paris underground catacombs tour

Paris Catacombs Underground Tour

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award: Top 25 Experiences – Worldwide

• Delve deep below Paris’ Metro lines to discover the City of Light’s darker side. With Skip-the-Line Access , descend into Paris’ eerie past as you explore the city’s Catacombs . Made up of a series of intricate tunnels, these somber Catacombs are the resting place of over six million people.
• Our tour includes privileged access to restricted areas of the Catacombs that are closed to the general public, such as; Port Mahon Gallery, Quarryman's Footbath, Sacellum Crypt, Sepulchral Lamp and Gilbert's Tomb.
• Explore the dark underworld of Paris as you venture below ground to these truly captivating Catacombs, in the company of an expert, English-speaking guide .
• Choose between a Semi-Private tour with 6 or fewer people , or a normal tour with  group size limited to 19 people or fewer , this tour promises to be a highlight of your vacation in Paris.

Tour Description

What's included.

• Special access to restricted areas closed to general public
• Expert, English-speaking tour guide
• *Small groups of no more than 19 people or Semi-Private group of 6 people or less
• Entrance ticket and reservation fee for the Paris Catacombs

Sites Visited

• Paris Catacombs
• Restricted areas: Port Mahon Gallery, Quarryman's Footbath, Sacellum Crypt, Sepulchral Lamp and Gilbert's Tomb

Discover the Underside of Paris

Beneath the sun-soaked streets and stunning architecture lies a darker side to Paris. Descend deep below Paris’ Metro lines and into a parallel city, a city that over 6 million skeletons call home on a tour of the Paris Catacombs. Stretching across an area of 200 miles of former quarry and made up of an intricate series of tunnels, this macabre site is one of the most fascinating places you’ll visit during your stay in Paris.

One of Paris' Most Popular Must-See Attractions

Explore the City of Light’s darker side on our Paris Catacombs tour.  Lurking below the city’s romantic tree-lined boulevards, public gardens, and cafés, this mysterious sight has become one of Paris’ unmissable tourist attractions.

Make the most of your precious vacation time on our Paris Catacombs tour. With Skip-the-Line Access you’ll be whisked straight passed the long lines waiting outside and marveling at Paris’ dark, yet alluring, underbelly within minutes.

Top-Rated City Wonders Guide

In the company of an expert, English-speaking guide and in a small group of either 19 or 6 people*, you’ll embark on your journey into Paris’ underworld. With your guide’s help you’ll navigate your way 65 feet below street level, below Metro lines and sewers and into the Catacombs.

As you cross-over into the city’s dark side, you’ll be greeted by the words “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort”, or "Stop! Here lies the empire of death". This inscription is a fitting warning for the eerie sights that lie within.  Explore tunnels and macabre galleries decorated entirely with skulls and bones on your journey through Paris’ colorful past. Watch as these spine-chilling remains are brought back to life before your eyes, as your expert guide recants the tales of a Paris gone-by and a dark past time wishes we forgot.

Tour Benefits

Our tours benefit from the privilege of special access to parts of the Paris catacombs that are closed to the general public. Gates to two halls will be opened especially for you to marvel at the devastatingly captivating sculptures chiseled out of the rock in the Port Mahon Gallery, where a quarry worker spent five years in secret toil from 1777, until a cave-in crushed him to death.

Other restricted areas you’ll visit on your tour include the Quarryman's footbath, the Sacellum Crypt or altar, where bones were blessed before being "archived," the Sepulchral Lamp, which constantly burned to show there was enough air in the tunnels, and the elusive Gilbert's Tomb.

Get ready to "rub bones" with the likes of Rabelais and Robespierre on this intimate voyage into a Paris’ dark underbelly, a voyage that few have experienced.

Thousands of 5-Star Reviews

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Place Denfert Rochereau - Open in Google Maps

Important Notes

• Please note that Paris will host the 2024 Olympics from July 26th to August 11th, followed by the Paralympics from August 28th to September 8th. This may have an impact on our travel plans. While we are committed to minimizing any sort of inconvenience, please be aware that unforeseen issues may arise. We will make every effort to navigate challenges and ensure a smooth experience for you.
• Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' access.
• Please note that Special Access areas may be closed on some days.

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

• Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
• Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
• No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

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A City Wonders tour is the product of meticulous research, detailed planning, and a passion for providing customers with travel experiences they will cherish forever.

With City Wonders it's not just facts, our passionate guides tell you the stories that bring the sights to life.

• All of our guides are experts in their field
• We only hire fluent English-speakers so nothing is ever lost in translation
• We focus on the little details and anecdotes that make City Wonders so special

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Welcome to the website dedicated to the Catacombs of Paris.

The Catacombs of Paris are an underground network of tunnels and former quarries. They house the remains of over 6 million Parisians. This incredible place offers visitors a unique immersion into the history of Paris.

Skip-the-Ticket-Line Ticket and Audio Guide

Private group guided tours are also organized.

Tickets and more

There are different ways to visit the Catacombs of Paris. You can choose to visit on your own with an audio guide or take a guided tour. Additionally, there are options available for both regular entry and skip-the-line access.

Visit the Catacombs

Official visits to the Catacombs of Paris are possible on a route of approximately 1.7 km. It takes about 45 minutes to complete the entire route. Only 200 people are allowed on the site at a time. This extremely limited number makes it mandatory to reserve tickets in advance

Visiting with an audio guide

The skip-the-line ticket with audio guide allows you to enjoy guaranteed access to the Catacombs of Paris.

An audio guide device with headphones is provided. The tour is available in French, English, German, and Spanish.

Guided Tour

The price of the ticket is included in the displayed price.

A professional guide accompanies you throughout the entire duration of the visit. They will guide you through the different galleries, sharing their knowledge and numerous anecdotes. It’s the ideal formula to learn more about the Catacombs of Paris.

VIP tours are guided tours in small groups. This allows the guide to tailor the experience to your expectations and be available to answer your questions to the fullest extent possible.

Practical Information

Opening hours.

Access to the Catacombs is closed every Monday, as well as on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.

However, access is open on Ascension Thursday, July 14th (Bastille Day), August 15th, November 1st, and November 11th. Unless any of these dates fall on a Monday.

Location and access​

How to get to the entrance of the catacombs of paris.

To visit the Catacombs of Paris, you need to go to the following address: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy (Place Denfert-Rochereau), 75014 Paris, France.

There are three queues present at the Catacombs. One is designated for visitors who have not booked their tickets in advance.

The exit of the Catacombs is located approximately 700m further at 21 bis, Avenue René-Coty – 75014 Paris.

Google Maps details

Come by Vélib : Station N° 14005, 2 avenue René-Coty 75014 Paris

Come by Car : Paid parking at 83 bd Saint-Jacques 75014 Paris

Access conditions

The tunnels of the Catacombs of Paris are located 20 meters underground. The temperature is around 14°C (57°F) with relatively low lighting.

The tunnels in the Catacombs can be narrow, and the ground may be slippery or dirty. As a result, the visit is not recommended for individuals with reduced mobility, claustrophobia, heart or respiratory conditions, or those who are sensitive and likely to be disturbed by the environment. The atmosphere can also be anxiety-inducing for individuals with psychological or mental disabilities.

To access the Catacombs, you will need to descend a staircase of 131 steps. You will also need to climb 112 steps to exit the ossuary. Wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers are not allowed.

Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Prepare your visit

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your visit to the Catacombs of Paris:

Book your tickets in advance: The lines can be quite long (up to 2 hours of waiting time), so booking in advance will save you a lot of time with skip-the-line access.

Wear appropriate clothing: Opt for comfortable shoes with good traction, as the ground can be uneven and slippery. Additionally, the Catacombs can be cool, so consider bringing a jacket or sweater.

Photography: Taking photos for personal use is allowed, but the use of flash is only partially permitted. Be mindful of other visitors and the respectful nature of the site when taking photos.

Bag restrictions: Large bags and motorcycle helmets are not allowed inside the Catacombs. There are no cloakrooms or lockers available, so plan accordingly and only bring essential items.

No food or drinks: Consuming food and drinks inside the Catacombs is prohibited. Make sure to have your meals before or after your visit.

Audio guide: The audio guides provided have a 3.5mm headphone jack. You can bring your own headphones if you prefer.

To best prepare for and fully appreciate your visit to the Catacombs of Paris, we strongly recommend reading our tourist guide. While on your visit, you will be provided with numerous historical facts and anecdotes, but it is always more engaging and straightforward to have knowledge of the site’s history. This enables you to better contextualize the information shared by the guides.

To See One of Paris’s Top Attractions, Go Underground

In paris, the streets show off domes, spires, and monuments that attract millions of visitors every year. but beneath this architectural splendor, there’s an entire subterranean world..

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An estimated 6 million people are buried in the Catacombs—more than the entire population of Paris.

Photo by Skreidzeleu/Shutterstock

The Paris underground has long been romanticized in books and on the screen . (Remember the police chase scene in the Netflix hit Lupin ? ) There’s such mystery and intrigue that certain habitants can’t ignore the siren song luring them to descend into these secret—and illegal—places. The so-called cataphiles notoriously engage in clandestine activities; urban legends abound of underground cinemas, all-hours parties, and galleries tagged with street art . These contemporary explorers aren’t the first. In the 19th century, abandoned tunnels were used as mushroom farms and breweries; during the Second World War, French Resistance fighters hid in a maze of old quarries stretching 200 miles. (The very buildings so admired on the surface of Paris today were built with limestone excavated from these quarries.)

Today, the only legal place to visit this underground realm is the Paris Catacombs, a nearly mile-long stretch in the 14th arrondissement that takes its name from the famous ossuary housed there. The circuit is lined with walls of skulls and bones, the adjacent stone plaques (etched with the names of old cemeteries) indicating the skeletons’ provenance. Scientists estimate that some 6 million Parisians are buried in the Catacombs: more than the current living population of Paris. With over 500,000 annual visitors, it’s a very popular tourist site.

What is the history of the Paris Catacombs?

It all started with a sinkhole. On one ill-fated day back in 1774, a stretch of the former rue d’Enfer (“Hell Street,” near today’s Place Denfert-Rochereau) caved in and swallowed the houses in a billowing cloud of dust. To avoid another catastrophe, King Louis XVI appointed the first ever Inspector of Quarries, who was to explore, excavate, and map the potentially dangerous underground quarry system. Charles-Axel Guillaumot reinforced the galleries and created what historian Graham Robb, in his book Parisians: An Adventure History of Paris , called “the largest architectural ensemble in all of Europe” in the Paris underworld.

At the same time that Guillaumot’s cartographers methodically worked, there was chaos in the market area of Les Halles. The neighboring Cimetière des Innocents—the largest cemetery in the city—was overflowing with decomposing bodies after nine centuries of burials had saturated the graveyard. The king ordered the closure of the city’s unsanitary cemeteries, declaring that new ones should be created outside the city limits. And so Guillaumot proposed the creation of an ossuary within the medieval quarries beneath the old Enfer customs house, at the time located at the Paris periphery.

Thus began the nightly transfer of bones, in candlelit processions led by chanting priests, which required 15 months alone to empty Les Innocents. The human remains from other deconsecrated graveyards were also carried in carts, shrouded in a black veil, to their final resting place in the old quarries. From ground level, they were unceremoniously dropped down a well, resulting in shattered bones and skulls missing mandibles. They were then meticulously arranged in artistic walls of femurs, humeri, and tibias.

Who is buried in the Paris Catacombs?

The creation of the ossuary wasn’t only about sanitation and public health. It also reflected changing cultural practices and philosophical perspectives. “During this age of Enlightenment, the idea of death was pushed from people’s thoughts and views, literally put underground,” says Hélène Furminieux, the director of communications at the Catacombs. Since the Middle Ages, devoutly Catholic Parisians had thought of life as merely a transitive passage before the afterlife. Funerary rites echoed this in their anonymity (there were no individual names on tombstones; mass graves were often used). Despite this fact, historians have still been able to name individuals buried in the Catacombs by studying parish archives.

As a result, we know that nobles like Jean-Baptiste Colbert and Madame de Pompadour, the favorite mistress of King Louis XV, are buried next to le petit peuple . The bones of such famed writers as François Rabelais, Jean Racine, and Jean de La Fontaine mingle with those of the sculptor François Girardon and Louis XIV’s architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. And following the French Revolution, both the guillotined victims and their executioners (like statesman Maximilien Robespierre, the infamous architect of the Reign of Terror) now lie together in eternity. One of the largest necropolises in the world, the Paris Catacombs thus represents a massive mélange of humanity, regardless of class or birthright.

Why are the Paris Catacombs famous?

The Catacombs are built in the underground quarries of Paris.

Photo by Heracles Kritikos

Underground tourism began in 1809 when Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury, the subsequent Inspector of Quarries, redesigned the ossuary to receive visitors. Not meant to be macabre nor ghoulish, the circuit was a contemplative meditation on death, the walls engraved with thought-provoking poetry by the likes of Lamartine and Horace. The entrance to the ossuary itself is inscribed with the words: “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort.” (“Halt! This is the empire of death.”) Taking inspiration from ancient Rome, the Catacombs features classical references and Doric columns. The site was so popular it attracted famous visitors like Emperor Francis I of Austria in 1814 and Napoleon III in 1860, and concerts have even been staged there.

The ossuary itself is 800 meters of the circuit. As you walk, you can see the markings of a medieval mason’s chisel, engraved inscriptions of the street names above, the initials of the various Inspectors of Quarries who have verified the strength of walls. (The most recent is beneath the exit pavilion’s boutique, which was unveiled in 2017 as part of a massive renovation of the site.)

The coolest part of all? The black painted line on the ceiling that Furminieux calls “Ariadne’s thread.” Before electricity was installed in the Catacombs in 1972, visitors were equipped only with a candle, often getting lost at intersections. To find their way out of the labyrinth, they could follow the black line. Even today there’s a labyrinthine feel to the Catacombs, with twists and turns sometimes dead-ending into doors or locked iron gates.

It’s a sensory experience: You can hear dripping water, the wind from a ventilation fan, the rumbling of the RER train. And if you look closely at the stone walls, you’ll encounter marine fossils embedded in the rock, a testament to the period 45 million years ago when Paris was covered by a tropical sea—the enormity of geological time dwarfing the brief lives of the humans whose skeletons adorn the Catacombs.

How to visit the Paris Catacombs

The catacombs of Paris are old limestone mines—the materials were used to create some of Paris’ most iconic buildings above ground.

Photo by Alex Guevara/Shutterstock

The full-rate ticket price is 29 euros (around US$32), with last-minute tickets priced at 15 euros (about US$17). Tickets for children age 5–17 years are 5 euros (US$6), but keep in mind that the ossuary may not be appropriate for young children. With narrow passageways and stairs, this site is not wheelchair accessible.

The visit is one hour and the temperature is 57 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so dress appropriately with footwear meant for walking. (Book a guided tour via the group booking form on the website and you’ll be privy to parts of the Catacombs that are usually off limits to other visitors.) These include the replica of a Roman tomb where Catholic mass was once celebrated, a well of turquoise water, and stunning sculptures carved into a wall by a quarry worker depicting the Menorca fortress where he was kept prisoner as a soldier in the army of Louis XV.

A notorious line used to wrap around the custom house for visitors waiting their turn to descend the 130 steps into the darkness. This is no longer the case. When Paris cultural sites reopened after the pandemic lockdown, new health restrictions were imposed requiring reservations to be made online in advance for a particular hour. “As a result, the visitor experience is streamlined and more fluid,” Furminieux says.

Last but not least: The ossuary is a place of repose for centuries of deceased Parisians, and it’s important to visit with respect. There have been stories of badly behaved tourists stealing bones; sometimes they’ve been mailed back, along with letters of remorse. Bags are thus searched at the exit.

See more information on how to visit the Paris Catacombs .

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Paris Catacombs Underground Tour

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"Arrête ! C'est ici l'empire de la mort" Find here all information for your visit

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Individual rates

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It’s easy to plan your visit! Book your timed ticket online for a shorter wait 

Extend your visit in our new gift and bookshops.

The average temperature is 14°C, and it can be very humid.

In the Paris Catacombs, there are 131 steps to go down and 112 steps to climb up.

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Booking online is strongly recommended.

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

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The Best Paris Catacombs Tours to Take in 2024 and Why

Ian Sumpter Last Updated: September 29, 2023

Popular with all age groups, the Catacombs of Paris are one of the darker attractions in the ‘City of Light’. You can visit on your own, but a guided tour will elevate any visit to a higher level. Here, I list our best Paris Catacombs tours to take this year and why th ey are worth the extra money over a solo visit .

Pro Tip: Planning your trip to Paris? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you need it. Check out our Paris Catacombs guide for more planning resources, our top Paris Catacombs tours for a memorable trip, and the  top things to do in Paris .

Should You Take a Tour of the Catacombs?

Short answer: Absolutely!

The Paris Catacombs are a macabre and fascinating site visit. Located in an old Roman quarry, around 600,000 people visit the 6,000,000 bodies interred in the Catacombs yearly. As of 2023, the number of visitors to the catacombs has risen so dramatically that authorities have placed new restrictions on visitor access.

Tickets are no longer purchasable on-site but must be purchased online. Tickets are strictly timed, non-refundable, non-transferable, and only come available seven days before. That means a lot of pre-planning. With a guided tour, we take care of all that for you. All you need to do is choose the day you want to tour (even if it’s months in advance), and we will take care of the rest.

On top of taking care of all logistics, you’ll be led around the catacombs by an expert local guide who will dig deep into the history of the catacombs to elevate your visit to another level.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Paris Catacombs tour is worth it .

What Are The Most Popular Paris Catacombs Tours To Take?

The best tours of any monument or city are those that either solve logistical issues or add experience that you wouldn’t be able to get if you weren’t on a guided tour. The very best tours offer both! Our long-standing working relationship with the Paris Catacombs means not only are we able to secure tickets, taking the hassle away from you, but we can also get access to areas of the catacombs that are closed to the general public.

• Paris Catacombs Tour with Secret Rooms & Privileged Access
• Skip the Line Paris Catacombs Tickets

1. Paris Catacombs Tour with Secret Rooms & Privileged Access

Want to see Paris’s most macabre attraction without the long lines? How about peeping into secret rooms that the general public needs to see? All of that is possible on this small-group VIP Skip-the-line access.

