romance of the City of Lights, these tunnels remind visitors of long-ago times when death was rampant in Europe.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best family tour: catacombs of paris private tour for kids & families.

• Departure Point : 15 Pl. du Pont Neuf, 75001 Paris
• Departure Time : Variety available
• Includes : Skip-the-line entry to the catacombs, kid friendly local guide

When bringing the family to Paris, you expect them to learn some of the history of the city not to mention their unique culture. After all, Paris is Paris and nowhere else is! However, there is one way you can make the history lessons a bit more fun.

The catacombs in Paris were originally limestone mines. After that, they were used to house the bones of over 6 million people that had been laid to rest in traditional cemeteries. But why?Paris, as with the rest of Europe, was battling against epidemics of many illnesses.

After the catacombs were created, it became much easier for the city to keep streets and houses clean, leading to a huge reduction in sickness and disease. But did they create a macabre reminder of those days with these skull and bone lined tunnels?

Your expert guide will be dedicated to you and your family only. Ask questions and explore. Learn the fascinating history as a family. And ask your expert tour guide to snap some great pictures, too!

Search For Paris Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. best sightseeing tour: skip-the-line paris catacombs special access tour.

• Departure Point : 2 Av. du Général Leclerc, 75014
• Departure Time : 12:30 PM & 5 PM
• Includes : Skip-the-line entry to the catacombs, expert local guide

For centuries, thousands have died in Paris. Many of Paris’ citizens have met their fate during the epidemic of the black plague, the French Revolution, the era of the guillotine, and more.

When cemeteries are full and there’s no room for more cemeteries, what is Paris to do? Their answer was to remove the skulls and bones of many in cemeteries, taking them to the deep, dark limestone quarry tunnels beneath the city.

Who are these people that now call the Paris catacombs their resting place?

Listen to your expert guide tell you of ghost stories, the legends of those lost in the tunnels, and even of secret societies that keep coming back here.

Why? No one knows. But you might get a glimpse into Paris’ underbelly as you view walls and walks of full skeletons as well as skulls and bones used to decorate the tunnels.

Will you feel the chill of a spirit never at rest? Taken from their resting place and used to decorate walls, arches, and even an underground, macabre chapel?

You just might with this skip-the-line access to the catacombs of Paris. Be sure to bring a friend!

Related: Don’t Miss the Eiffel Tower! – Skip the Lines – Find the Best Tour for Your Money With Our Reviews.

4. best semi-private tour: paris catacombs semi-private tour with vip access.

• Departure Point : Café du Rendez-vous
• Departure Time : 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM & 12:30 PM
• Duration : 1.5 hours (approx.)
• Includes : Expert local guide, skip-the-line access, private tour with a maximum of 6 guests

Paris’ underbelly is home to a unique series of tunnels. These tunnels span hundreds of miles. Follow your local guide, an expert in the catacombs of Paris, as you learn about their history before they were made into catacombs.

You’ll also learn about why and how the catacombs were created. The stories and legends of these underground resting places for over 6 million people will give you the chills as you head from tunnel to tunnel.

This private tour will also give you access to areas of the catacomb tunnels that most people can’t see. Gather around the gate as a guard opens it and ushers you inside.

An underground chapel, decorated with skulls and bones, awaits you. And this is only one of the restricted access areas you will be able to see.

There’s no place quite like the Paris catacombs anywhere in the world. This tour allows you to experience it like most people don’t.

Related: See the World Famous Louvre Museum – Skip the Lines – Find the Best Tour for Your Money With Our Reviews.

5. best small group tour: catacombs of paris semi-private vip restricted access tour.

• Departure Point : 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014
• Includes : Admission ticket with fast track entry, expert guide, access to several restricted areas within the catacombs, a small group of up to 7 people

Viewing the catacombs beneath Paris is an experience in and of itself. The winding tunnels lined with remains both ancient and more recent give a macabre feeling, especially when compared to the beautiful city built above them.

With your expert guide, you will also learn the history behind the catacombs and how they were created. There are stories and legends of those who have been laid to rest here, and also of secret societies that still visit the Paris catacombs today.

This restricted access tour will also allow you to see several areas of the catacombs that most who visit them aren’t allowed access to. Your guide will take you to these places and explain why they are so important and have been closed off to general visitors.

Listen to your guide tell you of the gloomy underground of Paris, some more than 65 feet, below the modern streets of Paris. Watch as your guide unlocks gates to areas of the mine tunnels and catacombs with even more macabre legends.

Planning Guide For Your Paris Catacombs Visit

In TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2018, Paris was ranked as the #2 Top Destination in the World. While visiting the City of Lights may not be just as you expect after watching An American in Paris, a vacation in Paris is like nothing else.

