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The Best Paris Catacombs Tour

Why Visit the Catacombs?

    • The Paris Catacombs house the remains of over six million people, arranged in hauntingly artistic formations beneath the city, making them one of the most unusual historical sites in Europe.

    • Originally created to solve Paris’s overcrowded cemeteries, the catacombs under Paris, France, offer a glimpse into 18th-century urban planning and public health efforts.

    • Visiting the catacombs in Paris is a unique experience that blends history, architecture, and mystery, set deep within a former limestone quarry network.

    • The Parisian Catacombs stretch over 1.5 km of accessible tunnels and are lined with stacked bones, poetic inscriptions, and symbolic arrangements.

    • A Paris underground tour reveals more than just skulls—you’ll explore hidden passageways, learn about the catacombs history Paris, and understand the significance of each section.

    • Catacombs entrance is limited daily, so booking in advance is essential. Consider a Paris Catacombs private tour for a quieter, guided experience with deeper historical context.

    • The Catacombs of Paris are not just eerie—they're an important reminder of how Paris once managed death, disease, and space beneath the surface.

    • Ranked among the best catacombs to visit in Europe, the site is a must-see for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and curious travellers alike.

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Explore the Catacombs of Paris

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Empire of the Dead

Visitors enter a marked gate reading "Arrête, c'est ici l'empire de la mort" (“Stop, this is the Empire of Death”)...

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Bones of Over Six Million Parisians

The ossuary holds the remains of millions, transferred here from overflowing cemeteries in the 18th and 19th centuries. These catacombs under Paris, F...

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Historical Markers

Throughout the Parisian Catacombs, stone plaques record the names of original cemeteries, dates of bone transfers, and poetic reflections on death. Th...

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Sculptures

Before the ossuary, you’ll pass through quarry tunnels where workers once carved walls and reinforced ceilings. One section even features a mini...

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Underground Architecture

The catacombs of Paris aren’t just filled with bones—they reflect centuries of architectural adaptation. Arched ceilings, limestone walls,...

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Bone Arrangements

Inside, you’ll find arranged skulls in heart shapes, columns of bones, and curated sections divided by former cemetery origin. These thematic di...

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Paris catacombs ticket explained

Paris Catacombs Entry Tickets

These self-guided tickets let you explore the Catacombs at your own pace. An audio guide in English, French, German, and Spanish enhances your visit w...

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Guided Tour Tickets

For a richer experience, choose a guided tour of the Paris Catacombs led by an English-speaking expert. These small-group tours provide deeper context...

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Paris Catacombs Combo Tickets

Combo tickets let you pair your Catacombs entry with other attractions like Sainte-Chapelle or the Seine Cruise. These bundles offer value and help yo...

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Things to Know Before Booking

Entry to the Parisian Catacombs is only possible with pre-booked, timed tickets. On busy days, expect a wait of up to 2–3 hours due to security...

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Plan your visit

Visiting
  • The Paris Catacombs hold the remains of over 6 million people in tunnels beneath the city—only 1.5 km is open to the public.
  • Must-see highlights include the Empire of the Dead, Port-Mahon Corridor, the Barrel of Passion, and a small museum section.
  • Book your Catacombs Paris tickets online in advance—only 200 visitors are allowed inside at one time.
  • The site is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM (last entry at 7:30 PM); closed Mondays and major holidays.
  • Entry is via Denfert-Rochereau station; wear layers and good shoes—the tunnels are chilly, dim, and uneven.
Visit
Opening hours

  • The Paris Catacombs are open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM (last entry at 7:30 PM).

  • Arrive right at opening time or midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) for the quietest experience.

  • Avoid weekends, holidays, and peak seasons (April–October) to skip long queues.

  • The Catacombs are closed Mondays, plus January 1, May 1, and December 25.

  • Book tickets in advance and arrive 15 minutes early to secure your time slot.

opening hours
Getting There

  • The Paris Catacombs are located at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014, near Denfert-Rochereau metro/RER station.

  • Take Metro Lines 4 or 6, or RER Line B to Denfert-Rochereau; it’s a 2-minute walk to the entrance.

  • Bus routes 38, 68, 88, and 216 also stop nearby—ideal for local surface travel.

  • Avoid driving due to limited parking and traffic; paid garages are available at Indigo Alésia and Boulevard Saint-Jacques.

  • Travel from Gare du Nord (~25 mins), Gare de Lyon (~25 mins), and Montparnasse (~10 mins walk). Book tickets early and avoid rush hour for smoother access.

Get there
Entrances

 

  • Entry is timed—arrive 15 minutes early with your ticket or Paris Pass; no re-entry allowed once you exit.

  • Closest access: Metro Lines 4 & 6, RER B, or Bus Lines 38 & 68; avoid driving due to lack of parking.

  • The exit is at 21 bis Avenue René-Coty, a 5-minute walk from the entrance—plan accordingly.

  • The site is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers due to 131 steps down and uneven pathways.

Entrances
Facts
  • The Catacombs hold the remains of over 6 million people, moved from overflowing cemeteries in the 18th century.
  • Only 1.7 km of the 300 km tunnel network is open to the public today.
  • The tunnels were originally limestone quarries dating back to Roman times.
  • Visitors walk through bone-lined passages, featuring skulls and femurs arranged in haunting patterns.
  • The Barrière d’Enfer (“Gate of Hell”) still serves as the official entrance to this underground ossuary.
Facts
History
  • The Paris Catacombs began as Roman limestone quarries in the 1st century, later repurposed for burial.
  • A cemetery crisis in the 18th century led to the mass relocation of remains underground to combat disease.
  • From 1785–1787, bones from over 150 cemeteries were transferred, forming the ossuary.
  • The Catacombs opened to the public in 1809 and now attract over 500,000 visitors each year.
  • Today, only 1.5 km of the 300 km tunnels is open to visitors, with remains of about 6 million people arranged in decorative patterns.
History
Tickets
  • Timed-entry tickets are the most popular option and include an audio guide—ideal for solo and first-time visitors.
  • Guided tours offer access to restricted areas and deeper historical context, perfect for history lovers.
  • Combo tickets are available with the Seine River Cruise or Arc de Triomphe, combining underground and scenic experiences.
  • Only 200 visitors are allowed inside at a time—booking online in advance is highly recommended.
  • The Paris Pass does not include Catacombs access—tickets must be purchased separately.
Tickets

It’s best to book tickets at least 7 days in advance, especially during weekends or summer months. Timed entries often sell out quickly due to the site’s limited capacity.

 

No. Tickets are only available online. There are no on-site sales, and without a booking, entry will not be allowed—even during low seasons.

 

Yes. Many ticket providers offer skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass long queues. These often come as part of self-guided or guided tour packages.

 

A maximum of 200 visitors are permitted inside at any given time to preserve the site and ensure safety, which is why timed entries are strictly enforced.

 

You can choose either. Self-guided visits come with an audio guide in multiple languages, while guided tours—led by experts—offer deeper insight and access to restricted areas.

 

Guided tours are typically limited to 19 people or fewer. Smaller groups ensure a more personal and informative experience throughout the tunnels.

 

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Due to the dark, confined environment, the site may not be suitable for young children or anyone with claustrophobia.

 

To protect the historical structure and ensure visitor safety, only a 1.5-kilometre stretch is open for tours. Unauthorized areas are off-limits and monitored.

 

Standard Paris Catacombs admission is around €31 for adults, which includes an audio guide. Reduced tickets are available for students and children, while kids under 5 enter free. Prices may vary slightly depending on tour type or combo deals.