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Online visit (streaming) - The Catacombs of Paris

Duration 40 mn

This visit allows you to discover the Catacombs of Paris in a new way. Immerse yourself in the bowels of Paris guided by the curator of the place, an engineer geographer and an anthropologist to learn the secrets of these quarries converted into a unique ossuary in the world, a true temple of equality.

The video is available in : French audio - French subtitles (for French speakers with hearing impairments) English audio - English subtitles (for English speakers) Price: 5€ / 3€ for Paris Musées members

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Skip-the-Line Paris Catacombs Tour with Special Access

608 reviews

Why take this tour?

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

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

Total customer reviews: 608, latest reviews.

Meeting Point

Meeting Point 2 avenue du General Leclerc. Meet your guide in front of Café du Rendez-vous. They will be holding a green Walks sign.

Please meet 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.

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Paris Catacombs Tour with Secret Rooms & Privileged Access

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

Want see France’s most unusual attraction without the long wait? How about peeping into secret rooms that the general public doesn’t get to see? This VIP skip-the-line tour gets you straight into the medieval underworld of the Paris Catacombs, and you’ll gain privileged access to restricted parts of this vast underground tunnel network. Along the way, your expert local guide will bring the Catacombs to life with stories of their dark history and eerie folklore.

• Uncover the secrets of the Catacombs
• Denfert Rochereau Square
• Skip the line at the Paris Catacombs
• Step through Death's Entrance
• Underground streets of Paris
• Visit vast mass graves
• Explore the lower Catacombs
• The Barrel of Passion
• Secret rooms, off-limits to the public
• Cataphile stories and insights

You'll meet your guide and the rest of your small group near the Denfert-Rochereau Metro Station, just a short walk from the entrance to the Catacombs. The general admission line can be incredibly long, especially during busy times, but you'll be able to breeze past and start exploring straight away with your skip-the-line ticket.

Your guide is an expert in all things Catacombs, and over the next 1.5 hours you'll learn about the dark history of this unique underground tunnel network. You'll see the macabre artwork that adorns its walls, and you'll even gain access to two hidden rooms which are off limits to the general public. There's no better way to see Paris' darkest attraction!

Paris Catacombs Tour Description

Your 1.5-hour tour includes:

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

Skip-the-Line Paris Catacombs Tickets

Wait times to enter the Paris Catacombs can be up to 3 hours! That’s time you could spend strolling along the Champs-Élysées, climbing the Eiffel Tower, or watching the world go by in some impossibly stylish Paris café.

We'll have your Paris Catacombs ticket ready when you arrive, and our tour lets you skip the line completely so you can start exploring the city’s dark underworld without the long wait.

Catacombs of Paris - The Gateway to Hell

Your tour starts at the entrance of the Catacombs, just south of the "Barrière d'Enfer" (which means the Gates of Hell!). After entering, you'll immediately descend a staircase deep below the streets of Paris and into the medieval underworld of the Catacombs—often referred to as the world’s largest grave.

As you begin to explore this vast underground tunnel network, your guide will explain the creation of the Paris Catacombs and how it became a burial place for so many of the city’s dead. You’ll also get to see two incredibly eerie areas of the Catacombs that are restricted from public access. These areas are so exclusive that a guard will need to come and open the old gates with a key. How's that for a VIP experience?

Paris Catacombs History

As you explore the various tunnels and rooms of the Catacombs, your expert "cataphile" guide will tell you their history and how they came to be. Tunnels have existed under Paris since the 13th century. They were once used to mine the limestone that helped build the city and also as ossuaries for burying human remains. But it wasn’t until the 17th century that the Paris Catacombs we see today really began to take form.

Paris was expanding rapidly and began to build over the now abandoned tunnels. Sound like bad planning? That's because there was no planning. A few major ground collapses later, something had to be done.

At the same time, the population was growing and the city’s cemeteries were overflowing. So, Louis XVI decided to kill two birds with one stone and approved the reinforcement and extension of the tunnels for use as a burial place for the dead. In an eerie twist, the estimated 6 million bodies buried here actually help to support the structure itself.

Catacombs Artwork, Architecture, and Bones

The Catacombs are one of the last secrets of Paris, and your tour will uncover some of the mysteries held within their walls. You’ll also see some truly unique and macabre artwork as you pass through the labyrinth of corridors and gates, along with a type of architecture not found anywhere else in the world.

And yes, you will see thousands upon thousands of bones, arranged by artists and architects to make the space more "livable."

" data-expanded-text="hide full description "> show full description

What you get with this tour

See what people are saying

114 total reviews

An Unforgettable, Macabre, and Timeless Experience !

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

WOW! Don't Delay, Book this Tour NOW

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

show more reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

We always recommend comfortable walking shoes on all of our tours. The temperature inside the Catacombs is always around 14°C/57°F, no matter what time of year, so it's a good idea to bring a light sweater. Also, the only bathroom break is at the end so please show up prepared and ready to tour!

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

On occasion, employees at landmarks in Paris, such as the Paris Catacombs, decide to strike. Often, the intention to strike is not communicated to tour operators until the day of the strike. In the event that the Paris Catacombs go on strike when your tour scheduled, we will do our best to accommodate you on another Catacombs tour the following day. If this is not possible, we will provide you with a full refund.

We always recommend comfortable walking shoes on all of our tours. The temperature inside the Catacombs is always around 14°C/57°F, no matter what time of year, so it's a good idea to bring a light sweater. Also, the only bathroom break is at the end so please show up prepared and ready to tour!

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

While it doesn't cover a huge distance, you will be on your feet for the length of the tour (1.5 hours). You should also expect some uneven floors and old stone stairways, so please think carefully and make sure this tour is right for you.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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• Best Paris Catacombs Tours

5 Best Paris Catacombs tours to give you Goosebumps

Updated 8 March 2024 by  Leyla Alyanak  — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion

Make sure you get your tickets ahead of time for your Paris Catacombs tours – I did this last time and I admit I enjoyed not having to wait...

Descend into the enigmatic depths of Paris and into the hidden world below, where more than 350km (220mi) of underground passages house the remains of six million souls.

You are entering the Paris Catacombs.

NOTE: Pages on this site may contain affiliate links, which bring in a small commission at no cost to you.

NO TIME TO READ EVERYTHING? 🕥

 💀 Choose this  Paris Catacombs Semi-Private Tour with VIP Access ! It gets you to the front of the line and into special hidden areas not open to everyone.

In the 18th century, overcrowded cemeteries led to a daring decision: millions of bones would be transported to a nearby underground quarry. It would take 12 years to complete the task.

Today, you can quietly wander through the subterranean chambers of the Paris Catacombs, past walls of stacked bones and somewhat macabre compositions where history and darkness intertwine.

Visiting the Catacombs was one of my own personal Paris highlights and if you want to avoid the long lines to get into what is often called "The Empire of Death", choose one of the tours below or, at the very least, get a skip-the-line ticket .

1.  Catacombs of Paris Semi-Private VIP Restricted Access Tour

2.  VIP Skip-the-Line Restricted Access Tour

3.  Skip-the-Line Special Access Tour

4.  The Paris Underbelly Walking Tour  (NOTE: NOT AVAILABLE IN 2024)

5.  Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio Guide

What you should know before visiting the Catacombs

Essentials for France

5 Best Paris Catacombs tours and tickets

Standing outside on a meltingly hot day, with my tour tickets in hand, I was able to whip right past the crowds and believe me, that felt great!

Many attractions can be visited on your own, including the Paris Catacombs, but because only 200 people are allowed in at a time, the lines can be long.

To get the most out of your visit, here are the 5 top-rated Catacombs tours in Paris, packed with history and excitement.

1. Catacombs of Paris Semi-Private VIP Restricted Access Tour

This is a small group tour and provides the best of the best, from excellent guides to private viewings the average visitor won't get to see.

This is ideal if you're looking for a more intimate experience, and want to be in a position to ask a few questions without having to fight through the crowds.

The fact that the tickets are skip-the-line saves you time, because the lines here can be extremely long – it seems everyone wants to visit the Catacombs (with reason, I'd say!)

⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours    ✔︎  Fast-track skip-the-line entrance ✔︎  Learn the stories behind the Catacombs ✔︎  Explore the underground's history with an expert English-speaking guide ✔︎  Small group limited to 6 people

🎟️  BOOK YOUR SEMI-PRIVATE TOUR HERE

The Catacombs are an experience, but one thing that makes a visit more memorable is the storytelling that goes with it.

Have you ever heard of the man who wandered down into the Catacombs a couple of centuries ago... and never came back?

He'll be at the heart of some of the "ghost stories" you'll hear on this tour. You'll also learn about illegal parties and raves, and the Catacombs more recent history during World War II.

⭐️  Rating: 5 / 5  ⭐️

This is a really cool experience especially with the extra access that comes with a guided tour. — David_B

Overall --- A++ — Ricardo_A

Leo was wonderful. Her knowledge of the catacombs was vast and had as true sense of passion. I would book again with her in a second! — Elizabeth_B

This tour was a highlight of our trip! — Susan_B  

See more reviews here

2. VIP Skip-the-Line Restricted Access Tour

This VIP tour is sold by a different operator but is basically the same as #1. Choose either one and you can't go wrong.

Here, too, you'll be in a small group with an expert guide, and you'll have access to secret corners of the Catacombs not available to normal ticket-holders.

On both tours, you'll learn plenty of history, especially dating back to the French Revolution (victims of the guillotine are buried here) and World War II, when the tunnels were used both by the Resistance and the Nazis.

⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours    ✔︎  Fast-track entry into the Catacombs ✔︎  Explanatory visit with an expert, English-speaking guide ✔︎  Access to behind-the-scenes areas ✔︎  Small VIP group with a maximum of 6 people

🎟️  BOOK YOUR VIP TOUR HERE

Part of the special feeling of being on a small group tour is watching as a guard unlocks a gate to let you through  and closes them behind you – hence the VIP label.

Only a tiny portion of the Catacombs are open to the public, about 0.5%, so most of the tunnels are beyond reach. On this small group tour, you'll get a sneak peek at a some of the hidden portions.

⭐️  Rating: 4.9 / 5  ⭐️

"It was excellent having a small guided tour with 6 people, it made it more intimate."  —Rebecca, Australia

"We were able to go in lots of areas the general public couldn’t. Our guide was amazing." — Laurel, USA

"Awesome tour. Unique, interesting history, and a little macabre. Such a great guide as well!" — Nate, USA

"Was a brilliant tour with a brilliant guide!" — Caroline, UK

What do you do with your "stuff" as you're walking around taking pictures of the Catacombs? I use this wonderful infinity scarf  for my keys, ID and cards – no bag to carry, no backpack to hoist. Absolutely perfect for when you travel light.

3. Skip-the-Line Special Access Tour

While the two above tours are small (6 people or less), this is a medium-sized tour that can reach 19 up to 19 people. If you don't mind a larger group and would like to pay less than you would on a smaller tour, this one is for you.

It has many of  the same benefits. You get an English-speaking guide who knows the Catacombs intimately, and you'll have a skip-the-line ticket and avoid the long waits at the entrance.

You'll hear all about the stories and legends of the Catacombs, and about what it took to engineer their move from city cemeteries to these underground tunnels, a move that took 12 years to complete.

⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours    ✔︎  Fast-track entry into the Catacombs ✔︎  Access to areas off-limits to the general public ✔︎  Local guide to answer your questions and provide context

🎟️  BOOK YOUR SKIP-THE-LINE SPECIAL ACCESS TOUR HERE

And yes, you'll also have access to "hidden" areas not open to the general public.

As you enter areas that aren't normally accessible, you'll visit secret sculptures and even a hidden chapel, and receive personal explanations of how they came to be. Some of these are almost too incredible to be real!

The only significant difference between this tour and #1 and #2 is the size of the tour (this one is a bit more crowded) and the price (this one is cheaper).

⭐️ Rating: 4.8 / 5 ⭐️

"A wealth of information with the right amount of humor. We loved it!!!" — Justin, USA

"If you go on your own without a tour guide you will miss out on the stories and the secret locked spaces that will only be shown on a private tour." — USA

"Definitely a MUST if you are visiting the Catacombs for the first time. Informative and Line Bypass is priceless." — Ron, Canada

4. The Paris Underbelly Walking Tour

NOTE: THIS TOUR IS NOT AVAILABLE IN 2024.

This tour, on the other hand, is quite different because it is private.

You get your own guide, and no one else tags along, only your group of up to 10 people. It's up to you: do it alone, or with your family or friends.

The advantage of this more "personal" approach is that you don't feel constrained by asking too many questions, as you might in a group full of strangers. You can ask away, and no question is too silly or repetitive.

Of course this tour includes everything the others do, from a skip-the-line ticket to access to "behind the scenes" portions of the Catacombs, and if you'd like it as an add-on, Addie (the guide) is happy to take you to some delectable pastry shops afterwards!

⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours    ✔︎  The spookiest of tours ✔︎  The most ghost-centric ✔︎  With peeks at Notre-Dame from the outside

🎟️  BOOK YOUR PARIS UNDERBELLY TOUR HERE

Did you know that the population of the dead whose bones are under the city of Paris is twice the population of the living residents in Paris?

This is just one of the many unusual facts you'll learn about Paris and the Catacombs as you make your way through the underground tunnels.

What I love most about having a dedicated guide is that it allows you to delve more deeply into the history and legends of a place. If something strikes your fancy, you can explore it more in depth and ask plenty of specific questions to intensify your knowledge.

"Addie is the best your guide you can hope for." — Rachel C, USA

"Addie was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the catacombs. A great tour." — Harold S, USA

"She knew so many details of the catacombs!" — Joseph C, USA

"Our tour was a family group ranging in ages from 13 to 81 and she made it interesting for each of us." — Julie O, USA

5. Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio Guide

This is the simplest of my five recommendations: a skip-the-line ticket and an audioguide.

The Catacombs are incredibly popular and during the high season, it could take several hours to reach the ticket counter. Unless you want to spend your holiday standing in line, a skip-the-line ticket is the sensible way to go.

Having an audioguide (available in English) allows you stop where you want to and repeat the commentary if you feel you've missed something – perfect if you're an independent-minded traveler who prefers to do things on their own terms.

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour    ✔︎  Pre-booked skip-the-line ticket ✔︎  Guided tour with an audioguide ✔︎  Explore at your own pace

🎟️  BOOK YOUR SKIP-THE-LINE TICKET HERE

The audioguide will tell you all about the "Empire of Death" and how (and why) the Catacombs were originally created from ancient quarries.