With so many tourist spots to explore, you may find it difficult to plan everything you’d like to see and experience into just one vacation. I guess that just means you’ll have to come back to see this beautiful city again.

Our travel guide below can help you plan a vacation to Paris whether you are staying for 2 days or 10 and whether it’s your first visit or fifth.

Airports & Entry

When headed to France, you won’t need to apply for a visa so long as your expected stay is less than 90 days. You also need to have at least three months before your passport expires past the date you expect to leave the country.

An emergency passport will not be accepted unless you also have an approved visa, no matter the length of your stay. There should be at least one page available for a stamp when you arrive.

There are three major airports in the area of Paris, France. The one you fly into will most likely be determined by the airline you are using. That airline will fly into the airport it is contracted with. With that in mind, when flying to France you will most likely land at one of the following airports:

• Paris Beauvais Airport
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
• Paris Orly Airport

Planning Tips

Paris is unlike most other vacation destinations. The French, especially Parisians, live life a little differently. This means that while you’re there, you may have to get used to eating at different times and you may need to plan your attire.

On your first day, taking a guided tour of the city will help you zero in on areas you would like to spend more time in will help a lot.

These are our top 5 tips for visiting Paris. Have you been there and have tips of your own? Let us know!

Tip #1: Wear Comfortable Shoes

You will be going down many stairs to get into the catacombs, and the catacombs extend for miles. Even though you won’t be seeing all 200+ miles of them, it is still a pretty long walk. You will also have to ascend stairs to get out.

Most guided tours take 2 hours or so. This means you will be walking for a while. Be sure to pack some comfortable walking shoes for your visit to the Paris catacombs.

Tip #2: Bring a Jacket, and Maybe Gloves Too

It is usually very damp inside the catacomb tunnels. On top of that, the temperature is 15 degrees Celsius year-round. This equates to less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. For most, this is a bit chilly at the very least. Most visitors are comfortable with a light jacket. However, having a thin pair of gloves won’t hurt either.

Tip #3: Invest in a Guided Tour

Because the number of guests in the tunnels at any one time is just 200, the lines to obtain a general admission ticket are usually very long. By purchasing a priority ticket through a guided tour, you can skip the lines at the entrance and go right in.

Another added bonus is that you will have a tour guide that can tell you much more about the Paris catacombs. Some tours even allow you to see areas of the tunnels that most don’t.

Tip #4: If Not, Arrive Early

If you haven’t planned ahead and purchased a tour with priority access to the catacombs, you will have to wait in line. This line can get quite long so be prepared for it. However, if you arrive 30 to 60 minutes before they open, you most likely won’t have to wait quite as long. Sometimes the wait can be hours, so be sure to get there early.

Tip #5: Are you claustrophobic?

There aren’t many restrictions when it comes to visiting the catacombs, except for a few banned items. Even kids can go inside for a look at the more sinister side of Paris. However, if you are claustrophobic and already know this, the catacombs may not be the ideal attraction for you. The good part is that there are always the famous cabarets of Paris, the Seine River cruises, or even guided tours of Versailles.

Tip #6: Stay in a Central Location

Everywhere you’re going to want to go as a tourist in Paris will be centrally located or have provided travel that leaves this area. Most of the hotels, many museums, and a lot of restaurants are all centrally located.

You’ll also find that the pickup and drop-off locations for many tours are located here. It makes things much easier if you find accommodations close to central Paris.

Tip #7: Always Have Euros on Hand

There are many stores and even restaurants that don’t accept debit or credit cards. Some taxis won’t accept plastic either. If an establishment does accept a card, they often won’t allow you to leave a tip on your receipt.

This means it’s important to always have a few euros on hand. Many ATMs in the city will allow you to use a foreign card to withdrawal euros.

Restaurants & Eating Out

The Ciel de Paris is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. It is located in the Montparnasse Tower with beautiful views of the city. You’ll also find a well-stocked champagne bar available to you. The Polidor is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris.

It dates back to 1895 and the interior decor hasn’t changed much since. This is one of those restaurants that only take cash, so have a few euros on you.

In Paris, it’s hard to find a truly casual restaurant. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure that you’re dressed for the occasion. If you’re not sure what you could or should wear to a particular establishment, some will list their dress code online or you can always give them a call.

You should consider taking some French cooking classes while you are in Paris . Learn from the best and make the dishes you love at home!

Nightlife & Entertainment

Harry’s New York Bar was actually once located in New York City. The entire bar, just as it was, was moved over to Paris in the early 1900s. This bar is credited with inventing some of the most popular cocktails we know today, including the Bloody Mary and the Sidecar.

