Paris Catacombs: Skip-the-Line Special Access Tour
Skip the long lines to the Paris Catacombs where millions of Parisians were buried in the underground ossuaries. Learn about the past in a small group and benefit from special access to restricted areas.
Details
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration: 2 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Highlights
Skip the long lines to the Paris Catacombs
Get exclusive access to areas of the catacombs usually closed to the public
Learn about how 6 million people came to be buried in this city of the dead
Full description
Get fast track entry to the underground cemetery of the Paris Catacombs, composed of miles of underground tunnels lined with the skulls and bones of some 6 million Parisians. Join a local guide and explore the catacombs in a small group of no more than 19 people. Each room reveals ever more ornate and macabre bone decorations.
Hear the unbelievable story of how the catacombs were built, and the massive project that was undertaken to move bones from around the city to this point. Your special access status means the guards will also open gates just for your group, letting you into areas such as a secret chapel decorated with skulls and femurs.
The Paris Catacombs contain bones representing some 2,000 years of history, and their construction was a unique civil engineering project that helped give rise to the modern-day city.
Includes
Skip-the-line entry to the Paris Catacombs
Access to special areas of the Paris Catacombs
Small group tour of no more than 19 people
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not suitable for
Pregnant women
People with mobility impairments
People with claustrophobia
People with heart problems
Wheelchair users
People with respiratory issues
Meeting point
Meet in front of Café du Rendez-vous, 2 Avenue du Général Leclerc, 75014 Paris. Directions by metro: Take Line 4 or 6 to Denfert-Rochereau Metro Station. Upon leaving the train, follow the "sortie" (exit) sign. Your guide will be holding a Walks sign.
Important information
What to bring
Comfortable shoes
Warm clothing
Not allowed
Baby strollers
Luggage or large bags
Know before you go
There are 130 steps to the Paris Catacombs. Unfortunately, there is no elevator access
The Paris Catacombs tunnels are often wet and cool (14°C/57°F all year long)
Please note that there are neither toilets nor cloakroom facilities at the Paris Catacombs
Only bags smaller than 55 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm are allowed
The tour partner complies with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Paris government guidelines for the most up-to-date information
Likely to sell out
From US$ 108.74 per person
Customer reviews
Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 based on 475 reviews
Review summary
Guide: 4.8/5
Value for money: 4.5/5
Service: 4.9/5
Organization: 4.8/5
History of the Paris Catacombs: Secrets of Underground Paris
The Paris Catacombs, often shrouded in mystery and intrigue, hold a unique place in the history of the City of Lights. This sprawling underground labyrinth is not only a testament to architectural ingenuity but also a repository of fascinating stories that span centuries.
Originally, the Catacombs were former limestone quarries, mined extensively during the Roman era to construct many of Paris' iconic buildings. As the city's population burgeoned over the centuries, so did the need for more space, and these quarries were repurposed into a subterranean cemetery.
The transformation began in the late 18th century when overcrowded cemeteries within the city became a pressing issue. In 1786, the process of transferring skeletal remains from various cemeteries to the Catacombs commenced. This monumental undertaking spanned several years and resulted in the relocation of millions of remains.
The Catacombs' layout is a testament to meticulous organization. Bones and skulls are arranged in a macabre yet strangely artistic fashion, forming walls and arches that stretch for miles beneath the bustling streets of Paris. The air is cool and damp, and the walls seem to whisper the stories of those who repose within.
Secrets of Underground Paris
Beyond its role as a final resting place, the Catacombs harbor a wealth of secrets. Over the years, they have served as a refuge for outlaws, revolutionaries, and even, during World War II, as a base of operations for the French Resistance.
Exploring the Catacombs without an official guide is strictly prohibited, and for good reason. The tunnels are an intricate maze, and it's easy to become disoriented. Many unauthorized explorers have found themselves lost in the labyrinthine passages, sometimes for days.
Legends abound regarding hidden chambers, secret societies, and even paranormal activity within the Catacombs. While some of these tales may be rooted in imagination, they add to the mystique surrounding this underground world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Catacombs open to the public?
Yes, a section of the Catacombs is open to the public. However, visitors are only allowed in designated areas with an official guide to ensure their safety.
How large is the Catacombs system?
The Catacombs cover an estimated 200 miles of tunnels beneath the streets of Paris, though only a small portion is accessible to the public.
What is the significance of the Catacombs?
Besides being a historical site, the Catacombs serve as a poignant reminder of Paris' complex past and the challenges faced by a growing city in managing its deceased population.
Are there any special events held in the Catacombs?
Occasionally, the Catacombs are host to cultural events and exhibitions, offering a unique and eerie backdrop for artistic expression.
