Paris Catacombs — History, Storyline, Tours & Visitor Info
Descend 20 m underground into a one-way 1.5 km circuit of quarry galleries transformed into an ossuary. Expect a constant 14 °C and 243 steps (131 down, 112 up). Timed tickets and small-group or restricted-area tours keep flows safe and smooth.
Book Timed EntryWhy Visit the Catacombs?
Created in the late 18th century to relieve overflowing cemeteries, the Catacombs store the carefully arranged remains of millions of Parisians. The route blends geology, engineering and remembrance, with plaques, inscriptions and dramatic bone walls curated in the early 1800s.
Ossuary of Millions
Skulls and femurs are stacked in striking patterns, with chambers dedicated to former parish cemeteries.
Quarry Galleries
Walk stabilized tunnels from medieval limestone quarries—today monitored and secured by the city.
Héricart de Thury’s Design
From 1809 he organized public visits and arranged decorative alignments with moral epigraphs in stone.
Living Memorial
Guidelines protect a fragile site: limited capacity, no flash or tripods, and strict respect for the ossuary.
Quick Timeline
- 1777 — Inspectorate of Quarries created to secure collapsing galleries under Paris.
- 1785–1787 — First transfers from the Saints-Innocents cemetery to former Tombe-Issoire quarries.
- April 7, 1786 — Site consecrated as the Paris Municipal Ossuary (“Catacombs”).
- 1809 — Public visits begin; Héricart de Thury stages alignments and inscriptions (1810–1811).
- 19th century — Successive transfers complete; access gradually formalized for visitors.
- Today — City museum site with timed entry, capped at 200 visitors at a time.
Top Experiences
Timed Entry Ticket
Guarantees a slot and keeps queues manageable. Audioguide available; plan ~45–60 minutes inside.
VIP Restricted-Area Tours
Small groups access sections off the public path, with deeper history and safety guidance.
Audioguide Walk
Clear route narration in multiple languages; bring a light layer—it’s cool and humid year-round.
Combo with Seine Cruise
Balance the moody underground with open-air river views on the same day.
Insider Tips
Book Early
Tickets open 7 days ahead and capacity is limited—summer and weekends sell out quickly.
Dress & Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes and a light layer. Floors are uneven and slippery; temperature stays near 14 °C.
Bag Rules
No cloakroom. Only small bags under 40 × 30 cm, carried by hand or in front. Strollers banned.
Respect the Ossuary
No touching or removing bones; no eating, drinking or smoking. Photos allowed without flash—no tripods.
Visitor Cheatsheet
Opening Hours
Tue–Sun 09:45–20:30 (last entry 19:30). Closed Mon; also Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25.
Ticket Prices (Official)
Adult €31 (audioguide incl.) · Reduced €25 (incl.) · Child 5–17 €12 (no audioguide). Audioguide €5 when not included.
Address & Transport
Entrance: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy (Denfert-Rochereau). Exit: 21 bis Av. René-Coty (~700 m away). Metro/RER: Denfert-Rochereau (M4/M6, RER B).
Route & Conditions
One-way 1.5 km circuit; allow ~45–60 minutes. 243 steps total; 14 °C; dim light; narrow passages.
Ready to Go Underground?
Choose a timed entry or upgrade to a small-group restricted-area tour for deeper access.
Book VIP Special-Access Tour