Wine and champagne are something most Parisians are very proud of. If you’re looking for an upscale wine bar, you’ll want to try out Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels. You’ll be able to try nearly every wine and champagne local to Paris. However, there are wine bars located in nearly every corner of the city.

From backroom speakeasies to modern nightclubs, Paris has a little bit of everything for everybody when it comes to nighttime entertainment.

Getting Around

There’s no shortage of ways to get around in Paris. The most popular, effective, and affordable way is the Metro. You may find it a bit intimidating at first due to the sheer number of lines and routes, but after a few trips to an attraction or restaurant, you’ll be riding the Metro like a pro.

You can purchase single ride tickets or a batch of 10. If you’re going to be in Paris longer there are also ride passes.

While traditional taxis can be quite expensive in the city, Uber offers some fairly inexpensive ways to get around town if traveling by car is best.

Walking between destinations is very doable in Paris but if you’d like to ride a bike instead, there’s plenty of kiosks that rent them. In fact, this can be a great way to tour the city and do some sightseeing on your own.

Accommodations

You’ll find everything from small and inexpensive hostels too large, luxury resorts in Paris. There are even small boutique hotels with spas and other amenities. Where you decide to stay while visiting Paris will largely depend on the type of experience you’re looking for.

If you wish to spoil yourselves, the Le Roch Hotel & Spa is perfectly located between restaurants, the Louvre Museum, and many tourist pick up spots. If you’re looking to meet other tourists, learn more about the city from those who’ve been here several times, and have a quieter stay, one of the many hostels around town are ideal. We recommend The Generator Hostel Paris.

On average, July is the warmest month in Paris. While the weather is much better during the summer months, there are usually more crowds. If you don’t want to have to fight the crowds and don’t mind cooler weather, traveling in late winter or early spring might just give you the blend of comfortable weather and fewer crowds. January is the coldest month, on average, with temperatures in the low 40s Fahrenheit.

Attractions

Paris is full of attractions. The Louvre Museum is a popular stop for tourists. The Mona Lisa exhibit here can be quite busy, however. Use your limited time at this world-famous museum by taking in the many other exhibits, many of which are quite interesting and just as important to French history.

If you like to visit museums, you might want to try the Musee d’Histoire de la Medecine. You might just learn more about how modern medicine came to be. The Museum of Modern Art is a popular stop as well.

Thinking of taking some day trips?

If you enjoy Champagne, then do yourself a favor and take a day trip to Champagne and do some tastings while exploring the countryside.

Visiting the Palace of Versailles , exploring the Paris catacombs , taking a river cruise down the Seine River , and making it to the top of the Eiffel Tower usually top most tourist’s lists of attractions . Remember that traveling to or visiting these places can be much easier if you go as a group on a tour.

You may get priority access, free souvenir photos, and more, just for traveling with a tour group. This is often the most affordable way and makes it easier to plan the days you’re planning to spend in Paris.

The catacombs beneath the Paris streets are unique, intriguing, and maybe even a little bit creepy. But that’s exactly why they are so popular. If planning on visiting the Paris catacombs during your stay, keep these tips in mind.

Last but not least, while you are in the city of lights be sure to take a walking tour and do a wine tasting tour !

Disneyland Paris

Also outside the city, despite its name, is Disneyland Paris, 20 miles to the east. This famous theme park is the most visited attraction in France. If you’re visiting Paris with children, you’ll probably want to devote two days to Disney because there are two separate parks here: Disneyland Park opened in 1992 and Walt Disney Studios Park opened in 2002. Inside both, you’ll find thrill rides for all ages as well as classic attractions, like actors dressed up as your favorite Disney characters and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. The easiest way to get to Disney Paris is with a shuttle and entrance ticket deal .

Tour Guides

The Catacombs of Paris: Restricted Access Tour is our Editor's Choice as the best Paris catacombs tour with its combination of expert tour guides and sites seen.

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], 🍷 the 5 best florence wine tours [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

Paris Catacombs Tour with Secret Rooms & Privileged Access

Skip the line and gain exclusive access to secret parts of the catacombs.

Max 19 Guests

What's included

Friendly English-speaking guide

Skip-the-Line Catacombs tickets

Restricted areas access

Barrel of Passion

Explore lower Catacombs

Max 19 people

Guide gratuity

Hotel pick-up

Wheelchair accessible

Meeting point at Cafe Oz

The Gateway to Hell

Catacombs tunnels

Restricted Areas

For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change

Meeting and drop-off point

What to bring?

See what people are saying

120 Ratings

Great tour guide!!

Rosalind Currie

October 03, 2024 12 pm EST

Our guide Remy really enhanced our experience of the Catacombs - he was respectful and sincere and imparted alot of great information during our tour / thank you Remy!

