Discover the Catacombs of Paris

Claim to Fame

The Catacombs of Paris are an eerie underground ossuary holding the remains of over six million people — a chilling and fascinating descent into the city’s hidden history.

📌 Navigating Catacombs of Paris : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Public washrooms are available near the entrance of the Catacombs.
Hours of Operation: The Catacombs are open daily from 10 AM to 8:30 PM, closed on Mondays.
Important Information: The Catacombs can be quite dark and narrow, suitable for those comfortable with enclosed spaces.
Admission Fee: An admission fee is required to enter the Catacombs.
How Long to Visit: A visit to the Catacombs typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours.
Parking: Parking is limited near the Catacombs, with some nearby public garages.
Family Friendly: The Catacombs are generally not recommended for young children.
Photography: Photography is allowed, but no flash photography in the Catacombs.
WIFI: WIFI is not available inside the Catacombs.
Picnic Area: There are no picnic areas near the Catacombs.
Handicap Accessible: The Catacombs have limited accessibility for visitors with disabilities.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the Catacombs.
Guided Tours: Guided tours of the Catacombs are available and provide detailed historical context.
Restaurant or Cafe: There is no restaurant or cafe inside the Catacombs.
Gift Shop: The gift shop at the Catacombs offers a variety of souvenirs.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Catacombs of Paris

Beneath the romantic boulevards and bustling cafés of Paris lies a shadowy world few visitors ever imagine — the Catacombs of Paris. These underground tunnels, originally limestone quarries, were transformed in the 18th century into a mass burial site when the city’s cemeteries became dangerously overcrowded.

What to Expect

Visitors descend over 130 steps into a labyrinth of dimly lit tunnels stretching more than a kilometer. Walls are meticulously stacked with bones — skulls and femurs arranged in decorative patterns, sometimes forming crosses and hearts. The route is silent, cool, and atmospheric, making it one of Paris’s most unforgettable — and macabre — experiences.

Exhibits along the way explain how and why the catacombs were created, including signs with historical quotes and eerie poetry. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those intrigued by history, mortality, or the city’s underbelly, it's a must.

Background and Cultural Context

The catacombs began in the late 1700s when Paris’s cemeteries reached capacity, leading to public health concerns. The bones from sites like Les Innocents were transferred here between 1786 and 1814. Over time, the catacombs became a curiosity — even Napoleon and Charles X toured them.

In modern times, they’ve become a cultural touchstone, inspiring artists, filmmakers, and even urban explorers (known as "cataphiles"). Only a small section is open to the public — the rest remains off-limits and patrolled.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings offer the shortest wait times. Lines can be long, as access is limited to preserve the tunnels. Booking a timed ticket in advance is highly recommended, especially during holidays and summer.

How to Get There

The official entrance is at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, near Denfert-Rochereau Metro station (Lines 4 and 6, and RER B). It’s easy to access from central Paris, and the neighborhood also features a beautiful square and historic architecture.

Photo Opportunities

Symmetrical bone walls with skull arrangements
Historic signage and inscriptions carved into stone
Dim-lit corridors with atmospheric lighting
Entrance and exit staircases for dramatic vertical shots

Travel Tips

Wear sturdy shoes — the ground can be damp and uneven.
The tunnels are cool year-round (about 14°C / 57°F), so bring a light jacket.
Large bags aren’t allowed, and there are no toilets onsite.
Claustrophobic or sensitive travelers may want to skip this one.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
Roughly 45 minutes to an hour, covering just over 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile).

Is photography allowed?
Yes, but flash and tripods are not permitted. Be respectful of the site’s solemn nature.

Is it suitable for children?
While allowed, the catacombs may be too intense for young children or anyone sensitive to dark, confined spaces.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the Catacombs of Paris offers a hauntingly beautiful perspective on the city’s past. Far from the glittering Eiffel Tower or elegant Louvre, this underground ossuary is a stark reminder of Paris’s long, layered, and sometimes dark history.

Things To Do near Catacombs of Paris

Luxembourg Gardens

The Distance from Catacombs of Paris to Luxembourg Gardens is 2.4 Kilometer(s) / 1.5 Mile(s)

Latin Quarter

The Distance from Catacombs of Paris to Latin Quarter is 3.4 Kilometer(s) / 2.1 Mile(s)

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The Distance from Catacombs of Paris to Notre-Dame Cathedral is 4 Kilometer(s) / 2.5 Mile(s)

Louvre Museum

The Distance from Catacombs of Paris to Louvre Museum is 5 Kilometer(s) / 3.1 Mile(s)

Eiffel Tower

The Distance from Catacombs of Paris to Eiffel Tower is 6.3 Kilometer(s) / 3.9 Mile(s)