As you walk along, the recording will point out such landmarks as the "Barrel" and signs related to streets above where significant events took place.

Whenever you feel like silence, you'll be able to switch off the audioguide and get a sense of the eternal stillness of the six million souls that have been buried here for centuries.

⭐️  Rating: 4.5 / 5  ⭐️

"Lots of historical information about Paris via the audio guide. Very impressive." — Alexandra, Germany

"Great self tour!" — Charlene, USA

"Amazing experience not to be missed!!!!" — Tim, USA

"Quite difficult to get into, so grab your tickets as soon as you can!" — David, Australia

Here are a few practical considerations you should consider when visiting the Catacombs.

• Only 200 people are allowed in at a time, but it can still get a bit crowded if everyone is interested in the same "room".
• The tunnels are quite cool and humid all year, around 14°C/57°F, so please dress accordingly. Bring a sweater, and wear good shoes with a bit of tread, because it can get a bit slippery.
• The toilets are only accessible on your way out so make sure you don't need them on your way in.
• No large bags are allowed, only small purses.
• The Catacombs are not recommended for anyone who suffers from claustrophobia. The tunnels aren't particularly narrow but they are tunnels nonetheless, with no daylight.
• Nor are they suitable for people with mobility issues. The Catacombs have 130 steps, which you have to descend on arrival and go up on the way back. There is no elevator access.
• This is one of the most popular attractions in Paris and tickets will sell out quickly, especially at the height of the spring and summer seasons, so make these a priority for advance purchase when you're doing your planning.

Paris Catacombs tour: FAQ

Is the Paris Catacombs tour worth it?

Yes it is. The wealth of stories and legends around the Catacombs is best discovered with the help of a seasoned, expert guide who can answer your questions.

How long is the wait for Paris Catacombs?

It depends on the season, the time of day, and pure luck. It can be as quick as five minutes but can also last several hours.

Can you tour the Catacombs on your own?

Yes, you can. You can buy a ticket, enter and wander around, or get an audioguide for a bit more structure.

How much of the Paris Catacombs are open to the public?

Only a tiny portion is open to the public, about 0.5% of the total.

What are the visiting rules of Catacombs tours Paris?

They're common-sense rules for tight places: no large bags, and wear decent shoes. Otherwise, the Catacombs are not advisable for visibly pregnant women, people with claustrophobia, anxiety or mobility issues.

Do I have to take a tour to visit the Catacombs?

No. While a tour will allow you to see much more than you would on your own, at the very least you should  get a skip-the-line ticket  and you'll waltz right past the 199 people standing in line waiting for their time slot.

Are the Catacombs haunted?

Many people think so, and they're often referred to as the haunted Catacombs . Remember, the remains of more than six million people are buried there.

ESSENTIALS FOR FRANCE

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND FRANCE?

🚎 If you're in a city, use the excellent public transportation systems. 🚊 Between regions or cities, you can take the train.  I reserve through Trainline . 🚙 In rural areas, train stations can be rare. I compare car rental prices with Discovercars .

WILL MY PHONE WORK IN FRANCE? WHAT ABOUT MY CHARGER?

You can use your roaming plan in France. Otherwise, you can:  📲 You can order a SIM card before you get to France. 🤳 You can buy a SIM card from a shop in France. ⚡️ You can buy an e-SIM.   I use Airalo when I travel .

HOW SAFE IS FRANCE?

🆘 Quite safe. But if you need it, the emergency number in France is 112.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR FRANCE?

Here are a few essentials: 👟 Comfortable walking shoes . You'll be on your feet a lot, and... cobblestones. 🔌 An adapter for your charger. Plugs are different in France . 👜 An anti-theft purse ( this is the bag I use ). 🧣 An infinity scarf , for evenings when you don't want to carry a purse. 

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO BOOK A PLACE TO STAY IN FRANCE?

✓ I use booking.com when I travel around France, which for me has the most complete listing and best cancellation policies. ✓ For apartments or a studio, I look at both booking.com and  VRBO .

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Bonjour! I’m Leyla, born in Paris, I now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France. My days are spent exploring my country. 

As a journalist and former diplomat, I spent years living abroad and now, it’s time to rediscover my own back yard.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, with plenty of food stops and many castles – I am French, after all!  Read more here .

Bonjour! I’m Leyla - I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. My days are spent exploring my country. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad as a journalist and diplomat - and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles – I am French, after all!

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Visiting The Paris Catacombs, The Complete Guide + Tips

Looking for something eerie to do in Paris? If bones are on your bucket list, head to Paris’ Empire of Death, the Catacombs of Paris.

What are the Catacombs? Simply put, they’re a mile long underground necropolis with more than 6 million artfully arranged skeletons. The subterranean cavity serves as a tomb and macabre momento mori .