So knowledgeable!

System Admin

September 01, 2024 13 pm EST

Remy was a fantastic guide, and incredibly knowledgeable. We loved the pace and feel like this tour was an exceptional value. Had we have gone alone, I am not sure we’d have truly understood or appreciated the magnitude of the catacombs.

Johnny Capes

July 03, 2024 04 am EST

Eerie and calming all at once

Elizabeth Francoforte

June 26, 2024 15 pm EST

Remmi was a great guide. He let us take time to ask questions and take lots of photos. I highly recommend him as a guide

Melissa Lucas

June 14, 2024 09 am EST

We really enjoyed this tour, and our tour guide Rémy. Very informative and interesting to get to the restricted areas with a professional tour.

Travis Williams

June 08, 2024 07 am EST

An Unforgettable, Macabre, and Timeless Experience !

Luis Espericueta

March 14, 2024 07 am EST

Our descend into Paris' catacombs, where bones whisper tales of the past, was impressive. We Explored dimly lit tunnels adorned with macabre arrangements, a haunting testament to the city's history. A visit here is a journey through time, a solemn yet mesmerizing experience.

WOW! Don't Delay, Book this Tour NOW

Amy A Mackinnon

February 20, 2024 17 pm EST

Remi was amazing - his expertise and knowledge are certainly unmatched when it comes to the Catacombs. We were so lucky to be able to learn the history, have some laughs and really get a deep dive into the richness of the Catacombs.

Jenna Lengling

January 05, 2024 06 am EST

Excellent Experience!

Lauren Gillen

December 02, 2023 17 pm EST

Remi was fabulous! Knowledgeable and oh, so funny! It was the best guided tour I've ever been on thanks to his great stories and enthusiasm for the subject. I highly recommend this tour!

Paris Catacombs Tour with Secret Rooms

Samantha DeFranco

December 01, 2023 11 am EST

This tour was awesome! Remy was our guide and he kept us highly entertained. I felt very safe on the tour and the meeting spot at Cafe Oz was easy to find. Highly recommend doing this tour!

Run, don’t walk and BOOK this tour!

Melody Ballard

December 01, 2023 01 am EST

So… we were late. Due to a miscalculation we missed our metro and were about 5 min late. We ran to the catacombs and the catacomb staff was so helpful in getting us to our tour. They hadn’t started yet so we didn’t miss anything, but Remy, our tour guide, was so kind and friendly we felt like we were a part of the group right away. This tour was EXTENSIVE. I came into the tour knowing nothing about the catacombs and I left wanting more! Remy was extremely knowledgeable, funny, entertaining, friendly, and loved the questions coming from the group! He showed us behind the scenes locations and videos/photos that gave even more detail than was necessary. Truly an above and beyond experience I would recommend to anyone going to Paris! Warning that there is a lot of walking, tight spaces, and uneven terrain for those who may not be able.

Robyn Bainter

November 30, 2023 06 am EST

MELISSA MANNON

November 18, 2023 09 am EST

November 16, 2023 06 am EST

Sarah Morrow

November 02, 2023 06 am EST

Wesley Winter

October 19, 2023 09 am EST

Catacombs tour with Rémy

JANET NAIRN

October 19, 2023 06 am EST

Rémy was an excellent guide. The tour is fascinating and fun and I would recommend it wholeheartedly.

Helen Calton

October 19, 2023 05 am EST

So glad we booked this tour! Our host Remy was brilliant, very engaging, professional & fun. The tour itself was very informative and easy to understand, we absolutely loved it! Thank you so much Remy!

Stephen Jamrog

October 17, 2023 23 pm EST

We had a very nice time and we loved our tour guide. He was very nice and very informative. Definitely worth the money.

Excellent guide

Phyllis Evan

October 13, 2023 09 am EST

The guide was excellent. Enthusiastic, entertaining, well worthwhile.

Loved this tour!

Emily Guzman

October 12, 2023 08 am EST

Remi is a great tour guide! Very knowledgeable and friendly. He made it a memorable experience for us. Would highly recommend this tour!

Michaela mclain

October 12, 2023 05 am EST

Shannon Plaster

October 08, 2023 16 pm EST

Alexis benfield

October 04, 2023 16 pm EST

I've heard about the Paris Catacombs calling strikes at the last minute. Does this really happen?

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Visiting the Catacombs of Paris: Is It Worth It?

Wondering how to explore the mysterious catacombs of Paris? Stay with me, and I’ll show you the way. What can you see during your visit to the catacombs? Is it worth it? Let me be your guide through this extraordinary journey!

