Paris Catacombs: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Special Access
About This Tour
- FREE Cancellation: up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later: Book your spot and pay nothing today
- Duration 1.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
- Skip the ticket line
- Live tour guide: English
Highlights
- Descend 20 meters below the streets to explore the Paris Catacombs
- Skip the lines and get special access to forbidden areas
- Learn why the remains of over 6 million people were transported underground in the 18th century
- Immerse yourself in the history of legendary struggles and triumphs
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 (6 people on select start times). 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... Read more
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 (6 people on select start times). 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.
Included
- Skip-the-line entry to the Paris Catacombs
- Access to special areas of the Paris Catacombs
- Local guide
- Small group tour
Availability
Know Before you go
- Please note that the temperature in the catacombs is around 14 degrees Celsius
- If the selected time is not available you will be offered options to reschedule. If you are unable to accept a reschedule option you will be offered a full refund.
- Smoking, pets, luggage or large bags are not allowed
- Not suitable for: People with mobility impairments, wheelchair users and people with respiratory issues
FEATURED REVIEW(S)
4.1/5 stars – based on 5945 reviews
It was a cold and rainy evening and could have been a miserable trip. But Azar and Bryan both offered us their coats. We thought that was amazing since it would have left them both shivering in the cold and damp wind. We would take the trip again. Only missed someone telling us what we were seeing as we passed by. Notre Dame for instance. 😲. It would have been wonderful for a guide of some type to tell us what it was. But yet again Bryan saved the day! He also explained when we went under the iron bridge it is called the “NEW Bridge” which was constructed in 1756. Oh my goodness. And that is the NEW bridge.
The Seine cruise at night was very beautiful. It was also great that due to the stormy weather we were able to spontaneously take a ship later, which then sailed with a closed deck.
I really enjoyed the cruise . I should have downloaded the audio guide beforehand, I did download it while on board but had no earphones, totally my fault.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Am I allowed to take my bag inside? To ensure safety and preservation of the ossuary, suitcases and large bags are not allowed in the Catacombs. Only bags measuring less than 40×30 cm are allowed.
Is there a lot of stairs? Not a lot, but there are 131 steps to go down and 112 steps to climb up.
Can everyone enter the Catacombs? The site is not recommended for the motor disabled, pregnant women, individuals suffering from claustrophobia or cardiac or respiratory insufficiency, sensitive individuals who may be disturbed by the site. The atmosphere may be anxiogenic for individuals with mental disabilities.
What are the Catacombs of Paris? The Catacombs are underground ossuaries in Paris, France, which house the remains of over six million people. They were created in the late 18th century as a solution to the city’s overflowing cemeteries.
Why were the Catacombs created? The Catacombs were established to address public health concerns caused by overcrowded cemeteries. Bodies from Parisian cemeteries were transferred to the tunnels of abandoned limestone quarries.
Where are the Catacombs located? The Catacombs are located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, with the entrance at Place Denfert-Rochereau.
How can I visit the Catacombs? Visitors can access the Catacombs through guided tours or independently during public opening hours. It’s recommended to book tickets in advance due to limited capacity and high demand.
Is it safe to visit the Catacombs? Yes, the sections open to the public are safe and maintained. However, visitors should be cautious of low ceilings, uneven ground, and the cool, damp environment.
How long does a visit to the Catacombs take? A typical visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The tour covers approximately 1.5 kilometers of tunnels.
Are there any restrictions or rules for visiting the Catacombs? Yes, visitors should follow rules such as not touching the bones, not bringing large bags, and staying with their group. Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are prohibited.
Are the Catacombs haunted? The Catacombs have a reputation for being eerie and some visitors report feeling uneasy. However, there are no official reports of hauntings.
What are some of the notable features of the Catacombs? The Catacombs include various plaques and signs indicating the origins of the bones and the dates of transfer. Some sections feature intricate bone arrangements and sculptures.
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