Champs-Élysées

The Distance from Catacombs of Paris to Champs-Élysées is 7.1 Kilometer(s) / 4.4 Mile(s)

Seine River Cruise

The Distance from Catacombs of Paris to Seine River Cruise is 7.4 Kilometer(s) / 4.6 Mile(s)

Moulin Rouge

The Distance from Catacombs of Paris to Moulin Rouge is 9 Kilometer(s) / 5.6 Mile(s)

Montmartre

The Distance from Catacombs of Paris to Montmartre is 9.7 Kilometer(s) / 6 Mile(s)

Musée d'Orsay

The Distance from Catacombs of Paris to Musée d'Orsay is 12.2 Kilometer(s) / 7.6 Mile(s)

📘 Paris Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: Paris operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC +1. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2.

Weather: Paris has an oceanic climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Summer temperatures typically range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), while winter temperatures average 3°C to 8°C (37°F to 46°F). Rain is spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Population: Paris has a population of approximately 2.1 million people in the city proper and over 12 million in the metropolitan area, making it the most populous urban center in France and one of the largest in Europe.

Size: Paris covers an area of around 105 square kilometers (40.7 square miles). Located along the Seine River in northern France, it is renowned for its historic architecture, world-class museums, and cultural landmarks.

Language: French is the official language spoken in Paris. English is commonly understood in hotels, major tourist attractions, and restaurants, though a few basic French phrases are appreciated by locals.

Currency: The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops and cafés.

Safety: Paris is generally safe, especially in tourist areas. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing are common in crowded spots like the metro, Eiffel Tower, and major train stations. Visitors should stay alert and protect valuables.

Tipping: Tipping in Paris is appreciated but not required. Most restaurants include a service charge in the bill. Leaving small change or rounding up is customary for good service.

Electricity and Plugs: France uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. Plug types C and E are standard. Travelers from countries using different voltage or plug types should bring appropriate adapters.

Water: Tap water in Paris is safe to drink and meets EU quality standards. Public fountains and restaurant water are safe unless otherwise indicated.

Annual Visitors: Paris welcomes over 30 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited cities in the world. Key attractions include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Montmartre.

Visa Requirements: Citizens of the EU, U.S., Canada, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa for short stays in France. A valid passport is required for entry.

Health & Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for travel to France. Routine immunizations such as measles, flu, and tetanus are recommended. Healthcare in Paris is high-quality and widely available.

Transportation: Paris has a dense and efficient public transportation network, including metro lines, buses, RER trains, and trams. Walking is also a convenient way to explore central neighborhoods.

Food: Paris is a culinary capital known for pastries, cheeses, wine, and gourmet dining. Signature dishes include croissants, escargot, coq au vin, and steak frites. Cafés and boulangeries are cultural staples.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Parisians value politeness and formality. A simple “bonjour” when entering shops or restaurants is expected. Quiet behavior in public spaces and respectful dress at religious sites are appreciated.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, museums, and public spaces. Mobile coverage is excellent. SIM cards with prepaid data are available at convenience stores and kiosks.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended when visiting Paris. While France has excellent healthcare, non-EU visitors may be charged for treatment. Insurance also helps cover theft, delays, or lost baggage.

Did You Know? - Facts About Catacombs of Paris

The process of moving the bones to the catacombs took place mostly at night, in a solemn procession of carts covered in black veils. The bones were then arranged decoratively in the catacombs' chambers, with inscriptions and markers indicating their origin. This macabre decor not only served a practical purpose but also reflected the Romantic era's fascination with death and the afterlife.

The Catacombs of Paris, known officially as les Carrières de Paris, offer a haunting journey into the city's subterranean past. These underground ossuaries, stretching over 200 miles beneath the city's streets, house the remains of more than six million people, making them one of the largest grave sites in the world.

The catacombs have also been the subject of legends and stories, including tales of secret societies holding meetings within its dark corridors and of individuals who have ventured into unauthorized areas, never to return. Despite these tales, or perhaps because of them, the Catacombs of Paris continue to captivate the imagination of people around the world, offering a unique glimpse into the depths beneath one of the world's most bustling cities.

The Catacombs of Paris were opened to the public in the early 19th century and have since become a fascinating, if eerie, tourist attraction. Visitors can explore a small portion of the catacombs, walking through narrow corridors lined with neatly stacked skulls and bones. The atmosphere is one of solemn reflection, as the catacombs serve as a reminder of the city's history and the ever-present specter of death.

Originally, the catacombs were limestone quarries, mined to provide the stone for many of Paris's buildings. However, by the end of the 18th century, Paris's cemeteries were overflowing, leading to sanitary concerns. In 1786, it was decided to repurpose these abandoned quarries into an ossuary, relocating bones from cemeteries such as the Cemetery of the Innocents.