You’ll breeze past the long lines and head straight into the bowels of the Parisian underground. Once in the Catacombs, your guide will regale you with stories of the Catacombs’ history, including their foundation as a Roman quarry, conversation to burial chambers, and their use by the French Resistance in WWII.

Not only that, you’ll gain privileged access to restricted parts of this vast underground tunnel network.

Highlights:

• Skip-the-line Paris Catacombs tickets
• Entry to two restricted areas of the Catacombs
• A super-knowledgeable English-speaking guide
• A maximum group size of 19

See tour itinerary, price, and description .

2. Skip the Line Paris Catacombs Tickets

Our long-standing relationship with the Paris Catacombs means we are able to block book a number of tickets each day reserved specifically for tour providers. If you are traveling in a few weeks or months’ time and don’t want to have to remember to check ticket availability seven days before you travel, then we have you covered. Book your tickets in advance with the peace of mind that everything is taken care of and all you need do is catch your flight and turn up. Take the stress out of purchasing tickets by ordering tickets with us way in advance.

• E-mail confirmation and privileged skip-the-line ticket
• Fast entry to the Paris Catacombs, however long the line

See tour itinerary, price, and description

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Paris Catacombs Guide for more resources.

Where To Stay in Paris

With a city as magnificent as Paris, finding the perfect hotel at the perfect price can be hard. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.

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Embark on an Adventure: Paris Catacombs Exploration

Dive into the Depths: Paris Catacombs Tour Experience Awaits You

Discover France's Rich Heritage!

Explore the fascinating history of France with our exclusive tours. Immerse yourself in the captivating exhibits showcasing military history and art. Uncover the legacy of Napoleon I beneath the grandeur of the Dôme des Invalides.

• Paris Catacombs: Skip-the-Line Special Access Tour

Skip the long lines to the Paris Catacombs where millions of Parisians were buried in the underground ossuaries. Learn about the past in a small group and benefit from special access to restricted areas.

Mysteries and History of the Paris Catacombs

Descend into the macabre and mysterious underbelly of Paris. Skip the line and tour the catacombs with a small-group. Have an intimate perspective of the complex and its history as you follow your guide through the myriad of bones.

Discover Les Invalides: Napoleon Tomb & Army Museum

Embark on a fascinating journey through the rich history of France by exploring one of the world's largest collections of military history and art. Make sure not to miss the awe-inspiring tomb of Napoleon I, housed beneath the magnificent golden Dôme des Invalides.

VIP Access: Paris Catacombs Guided Tour

Explore the eerie underground maze of the Paris Catacombs with exclusive skip-the-line privileges. Your expert guide will regale you with the captivating history of this subterranean wonder.

Secrets of the Paris Catacombs - Exclusive Guide

Discover the chambers below the streets of Paris and learn the secrets of the world’s largest underground burial site on a skip-the-line guided tour of the Paris Catacombs. Access areas not available to the general public.

Catacombs and Seine Cruise: Uncovering Paris’ Hidden Secrets

Discover the mysterious depths of Paris with a ticket to the haunting Catacombs and immerse yourself in the city's charm during a scenic Seine River cruise. Delight in an informative audio guide within the Catacombs and captivating audio commentary during the cruise.

Unearth the Secrets: Catacombs Tour in Paris

Paris, the City of Lights, is not only famous for its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum but also for its hidden treasures beneath the bustling streets. One of the most intriguing and mysterious sites in Paris is the catacombs, a vast underground network of tunnels and chambers filled with human remains. If you're an adventurous soul and want to unearth the secrets of Paris, a catacombs tour is a must-experience journey.

Hidden beneath the charming streets of Paris lies a world that few have seen. The catacombs, originally quarries that provided the limestone used to build the city, have a rich and eerie history. In the late 18th century, the catacombs were transformed into a burial ground as the city faced the dilemma of overflowing cemeteries. The bones of millions of Parisians were carefully arranged, creating a haunting yet fascinating spectacle.

As you embark on a catacombs tour, you'll descend deep below the surface, entering a labyrinthine maze of tunnels. The air becomes cool and damp, adding to the mysterious ambiance. The walls are lined with neatly stacked bones, creating a macabre yet strangely beautiful display. Skulls and femurs form intricate patterns, telling a silent tale of the city's past.

Guided by knowledgeable experts, you'll learn about the catacombs' history, the process of relocating the remains, and the cultural significance of this underground world. It's a journey that offers a unique perspective on Parisian life and death, showcasing the city's resilience and creativity even in the face of mortality.

What to Expect on a Catacombs Tour

Before embarking on your catacombs adventure, it's essential to be prepared. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces. The temperature underground remains constant, so dressing in layers is advisable.

Once inside, you'll be greeted by the eerie silence of the catacombs. The expert guides will lead you through the maze, sharing captivating stories and historical anecdotes along the way. As you traverse the narrow passages, you'll encounter chambers adorned with bones meticulously arranged in various patterns, showcasing the creativity of the anonymous artists who crafted this underground masterpiece.

While the catacombs are a fascinating attraction, it's crucial to respect the site and its solemnity. Avoid touching the bones or disturbing the arrangements, allowing future visitors to experience the catacombs in the same awe-inspiring manner.

Booking Your Catacombs Tour

Booking a catacombs tour in advance is highly recommended, as these tours are popular and often sell out quickly. Numerous tour companies in Paris offer guided experiences, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the catacombs' history and significance.

When choosing a tour, opt for one led by experienced guides who can provide detailed insights and answer any questions you may have. Additionally, check the duration of the tour and whether it includes other attractions or experiences along with the catacombs visit.

Unearthing the secrets of the catacombs is a mesmerizing journey into Paris's past, offering a unique perspective on the city's history and culture. By delving deep into the underground realm, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring allure of the City of Lights.

Explore the Enigmatic Depths: Skip-the-Line Paris Catacombs Guided Tour

Embark on a fascinating journey beneath the enchanting streets of Paris, venturing into the mysterious underworld of the Catacombs. Delve into the history and secrets of this subterranean maze with the guidance of an expert.

Paris, renowned for its allure and romance, conceals a contrasting realm below the iconic landmarks. Above an ominous doorway within the Catacombs, a chilling inscription warns: Beware of the Realm of Death. This forewarning sets the tone for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Access to the Catacombs is strictly limited, allowing only 200 visitors at a time. Long queues, sometimes lasting up to 2 hours, are common. However, with skip-the-line privileges, you can save precious time and energy for an immersive and personalized exploration.

Originally limestone quarries, these tunnels, extending nearly 300 kilometers, were integral to constructing Paris's renowned structures. Starting in the 18th century, the Catacombs evolved into a resting place for over 6 million individuals. The walls and arches are adorned with carefully arranged bones and skulls, bearing witness to a historical repository of profound significance.

Participate in this exclusive small-group tour, skipping the line, and witness Paris from an entirely distinctive perspective. Discover its history, its tales, and its enigmas in the haunting depths of the Catacombs.

What's Included:

• Expert guide fluent in English
• Entrance ticket and reservation fee for the Paris Catacombs
• Convenient meeting point outside the catacombs at Denfert Rochereau

Important Information:

For this adventure, equip yourself with comfortable shoes and a jacket to keep warm in the constant 14-degree Centigrade temperature. However, refrain from bringing baby strollers as they are not permitted within the Catacombs.

Prepare for the damp, somewhat slippery, and occasionally dirty conditions within the Catacombs. The activity provider prioritizes adhering to the designated timings and itineraries to ensure a seamless and captivating experience.

The History of the Catacombs in Paris

The Catacombs of Paris, known as the "Empire of Death," are a network of underground tunnels and chambers that hold a unique place in the history of Paris. These subterranean catacombs have a long and fascinating history that spans centuries, and they continue to intrigue and captivate visitors from around the world.

Origins of the Catacombs

The story of the Catacombs begins in the late 18th century when Paris faced a major problem - its cemeteries were overcrowded, unsanitary, and posed a significant public health risk. The solution was to relocate the remains of millions of Parisians to underground quarries and tunnels that had been used for centuries to mine limestone for the city's buildings.

This massive undertaking began in 1785, and the process of transferring the bones from cemeteries to the underground catacombs continued for several years. The bones were arranged in a meticulous and artistic manner, creating eerie and haunting displays that can still be seen today.

The Layout and Structure

The Catacombs of Paris are extensive, covering approximately 200 miles of underground tunnels, with only a small portion open to the public. Visitors enter through a designated entrance and descend into the depths of the earth, where they are greeted by walls lined with stacked human bones, forming intricate patterns and designs. Skulls are often arranged in a decorative fashion, creating a macabre but strangely beautiful atmosphere.

The catacombs are divided into various sections, each with its own unique features and history. One notable area is the "Rotunda," where a central chamber is adorned with sculptures and inscriptions. Another section, known as the "Bones of the Sepulcher," is home to the remains of notable figures from the French Revolution.

Exploration and Urban Legends

Throughout the years, the Catacombs have attracted the attention of intrepid explorers and urban adventurers. The vast maze-like tunnels have become the setting for countless stories and urban legends. It's said that some individuals have ventured deep into the uncharted sections of the catacombs, where they have encountered hidden chambers, mysterious graffiti, and even subterranean rivers.

