Guided tours of the Paris catacombs
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Paris Catacombs Priority Access, Audio Guide and Cruise Ticket
Go to visit the incredible Paris Catacombs at your own pace. Discover the history of this out-of-ordinary place thanks to audio guided commentaries and take advantage of a time slot ticket to skip the long line.
Revel in the romantic charm of the city through a Seine River cruise, where iconic monuments spring to life, unveiling the city's concealed secrets.
At the end of the 18th century, the city’s authorities began to remove the bones of six million people from overcrowded cemeteries in order to store them in the network of ancient quarries that riddled the ground underneath Paris. These subterranean ossuaries were used right up until 1861 in order to limit the risk of spreading illness and disease. Shinbones and skulls were used to construct walls, and entire rooms were filled with bones in such a way that bore witness to the desire to both optimize space and respect the deceased from which they came.
Visiting the catacombs: between thrills and culture
Today, the Paris catacombs draw several hundred thousand visitors each year, through numerous Paris catacombs tours, who come to experience the thrill of descending into an unknown world, or who are simply curious to discover a place as unusual and mysterious as this. The entrance to the Catacombs of Paris tourist attraction is located in the Place Denfert-Rochereau in the 14th arrondissement. Here you are able to visit a tiny section of the gigantic subterranean labyrinth, which covers hundreds of kilometers below the city.
Book your place on a guided tour of the Paris Catacombs. Audio guides are available at the site in several languages for you to learn even more about the fascinating history of this timeless place, which appears almost to have come right out of an Edgar Allan Poe story. Regular exhibitions are organized around innovative themes relating to the Catacombs, such as the 2016 exhibition that was dedicated to the geological history of the caves in which the Catacombs in Paris are built.
The guided tour focuses on a 1.5-kilometer course, secured and arranged to allow public access in the best possible conditions. We invite you, between the time you book your tickets and your visit, to read the instructions and advice.
Remember, for example, that underground galleries have a constant temperature of about 14 degrees, so we advise you to bring something to cover yourself even in the middle of the summer. You will also have to go down a 130 steps stair and then go up 83 steps: a minimum physical condition is recommended.
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Paris Catacombs tickets
Are the Paris Catacombs worth seeing?
The Paris Catacombs are a truly unique and fascinating site unlike anything else in the world. Deep beneath the city, the carefully arranged bones of millions of Parisians form a vast underground ossuary, created in the late 18th century to solve serious public health issues caused by overcrowded cemeteries. The eerie yet captivating atmosphere offers visitors an unforgettable experience and a powerful glimpse into the city’s history.
Is the Paris Catacombs visit free?
Visiting the Paris Catacombs is not free. Entrance requires a paid ticket, and prices vary depending on the visitor’s age and the type of tour selected. Because daily visitor numbers are strictly limited, tickets often sell out quickly. We strongly recommend booking your tickets online in advance to secure your spot during your stay in Paris. PARISCityVISION also offers combined experiences that include skip-the-line access to the Catacombs and a scenic Seine River cruise.
Can you visit the Paris Catacombs today?
The Paris Catacombs are open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays and on January 1, May 1, and December 25). Opening hours are typically 9:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. with last entry at 7:30 p.m. Entry is by online reservation only, and the number of visitors per time slot is limited. Booking early ensures access to the 1.5 km (nearly 1 mile) underground path and a smooth, safe visit.
Are the Paris Catacombs accessible to everyone?
Unfortunately, no. Due to the site’s underground structure, the Catacombs are not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. The visit involves 243 steps total (131 down and 112 up) and uneven, sometimes slippery floors. It’s not recommended for children under 10 or for visitors with claustrophobia, respiratory, or heart conditions. Large bags and suitcases are not permitted inside.
What is the temperature inside the Catacombs?
The average temperature underground remains around57°F (14°C) all year long, regardless of the season. We recommend bringing a warm layer, such as a jacket or sweatshirt, even in summer, along with comfortable shoes suitable for damp and uneven ground. This cool, constant temperature is part of the charm and mysterious atmosphere of the Catacombs.
Where are the Paris Catacombs and how do you get there?
The main entrance is located at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, in the 14th arrondissement, right across from the Denfert-Rochereau metro station. The site is easy to reach by metro, RER, or bus. To make sure you can visit on your preferred date, book your skip-the-line tickets online ahead of time. You can also choose a combo tour that pairs your Catacombs visit with another Paris highlight, such as a relaxing Seine River cruise.