Paris Catacombs

Paris Catacombs which includes heritage elements
Take a trip back in time on a chilling journey underground to visit the remains of more than 6 million Parisians.

In the late 18th century, the city of Paris was facing a problem – water supplies were becoming contaminated because of overcrowding in graveyards, which was leading to health problems among inhabitants. The city’s government came up with an ingenious solution: move existing bones into the abandoned underground limestone quarries to create more space in the graveyards. The result can be seen today in the fascinating Paris Catacombs, which have been a tourist attraction since 1874.

The bones are a work of art in themselves, and visitors can marvel at the neat arrangements of skeletal remains that form the walls of the passageways that stretch for nearly 2 kilometres under Paris. Memorial plaques were also transferred to preserve the memory of those who are interred here, but as bones are arranged according to type – skulls, femurs, tibias etc. – the memorials are not sited near their owners.

Your visit starts in the 14th arrondissement on the Place Denfert-Rochereau, from which you descend underground and then wind through low-ceilinged, dimly lit tunnels. The walls are covered in intricate carvings, known as the Sculptures of Decure, made by the quarry inspector who was trapped and died down here in 1777 when a sinkhole opened on an upper level of the tunnel.

To make the most of your visit, rent an audio tour which will give you an insight into the construction of the catacombs and walk you through the winding passages. Don’t miss the Fountain of Samaritan, a small spring encircled by a wall of bones, or the Sepulchral Lamp, which was lit by quarrymen working in the corridors.

The tunnels are open every day except Mondays. It takes about an hour to explore the catacombs, and children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. This is a popular destination with limited capacity, so be prepared to queue for entry. Take a jumper, as it gets cold underground even in summer. It can also be slippery so take care, especially on the many stairs in and out of the tunnels. Be careful to stick to the path – you don’t want to get lost in the further 290 kilometres of quarry tunnels. The catacombs are accessible by public transport and paid is available nearby.

Villa Beaumarchais
La Dépendance
1K Paris
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Paris Catacombs

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
38
" "5 - Excellent 60.317460317460316%
4 - Good
16
" "4 - Good 25.396825396825395%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 9.523809523809524%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 1.5873015873015872%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 3.1746031746031744%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Feb 2020

Prepare to queue. We started halfway at the back of the building but it wasn't the 2 hours it said on the notice. No more than 40 mins. Not bad. Saying that the rain had stopped!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
31 Jul 2019

Would recommend booking in advance. We queued on the day and it took over 4 hours to reach the front as only 200 people are allowed inside at one time. The catacombs themselvea are fascinating though and would recommend the audio guide too.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
2 May 2019

Purchase tickets before hand to avoid wait. The queue was 4hrs long when we arrived for our timed slot. The voice guide box advisable too.

2/5 - Disappointing

Tess
16 Apr 2019

I’ve written disappointing because when we got there there was a two hour queue. We had tried to book online but after initially taking our payment it refunded us with no real explanation. Security told us they have to be booked at least two days in advance so, by then, it was too late.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
4 Mar 2019

Pre book as the queues can be long. Not suitable for prams or elderly, as lots of steps and a lengthy narrow walk

1/5 - Terrible

Dan
30 Oct 2018

No toilets anywhere and if you get caught short down there, or when you get out, you’re in trouble

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