Catacombs

Best Tours
See More Tours

About Paris Catacombs Tours

Catacombs of Paris tunnel

Paris is a captivating city known for its enchanting ambiance that delights tourists. Among its many attractions, the Catacombs tour stands out as a truly unique experience. Experience the best Paris Catacombs tour for a unique underground adventure. Led by expert local guides, discover the history behind these former quarries turned bone-filled tunnels.

The Paris Catacombs are underground tunnels and rooms that show the city's history. Catacombs were used as quarries where limestone was mined. Later, in the late 18th century, they were repurposed as bone repositories due to overcrowded cemeteries. Today, they are a popular tourist destination.

History and Significance: The catacombs contain the remains of numerous Parisians. During the 18th and 19th centuries, bodies were relocated from various cemeteries. You'll encounter numerous skulls and bones meticulously arranged in the underground catacombs, serving as poignant reminders of history.

What You'll See on the Tour: On a guided tour, you'll walk through narrow paths and twisting hallways with dim lights. Your guide will tell you stories about the catacombs and why they're important.

Highlights of the Tour: The famous part of the catacombs is the "Gate of Hell" entrance. You will see the spiral staircase going down, and the rooms filled with bones and skulls. The atmosphere is spooky, and you'll feel like you've gone back in time.

Important Things to Know: Catacombs are delicate and the space is small. Tours are limited to small groups, and you must book beforehand. Wear good shoes because the ground is uneven, and the ceilings are low in some places.

  • Purpose: The purpose of creating the Catacombs was to solve Paris's overcrowded cemeteries. The underground catacombs help free up space in cemeteries and prevent diseases.
  • Size: The Catacombs extend for several kilometers beneath Paris. However, only a small portion of the tunnels is open to the public for Paris underground catacombs tours.
  • Bones Arrangement: The bones are neatly arranged along the walls of the Catacombs. Skulls and femurs create patterns and designs in the stacked format.
  • Visiting: Visitors can explore a section of the Catacombs known as the Denfert-Rochereau Ossuary. Follow the rules to ensure safety in the Paris underground bone tours.
  • Historical Significance: The Catacombs tell a story of Paris's history itself. These offer a unique perspective on how the city managed burial practices during the late 18th century.
  • Conditions: The Catacombs can be chilly and damp, so it's important to dress comfortably for the visit. visitors should wear comfortable shoes because of uneven surfaces and stairs.

What to Know About Catacombs?

The Catacombs of Paris are a huge underground tunnel system beneath the streets of Paris, France. They were built in the late 1700s because Paris had too many jam-packed cemeteries. People were worried about diseases spreading from the overflowing graveyards.Workers transferred approx 6 million bones from cemeteries into underground Catacombs to tackle this issue. They arranged the bones neatly along the walls of the tunnels. This was a way to store the bones safely and create more space above ground.

You can visit a small part of the catacombs that is open to the public. When you go down there, you'll see long dark hallways lined with bones and skulls stacked in patterns.

The catacombs are a unique piece of Paris's history and are a popular attraction for tourists. Exploring these underground tunnels offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's past and the practices of its inhabitants centuries ago. Don't forget to bring a flashlight as the catacombs can be dimly lit.

As you wander through the catacombs, you'll encounter various chambers filled with bones arranged in intricate designs. This will create an eerie yet captivating atmosphere.

Exploring the catacombs is a surreal experience, transporting you to a different world beneath the bustling streets of Paris. As you descend deeper into the underground labyrinth, you'll be enveloped by a sense of mystery and intrigue. The dimly lit passages echo with the whispers of the past, evoking a sense of awe and reverence for the souls whose remains now rest here.

Visitors often find themselves pondering the lives of those who once walked these same paths, contemplating the passage of time and the legacy they've left behind.  Lots of people are amazed by how serious and large the catacombs are, with all the bones kept there. Even though it'sa surreal experience, lots of tourists still want to explore the catacombs and learn about Paris's secret past.

