Catacombs of Paris
Inspite of being somewhat morbid, the Catacombs are a burial plot with a rich and fascinating history and draw crowds of visitors year round
The Catacombs of France is a tourist attraction for those who like to add a little spookiness to their vacation activities. The catacombs are literally a burial plot of astronomic proportions. However, they are a burial plot with a rich and fascinating history.
Before Christianity came along, it was common practice to bury the dead outside the city walls. Christianity dictated that the dead should be buried in consecrated ground around churches and this time it was difficult to do so since the areas around the churches were already well built up and there was no space to put in large cemeteries. Those that were available soon became overcrowded and a mass burial plot was opened near the St. Opportune church. This burial plot caused a lot of sanitation problems but was still used even when the ground was saturated with human remains.
Eventually the inner city cemeteries were closed and new ones were opened outside the city limits. Even the long abandoned stone quarries outside the city were pressed into use as burial places. The transfer of the dead to these quarries started in 1786 and finished in 1788. The catacombs hold the remains of around six million people. Land was bought from a local property named "La maison de la Tombe Issoire" and many sets of bones were deposited in the underground caverns in this area along with crosses and urns and other memorabilia.
When you visit the catacombs you will travel down a staircase and then through a long tunnel to find yourself faced with a stone portal inscribed with the words Arrete! C'est ici l'empire de la Mort ('Halt! This is the Empire of the Dead'). It is beyond this stone portal that the tour truly begins. There are halls and walls of carefully arranged bones. Some of the bone arrangements are actually really artistic although they are macabre.
If you plan to visit the Catacombs then you will need to know that the site limits visitors to 200 at one time. There are also no toilets or cloakrooms and it is also good to keep in mind that it will be cooler in the underground passages. It is vital that children who are younger than 14 years of age are accompanied by at least one adult and the parents of young children are advised against bringing their children into the catacombs. If you are not very mobile then you may also want to consider other activities as there are many steps to go up and down. You do not need much time for the actual tour as it is only 2km long (around 45 min) but the queues can get rather long and entries can be stopped to ensure the 200 visitor limit is adhered to.
Nearby attractions: Rue Mouffetard Market
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesCatacombs of Paris Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
- Friday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
Official Website: Catacombs of Paris
Catacombs of Paris Reviews
Rated out of 5
Amazing tour under subterranean passageways beneath the city. 1500m of history and a chance to visit the dead of Paris interred there over centuries, amazingly atmospheric. Great free audio guide and lots of interesting information posters all through the tour. Allow about an hour and be aware that there are over 100 spiral steps down and back up which does take some energy. Highly recommended to discover the history of the quarries which built the new Paris, the results of unregulated digging and the eventual use as a catacomb.
Advanced booking of tickets is absolutely essential to guarantee entry!
Lynne Taylerson - a month ago
Catacombs are a must see in Paris. There is so much history underneath the city that could be very easy to miss.
We were given an electronic guide as we went around which correlated to the numbers for each ‘section’ (15 audio guide sections in total) which meant you could take it at your own pace rather than going around with a group and a tour guide.
Obviously some parts of the tunnels are low so taller people (6foot ish) may need to duck down for some portions. Make sure you wear closed toe comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and it’s damp in some places.
It is worth checking accessibility in advance as there are 100+ stairs to get up and down to the catacombs.
There is a metro right across the road so it’s really easy to get to, but worth noting you don’t come out in the same place that you went in.
Tickets need to be booked a week before online on the official website.
Eleanor Green - a week ago
My best museum experience so far, not one of the best, simply the best. A centuries old quarry and then ossuary, strange, awesome and crazy. It’s about religious history, cultural history and humanity history. 20 m deep down underground, you feel like walking in hell. Please don’t touch the skeleton as advised by the museum, unfortunately I still saw an English speaking family grab the skeleton and taking photographs. Remember to book one week in advance as the visiting quota is very limited and will be full mins after opened for booking.
Norman Choi - 2 weeks ago
Definitely a very unique experience and chance to learn a unique history but the website said to expect 1-1.5 hours inside but it was a lot shorter than expected. Even with the audio guide and stopping to take some photos of the bones, we did the whole thing in 30 min. Also the tickets are quite pricey for what it is I feel. And you have to buy tickets online and the tickets are only released 1 week in advance from the date you want to go.
Alyssa Welch - 2 months ago
Bought tickets in advance...they sell out most days. Lots of steps up and down on spiral stairs! Some LOW ceilings for tall people. Husband is 6' and had to walk bent over for a stretch!Great experience, I learned more than I thought I would! Go! You'll enjoy it.
Ann Christopherson - 2 months ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M4, M6, RER-B | Denfert-Rochereau | 1 minute |
How to get to Catacombs of Paris by Metro / RER
By Metro or RER: exit at Denfert-Rochereau Station and look for the small green building (and probably a queue) directly across the street from the station.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Catacombs of Paris:
Photo Gallery
-
There are over 7 million of these buried in the Catacombs of Paris cc licensed photo by CHRISTOPHER MACSURAK -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr
Video
To view this video, please provide consent for cookies and/or disable any ad blockers.
We use cookies to display embedded YouTube content. For more information, see our
Privacy and Cookies Policy.