Our Opinion

• The unique experience
• Learning about the history of the catacombs
• The mystical atmosphere of the catacombs

We Don’t Like as Much

• The long queues to enter
• The need to book in advance due to high demand
• The relatively expensive ticket prices

From our perspective, a visit to the catacombs is definitely worth it. It has fascinated and intrigued generations, offering a glimpse into the intriguing past of Paris. The quotes scattered throughout the galleries add to the overall ambiance as if our predecessors left messages for us to decipher.

We highly recommend booking a  skip-the-line ticket to bypass the queues and ensure entry into the Catacombs. It’s a time-saving option that also includes an audio guide, making your experience even more enriching.

The Catacombs of Paris: What’s It All About?

Origin of the catacombs.

Originally, the underground tunnels that form the catacombs served as simple quarries. Dating back to the 15th century, these quarries provided stones used in the construction of numerous Parisian buildings that still stand today.

It wasn’t until the 18th century that these tunnels gained a new purpose. At that time, Paris was facing an overwhelming crisis of overcrowded cemeteries, with collapses, unsanitary conditions, and contaminated wells. As a solution, the authorities decided to transfer dry remains (bones) to the galleries of the quarries located beneath the Tombe Issoire neighborhood in the 14th arrondissement.

These transfers continued until the early 19th century, resulting in approximately 6 million individuals’ remains resting in the catacombs to this day.

The Transformation of the Catacombs

In 1809, an architect named Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury, who was in charge of inspecting the quarries, came up with the idea to transform the catacombs into a visitable gallery.

The previously piled bones were sorted and arranged along the walls. It was Héricart de Thury who also introduced the famous quotes displayed throughout the galleries, with the most iconic one adorning the entrance: “Stop! This is the Empire of Death” (taken from Jacques Delille’s translation of Virgil’s Aeneid, Book VI).

First Visitors

Initially reserved for a select few privileged individuals, catacomb visits became a fascination for noble and curious intellectuals. Notable visitors included Emperor François I, Napoléon III, and even King Oscar II of Sweden.

Over time, the visits to the ossuary gradually became accessible to the general public, with necessary safety measures implemented for visitors’ protection.

How to Visit the Catacombs?

Who can visit the catacombs.

While the galleries meet safety standards and do not require any specific authorizations for entry, there are still some restrictions in place. These restrictions aim to ensure visitor safety considering the site’s conditions, such as 243 steps, dim lighting, and limited ventilation.

A visit to the Catacombs is not recommended if:

• You have reduced mobility.
• You suffer from respiratory and/or cardiac insufficiency.
• You experience claustrophobia.
• You have a certain sensitivity or psychological fragility.

Children under 10 years old are strictly prohibited from entering. Children aged 14 and above can enter, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Minors aged 14 and older can enter unaccompanied.

What to Wear for Your Catacombs Visit

No need to gear up like a spelunker! However, it’s advisable to dress appropriately for both the external and internal weather conditions. Regardless of the season, the ossuary maintains a temperature of around 14°C (57°F) due to its proximity to the surrounding earth.

Also, keep in mind that you may have to wait in line to enter the gallery, enduring the summer heat or winter chill.

I recommend adopting a comfortable and athletic look for the visit.

While it’s not a strenuous physical activity, you’ll be more comfortable navigating the 131 steps down and 112 steps up if you’re wearing suitable footwear like a pair of sneakers.

Additionally, note that large bags are prohibited for safety reasons.

You can conveniently store your bulky luggage at the Montparnasse train station, just three metro stops away from the catacombs on Line 6, or reserve an online storage facility on Rue de la Tombe Issoire (approximately 300 meters from the Denfert-Rochereau station) through platforms like Stasher or Nannybag .

Access to the Catacombs

Address: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris

The entrance to the catacombs is located in the 14th arrondissement, near Place Denfert-Rochereau.

The site is easily accessible via the metro, with lines 4 and 6 or the RER B (Denfert-Rochereau station), as well as buses 59 and 88 (Denfert-Rochereau stop).

Opening hours : Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 8:30 pm. Closed on Mondays.

The Catacombs Visit Experience

Despite the somber content, the Catacombs are an incredibly popular tourist attraction. As a result, you may have to wait in line to purchase tickets and enter the gallery. Booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak periods, to ensure entry.

Opting for a skip-the-line ticket is the best choice. It saves you time and includes an audioguide to enhance your experience.

Recommended Hours for Lower Crowds:

• Wednesday to Friday: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Please note that the waiting time can quickly increase. To preserve the condition of the bones and the gallery, only up to 200 visitors are allowed inside the Catacombs at any given time. You may need to wait for the gallery to empty before entering.