The Catacombs are an alternative world draped in darkness and shrouded in silence. They have fascinated people for centuries. In fact, the Catacombs are one of the top tourist attractions in Paris, a place where you can step down into more than 200 years of history.

Tickets & Tours

First, some logistics before we delve into the Paris Catacombs.

Only 200 people are allowed inside the Catacombs at a single time to prevent any damage to the bones. The facility tracks visitors assiduously.

Because of this restriction and the site’s immense popularity, tickets sell out fast. It’s essential to pre-book a skip the line ticket. If not, you could encounter lines that last for hours in high season. Even in winter, when I visited, there was a line.

Click here to book a skip the line ticket. Wondering whether to book a tour too?

If you are fascinated with the history of the Paris Catacombs, this might be the right option for you. I went on this excellent 2 hour guided tour with VIP access .

I had an informative guide (Victoire) and we got to see secret spots in the Catacombs that a regular visitor can’t access. Also, the guide pointed out things I would have missed just because of the dim lighting.

You can also book a kid friendly tour with a storytelling guide.

The Catacombs do not offer any guided tours in English. There is one in French for 20 people on Thursday at 1:00 pm. You can book online on the website .

Story Of The Paris Catacombs

No guide to the Paris Catacombs is complete without a look at its fascinating history. The Catacombs began as ancient underground quarries. The first excavations were from open quarries in Gallo-Roman times.

In the 12th century, there was a high demand for stone as the building of Notre Dame and the Louvre began. Workers dug underground, so as to not disrupt the top soil needed for farming.

When the mining started, the quarries were outside of town. But, over the centuries, the limestone quarries continued to extend to meet demand.

Today, it’s estimated that 10% of the city of Paris sits atop an underground quarry. Even today, when a person buys a house, they are entitled to know whether it was built atop the quarries.

The quarry workers toiled away in harsh conditions. Most of them went blind because of the lack of light in the tunnels. The only source of light was candles.

To combat this problem, the streets in the quarries were given names that corresponded to the streets above ground. Paris has been redesigned many times since then. So, these are now akin to ghost streets, an identical carbon copy of 18th century Paris.

When a quarry was tapped out, it was abandoned. Houses were progressively built on top of the tunnels.

But the quarries proved to be a shaky building foundation. In 1774, due to the weight of the buildings, the first sink hole formed on Hell Street, taking down houses and people with it.

In 1776, the quarries were permanently closed. The state hired Antoine Dupont to map the underground spaces and stabilize them by erecting support walls and piers.

The task was so formidable he created a Quarry Inspection Unit run by Axel Guillaumot, who became known as the “Man Who Saved Paris.” He warned the king, Louis XVI, of the dire nature of the situation.

Guillaumot was authorized to fill in the open spaces and built an elaborate network of access tunnels to allow regular inspection and repair work. Interventions still continue today, with the last sinkhole occurring in 1961.

But what of the ossuaries of bones? Well, sink holes weren’t the only problem in Paris. There was also a horrific sanitation problem affecting the health of the citizens.

Paris had a lot of dead bodies and a limited amount of space to bury them in cemeteries. Bodies were stacked up in cemeteries and graveyards, rotting and poisoning the air with bacteria.

In response to the public health crisis, the French government decided to shut down and evacuate the city cemeteries. Beginning in 1785, bones from the cemeteries were transferred to the old underground limestone quarries.

To avoid public outcry, the bones were transferred at night and scrupulously ritualized.

To respect the formalities, priests led ceremonial processions of black-veiled, bone-laden carts into the quarries and requiems were sung during the transfer.

Each transfer was completed with the placement of a plaque indicating the church and district from which that stack of bones came and the date they arrived.

Starting in 1809, the Catacombs were opened to the wealthy elite by appointment. Later, they were opened to the public at large and became a fashionable place to visit.

Parisians contemplated their fleeting mortality in an appropriately Gothic decor. Visits were by candlelight until electricity was installed in 1987.

It was Napoleon who really transformed the underground tunnels into a tourist attraction, akin to the Catacombs of Rome. He hired people to redecorate bones that lay in large piles.

Macabre quotations were engraved on the stones. The walls were lined with tibias and femurs and punctuated with skulls. Bones were arranged in circles or hearts.

Although most of the bones are anonymous, it’s thought that some famous Parisians are buried there — Jean-Paul Marat, Maximillian de Robespierre, Charles Perrault, Nicolas Fouquet, Jean de La Fontaine, and 1343 people guillotined at the Place de la Concorde during the Reign of Terror.

Among those guillotined were King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Some say the ghost of Marie Antoinette haunts the Catacombs.

Guide To The Paris Catacombs: What To See

When you visit the Catacombs, legally, you are only seeing a tiny part of this vast underground network.

There are two parts to a Paris Catacombs visit: the quarries and the ossuary. If you are on a tour, you will also have access to several restricted areas in the quarries.