These underground explorations are not without risks. Getting lost in the labyrinthine tunnels is a real danger, as is the possibility of encountering unexpected hazards. In recent years, authorities have increased efforts to prevent unauthorized access to these dangerous areas.

Modern-Day Attraction

Today, the Catacombs of Paris are a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. While a visit to the catacombs may be a bit eerie for some, it offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of Paris and explore the macabre beauty of this underground world.

Visitors are reminded to respect the solemnity of the catacombs and to follow all rules and regulations set forth by the authorities. Photography is generally allowed but is subject to certain restrictions to preserve the site's integrity.

The history of the Catacombs in Paris is a testament to the city's ability to transform a practical necessity into a unique and intriguing attraction. From their origins as a solution to overcrowded cemeteries to their modern-day status as a must-visit destination, the Catacombs continue to be a captivating and enigmatic part of Parisian history.

For those who dare to venture into the depths of the Catacombs, it is an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the macabre, yet oddly artistic, side of Paris.

Explore the Depths: Paris Catacombs Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with Special Access

Unearth the mysteries beneath Paris streets with an exclusive skip-the-line guided tour of the Paris Catacombs, providing special access to areas closed to the public. Delve 20 meters below ground level and discover the world's largest underground burial site, escaping the queues and gaining unique insights.

Embark on a 1.5-hour journey led by a live tour guide proficient in English. Descend into the catacombs to unravel the history behind the relocation of over 6 million remains during the 18th century, a solution to the predicament of overcrowded cemeteries. Immerse yourself in the tales of legendary struggles and triumphs that echo through the macabre and sacred site.

As you traverse the catacombs, encounter the iconic "Arrete. C'est Ici L'Empire De La Mort" ("Stop. Here is the Empire of Death") sign, setting the tone for an extraordinary experience. Marvel at meticulously arranged bones and skulls, adorned with reverence and a touch of decorum.

Gain VIP access to areas not accessible to the general public, retracing the footsteps of French royals from the 18th and 19th centuries. Your journey into the depths unveils the remarkable chambers that house a profound history.

Meeting Point: Commence your adventure from Metro station Denfert Rochereau (line 4 or 6), Exit 1. Look for the Catacombs entrance with glass doors and a sign, situated to the right of the former entrance. Your guide, marked by an orange "ExperienceFirst" sign, awaits you.

• Wear comfortable shoes for the approximately 1-mile walk with 130 steps down and 85 steps back up.
• No pets, smoking, or large bags allowed.
• This tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues or anxiety in enclosed spaces.
• Expect a temperature of around 14 degrees Celsius within the catacombs.

Customer Reviews:

With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 237 reviews, our experienced guide, Egor, has left an indelible mark. Travelers commend the tour's organization, service, and outstanding value for money, making it a memorable exploration of Parisian history.

Don't Miss Out: Enhance your experience with other captivating catacomb tours, each offering a unique perspective of this subterranean marvel.

From US$ 105.54 per person

Check availability

You might also like:/

• Skip-the-Line: Paris Catacombs Guided Tour with VIP Access
• Paris Catacombs: VIP Skip-the-Line Restricted Access Tour
• Paris: Small-Group Catacombs Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry

Mysteries and Myths of the Catacombs in Paris

Paris, often referred to as the City of Light, is known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture. However, beneath the bustling streets lies a hidden world that has fascinated explorers, historians, and storytellers for centuries – the Catacombs of Paris. These underground tunnels and chambers hold a treasure trove of mysteries and myths, giving rise to a sense of intrigue and wonder.

The Catacombs of Paris, also known as the "Empire of the Dead," are a labyrinthine network of tunnels and ossuaries that house the remains of millions of people. These underground catacombs have a history that dates back to ancient times but became more prominent during the 18th century when they were repurposed as a solution to the city's overflowing cemeteries.

Origin and Purpose

The history of the Catacombs begins with the mining of limestone quarries beneath the city, which provided building materials for some of Paris's most famous structures, including the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral. As the quarries were dug deeper, they created vast underground voids, which later became the foundation for the Catacombs.

In the late 18th century, due to public health concerns and the risk of disease outbreaks, authorities decided to relocate the remains from various overcrowded cemeteries into the abandoned quarries. This macabre project aimed to organize the exhumed bones and create a more sanitary resting place for the deceased.

The Bone-Adorned Halls

Descending into the Catacombs, visitors are greeted by a haunting spectacle – walls lined with neatly arranged human bones. Skulls and femurs form patterns and designs, giving a surreal and eerie ambiance. This unique presentation of human remains is both a memorial to the departed and a testament to the craftsmanship of those who organized the bones.

Among the most famous sections of the Catacombs is the "Port-Mahon Gallery," named after a French fort in Minorca. It features elaborate arrangements of bones, including a heart-shaped arrangement that has become a symbol of the Catacombs.

Myths and Legends

As with any place steeped in history and mystery, the Catacombs of Paris have given rise to numerous myths and legends. One of the most enduring tales is that of a secret underground city within the Catacombs, inhabited by a clandestine society of "cataphiles" who explore the tunnels, organize events, and even create art in the subterranean world.

Another legend tells of a sinister guardian known as the "Cataflic," who is said to patrol the tunnels, ensuring that no one strays too far into the depths. While these stories add to the allure of the Catacombs, they are largely based on fiction and urban folklore.

Visiting the Catacombs

Today, the Catacombs of Paris are a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. To protect the fragile environment and ensure the safety of visitors, only a portion of the catacombs is open to the public. Guided tours provide insight into the history, architecture, and significance of this underground realm.

As you explore the dimly lit passages and come face to face with the bones of the past, you can't help but be struck by the profound sense of history and the enduring mysteries that surround this unique site. The Catacombs of Paris stand as a testament to the city's layered past, where the boundary between life and death blurs beneath the streets.

In conclusion, the Catacombs of Paris are more than just a burial site; they are a repository of history, art, and intrigue. They continue to capture the imaginations of those who venture below, weaving a tapestry of stories and myths that add to the mystique of this subterranean wonder.

Frequently asked questions

The main focus of the Paris Catacombs Guided Tour with VIP Access is to explore the underground labyrinth of the Paris Catacombs, learn about their history and legends from an expert guide, and skip the long entrance lines.

The tour lasts for approximately 2 hours and includes skip-the-line access, an English-speaking expert guide, and the entrance ticket and reservation fee for the Paris Catacombs.

The meeting point for the tour is outside the catacombs at Denfert Rochereau. You can reach the catacombs by taking Metro lines 4 or 6 to the Denfert-Rochereau stop and exiting at Sortie 1. Your guide will be wearing a blue polo shirt or jacket and will hold a sign to draw attention to themselves.

The main attraction at Les Invalides is the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte located in the Dome Church.

Visitors can expect to see one of the largest collections of military history and art, including over 500,000 pieces from the Middle Ages to the present day, as well as temporary exhibitions like the one dedicated to the French special forces.

Yes, there are family activities available, and children under 17 years old do not require a ticket. However, if you want to access family activities, you'll need to buy a child ticket for 8€ per child.

The main attraction of the Paris Catacombs Special Access Tour is the opportunity to skip the long lines and gain exclusive access to areas of the catacombs that are usually closed to the public. Participants can explore the underground cemetery, which is lined with the skulls and bones of around 6 million Parisians, in a small group guided by a local expert. The tour also includes access to special areas such as a secret chapel decorated with skulls and femurs.

The Paris Catacombs Special Access Tour offers fast track entry to the underground cemetery, allowing participants to bypass the long lines. The tour lasts for approximately 2 hours and involves exploring the catacombs in a group of no more than 19 people. Participants will learn about the history of the catacombs and the massive project undertaken to move bones from various parts of the city to this underground site. Special access status grants the group entry into restricted areas, including a secret chapel adorned with skulls and femurs. It's important to note that there are 130 steps to the catacombs, and there is no elevator access. Additionally, participants should wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing, as the tunnels are often wet and cool.

Customers have highly recommended booking the skip-the-line catacombs tour during a stay in Paris. The tour provides a seamless entry, bypassing the long lines, and guides offer interesting facts and anecdotes that enhance the experience. Travelers have appreciated the knowledgeable guides, such as Michelle and Kaitlyn, who made the tour entertaining and inclusive. Participants have also advised bringing a sweater and sneakers due to the cool and damp conditions in some parts of the catacombs.

This is not the official site of the presented tourist attractions. As Travel Lime, we make every effort to provide users with accurate and up-to-date information. We present offers only from trusted partners, ensuring the best experiences in various places.

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Home > Visit Paris Underground with this Paris Catacombs Skip-the-line Tour

Visit Paris Underground with this Paris Catacombs Skip-the-line Tour

Visit the catacombs of paris.

The Catacombs of Paris is one of the best things to do in Paris , probably because of its mysterious character. The Paris Catacombs is also a unique attraction, as not many European or world destinations have sites of this kind!

Despite its eccentric location, in the 14th District of Paris, the Catacombs of Paris is one of the places with the longest lines, so a Paris Catacombs skip-the-line tour or ticket is paramount. With skip-the-line Catacombs Paris tickets, you are in very fast, while with regular tickets, you can be waiting in line for up to two hours or more!