Tour Highlights

  • Descend beneath the streets and delve into the captivating Parisian underworld. Walk through tunnels lined with the remains of millions, gaining a unique perspective on the city's history.
  • Embark on a scenic cruise down the Seine, the heart of Paris. You can see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral all lit up by the bright light of the Parisian sky.
  • Experience the majesty of Paris by seeing famous buildings from a different angle. you can adore the city either from below in the Catacombs or while cruising the Seine.
  • This tour lets you see the Catacombs and the city's long and interesting past. The history of the catacombs is a metaphor for the city's secret depths.
  • Descend beneath Paris and walk through a network of tunnels lined with millions of bones.
  • Learn about the fascinating history of the Paris Catacombs from knowledgeable guides.
  • Experience a one-of-a-kind ambiance with flickering torchlight glowing the stacked bones.
  • Uncover the challenges of building the catacombs and the legends surrounding this mysterious place.
  • Learn the significance of the catacombs and their role in Parisian history.

Visitor Highlights

  • Explore the enigmatic Parisian Catacombs, a network of tunnels housing the remains of millions. Feel the weight of history as you walk among these silent stones.
  • Immerse yourself in the city's romantic side with a scenic cruise down the Seine. Glide past the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral, all bathed in the warm Parisian light (depending on the time of day).
  • Witness iconic Parisian landmarks from unique perspectives. Explore them from below in the Catacombs, or admire them from the water during your Seine River cruise.
  • This tour is great for people with a wide range of interests. It shows the city's beautiful side and famous sites.
  • Immerse yourself in Parisian history and appreciate the creativity of this underground city.
  • See the massive catacombs and extraordinary bone arrangement.
  • Gain insights from your guide about the people buried there and the significance of the catacombs.
  • Experience a strange yet captivating atmosphere with the flickering lights and bone arrangements.
  • Explore a hidden side of Paris and create lasting memories of your Parisian adventure.
  • Witness the solemn reminders of Paris's past as you encounter rows of carefully arranged bones and skulls.

Travel Tips

  • Make sure to book your tour tickets ahead of time because they sell out fast.
  • The ground in the catacombs is uneven, so wear strong and comfy shoes.
  • It can be chilly and damp down there, so wear layers and bring a jacket.
  • Pay attention to your guide's instructions for a safe and fun time.
  • Bring water, especially if it's warm outside.
  • Remember, the catacombs are a historical place.
  • Get there with plenty of time before your tour starts.
  • Be polite to others and don't use flash when taking pictures.
  • The ticket grants you immediate access, but only during the time slot on your ticket.
  • There are 130 steps to enter the Paris Catacombs and 112 steps to exit. This tour is not accessible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility
  • The Catacombs are 20 meters/65 feet (and more) underground and the tunnels are narrow in places. This tour is not suitable for those with cardiac or respiratory problems, or those with claustrophobia
  • The tunnels can be slippery and remain at a temperature of around 14°C/57°F, even in summer

Know Before You Go

What to bring

  • Bring your pre-booked tour tickets.
  • Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Dress in layers and bring a jacket or sweater, as the catacombs can be cool and damp.
  • Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour, especially if visiting during warmer weather.
  • Carry a small bag to hold your essentials, such as a camera, wallet, and any personal items.
  • Wear comfortable shoes so that you can walk easily.
  • Be in Comfortable clothes as you have to explore all the places.

What not to bring

  • Avoid bringing large bags or backpacks.
  • You can not take outside food and drinks inside the catacombs.
  • Respect the rules and avoid using flash photography. This may disturb other visitors and damage delicate artifacts.
  • Be respectful of the historical site.
  • Do not touch or disturb any artifacts or displays.
  • Be considerate of others and avoid bringing noisy electronic devices such as radios or speakers.

Getting There

  • Public Transportation: The Paris Metro is the most convenient way to reach the Catacombs. Take Metro Line 4 and get off at the Denfert-Rochereau station. Follow the nearby located signs to the Catacombs.
     
  • Bus: Several bus routes also stop near the Catacombs. You can take bus lines 38, 68, or 88 and get off at the Denfert-Rochereau station.
     
  • Taxi or Ride-Sharing: You can opt for hailing a taxi or a ride-sharing service like Uber to reach the Catacombs. Simply input the address into your preferred app and follow the directions.
     
  • Walking: If you're staying nearby or enjoy walking, you can also reach the Catacombs on foot. You will reach in 10-15 minutes from the Denfert-Rochereau station by walk.
     
  • Bike Rental: Paris has a bike-sharing program called Velib', which allows you to rent a bike and cycle to the Catacombs. Look for a nearby Velib station and follow the designated bike lanes to your destination.