When you enter, there is a series of informative placards in small rooms that explain the history of the catacombs. If you’re on a tour, the guide will give you a summary.

Your visit to the bony underworld begins by descending a 130 step spiral staircase that takes you 60 feet underground. You’ll first pass through the underground quarries. When you reach the ossuary, you’re greeted by a sign reading “Halt, this is the empire of the dead.”

You’ll walk along uneven limestone floors for about a mile and eventually emerge at a location quite far from where you entered.

Here’s what you can see along the way.

1. Signs, the “Negative” of Paris

As you begin to walk down the dark and narrow corridors of the quarries, you’ll see signs and a black tar line on the ceiling marking the direction to take.

The signs indicate the names of streets you are under, many of which no longer exist. The signs are referred to as the “negative” of Paris.

The architects and engineers of the Quarry Inspection Department also marked their works sites with years and initials. The engraved inscriptions allow historians to follow the progress of the work.

2. Stone Masonry Workshop

The part of the Catacombs called the “workshop” or “atelier” is the part of the quarry still visible.

Two pillars hold up the ceiling, put there by sheer human force. They date from the Middle Ages.

The workshop shows the quarryman’s use of a hagues et bourrages (dry stone wall and waste) quarrying technique. They would extract limestone and then fill in the void with construction waste.

3. Decure Sculptures

If you are on a guided tour, you will make a small detour to a lower level and see two sculptures carried out by a member of the Quarry Inspection Unit named Decure. You may have to wait a bit for a guard to unlock this restricted area for your group.

Decure was the original Cataphile. He would come early or stay late in the quarries to work on his sculptures. The first one was competed in 1782 and is assumed to represent windmills in Minorca, an island he visited as a soldier.

The second one is more elaborate and represents the citadel of Port Mahon on Minorca. Decure worked on it from 1771 to 1782.

Unfortunately, while working on his masterpiece, he was fatally injured when a roof caved in on him.

4. The Quarryman’s Foot Bath

Near the Decure sculptures is the Quarryman’s Foot Bath. It’s a water well that was the first geological drill to be used in Paris.

It got its name from the fact that the water was so clear you could only detect it by stepping into it.

One can imagine what fun a mischievous 19th century guide would have had with this feature.

5. Crossroads

At this point, the quarry gallery overlooks a steep ramp that connects the upper and lower Catacombs. The ramp was installed when the Ossuary was created in the 18th century.

Tuscan pilasters are actually solid pillars holding up the ceiling.

Next, you arrive at the Catacombs’ pièce de résistance , the Ossuary. The sign “Stop, this is the empire of the dead” marks the entrance. Thus begins the path that leads you through the remains of millions of Parisians.

Another lintel forces you to bend down, as if mandating respect. On one side, it’s engraved with the words Memoriae majorum (in memory of ancestors). The reverse side warns that “However thou enterest, Death shadowlike will follow thy every step”

At first, the bones were thrown in somewhat haphazardly. But under Inspector General Herbert de Thury, this area was developed.

The long bones and skulls were arranged decoratively in different patterns to form a back wall. Behind that wall other bones were piled and you can see how far back they go.

To convey a strong sense of respect for the dead, Thury installed plaques specifying which cemetery the bones came from. They almost look like museum exhibits, making the Catacombs more of a monument with appropriate funeral decor.

You begin by walking between two walls of bones. The walls are ornamented with cranium-studded friezes arranged at different heights. Some craniums are arranged in the shape of a heart.

If you have a guide, they will point out the difference between male and female skulls in their eyebrows, eye sockets, and ears bones. You can also identify people who died of syphilis or leprosy.

You will see a stone cross, the Croix de Bordeaux, which is a rare religious symbol in the Catacombs. Most religious markers and symbols of the monarchy (like fleur de lis ) were eradicated during the French Revolution.

The next monument you encounter is the Samaritan Fountain. Its name refers to a bible verse promising water to all. But the quarrymen inverted the verse warning that if you drink from it, you will always be thirsty.

If you are on a guided tour, you can also inspect the Altar for Mass. Once completely surrounded by bones, it was damaged and consolidated.

Today, it’s a reproduction of an antique tomb. The very first bones transferred to the Catacombs lie behind the altar. This is where you can have a seat.

You will then walk past a massive support pillar called the Imitation Pillar, Gilbert’s Tomb, and the Le Mierre’s Gallery.

The latter is known as the Grand Gallery of the Catacombs. This is where Thury gathered together strange anatomical objects discovered during his tenure — fused bones, fractured bones, necroses, and oddly shaped specimens.

Then, there is a tomb monument in tribute to the French Revolution, one mentioning the 1871 Paris Commune, the French Revolution Crypt, a monument dedicated to Pierce Oscar of Sweden’s visit, and another for the bones from the Madeleine Cemetery.

The next gallery space, a bit lower, is the Crypt of the Passion of Christ. You will see the Barrel, a steel pillar clad in bones that resembles a giant barrel vat.