Paris Catacombs Skip-the-line Options

The Paris Catacombs Skip-the-line Tickets with an audio guide are great for visitors who prefer self-guided tours. Explore the Catacombs of Paris at your own pace with the explanations of the audio guide. These Catacombs Paris skip-the-line tickets are for the standard itinerary and do not give access to the restricted sections.

With a Skip-the-line Paris Catacombs Tour , you are in a small group accompanied by an expert guide. Learn all about the Paris Catacombs in a much more interactive experience. This special Catacombs Paris Tour also explores some restricted sections which are not accessible to the general public. Not all guided tours explore these restricted sections, so be sure to book your tour through this link .

Getting kids excited about history can be challenging, but this Catacombs Paris Private Tour with skip-the-line access is tailor-made for families with children of any age. 

Related Posts

Why a Skip-the-line Paris Catacombs Tour is a Good Idea

We have visited the Catacombs of Paris twice – alone with a regular ticket and with a skip-the-line Paris Catacombs guided tour – and the second visit was definitely much better. Here’s why we recommend a skip-the-line Catacombs Paris tour:

1. Immediate Access

For the first visit, we chose the best time to avoid the longest lines in the Catacombs of Paris . Despite that, we had to wait in line for one hour. With a Paris Catacombs skip-the-line tour or ticket, the access is immediate!

2. Fun and Entertaining Experience

In fact, the Catacombs of Paris is just an ensemble of galleries full of old bones and skulls displayed in different arrangements. The inscription at the Catacombs entrance, « Arrête! C’est ici l’empire   de la mort »  (=stop, here it’s the Empire of Death), is very impressive. Still, after seeing galleries and galleries full of bones, the visit becomes a bit boring.

Another story is a guided Paris Catacombs tour with an audio guide or an engaging professional guide . The visit is much more entertaining, and while you explore the site, you are also learning the history and legends about these 15th-century underground quarries and the bones from the Middle Ages that occupy them. So much information that you would never know walking through the Catacombs of Paris on your own!

3. Special Access to Restricted Sections

A few skip-the-line Paris Catacombs tours have special access to sections not available in the standard itinerary. These restricted sections are always the best part of the tour!

The room with an old sculpture of a castle here below, for example, is not included in the regular tour. The access to these unique rooms and halls also explains the tours’ difference in price.

Also, these tours are run by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, and we loved how our guide made it an interactive experience. 

We definitely recommend booking this VIP Skip-the-line Paris Catacombs Tour with special access to these restricted areas (you can read more reviews about it here ). It is fun and much more interesting than the regular tours.

Paris Catacombs History

The Paris Catacombs history is linked to the stone extraction in Paris . The city is rich in limestone, located on the south bank of the Seine and in the southern suburbs.

In Roman times, the stone was quarried in open quarries, and it supplied the most significant buildings of Lutetia-Roman Paris .

In the Middle Ages, the stone became scarce on the surface, the extraction of the stone went underground in the quarries that you can see today. Notre Dame de Paris and all the Gothic monuments of Medieval Paris were built with this stone.

In fact, the Catacombs of Paris are not underground cemeteries or early Roman burial places like the catacombs of Rome in Italy. The Catacombs of Paris are underground quarries reused years later to stock the bones of disappeared cemeteries in Paris Intramuros. These cemeteries became insalubrious and a health risk for the city; that’s why Paris decided to close them down.

To summarize, you will walk through kilometers of underground limestone quarries, dug in the 15th century, and occupied by bones from the Parisians of the Middle Ages.

Catacombs of Paris Practical Info

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

Access: Metro lines 4 and 6 and RERB station Denfert-Rochereau.

Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 8.30 pm. Closed on Mondays, 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December.

Click here to read about other Paris Attractions

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Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., we’re elisa, norbert, valérie, and cédric, four travel bloggers and friends living in paris. quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of our city and its lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & our best tips learn more about us.

Paris Catacombs Tour | Semi-Private Underground Experience

What to expect.

LivTours Paris Catacombs Tour is a semi-private tour that takes you beneath the dazzling lights of modern Paris to the underground world of the catacombs. This stunningly  macabre 200-mile maze houses the painstakingly arranged remains of 6 million Parisians. On this tour, you will get to see all the ghoulish sites without waiting in line. Enjoy the added bonus of LivTours VIP access to usually restricted chambers.

Why book this tour

• Admire millions of intricately arranged bones in the Catacombs on a semi-private tour
• Hear the fascinating tales of the Catacombs’ history, wartime use & resident ghosts
• Savor the luxury of priority access into the Catacombs with an expert local guide
• See the legendary crypts where beheaded revolutionaries were laid to rest
• Explore restricted Catacombs chambers with LivTours’ special access with your guide

Semi-Private tours and experiences are guaranteed six participants max.

Our prices always include tickets and reservations fees (no waiting in lines!)

Our tour guides and staff are selected experts and speak perfect English

Easy to book and prepay your tours with our secure payment system

Eco-sustainable tourism, designed to respect and support local culture, art and traditions

Tour gallery

Read more about your Paris Catacombs tour

Your Paris Catacombs Tour begins with a bone-chilling descent down 133-steps. These tunnels were used in the 13th century to quarry limestone for buildings as grand as Notre Dame. As you make your way through the narrow tunnels, you will learn what forced Parisians to bury their dead here.

During your tour, you will have plenty of time to admire the Catacombs’ disturbingly detailed bone decorations. From religious iconography to hearts, workers found many ways to “beautify” the bones housed in this complex. There is, however, one decoration that will really set your spine a-tingling. Inside the popular Crypt of the Passion take a few moments to admire “The Barrel,” constructed out of various skeletal remains.

Paris Catacombs in History

In addition to housing the dead, the Catacombs played an important role in many historic events. Your guide will tell you tales of the German Wehrmacht and the French Resistance who both used part of the Catacombs as wartime bunkers. Pay homage to monuments dedicated to people who died fighting during the French Revolution, and pass by some of the cemeteries, such as the Magdalena Cemetery, where beheaded revolutionaries were laid to rest.

Resident Ghost

If you are not afraid of ghosts, then ask your guide about the grave of the doorman Philibert Aspairt who passed away in the Catacombs in the 18th century. According to legend, Aspairt’s spirit rises up every November 3rd to spook unsuspecting tourists.

Keep in mind, only 200 people are allowed into the Catacombs at any given moment. With LivTours, however, you will enjoy VIP access to all of the Catacombs’ major highlights without waiting in line. The LivTours Paris Catacombs Tour will also take you to areas that are restricted to the general public. Although we can’t take you through all 200 miles of the Catacombs, our Paris Catacombs Tour will lead you to some of the most exclusive areas in this Parisian underworld.

This tour includes

• Skip-the-line tickets to Paris Catacombs
• Access to secret Rooms of the Catacombs
• Fully guided experience

Our Sustainable Tourism Promise

LivTours’ group size of max 6 participants is and always has been based on sustainable travel, and we are proud to be at the forefront of change and innovation in the industry.   LivTours is committed to providing travelers with truly sustainable tours with the lowest possible environmental impact, all while supporting the local industries and people of each unique destination. To learn more about how you can actively support sustainable tourism  and how LivTours is contributing, click here .

About our Semi-Private tours

All LivTours Semi-Private Group Tours are limited to 6 guests per tour guide. Our commitment to maintaining our uniquely tiny group sizes can sometimes be a little tricky, mathematically speaking. For example, we want to ensure that traveling families and friends can tour together so on rare occasions we may add one or two guests in order to not split groups. On that same note, you may also find yourself on tour with less than six people! We thank you for your understanding and flexibility .

Paris Catacombs are truly mesmerizing

This was an unreal experience. Such big limestone tunnels originally made to make Paris as beautiful as it is and then it was filled with millions of skeletons that couldn't be buried at cemeteries. This was my first time experiencing something like this. It is great that LivTours only allows up to 6 people in a group because it makes the tour super personalized. Their high quality tour guides (I have also had their guides in Italy) and their VIP access to sites makes such a large difference. These tours provide a remarkable experience for a very good price. Go LivTours!

Tour Catacombs

We toured the catacombs with Kaitlyn and had a wonderful experience. She was very well informed and added light humor to a dark subject matter. The access to some of the less travelled area was very special.

VIP Catacombs Tour

We had a great time with Kaitlyn! Very knowledgeable about the history of the catacombs and was humorous as well. Enjoyed our time a lot.

Two Thumbs Up!

Caitlin was the best tour guide for the Catacombs. She is very funny and is a beautiful story teller. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who hadn't been to the Catacombs with a tour guide. We learned so much!

While in Paris, my husband and I booked a tour of the Paris Catacombs with LivTours. We were the first to arrive and had extra time with our amazing tour guide, Kaitlyn. We loved her humor, her passion, her knowledge which made the tour more special. It was so worth it to get access to the VIP Tunnels, and we were so happy to only be with a small group. Absolutely amazing tour and tour guide!

Choose dates later / Buy as a gift

By selecting Choose Dates Later / Buy as Gift at booking, any tour can be purchased without fixed dates. This is the perfect option if you want to purchase your tour as a gift for a loved one, or if you are in the pre-planning phase of your vacation. After booking, you will receive a Travel Voucher Code and full instructions on how to schedule your tours when ready. Once your travel plans are confirmed, you can easily use the Travel Voucher Code on the LivTours website to formally schedule your tours. You can find out more here .