The visit itself takes approximately 1.5 hours, covering a distance of about 1.5 km (0.9 miles). The gallery is designed as a one-way route, and you’ll exit through the other end of the journey, at Avenue René Coty.

Take a moment to visit the bookshop located at the exit!

Highlights During Your Visit

Inside the catacombs, there’s more than just bones. If you haven’t opted for a guided tour, I still recommend paying attention to certain key elements of the site.

The Sepulchral Lamp

To improve air circulation in the catacombs, workers lit a fire, which created airflow.

They then designed a pedestal to decorate the crypt while isolating the flame.

It’s important to note that ventilation shafts have since been dug towards the surface, providing more reliable and effective ventilation for the gallery.

Therefore, you won’t see the sepulchral lamp lit anymore; it serves a purely decorative purpose today.

The Lachrymatory Sarcophagus

Also known as the “Tombeau de Gilbert” in honor of the poet Nicolas Gilbert, this creation is, in fact, a consolidation pillar.

Crafted by Héricart de Thury’s quarry workers, the lower part of the structure displays the final verses written by the poet, taken from his poem “Jugement dernier.”

The poet’s remains are believed to be among the bones within the gallery.

The Samaritaine Fountain

Constructed by the same quarry workers, this fountain originated from a natural source initially utilized for their needs before being embellished for visitors’ enjoyment.

Its name, “La Fontaine de la Samaritaine,” comes from a biblical quote engraved on the structure, referencing the meeting of Christ and the Samaritan woman.

The Port-Mahon Gallery

A magnificent sculpture carved from a single block of stone by a veteran turned quarry worker named Décuré.

The sculpture depicts the citadel of Mahon in Minorca, a city where Décuré was reportedly held captive by the English during the reconquest of Minorca.

The rest of the gallery is adorned with other engravings inspired by the same city.

Is a Guided Tour Recommended?

Taking a guided tour allows you to delve deeper into the history of the ossuary and the galleries themselves. Several guided tour options are available, including audio-guided tours offered by ComeToParis .

These tours require mandatory advance booking, and in some cases, very early booking.

For groups of 7 to 20 people, the Catacombs of Paris recommends reserving at least 8 weeks in advance due to high demand.

Ticket Information

Self-guided tours.

• Children under 17: €10
• Youth (18 to 26 years, reduced rate): €23
• Adults (over 26 years, full rate): €29

It’s worth noting that you can rent an audioguide at the entrance for an additional €5.

Skip-the-line Tickets

• Audio guided tours with skip-the-line tickets: 29€ (audioguide included)

Book your ticket now with ComeToParis .

Finally, here’s a short video by Paris City Vision, giving you a glimpse of what you can expect during a catacombs visit.

I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!

Related posts

Catch the best Paris Catacombs guided tours

Things to do in Paris Paris Attractions Landmarks in Paris Paris Catacomb Tickets Paris Catacombs

Underneath the glamour and beauty of Paris lies an open graveyard with human remains going back centuries. Wait, it’s not as gruesome! A Paris Catacombs tour has been one of the most sought after experiences for tourists, a fact the legendary queue outside the entrance are testament to!

The Paris Catacombs are a network of tunnels and caves located beneath the streets of Paris, France. Since the 13th century, these tunnels have been used to bury the dead. The catacombs became a popular tourist destination in the 18th century, and today they are one of the most popular attractions in Paris. They're located in the Montmartre district of Paris, and stretch for about 650 kilometers (400 miles) and are 20 meters (65 feet) deep. The tunnels are divided into three levels, with the deepest level extending to a depth of 30 meters (100 feet).

Here's everything you need to know before booking tickets for a Paris Catacombs tour - is it really worth it?

Advantages of a Paris Catacombs Guided Tour

Expert guidance while exploring the palace:.

As one of the largest and most renowned cemeteries in the world, the Paris Catacombs offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the city’s history. Guided tours of the catacombs are available, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the site’s rich history while avoiding getting lost in the massive network of tunnels.

Avoid long lines

Skip the line tickets to Paris Catacombs are available for purchase online, and at the catacombs themselves. These tickets guarantee you entrance to the catacombs without having to wait in line.

Access to special areas

Get exclusive access to areas of the Catacombs not open to the rest of the public as your guide leads you past skeleton-lined walls, as well as chambers and halls generally not seen.

The Best Paris Catacombs Guided Tours

Guided tours, combo guided tours.

Exploring The Empire Of Death At The Paris Catacombs

Choosing the paris catacombs tour, 1 skip the line with audio guide.

Head directly to the entrance to enter a mysterious network of tunnels, 20 meters below the streets of Paris. These tickets give you access to bypass the 3-5 hour long ticket lines and directly join much shorter queues. You can also choose to get an Audio Guide with this ticket.