At last, you will arrive at the exit staircase, which is narrow and spirals upward. Built in 1784, it dates back to the origins of the Catacombs.

What Is A Cataphile?

The official Catacombs are the only space open to the public. But there are still 170 miles of sprawling underground quarries.

Urban explorers who enter them illegally are called “Cataphiles.” These rule-breakers have a deep-rooted attraction to the underground.

They enter the Catacombs through secret unauthorized entrances via tunnels, drain covers, or sewers known as Cataflaps. Information on where to find entrances is a fiercely kept secret and the entrances are often camouflaged.

The fine for illegally entering is only € 60, so that doesn’t have much of a deterrent effect. Cataphiles are rarely caught and many inspectors look the other way.

Some Cataphiles come for the peace and quiet of the surreal place. Others create art or crave adventure. Still others set up party rooms and host concerts. Some like the camaraderie of their fellow Cataphiles, almost like a secret cult.

My guide told me that in 2004, near a metro station, Cataphiles pirated power from the station’s electricity. They built an underground bar and cinema with a full size move screen, complete with fairy lights. They guarded the space with a tape of dogs barking to scare people away.

The Cataphiles took the precaution of having surveillance cameras set up. When they saw inspectors (called Catacops), they whisked away all their things and vanished. They left a note saying “Do not try to find us.”

Still, as the unofficial custodians of the Catacombs, the Cataphiles can be useful.

With their expert knowledge of the networks, they help find people who stumble into the Catacombs and get lost. They also anonymously report dangerous spots to inspectors so that they can be fixed before a deadly cave in occurs.

The Cataphiles don’t like the thrill-seeking newbie explorers who have little interest in the history of the place. The Cataphiles call them “Cataclasts” because they often degrade the quarries and leave rubbish. The Cataphiles then do a “Cataclean” to spiffy up their special place.

Practical Information & Tips for Visiting The Catacombs Of Paris:

Here are some must know tips for visiting the Paris Catacombs.

Address : 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy. The entrance to the Paris Catacombs is located just outside the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop. At the end of your visit, you will exit at 21 Bis Avenue Rene-Coty.

Opening Hours : The Paris Catacombs are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 8:30 pm. The last entrance is at 7:30 pm.

Ticket price : 29 € (audio guide included)

Metro : Denfert-Rochereau

Here are some things to expect on a Paris Catacombs visit.

As you might anticipate, it’s cold below ground in the Catacombs. If it’s summer, bring something to put over your sundress or sleeveless top. The Catacombs are supposedly maintained at 57 degrees, but it felt colder than that on a winter visit to me.

You should also expect it to be humid and a tad smelly (perhaps from stale air).

It should go without saying that you can’t touch the bones at all. They’re very fragile. Taking bones is also considered grave robbing. Instead, you can buy a skull mug at the gift shop.

In fact, if you have a small backpack with you, you’ll have to wear it in front or carry it with your hand to avoid inadvertently bumping into the bones. Signs warn that bags can be checked at the exit.

You cannot bring large backpacks or luggage. And there are no cloak rooms for storage.

You can take photos, but you can’t use a flash.

If you are prone to claustrophobia, there may be a better destination for you. Though I thought, despite the low ceilings, that there was plenty of room to move around.

The Paris Catacombs were built for people in the 18th century, who weren’t as tall as most of us today. The height of the tunnels is approximately 6 feet. So, if you’re tall, you’ll need to bend down a bit and watch your head.

The paths are pebbly and uneven. If has been raining, they may be damp. So wear comfortable shoes and take care.

Unfortunately, the catacombs are not accessible and there is no wheelchair access or elevator. To visit, you’ll need to be able to navigate up and down the spiral staircases.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the Paris Catacombs. You may find these other Paris travel guides and resources useful:

• 5 Day Itinerary for Paris
• 3 Day Itinerary for Paris
• 2 Day Itinerary for Paris
• Tips for Planning a Trip to Paris
• Tourist Traps To Avoid In Paris
• Top Attractions in Montmartre
• Top Attractions in the Marais
• Best Museums In Paris
• Hidden Gems in Paris
• Best Churches in Paris
• Best Things To Do in Paris in Winter
• Guide to the Opera District
• Secret day trips from Paris

If you need a guide to the Catacombs of Paris, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Catacombs of Paris

Book catacombs tickets online.

Explore the Catacombs, the final resting place of over 6 million Parisians, spanning centuries and social classes, with last-minute entrance tickets.

Stroll through the cool, dimly lit tunnels lined with human remains 20 meters 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.

• 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 interrupted.
• 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.