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Paris Catacombs Tour: Skip the Line & Visit Secret Rooms

Posted on January 2, 2023

Categories Blog , Europe , France , Resources , Reviews , Tours

This Paris catacombs tour will be one of the freakiest and fascinating excursions you’ll take. When I found out that I’d have a couple of days in Paris before and after my canal cruise in the South of France , I was overwhelmed with the amount of things to do in Paris.

Naturally, there are the super famous sites in Paris , like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. And then there are the other gems around the city, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Panthéon. However, if you’re looking for something offbeat, intriguing, and something you’ll talk about long after your visit, you simply must visit the Paris Catacombs .

Posts may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link.

In this travel blog post, I’ll show you how to take a tour of the catacombs, where to get your Paris catacombs tickets, and how to visit these fascinating underground quarries of bones. You’ll quickly see why a Paris Catacomb Tour is a good idea for anyone visiting the city center, and why I recommend choosing a tour with a passionate guide like the one I suggest throughout this article.

Table of Contents

History of the Catacombs of Paris

The Paris Catacombs stretch below the streets of the city, containing the remains of over six million people. But, why were the catacombs of Paris built below the streets of Paris? Why are so many bones on display underground rather than proper burials in cemeteries?

I’ll give you a very brief history of these unique burial grounds in the City of Light, though it’s most fascinating to hear more information about this popular attraction directly from your expert guide.

Why Were the Catacombs of Paris Built?

The catacombs of Paris weren’t always meant to be an ossuary. Paris sat on top of 200 miles of limestone tunnels, dating back to when the city was built. Workers dug up stones from beneath the city to construct it. However, the weight of the city started to collapse into the tunnels, causing massive sinkholes.

In 1777, the King’s architect, Charles-Axel Guillaumot, was tasked with stabilizing the tunnels to save the city from collapse. As you visit Paris catacombs, you’ll see carvings into the walls with dates and numbers.

These numbers show the amount of attempts it took to stabilize that particular space. While some numbers will read 1 or 2, I saw attempts in the 60s and 70s. This was not an easy job by any means.

At the same time, Paris was growing and prospering, becoming one of the most heavily populated cities. Its rapid growth caused cemeteries to overflow. There simply wasn’t enough space to bury the dead. Paris started to smell quite badly of decomposing bodies, and it posed a huge health hazard.

By 1785, the tunnels were stable and the remains of the dead were transferred into them. This transfer of bones lasted throughout the French Revolution and all the way until 1859. Here is a picture of a tunnel where they dropped the bodies and bones into the quarry.

Interestingly enough, it was actually Napoleon who decided that the catacombs of Paris should be a tourist attraction. As the great empire of Rome had its own catacombs attraction , Napoleon decided that Paris should have something similar.

Quarry workers began sifting through the piles of bones to create decorative works. They lined the walls with femurs and tibias, and tastefully arranged the skulls. You’ll see signs with commemorative plaques, and bones arranged into various shapes. It’s very strange and eerie that the final resting place for so many can be viewed as a work of art.

Cataphiles of Paris

While the tour is restricted to around 2km of tunnels, there are 200 miles of underground tunnels. There are some people who are a little more obsessed with the catacombs and illegally venture into forbidden areas beneath the city.

These people are known as the “cataphiles of Paris”. It is potentially possible to enter the tunnels through manholes and metro stations. Sometimes the cataphiles visit as part of an artistic movement, and other times they’re exploring and adding to their own maps.

Back in 2004, authorities discovered a secret underground movie theater in the catacombs. However, no one was ever caught or fined. If you are caught unofficially exploring the tunnels beneath Paris, you will be heavily fined.

Paris Catacombs Tour: Skip the Line and Secret Rooms

Trust me, you’re going to want to book a skip the line tour for the Catacombs of Paris. It’s a major tourist attraction, but you don’t want to waste your day waiting in long queues.

As you can imagine, the lines here get frustratingly long. Do you really want to spend half of your day in a lengthy line (especially if it’s really hot outside)? Or would you rather skip the line and waltz right indoors, heading directly to the attraction?

I can’t imagine not booking a ticket in advance for this Paris Catacombs tour. A Paris catacombs skip the line tour is the best way to visit. Book your ticket here.

How to Buy Tickets to Visit Paris Catacombs

If you’re looking for how to visit the catacombs in Paris, take my advice. Head on over to the Take Walks website and select the date and time you’d like to visit. There are usually multiple times for each day. I recommend buying your tickets farther in advance to avoid disappointment. Numbers are limited for each tour, and it definitely has the potential to sell out.

You’ll meet your guide at a separate meeting point. Ours was right across the street from the Catacombs of Paris entrance. Our small group had less than 20 people in it (the maximum number for the tour, including the guide, is 20 people). We walked together across the street and right into the building, past the huge lineup of people there. Having skip the line access is a great feeling.

Our guide had all of our tickets purchased ahead of time and knew all of the employees that worked there. Within moments, we were descending into the catacombs themselves. With that said, skipping the line with a guided tour is only one of the perks.

Of course, you’ll gain a much better understanding with a Paris Catacombs Tour. I learned about so many stories and interesting facts that made this attraction so special. If you walk around without a guide, you’ll see lots and lots of skulls and bones. It’s really cool to see, but it’s even better when you have an understanding of it all. And then there are the areas you can only visit with a guide…

Special Access Areas for Tours Only

There were two areas behind locked gates that regular tourists could not visit. With our historian guide, we were allowed to venture into these rooms. Our small group had these rooms all to ourselves when we visited. We had the opportunity to view two wall sculptures within the ossuary.

The Sculptures de Décure were secretly carved into the limestone by a quarry worker named Francois Décure between 1777 and 1782. One showcases the facade of a building in the Quartier de Cazerne. Another depicts Port Mahon where he was imprisoned, and another carving illustrates a spot called Port Philipe. These sculptures detail his memories or imagined visions of these places.

They’re incredibly detailed and created in such a challenging environment. Decure had to work by torch light, far underground in such a dark and damp place. Sadly, he was killed underground in a cave-in while constructing a stairway to his artwork.

A trip to view the Sculptures de Decure are certainly worth a visit. You might find the skulls and bones to be a little too ominous, but these are purely fascinating without the creepy factor.

What to Know Before You Visit the Catacombs of Paris

There are a couple of details that you need to plan before your trip. Here are some specific tips for your Paris catacombs tour. There aren’t any bathrooms in the catacombs of Paris, so use the restroom in advance. Please do not touch any of the bones.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. You will venture down 131 steps at the start of your tour and 112 steps to climb up (243 stairs in total). In total, the walk is a 1.5km circuit loop around millions of bones and human remains.

Due to the site’s underground constraints, the Paris catacombs are not wheelchair accessible. Furthermore, they do not recommend that you visit if you are pregnant or highly sensitive. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

You may not eat or drink as you walk around the Catacombs of Paris. You cannot bring alcohol to the tunnels, and you cannot bring animals of any kind. No smoking either. I think all of this goes without saying.

When you exit, the staff will search your bags to make sure that you aren’t stealing any bones. You cannot use the flash on your camera inside the ossuary, although you can take as many photos as you’d like. You can bring a bottle of water with you.

Is it Cold in the Paris Catacombs?

It is very damp and cold in the tunnels. It is a great place to visit in the summer when it’s hot outside. The catacombs are naturally air conditioned. So, is it cold in the Paris Catacombs? Yes, it is! This means that you might want to plan what to wear in advance.

What do you Wear to the Paris Catacombs?

What do you wear to the Paris Catacombs? I didn’t really think about this ahead of time and I wish that I did. Bring a sweater on your Paris Catacombs tour. Wear shoes that are sturdier as you’ll be climbing up and down stairs at the beginning and end of your trip (like sneakers/running shoes/closed toed shoes).

You may not bring large bags or suitcases into the Paris Catacombs. It is not possible to bring a motorcycle helmet or a stroller either. Bags must be 40x30x20cm or smaller and you need to hold them at your side or in front of you. There isn’t a cloak room to hold bags.

Are the Catacombs of Paris Haunted?

So, you might be wondering…are the catacombs of Paris haunted? Well, it all depends on what you believe. I’m not sure that I believe in ghosts myself. However, our guide told us a story about a contest from a few years ago.

Airbnb rented out the catacombs of Paris for one night, offering the chance for two people to spend the night there. They set up a bed in the ossuary, naturally surrounded by the bones and skulls. In the evening, it was lights out.

Of course, the mind can play tricks on you in complete darkness. The winners of the contest didn’t end up spending the entire night there. They were too scared. Are the tunnels truly haunted? We’ll never know for sure.

I’m sure if there was a haunted place in the world, it would be the catacombs of Paris. I mean, there are 6 million people buried down there! Would you ever consider spending the night at the Paris catacombs?

More Information and Location of the Catacombs

Your tour will meet near the entrance of the Paris Catacombs, which is near the Denfert-Rochereau station in the city of Paris. The exit of the tour is a couple of blocks away. Both are located in the 14th Arrondissement. This tour is approximately two hours in length. Only 200 people are permitted inside the catacombs at any time. I really like that it is restricted, so it never feels crowded down there.