2 Small Group Priority Access

With your priority access ticket, you can avoid the long lines and go 20 meters underground to meet your professional guide. They will then lead you on an exciting 1.5-hour tour of some ancient burial grounds that are usually not accessible to the public. You'll get to see parts of the Catacombs that most people don't even know exist!

3 Small Group Priority Access (16 people max)

4 Combo Tickets with Audio Guide

Descend into a mysterious network of tunnels, 20 meters below the bustling streets of Paris. Enjoy an hour-long cruise upon the calm waters of the Seine River, all with the same ticket.

Paris Catacombs Tours Deconstructed - A Typical Guided Tour Experience

The Crypt of Passions

The Crypt of Passions at Paris Catacombs is a hidden room which can be accessed by a secret door. It contains the remains of many famous people who have been enshrined there. The crypt is said to be guarded by a spirit known as the Lady in White. She is said to haunt the catacombs and often appears to people who are lost.

Port-Mahon Corridor

The Port-Mahon Corridor at Paris Catacombs is a hidden gem that many people don't know about. This corridor was once used as a secret escape route for prisoners during the French Revolution. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Catacombs.

The Lower Catacombs

A ramp helps you to access the lower catacombs from the upper catacombs. In the suburbs of Paris, you may observe up to five levels of quarries. Many active galleries may be found in the lower catacombs near places like Montparnasse Cemetery, where skeletal remains are strewn across the floor rather than kept on shelves.

Citadel De Mahon

Decuré, a French army veteran who had spent time in Menorca and had studied the design of the Mahon Citadel, rebuilt it. Decuré's replica of the fortress was meticulously drawn from memory. Unfortunately, while constructing a stairway to the rendering, he died and is said to haunt the sculpture still today.

If you keep going down the spiral staircase, you'll find The Well. It was the first geological drilling done in Paris to identify the city's different layers. At the bottom of the well, there's water that's so clear, that you can't even see what's at the bottom. That's why there are words engraved on its wall that say "Bain de pieds des Carriers," which translates to "foot bath of the Quarrymen."

Are the Paris Catacombs Worth The Hype?

Simply put, yes! The Paris Catacombs are downright iconic when you think about all the work that has gone into their creation. The placement of each skull, every bone, the amount of planning required to make something of that scale, the massive length (300 kms!), and the perfection on display at every step despite the technological limitation of that time, all make the Catacombs of Paris the marvel they’re considered today.

A Paris Catacombs tour is (probably) one of the closest time travel-esque experience you’ll ever have. The maze-like halls of the Catacombs are lined with the literal and figurative skulls of the past, a reminder of how far humanity has come and the fact that we are all mortals at the end of the day. They are also a grim yet beautiful reminder of the rich history of the city and the events that have shaped the city like the French Revolution and Hitler’s regime.

Why You Must Visit The Paris Catacombs?

Tale as old as time.

It all began in the 18th century with most Paris cemeteries becoming overpopulated. With no place to bury the dead, what followed was a lot of open graves, improper burials, and unearthed corpses. Years of public outrage finally forced the government into action and led to the creation of the Catacombs.

In 1786, the Tombe-Issoire quarries were converted into what we now know as the Catacombs. Over the next two years, bones were transferred from the Les Innocents to the catacombs, and all subsequent burials occurred on the Catacombs. By the time the construction was finished, the winding tunnels had stretched a massive 300 km!

Paris Of The Past

Outside of being an archaeological marvel, where over 6 million dead people lay (peacefully?) under the City of Lights , the Catacombs are significant to the city in more ways than one.

The Catacombs were built on abandoned limestone quarries, which produced the stone used for building Paris. While a majority of the surface is covered with bones, there are small remnants of the quarries still intact, offering history enthusiasts a peek into the literal building blocks of the city of Paris. Another aspect that makes the Catacombs special is their significance in the evolution of Earth’s geology.

Related Read: 5-Step Guide On How To Skip The Line at Paris Catacombs

Paris Catacombs: Practical Information

Opening hours.

Tuesday to Sunday from 9.45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Catacombs are open on July 14, August 15, November 1 and November 11. Closed on Monday and certain holidays: January 1, May 1 and December 25.

Getting There

• By Bus: Local bus lines 38 and 68 also stop close to the Catacombs if you prefer traveling by bus.
• By Car: If you choose to rent a car or bring your own (if you happen to live in Paris), the closest paid parking place is at Saint-Jacques Boulevard.
• By Metro: You can get to the Paris Catacombs by taking the Paris Metro, specifically trains M-4 and M-6. Deboard at the Denfert-Rochereau station and the Catacombs entrance is across the street, a mere one minute walk away.
• By Paris RER: Alternatively, you can opt for the RER and take train RER-B and deboard again at the Denfert-Rochereau station.