Must Checkout: Buy Palace of Versailles Tickets

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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Wichtige Infos für Ihren Besuch in den Pariser Katakomben

Etwa 20 Meter unter den lebhaften Straßen der französischen Hauptstadt liegt ein dunkler Teil der Geschichte von Paris begraben – in den Katakomben von Paris befinden sich die Gebeine von etwa 6 Millionen Pariser Einwohnern. Als Lösung für die einst überfüllten Pariser Friedhöfe wurden die Verstorbenen zwischen 1700 und 1800 in die kilometerlangen Tunnel unter der Stadt verlegt, in denen die Knochen und Schädel bis heute zu finden sind.

Die Pariser Katakomben sind eine ungewöhnliche und doch sehr beliebte Sehenswürdigkeit in Paris . Wie Sie sich am besten auf Ihren Besuch vorbereiten, erfahren Sie hier.

Besucherinfos zu den Pariser Katakomben

Die Pariser Katakomben sind dienstags bis sonntags von 10:00 bis 20:30 Uhr geöffnet. Der letzte Einlass erfolgt um 19:30 Uhr.

Die Katakomben von Paris sind montags sowie am 1. Januar, 1. Mai und 25. Dezember geschlossen.

Am besten sollte man die Pariser Katakomben unter der Woche früh morgens oder am späten Abend besuchen, da der Besucherandrang in der Regel tagsüber und an den Wochenenden höher ist. Zudem sollte man die Attraktion möglichst in der Nebensaison von Oktober bis Mai besuchen. Im Dezember kann es jedoch zur Ferienzeit etwas voller werden.

Es dauert ungefähr 45 bis 60 Minuten, um die gesamten Pariser Katakomben zu erkunden .

Die Adresse der Pariser Katakomben lautet: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, Frankreich. Wegbeschreibung auf Google Maps einsehen

Sie können zu den Pariser Katakomben mit dem Auto oder öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln wie dem Bus, der Metro oder dem RER-Zug fahren.

Ja, die Busse 38 und 68 fahren zu den Pariser Katakomben. Vom Bahnhof Denfert-Rochereau sind die Katakomben zu Fuß in 2 bis 3 Minuten erreichbar.

Ja, Sie können sowohl mit der Metro als auch dem RER-Zug zum Bahnhof Denfert-Rochereau fahren. Vom Bahnhof sind es etwa 2 bis 3 Gehminuten zu den Katakomben von Paris.

Der Eingang zu den Pariser Katakomben befindet sich direkt an der 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris , Frankreich.

Da es sich bei den Katakomben um ein unterirdisches Tunnelsystem handelt, ist es immer etwas kühler in den Gängen. Wir empfehlen, eine leichte Jacke mitzunehmen und bequeme Schuhe zu tragen.

Es führen 131 Stufen in die unterirdischen Tunnel der Katakomben und 112 Stufen, um das Tunnelsystem zu verlassen.

Ja, das Fotografieren ist erlaubt. Es dürfen jedoch keine Stative oder Blitzlicht in den Pariser Katakomben verwendet werden.

Nein, die Pariser Katakomben sind derzeit nicht mit dem Rollstuhl zugänglich, da die Tour 131 Stufen hinunter und durch enge, schwach beleuchtete Gänge führt. Personen mit körperlichen Einschränkungen wird ein Besuch in den Katakomben nicht empfohlen.

Ja, Sie können entweder ein Katakomben Paris-Ticket mit Audioguide buchen oder vor Ort einen Audioguide für 5 Euro erwerben.

Nein, in den Pariser Katakomben gibt es keine Möglichkeit, um Gepäck aufzubewahren. Große Taschen und Koffer sind in den Katakomben nicht gestattet.

Häufig gestellte Fragen: die Katakomben von Paris

Die Pariser Katakomben sind dienstags bis sonntags von 10:00 bis 20:30 Uhr (letzter Eintritt um 19:30 Uhr) geöffnet und montags sowie am 1. Januar, 1. Mai und 25. Dezember geschlossen.

Sie können mit dem Auto oder mit öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln wie dem Bus, der Metro oder dem RER-Zug zu den Pariser Katakomben fahren. Wenn Sie mit dem Zug oder der Metro fahren, steigen Sie am Bahnhof Denfert-Rochereau aus. Die Katakomben sind etwa 3 Minuten zu Fuß vom Bahnhof entfernt.

Der Eingang zu den Pariser Katakomben befindet sich direkt an der 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, Frankreich. 

Nein, aber Sie können entweder Katakomben-Tickets mit einem Audioguide buchen oder diesen vor Ort für 5 Euro erwerben.

Ja, Sie können die Katakomben Paris-Tickets online mit Schnelleinlass buchen, um sich eine Wartezeit von bis zu drei Stunden zu ersparen.

Weitere Infos

Pariser Katakomben: Geschichtliches

Die unheimliche Vergangenheit der Katakomben

Pariser Katakomben-Tour

Ein Erlebnis in den unheimlichen Katakomben von Paris

Schnelleinlass in die Katakomben

Die Pariser Katakomben ohne Anstehen besuchen

Buchen Sie Katakomben Paris-Tickets

Virtual visit

Access the virtual visit of the catacombs of paris.