Catacombs of Paris
Explore an ancient underground labyrinth housing the remains of millions, a chilling yet fascinating journey into Paris's unique history and a testame...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape summer heat; cooler underground
Catacombs of Paris
Best Time
Escape summer heat; cooler underground
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore an ancient underground labyrinth housing the remains of millions, a chilling yet fascinating journey into Paris's unique history and a testament to its past.
"An unforgettable, eerie journey beneath Paris that's a must-see for history buffs and the curious."
🎟️ Book Online 7 Days Ahead
Tickets for the Catacombs of Paris are released exactly one week in advance and sell out fast .
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll walk over 1.5 km and navigate many stairs. Comfortable footwear is a must for the underground tunnels .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Ossuary
Deep within the tunnels
Witness millions of human bones, meticulously arranged into walls and decorative patterns, a truly unique and somber spectacle. It's the main draw for many visitors.
Descent into the Earth
Entry point
Navigate a winding staircase deep underground, setting the tone for the historical journey ahead. Be prepared for many steps down and up.
Historical Explanations
Throughout the tour
Informative signs and audio guides (included with tickets) explain the fascinating history and purpose of this vast underground necropolis.
Planning Your Visit
Secure Your Tickets Well in Advance
Only Visit the Official Catacombs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Online 7 Days Ahead
Tickets for the Catacombs of Paris are released exactly one week in advance and sell out fast.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll walk over 1.5 km and navigate many stairs. Comfortable footwear is a must for the underground tunnels.
🧢 Mind Your Head
Some sections of the Catacombs have low ceilings. A hat can offer protection.
🥶 Dress in Layers
The temperature underground is consistently around 15°C (59°F), offering a cool break but can feel chilly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Online 7 Days Ahead
Tickets for the Catacombs of Paris are released exactly one week in advance and sell out fast.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll walk over 1.5 km and navigate many stairs. Comfortable footwear is a must for the underground tunnels.
🧢 Mind Your Head
Some sections of the Catacombs have low ceilings. A hat can offer protection.
🥶 Dress in Layers
The temperature underground is consistently around 15°C (59°F), offering a cool break but can feel chilly.
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
An audio guide is included with your ticket and provides excellent historical context in multiple languages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the Catacombs of Paris as a uniquely eerie and historically profound experience, often citing it as a highlight of their trip. While the sheer number of bones is captivating, some find the long queues and the confined, damp environment less appealing, especially if not prepared for the extensive walking and stairs.
"Worked great to buy tickets 2 weeks in advance. Please note that if you have a disability ticket, you must pick it up in person and no audio guide is included, but you can have an additional guest enter for free with the disabled guest. That said, this place is NOT ACCESSIBLE if you have any mobility challenges, but of course, that is because it is a network of quarries-turned-burial-site 20-30meters underground. Definitely a unique & worthwhile visit!"
Tessa DeConcini
"Not quite sure what I had expected here but it surpassed every expectation that I had. The audio tour is very informative and you’re led around the catacombs gradually. The place is naturally quite somber but still very enjoyable. The surfaces can be a little uneven and the walk down/up is made up of quite steep steps so keep it in mind if mobility is an issue for you. The visit took us around an hour or so, the wait to get in was a little long as there are security checks, but the line does move so don’t be put off. Definitely book in advance."
B
"The whole visit is pleasant, interesting and safe. Large bags are not allowed. The floors are little wet in the tunnels, kinda cold too. Online reservations are available on the official website (only allowed to book one week in advance). The entrance is here, but the exit is at a different location, you may search for ‘Exit of Catacombs’.
The Catacombs of Paris are one of the city’s creepiest but coolest places to visit. Hidden underneath the busy streets, this underground maze holds the bones of over six million people. It all started back in the late 1700s when Paris’s cemeteries were overflowing and causing health problems. To fix it, the city began moving bones into old limestone tunnels that had once been quarries.
The bones were stacked neatly, almost artistically, with skulls and leg bones arranged in patterns along the walls. It sounds spooky, but it’s also really impressive. You enter the Catacombs through a small building near Denfert-Rochereau, then head down about 130 steps to reach the tunnels (Only 1 direction, no split route). Only a small part is open to visitors, but what you see is unforgettable.
As you walk through the dark, narrow paths, you’re surrounded by walls of bones and centuries of history. It’s quiet, a little eerie, and totally fascinating. The Catacombs have inspired tons of myths and stories, and they’re perfect if you’re looking for something different from the usual museums and landmarks.
Today, they’re a protected historical site and one of Paris’s most unique attractions. :)"
Ivan Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There & Location
The official Catacombs of Paris entrance is at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France. This central location makes it accessible from various parts of the city, often referred to as `catacombs of paris location` or `catacombs paris france`.