Want to see more photos from Paris?

Check out the rest of our pictures from Paris. There’s also an online shop at our photography site. Click the ‘buy’ button by any picture: you can purchase prints, housewares, and all sorts of fun things featuring our photos!

Should You Take a Paris Catacombs Tour?

I highly recommend that you visit Paris catacombs on your trip to the city. It might seem a little weird or even creepy to see the world’s largest grave. However, it’s truly fascinating.

It’s a little overwhelming to think that every skull represents life. But, it’s a very intriguing part of Paris’ history that you can easily see with your own eyes. You’ll learn so many interesting facts about the history of the city through your guide. I absolutely loved this tour and I’m sure you will, too!

If you’d like even more of a sneak peak, you can take a virtual tour through the winding tunnels of the Paris Catacombs. I think you should wait until you can actually see it in person. If you’re not able to go, this is the next best thing.

What to Know if You Aren’t Taking a Skip the Line Tour

You used to be able to wait in line to enter the Catacombs of Paris without purchasing a ticket in advance. Nowadays, everyone needs to buy a timed ticket ahead of time, whether it’s through a tour company or through the official website.

As many counterfeit tickets were sold online, you can only get your timed tickets from the official website seven days ahead of time. This is one reason why it might be even better to book your Paris Catacombs Tour as a skip the line ticket: you can schedule your trip farther in advance.

Booking timed tickets through the official website doesn’t guarantee that you won’t wait in long lines. Only the skip the line tour will guarantee that! Plus, you’ll want to see the hidden rooms that you don’t normally see on a self-guided walk.

Plus, you’ll receive a guided tour by a professional guide who will provide the proper insights you’ll need to truly appreciate this historic site. Check ticket prices here. If you don’t visit with a tour, make sure that you borrow an audio guide at the door so you can learn on your self-guided tour.

More Blog Posts About France

Are you planning to travel around France? Here are some more places you can visit outside of Paris across this beautiful country.

• Things to Do in Strasbourg in a Day
• How to Visit Strasbourg and Mulhouse (Two Top Cities for Architecture and Art)
• Things to Do in Carcassonne
• One Day in Capestang, France
• The Medieval Village of Minerve
• Olive Oil Tour in the South of France
• 5 Magical Reasons to Visit Narbonne
• Fonserannes Locks, Staircase Locks on the Canal du Midi
• The Historic Town of Pezenas
• 5 Enchanting Reasons to Visit Marseillan
• Cruising the Canal du Midi on the Athos Barge
• Best Things to Do in Corsica

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

10 Catacombs & Ossuaries Around The World To Visit

• The Sedlec Ossuary in the Czech Republic features works of art made from human bones and is part of the oldest Cistercian monastery in the region.
• The catacombs of Paris are home to an exceptionally large amount of skeletons, with around 6 million skeletons in total.
• The Valley of the Kings in Egypt is a fascinating catacomb that provides insight into the rituals of ancient Egyptian civilization, housing tombs of pharaohs such as King Tutankhamun.

Catacombs and ossuaries can be rather creepy places to visit, but they also tell an important part of a place's culture and history. The most famous catacombs in the world must be the ancient catacombs of Rome , but there are plenty more around Europe and beyond.

Some catacombs are likely still lost to history, waiting to be rediscovered (new underground cities are still being discovered today, like the lost city of Matiate in Turkey ). Here are some of the most remarkable catacombs and ossuaries around the world to visit.

Related: Here Are 10 Roman Ruins & Structures Still In Use

Sedlec Ossuary

The Sedlec Ossuary is one of the greatest attractions to visit outside of Prague in the Czech Republic. The Seldec Ossaury is in the Cemetery Church and is part of the oldest Cistercian monastery in the region (and was founded in 1142).

Here, visitors can see human bones arranged into works of art adorning the church (including a remarkable coat of arms made from human bones).

• Location: Sedlec, Czech Republic (Near Prague)

Paris Catacombs

The catacombs or ossuaries of Paris are some of the most famous catacombs in Europe. The ossuaries occupy only a small part of the vast quarries under Paris and are home to some 6 million skeletons (an exceptionally large amount for any ossuary in the world).

The Paris Catacombs are open to the public, and there are public tours available.

• Location: Paris, France

Related: The Paris Catacombs Are The Final Resting Places Of Six Million People, And You Can Visit Them

Capuchin Catacombs

The Capuchin Catacombs are some of the most remarkable in Europe . Here, visitors can see many fully dressed mummies in the catacombs under the church in Sicily.

The first mummy was placed there in 1599 and the last in 1939, and there are some 8,000 corpses and 1,252 mummies organized into men, women, virgins, children, priests, monks, and professionals.

• Location: Palermo, Sicily

Valley Of The Kings

The Valley of the Kings is a series of rock-cut tombs built during the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt over a period of 500 years. This is where many of the ancient Pharaohs were built (including King Tutankhamun), and the latest tombs found here were discovered in 2008.

The Valley of the Kings is one of the best catacombs in the world to visit to get a glimpse of the rituals of the ancient Egyptian civilization, and they date from after the Egyptians built the pyramids.

• Location: Thebes (Modern Luxor), Egypt

Related: Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Egypt's Mystical Valley Of The Kings

Mummy Museum Guanajuato

The Mummy Museum Guanajuato is one of the most unusual attractions in Mexico. The Mummy Museum Guanajuato has a number of naturally mummified bodies of people who died in an epidemic in the city in 1833.

Today, there are 59 mummies on display out of a total of 111 mummies.

• Location: Guanajuato, Mexico

Catacomb Of Callixtus

The Catacombs of Callixtus is perhaps the best known of the Catacombs of Rome. It is located along the Appian Way and is home to the Crypt of the Popes (dating from the 2nd to 4th centuries).

The Catacombs of Callixtus was only rediscovered in 1854, and they are open to the public today and are one of the best underground attractions of Ancient Rome.

• Location: Rome, Italy

Catacombs Of San Sebastiano

The Catacombs of San Sebastiano may be one of the smallest of the famous catacombs of Rome, but it is also one of the most accessible of Rome's catacombs. It once had four floors and was a Christian cemetery (although the fourth level is now almost completely destroyed).

It is also located along the Appian Way and is one of the few Christian cemeteries to have always been accessible.

Brno Ossuary

The Brno Ossuary is another remarkable ossuary in the Czech Republic. It was founded in the 17th century and expanded in the 18th century, and then forgotten about. It was only rediscovered in 2001 in the historic center of the historic center of the Czech city of Brno.

It is thought to have around 50,000 people interred (which would make it the second-largest ossuary after the Paris Ossuaries).

• Location: Brno, Czech Republic

Catacombs Of Kom Ash-Shuqqafa

Not all of the ancient historic archeological attractions of Egypt is from the Ancient Egyptian period. The Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa are located in Alexandria and date from the Roman period.

These are made up of 3 levels and have some 300 bodies. They have a maze of passageways and rooms and represent a blend of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian elements.

• Location: Alexandria, Egypt

Related: See The Ancient Roman Catacombs Of Kom El Shoqafa In Egypt

Old St. Patrick Cathedral's Mini Catacombs

New York City's Old St. Patrick Cathedral offers a rare opportunity to see incredible catacombs in the United States. Old St. Patrick's Cathedral was consecrated in 1815 and is one of the historic attractions of Manhattan.

Underneath the cathedral are mini catacombs currently made up of 35 family crypts and 5 clerical vaults.

• Location: Manhattan, NYC, United States

Catacombs of Paris

Book catacombs tickets online.

Explore the Paris Catacombs, the final resting place of over 6 million Parisians, spanning centuries and social classes and learn about the history of this mysterious network of tunnels.

Stroll through the cool, dimly lit tunnels lined with human remains 20 metres below the streets of Paris.

Admire the impressive stonework and engineering of the ancient quarries repurposed as a crypt.

Get insights into the history, significance, and architectural aspects of the Catacombs as you listen to the audio guide.

Reserve your spot by booking last-minute entrance tickets for this otherwise sold-out attraction.

• The average temperature is 14°C underground, so make sure you are dressed appropriately.
• Photos for private use are authorized, but you must not use flash photography, tripods, or bulky material that may get in the way of other visitors.
• There are restrooms at the exit.
• For the proper preservation of the site and for safety reasons, the number of simultaneous visitors is limited to 200. In case of a very large number of visitors, you may have to wait a long time and entrance may be temporarily restricted.
• To ensure safety and preservation of the ossuary, it is prohibited to enter the Catacombs with a suitcase or large bag. Only bags measuring less than 40x30 cm are allowed. They must be carried in front of your body or in your hand. No coat room is available for storage, so please refrain from bringing large bags or suitcases on the date of your visit.
• You’re not allowed to touch the bones because these are the fragile remains of millions of Parisians.
• The Catacombs of Paris staff can communicate in English and French.
• Please indicate your expected visit time at checkout page, however, please note that due to the limited number of people who can enter at once, your preferred time may not be guaranteed.
• In the event that your preferred time slots aren't available, the operator will get in touch with you to inform you about the available time slots that you can take.
• This activity is not recommended for those with medical conditions (high blood pressure, epilepsy, etc.), pregnant women, or seniors.
• Due to the nature of this activity, it is not recommended for persons with impaired physical mobility or those in wheelchairs.
• Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the venue.
• Pets are not allowed inside the venue, with the exception of service animals with valid identification.
• Flash photography is prohibited inside the venue.
• Please note that the time slots may be subject to slight variations, and we will allocate a time slot available within a 30-minute window before or after your initial selection.

