Paris Catacombs Tour

Plan Your Visit

Discover the fascinating history of Paris at the Catacombs. Skip the line, enjoy a guided tour, and explore the chilling yet captivating underground ossuary. Book tickets now!

The Paris Catacombs are open daily from 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM, except on Mondays and certain public holidays, so be sure to check the schedule in advance before planning your visit.

To avoid long wait times, it’s highly recommended to purchase Paris Catacombs tickets online in advance, as the entrance is limited to a certain number of people per hour.

The tour involves a considerable amount of walking through narrow, dimly lit tunnels and steep stairs, so visitors should be in good physical condition and wear comfortable shoes.

The Paris Catacombs were created under the direction of Philippe-Antoine Chenevix, the inspector of quarries, in the late 18th century. Overcrowded cemeteries, particularly the Cemetery of Innocents, led to the decision to move millions of bones into abandoned quarries to prevent disease and improve public health.

The bones were arranged in artistic patterns by workers and quarrymen under the supervision of Louis-Étienne François, a municipal official. These arrangements transformed the Catacombs into both a burial site and a unique art exhibit, blending history with haunting beauty.

In 1809, during the administration of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Catacombs were officially opened to the public. The site quickly gained popularity, and today, it remains one of Paris' most visited landmarks, attracting tourists interested in its dark yet fascinating history.

Paris Catacombs tickets can be easily purchased online, with options for skip-the-line access to ensure a quicker entry and avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons.

For a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the Catacombs, consider booking a Paris Catacombs guided tour where an expert guide will share captivating stories and insights about the site’s creation and its role in Parisian history.

While last-minute tickets may be available on the day of your visit, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance to secure your spot, as the Catacombs have limited capacity, and the tours often sell out quickly.

If you’re interested in seeing more of Paris beneath the surface, consider joining one of the Paris underground tours that combines a visit to the Catacombs with other fascinating underground sites, such as the tunnels of the Musée des Égouts (Sewer Museum) or hidden underground caves.

A Paris city tour is another great option, allowing you to explore the famous landmarks of the city, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame, after visiting the Catacombs. This allows for a balanced experience of Paris above and below ground.

For those seeking a more specialized experience, Paris tours focused on unique themes, like the city’s Gothic architecture, secret passages, or historical districts, can offer a deeper dive into the hidden history and culture of Paris.

Just a short walk from the Catacombs is the Luxembourg Gardens, a beautiful and serene spot where you can take a leisurely stroll, admire sculptures and fountains, or relax by the lush greenery in the heart of Paris.

For spectacular views of Paris, head to the Montparnasse Tower, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city skyline, including the Eiffel Tower and other iconic landmarks. The observation deck is an excellent place for photography.

A few minutes away is the Musée de la Libération de Paris, a museum dedicated to the city’s liberation during World War II, where visitors can explore exhibits on the resistance and the pivotal events that shaped Paris's history during the war.

Just a short walk from the Paris Catacombs, Parc Montsouris is a beautiful green space perfect for families. It offers playgrounds, a large lake, and plenty of open space for kids to run and play.

The Catacombs are located in the 14th Arrondissement, a neighborhood with charming streets and cafes. Take a stroll with your family and enjoy the local shops and eateries, perfect for a family lunch or snack.

Located near the Catacombs, this small museum is family-friendly and offers a look into Paris' police history. It’s a great stop if your family enjoys learning about the past in an engaging way.

The Best Paris Catacombs Tour

Welcome to the Paris Catacombs, one of the most fascinating and eerie places in the city! They are often hailed as one of the best catacombs to visit in Europe. Built-in the late 18th century, these underground tunnels were originally created to solve Paris's overflowing cemeteries. Over time, they became home to millions of human bones, which now form a haunting yet fascinating part of the city's history.

Why should you visit? Well, for starters, the Catacombs offer a unique look at Paris’s past, and it’s something that’s on many travelers’ bucket lists. As you walk through the dimly lit corridors, you’ll see the bones arranged in artistic patterns, giving this underground world a mysterious charm. The atmosphere is unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

For an even better experience, we recommend getting a Paris Catacombs audio guide. It’s packed with details that will help you understand the significance of what you're seeing. If you're in a rush, don’t worry – we offer Paris Catacombs skip-the-line tickets, so you won’t waste time waiting around.

Ready to dive deep into history? Whether you're looking for Paris catacombs last-minute tickets or planning the best Catacombs tour Paris has to offer, we’ve got you covered. Visiting the catacombs in Paris is an unforgettable adventure, and we can’t wait to take you there!

Tour Highlights

The Ossuary: The main attraction is the ossuary, where the remains of over six million people are carefully arranged. It’s a hauntingly beautiful sight that’s both eerie and mesmerizing.
Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy’s Memorial: Don’t miss the memorial dedicated to Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, a key figure in the French Resistance. It’s an important part of the Catacombs’ history.
Hidden Sections: As you explore, you’ll see parts of the Catacombs that are often overlooked. These lesser-known areas hold fascinating stories and unique structures that you might not expect.
The Tunnels: Wander through narrow, dimly lit tunnels. These underground paths were once used for mining and later became the final resting place for many Parisians.
The Crypts: Keep an eye out for crypts scattered throughout the Catacombs. These are where the remains of some of Paris's most notable figures are housed.
The Art of the Catacombs: Some parts of the Catacombs feature stunning, intricate displays of bones arranged in unique patterns. It’s a unique mix of art and history that’s a must-see during your tour.