Insider Tips

Great! Now you’re all set to visit the Paris Catacombs. Before you begin planning, here are some handy tips you’ll thank us later for:

• Given that the Catacombs are entirely underground with limited ventilation, the temperature can get pretty chilly, at around 60°F/15°C . Bring along a sweater even if it’s the summer, because the temperature outside really doesn’t impact the Catacombs.
• Not that you would want to (or maybe you do?), but DO NOT touch the bones. It’s gross and disrespectful.
• Don’t try and steal the bones (it’s a thing some people do), or anything that you did not bring in. The guards at the exit conduct a pretty thorough check and you don’t want to be found with a bone in your front pocket.
• The ceiling gets pretty low in certain sections of the catacombs. If you’re tall, watch your head!
• When you exit after the 2 km walk, you’ll be in a completely different area. Don’t get lost. The nearest metro station is Mouton Duvernet.
• The floor is dusty and/or wet in certain areas and you’ll walking in the dark a lot. Avoid bringing your best pair of shoes for the tour. Opt for a worn out pair of sneakers or anything that’s comfortable and old.

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Is it safe to visit the Paris Catacombs post-COVID-19?

To ensure the safety of its visitors, the Paris Catacombs now accepts online reservations. Several safety measures and guidelines have also been enforced to ensure the safety of its visitors.

What are the safety measures and guidelines in place at the Paris Catacombs?

In light of COVID-19, multiple health and safety measures have been enforced. It is mandatory that visitors wear masks that cover their nose and face throughout their entire visit; hand sanitizers have also been placed at the entrance for public use. Group tours have also been suspended temporarily.

Are the Paris Catacombs wheelchair accessible?

Due to the site being entirely underground, there is currently no wheelchair accessibility at the Paris Catacombs.

What are Paris Catacombs hours?

Paris Catacombs hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10:00 AM to 08:30 PM, with final admissions at 07:30 PM. The site is closed on Mondays, along with 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.

How long does it take to explore the Paris Catacombs?

To cover the underground stretch of about 1.5 km, guests can expect to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour at the Paris Catacombs.

Which is the visitor entrance at the Paris Catacombs?

The Paris Catacombs entrance is at the exact site location, at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France.

Are Paris Catacombs skip-the-line tickets available?

Yes, they are available. You would need to specifically book Paris Catacombs tickets that provide skip-the-line access to bypass the long waiting lines.

How do I get to the Paris Catacombs?

You can either drive down, or take the metro, RER or bus to get to the Paris Catacombs. If you’re using public transport, you can alight at the common station: Denfert-Rochereau. From here, the Catacombs are at a mere 3-minute walking distance.

How many steps are there to go down to the Paris Catacombs?

There are 131 steps to go down to the Paris Catacombs, and 112 to climb back up near the exit.

Stephanie Hernandez

Stephanie was born and raised in California, but has been a globetrotter for the last decade. After graduating with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Anthropology and Geography, she set off to explore the world - one extraordinary experience after the other. A writer and travel enthusiast, she has an insatiable hunger for the unfamiliar - a trait that regularly has her venturing off to locations across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the US. From sipping wine in a Florence cafe to standing just feet away from an active volcano in Ethiopia, she thrives off immersing herself in exciting experiences. You’ll most likely find her lost in a local market, next to a beach, or on the hunt for street food. She loves adrenaline, coffee, and will eat anything at least once… yes, even roasted rat, a Ghanaian delicacy.

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Discovery of the catacombs .

Two kilometers of subterranean galleries tell the story of the Parisian underground and how it was exploited until it was transformed into an ossuary in the eighteenth century. 

The Paris underground: geology and quarries

Discover the geological history of Paris, shaped nearly 45 million years ago by a tropical sea whose sedimentary rocks dug from an immense network of subterranean quarries helped build Paris. This circuit gives access to the cave-ins.

• Guided tours in French for individuals on Thursdays at 1p.m.: Discovery of the Catacombs

Reservation online Starting at age 10 Duration: 1.5 hours  No disabled access 

• Choice of guided tours for groups with a museum lecturer

Because of strong demand, we recommend you reserve the time slot for your visit at least four weeks ahead of time.

Group size: 20 participants maximum, including accompanying persons. Group size for French sign language tour: 10 participants maximum, including accompanying persons.

• Open tours for independent groups or with a lecturer from outside the museum 

Mandatory reservation Online tickets for groups

Group size: 20 participants maximum, including accompanying persons.  

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