Overview For Catacombs Of Paris

Visit the famous Catacombs of Paris to witness a nerve chilling labyrinth of tunnels under the ground in the heart of the city. The complex labyrinthine ossuary was set up years ago and continues to astound visitors today with its incredibly complex maze-like network that holds the mortal remains of millions of Parisians. If you are visiting Paris with the notion of pure romance in the air, you are in for a staggering surprise. Take a tour of the dimly lit tunnels of this Parisian ossuary called the Catacombs of Paris to witness a side of the city that is certainly not for the faint hearted. It is an underground space that houses over six million bones of the deceased after a heavy storm caused the walls of a local cemetery to collapse.

The Paris Catacombs, despite its horrific history and gruesome halls that are adorned with human skeletal remains, happens to be one of the most popular albeit unsettling places of attraction here. You can take an audio-guided tour of the macabre tunnels to learn all about its history and how the construction was done, as you move along the uneven, gravel paths.

Catacombs of Paris History

The origins of the Paris Catacombs dates back to the late eighteenth century when a major catastrophic situation brought the city together to move its dead to an underground site. The groundwork was laid down in 1786 when King Louis XV passed a decree that banned the burial of the deceased in cemeteries within the city limits.

This was because the rise in population was making the city burst at the edges as it was not able to keep up with the rate of expansion. Cemeteries were beginning to get overcrowded and graves started becoming shallow. The surfaces started emanating the rotting smell of decomposing flesh as bio-fluids started oozing out of the ground. Things came to a critical juncture one night when a huge storm hit the city and incessant rainfall caused the land to collapse at the cemetery due to an overload of corpses. The dead bodies began to fall out and into the neighborhood areas when the big decision was taken to move the remains of the dead into the tunnels that ran below the streets of Paris. Overnight carts were loaded with millions of human bones and taken to the ossuary where they were stacked neatly for several kilometers, forming the Catacombs of Paris.

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Things To See Inside Catacombs Of Paris

This structure is located in an area at the center of all skulls and bones within the Catacombs Of Paris, known as the Crypt of Passion. The massive eerie barrel shape holds more bones and skeletons within it and was erected in 1897 when an illegal concert featuring Chopin’s Funeral March and the Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saens in the middle of the night was being held here.

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The underground world of the Catacombs of Paris has been brilliantly organised so that visitors can cross from the upper catacombs to the lower ones with the help of a support ramp. While at most parts, the quarry was dug out only at one level, there are certain areas where the quarrymen explored the area at two different levels

There were certain exhibits placed within the Catacombs of Paris, one of the most fascinating being the Citadel de Mahon carved out by Decure. A veteran of the French Army, he did the sculpting completely from memory of the actual structure. However, legend goes that he was killed within the very walls of these catacombs when he was trying to construct a stairway that would lead visitors to the exhibit.

When you are traversing through the tunnels comprising the Catacombs of Paris, you will reach a point where you will face a winding staircase that leads to a small well. This is considered to be the first-ever geological drilling that was done in Paris, intended at seeing the geological layers of the city. You will also see a back wall here with light shining on the words that mean ‘Foot Bath of the Quarrymen’.

Plan Your Visit to Catacombs of Paris

Location : 1, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy (place Denfert-Rochereau), 75014 Paris

Opening hours :Tuesday to Sunday from 9:45 AM to 8:30 PMThe Catacombs of Paris are closed on Mondays and certain holidays including January 1, May 1, and December 25

This is a one way circuit that runs for a kilometer and a half and exit is at 21 bis, Avenue René-Coty.

There is no coat or luggage room here and you will not be allowed to carry suitcases and large bags inside the Catacombs of Paris to ensure its safety and preservation. Visitors are allowed to carry bags that measure less than 40X30 cm. in front of the body or in the hand. There are over a 100 steps to go down, and the site is not wheelchair accessible.

The dimly lit passageways are narrow, with an uneven path that may get slippery in parts. There is a constant temperature of 14 degrees Celsius maintained within the Paris Catacomb and the number of visitors inside is limited to 200 at a time.

The Paris Catacombs are not recommended for sensitive individuals who may find the site disturbing, pregnant women, motor disabled, or individuals suffering from Claustrophobia, cardiac and respiratory insufficiency, etc. Individuals with mental disabilities may find the atmosphere anxiogenic and thus is not recommended for them.

Sight-disabled individuals and children who are under the age of 14 and visiting the Paris Catacomb must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Places to visit near Catacombs of Paris

This Museum is one of the most important places of tourist attractions and a great site to visit when you are at the Catacombs of Paris. The world’s largest museum, the Louvre is housed within the Louvre Palace on the banks of the Seine. Visit Louvre Museum not only for its awe-inspiring façade and architecture, but also for the impressive collections of Egyptian antiques, Roman antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Islamic art, paintings, prints, and its most famous exhibit, the Mona Lisa by Leonardo di Vinci.

Head to the renowned Jardin du Luxembourg, or the Luxembourg gardens after you visit Catacombs Paris, a complete contrast to its grimness. This is the garden of the French Senate and the second largest public park in Paris inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence. Take a stroll around the beautifully manicured park to soak in the local vibe and the cosmopolitan air of the city amid the lush greenery of the garden. You can also catch visitors here spending a relaxed evening playing chess and even bee keeping.

This iconic structure towering high into the Parisian sky, is in all likelihood, the prime symbol that defines the country. Your visit to the city of Paris may well remain incomplete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower and so head down to the Champ de Mars area after you see the Paris Catacombs. The 300 feet marvel also has an observation deck at one of its three levels where visitors are hosted. In the evenings, the glittering light show here is an absolute marvel and one you must not miss.

Constructed in the mid-thirteenth century, Sainte Chapelle was commissioned by King Louis IX with the sole purpose of storing his collection of relics. These include important antiquities from the last days of Jesus Christ until his crucifixion, including the Christ’s Crown of Thorns that was later hosted by the Notre Dame Cathedral. You can also see in this classic Gothic structure, one of the most enviable stained glass collections in the world.

Visit the most famous religious landmarks of the city after you have seen the renowned Catacombs of Paris. Constructed by the French colonists in the late 1800s. The Notre Dame Cathedral is a classic example of Romanesque architectural features. Its distinctive red façade along with twin bell towers, stained glass windows, and a tall statue of the Virgin Mary in front, makes it stand out. It is one of this city’s most visited and beloved landmarks not only for its holy sanctity but for its symbolic importance.

Situated calmly by the banks of the River Seine, the Musee d’Orsay houses an enviable collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collective art. The exquisite architecture of the building is in itself a sight to behold apart from hosting the works of famous artists including Renoir, Dali, Monet, Cézanne, Gaugin, and Van Gogh to name a few. You can witness decorative arts, sculptures, and architectural structures among its collection including several classic pieces like The Artist's Studio, Self Portrait, Starry Night over the Rhone, and Whistler's Mother, among several others.

Catacombs of Paris FAQs

Can you touch the bones in the paris catacombs.

No, you cannot touch the bones in the Paris Catacombs. This is to ensure the preservation of this ancient site which houses the delicate remnants of thousands of Parisians in the form of bones, skulls, and skeletons.

Is it okay to visit the Catacombs of Paris alone?

Yes, you can visit the Catacombs of Paris alone, but can venture only into certain parts of it that are open to the general public. The rest of the area is closed and visitors are not allowed in these parts. Children below the age of 14 cannot visit alone and need to be accompanied by an adult. You can take a self-guided tour to find your way around. However, since the interiors are dank and dreary, it is best to travel with someone.

Are there any guide services available with Catacombs of Paris tickets?

There are audio guides you can borrow from the staff here that you can use. It will guide you along the way as well as tell you about the history of how it was constructed

Can we click pictures inside Catacombs of Paris?

Yes, you can take pictures inside the Catacombs of Paris although you are not allowed to touch the ancient remains that are housed here. Most parts of the catacomb are very dimly lit and thus you may need to use a flash when clicking pictures.

How long does it take to visit the Paris Catacombs?

The average time it takes to go through the Catacombs of Paris independently is about one hour. The walking route stretches around 2 km and consists of almost 130 stairs to descend into it.

Are the catacombs of Paris haunted?

The Catacombs of Paris look extremely grim and sinister for their very location deep underground. Moreover, most of the tunnels are very dimly lit and there have been cases where people have lost their way touring the tunnels. All these coupled with the fact that the ossuary houses millions of bones of the dead, give the catacombs a haunted vibe.

When were the catacombs of Paris built?

The Catacombs of Paris were built during the years between 1787 and 1814 after the then Saints-Innocents cemetery was closed. It took the Parisians almost 12 years to transfer all the remains of the dead into the ossuaries.

What is the best time of day to visit the catacombs of Paris?

The best time to visit the Catacombs of Paris is during the early morning in order to avoid long queues. The catacombs allow a maximum of 200 visitors within it at a time.

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