Paris Catacombs Tickets
The Paris Catacombs are an extensive network of tunnels located beneath the city that were used as a cemetery in the past. Along the 300 kilometers of tunnels, approximately 6 million people are buried.
The visit to the catacombs can be quite unsettling for sensitive individuals. However, it is certainly one of the most interesting and unique attractions in Paris, with extensive geometric constructions made of bones and skulls.
Guided Tour of the Paris Catacombs
Entrance ticket and two-hour guided tour of the spectacular and eerie Paris Catacombs.
6 million skeletons in kilometers of tunnels beneath Paris.
Only a small part of the over 300 kilometers of catacombs is open for visitors to explore.
The skeletons of people are neatly stacked, and among the common people, there are also some notable figures such as the writer Charles Perrault, Georges Jacques Danton, Maximilien de Robespierre, and Madame de Pompadour, the mistress of Louis XV.
The History of the Paris Catacombs
In the past, the quarries of Paris were used to build monuments and buildings, but they were abandoned in the 15th century to prevent numerous collapses caused by the quarries themselves.
In the late 18th century, to cope with the epidemics and diseases caused by the saturation of certain cemeteries, it was decided to move the bones from mass graves to underground quarries, a process that continued for about a hundred years.
Visit the Paris Catacombs
Paris Catacombs Hours
Opening Days and Hours
Open every day from 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM, except Mondays and some holidays. Last entry at 7:30 PM.
Closed Days
Closed on Mondays and some holidays.
Useful Information about the Paris Catacombs
The visit to the catacombs lasts 45 minutes. The route is about 1.5 kilometers long. The entrance is at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, while the exit is at 21 bis Avenue René Coty. There are 130 steps to descend and 83 steps to ascend. The temperature is around 14°C.
There are various entrances to the catacombs, but most of them are hidden or sealed. The official entrance to the catacombs is located at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy.
Restrooms are available for visitors at both the entrance and exit of the Catacombs.
It is strictly forbidden to touch the works and bones, including individuals with visual impairments. Any theft of bones or damage will be prosecuted.
You can take photos without flash and tripod, and only for private use.
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing because there are 243 steps to climb. Do not dress too much or too little as the temperature is about 14 degrees Celsius with high humidity throughout the year. There is no cloakroom, and heavy suitcases, large bags, and helmets are not accepted. Small backpacks should be worn on the shoulder. Strollers are not allowed.
Since there is no elevator, the site is not accessible to wheelchair users or those using walkers. It is not recommended for individuals with limited mobility, claustrophobia, respiratory or cardiac insufficiency, and those sensitive to the uniqueness of the place.
The Paris Catacombs house millions of skeletons that were transported in the late 18th century to empty the overcrowded cemeteries.
Where are the Paris Catacombs located?
The Paris Catacombs are located near Place Denfert-Rochereau, in the 14th arrondissement.
The nearest metro stop to the entrance of the catacombs is Denfert-Rochereau, accessible via line 6 and 4 or RER B. It is also possible to reach it by taking buses 38 and 68 and getting off at Denfert-Rochereau stop.