The Ossuary: The main attraction is the ossuary, where the remains of over six million people are carefully arranged. It’s a hauntingly beautiful sight that’s both eerie and mesmerizing.
Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy’s Memorial: Don’t miss the memorial dedicated to Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, a key figure in the French Resistance. It’s an important part of the Catacombs’ history.
Hidden Sections: As you explore, you’ll see parts of the Catacombs that are often overlooked. These lesser-known areas hold fascinating stories and unique structures that you might not expect.
The Tunnels: Wander through narrow, dimly lit tunnels. These underground paths were once used for mining and later became the final resting place for many Parisians.
The Crypts: Keep an eye out for crypts scattered throughout the Catacombs. These are where the remains of some of Paris's most notable figures are housed.
The Art of the Catacombs: Some parts of the Catacombs feature stunning, intricate displays of bones arranged in unique patterns. It’s a unique mix of art and history that’s a must-see during your tour.

Visitor Highlights

Bone arrangement: Witness the haunting beauty of millions of bones meticulously arranged within the tunnels.
Catacombs Night Tour: Experience the eerie Catacombs night tour for a spooky twist.
Historic Tunnels: Walk through historic tunnels full of fascinating history.
Cemetery of Innocents: Visit the haunting Cemetery of Innocents, a resting place for millions.
Fortifications and Galleries: Explore ancient fortifications and galleries once used for defense.
Entrance at Place Denfert-Rochereau: Start your adventure at the entrance near Place Denfert-Rochereau.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personal small group tour for a better experience.
Expert Commentary: Gain insight from your tour guide on the Catacombs’ secrets and history.

Bone arrangement: Witness the haunting beauty of millions of bones meticulously arranged within the tunnels.
Catacombs Night Tour: Experience the eerie Catacombs night tour for a spooky twist.
Historic Tunnels: Walk through historic tunnels full of fascinating history.
Cemetery of Innocents: Visit the haunting Cemetery of Innocents, a resting place for millions.
Fortifications and Galleries: Explore ancient fortifications and galleries once used for defense.
Entrance at Place Denfert-Rochereau: Start your adventure at the entrance near Place Denfert-Rochereau.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personal small group tour for a better experience.
Expert Commentary: Gain insight from your tour guide on the Catacombs’ secrets and history.

Book in Advance: Reserve your Paris Catacombs tour tickets early to avoid long waits, especially during peak season.
Guided Tour: Opt for a guided tour to learn more about the Catacombs' fascinating history.
Travel Smart- Avoid waiting in lines with Skip the Lines tickets to save time and avoid crowds.
Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking through narrow, uneven tunnels.
Bring a Jacket: The Catacombs can be cool, so bring a light jacket, even in warmer months.
Respect the Site: Be mindful of the solemn nature of the Catacombs and their historical significance.
No Photography: Photography is restricted in certain areas to preserve the Catacombs, so check for signs before taking pictures.
Check Restrictions: Some areas may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues, so check before booking.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Light jacket
Water bottle
Camera (without flash)
Identification (for discounts)

What not to bring

Large bags or backpacks
Food and drinks
Tripods or selfie sticks
Heavy clothing
Flashing lights

Metro: The closest metro station is Denfert-Rochereau (Lines 4 and 6), located just a 5-minute walk from the Catacombs entrance.
Bus: Several bus lines stop near the Catacombs, including Bus Lines 38, 68, and 88, offering a convenient alternative to the metro.
RER: The RER B line also stops at Denfert-Rochereau, making it easy to access from major transport hubs like Gare du Nord or the airport.
Walking: If you're staying in central Paris, you can walk to the Catacombs in about 20-30 minutes from the Latin Quarter or Montparnasse, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Taxis and Ride-sharing: Taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber can take you directly to the entrance, though public transport is usually more efficient.

The Catacomb of San Callisto is the best preserved and oldest, dating back to the 2nd century AD with extensive tunnels and galleries.

Yes, you can take pictures, but flash photography is prohibited, and touching the remains is not allowed.

You can, but it’s recommended to book in advance due to limited entry. Last-minute tickets may be available, but queues can be long.

The Catacombs are cool and damp, so bring a sweater as the temperature is around 57°F (14°C), even during warm weather.

Tickets are released 7 days in advance at 10 AM Paris time and sell out quickly, so be fast.

There are no toilets inside the Catacombs, but there are restrooms at the exit of the tour

It’s easy to get lost, as the Catacombs are an extensive maze. Only a small section is open to the public.

Only a small portion of the 320 kilometers of tunnels is mapped, mainly the ossuaries.

Most of the Catacombs are off-limits to the public. Only a small section is accessible.

Yes, the Catacombs are considered a form of dark tourism due to their eerie and macabre history.

The Best Paris Catacombs Tour

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Tour Highlights

Visitor Highlights

The Best Paris Catacombs Tour