The easiest way to reach the Catacombs of Paris is by Metro. Take Line 4 or 6 to Denfert-Rochereau station, which is directly across from the entrance. Many travelers search for `paris to catacombs` for directions.
Parking is limited in the area around the Catacombs of Paris. Public transport, especially the Metro, is highly recommended for visiting this popular attraction.
The entrance to the Catacombs is near Place Denfert-Rochereau, identifiable by the Lion of Belfort statue. The exit is a short walk away on Rue Rémy Dumoncel.
Yes, Paris has an extensive network of `underground tunnels` including sewers and former quarries. However, the Catacombs of Paris are the only publicly accessible and regulated part of this underground system for tourism. Unauthorized entry into other `paris underground tunnels` is illegal and extremely dangerous.+1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The best way to buy `paris catacombs tickets` is through the official website. Tickets are released exactly 7 days in advance for specific time slots and sell out quickly. There are no walk-in tickets available.+1
The `catacombs of paris cost` for a standard adult ticket is approximately €29, which includes an audio guide. Prices can vary slightly for special exhibitions or combined tickets. This is a common search for `paris catacombs admission`.
Securing `paris catacombs last minute tickets` is very challenging due to high demand. Your best bet is to check the official website frequently for any cancellations or newly released slots, especially 7 days before your desired date.
Yes, `paris catacombs guided tour` options are available through private tour companies, often at a higher price point. These tours can offer deeper insights and sometimes different access, but the official ticket includes an audio guide for self-guided exploration.+1
The `catacombs paris hours` are generally from 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. They are closed on Mondays and certain public holidays. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date `paris catacombs opening hours` as they can change due to strikes or maintenance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A typical `visit catacombs paris` takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete the 1.5 km (0.9 miles) circuit. This includes the descent, the ossuary, and the ascent.
While the Catacombs are underground, many visitors find the main passages wide enough not to feel overly claustrophobic. However, if you have severe claustrophobia, be aware it's a confined space. The air quality is generally fine, described as a 'damp basement' smell.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as there are many stairs and uneven surfaces. The temperature is cool (around 15°C), so a light jacket or sweater is advisable. A hat can also be useful due to low ceilings in some areas.+1
Photography is generally allowed inside the Catacombs of Paris, but flash photography is often discouraged to preserve the site and respect other visitors. Many Instagram reels showcase the unique photo opportunities.
There are no restrooms or shops once you are inside the Catacombs. There is a small gift shop at the exit, but ensure you use facilities before entering. Many look for `shop paris catacombs` for souvenirs after their visit.
♿ ⚠️ Safety & Accessibility
Unfortunately, due to the numerous stairs (131 down, 112 up) and uneven ground, the Catacombs are not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. It requires a good level of physical fitness.
There are no strict age restrictions, but the Catacombs are not recommended for very young children or those sensitive to the macabre nature of the site. Parental discretion is advised.
Entering the `illegal catacombs` or `paris tunnels` is extremely dangerous and strictly forbidden. Risks include getting lost in the vast, unmapped labyrinth, falling into unseen pits, encountering unstable structures, and facing legal penalties. Social media strongly warns against this.+3
The official tour is a one-way path, so once you're in, you must complete the circuit. If you are prone to claustrophobia or anxiety, consider if this experience is right for you. There are staff members present, but immediate exit is not possible.
Visitors with heart or respiratory problems, those with nervous dispositions, or young children should exercise caution. The air is damp, and the environment can be intense for some. However, many with asthma have reported being fine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👻 History Buffs & Dark Tourists
🚶♀️ First-Time Visitors to Paris
🧘♀️ Those Concerned About Claustrophobia
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Labyrinth Beneath Paris: A City of the Dead
Today, the official `catacomb museum paris` section allows visitors to walk among the artfully arranged bones of over six million Parisians. It's a unique historical site that offers a chilling yet fascinating glimpse into the city's past and its innovative approach to urban planning and public health. The sheer scale of the ossuary is often described as awe-inspiring and unforgettable by visitors.
Navigating the Official Catacombs Tour
The tour covers approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) and culminates in the vast ossuary, where bones are stacked from floor to ceiling. The exit involves an ascent of 112 steps, bringing you back to street level a few blocks from the entrance. The entire experience typically lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, offering a profound journey through history.
The Peril of Illegal Catacombs: A Serious Warning
Authorities strictly forbid entry into these unauthorized sections, and those caught face significant fines and legal consequences. Experienced urban explorers on Reddit also strongly advise against going alone or unprepared, emphasizing the need for specialized equipment and extensive knowledge. For your safety and to avoid legal trouble, always stick to the official Catacombs of Paris museum.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit