Visiting the catacombs of Paris: guide and practical information
To descend into the depths of Paris is to plunge into the heart of a fascinating and mysterious universe. The Paris catacombs, the largest underground ossuary in the world, are one of the most unusual and impressive places to visit in the capital. 20 metres below ground, a 1.5 km route awaits you, where the bones of almost six million Parisians lie. This historic site, open to the public since 1809, offers a unique experience that leaves no one indifferent.
1. Why visit the catacombs of Paris?
Visiting the catacombs of Paris is a truly unique experience in the French capital. This exceptional site transports you into a mysterious underground world, where history and architecture meet in a striking way. The underground route, laid out in former limestone quarries, reveals a spectacular display of bones perfectly aligned along 800 metres of galleries.
The special atmosphere of the catacombs fascinates visitors from all over the world. The constant temperature of 14°C, the subdued lighting and the almost religious silence create an atmosphere conducive to meditation on our mortal condition. This place of remembrance pays tribute to the millions of anonymous Parisians whose remains were transferred here between 1785 and 1860.
Beyond their macabre appearance, the catacombs are a real journey back in time. You’ll discover how Paris dealt with its public health problems in the 18th century, while admiring the titanic work carried out to transform these quarries into an ossuary. Engraved inscriptions, sculptures carved into the stone and the various themed rooms make for a richly rewarding visit.
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2. Practical information for visiting the Paris catacombs
Opening hours
The Paris catacombs are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.45am to 8.30pm. The last admission is at 7.30pm, giving you a full hour to explore the underground galleries. The site is closed on Mondays and certain public holidays: 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. Please note that these times are subject to change in the event of special events or maintenance work.
Rates for 2025
The full price is €31 and includes access to the site and an audioguide. A reduced rate of €25 is available for people aged 18 to 26, with an audioguide included. Children aged 5 to 17 benefit from a preferential rate of €12, but the audioguide is not included in this price. Admission is free for children under 5, who can go directly to reception without prior booking.
In view of the current high attendance, online booking with a time slot is strongly recommended. Disabled visitors are entitled to free admission on presentation of proof of disability, with no need to book in advance.
How to get there
The entrance to the catacombs is at 1 avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. The easiest way to get there is to take the metro to Denfert-Rochereau station, served by lines 4 and 6. This station is named after the square where the entrance to the site is located. RER line B also stops at Denfert-Rochereau, offering a convenient alternative from airports or the suburbs.
To find out more about the area before your visit, we recommend using the Navaway audio tour of Paris. This application will immerse you in Parisian history while guiding you to the catacombs.
Download the audio tour to discover Paris on foot and on your own
For a complete experience of the capital, nothing beats an audio tour of Paris. The Navaway app offers several themed itineraries that take you on a tour of Paris’s most beautiful monuments, with fascinating audio commentaries on the history and anecdotes of each location. Before or after your visit to the catacombs, let yourself be guided through the streets of the capital thanks to this practical and rewarding solution.
Length of visit
Allow around an hour to visit the Paris catacombs. The tour covers 1.5 km of underground galleries, at a depth of 20 metres. This time may vary according to your walking pace and your interest in the architectural and historical details. The audioguide, included in the entrance fee, greatly enhances the experience and can slightly extend the visit.
3. What can you see in the Paris catacombs?
The “Stop! This is the empire of death!
As soon as you descend into the depths of Paris, you are greeted by this striking inscription engraved on the pediment of the municipal ossuary. This 18th-century phrase solemnly marks the entrance to a world apart. It testifies to the respect accorded to this place of remembrance and prepares visitors psychologically for the unique atmosphere of the galleries. This emblematic plaque has become one of the most photographed symbols of the Paris catacombs.
The underground galleries of the municipal ossuary
The heart of the tour lies in these galleries, built in 1785 to house the bones of overcrowded Parisian cemeteries. Over 800 metres, you’ll discover a meticulous layout where skulls and tibias form impressive geometric patterns. The bones, transferred from the cemeteries of the Innocents and other Parisian necropolises, are arranged with remarkable care. This methodical organisation allows us to observe the evolution of burial practices and offers a fascinating perspective on the urban history of Paris.
The Passion Crypt
Located at the heart of the underground route, the Passion Crypt is a particularly moving place of meditation. This oratory, built in 1777 in the old quarries, is dedicated to the memory of the thousands of anonymous people who lie buried there. The sober architecture, punctuated by religious elements evoking suffering and sacrifice, adds a spiritual dimension to the visit. This place of contemplation allows visitors to appreciate the historical and emotional significance of the ossuary.
The sculptures of Port-Mahon
In a discreet gallery in the catacombs, you will discover an exceptional artistic testimony: the Port-Mahon sculptures. Created by a former quarryman in the 18th century, these miniatures depict scenes of fortresses and fortified islands. Carved directly from quarried stone, they bear witness to the talent and patience of their creator. These works offer a unique insight into the life of quarry workers and their creativity in this underground world.
The Samaritan fountain
Built around 1810, the Samaritaine fountain is a rare vestige of hydraulic engineering in these dark corridors. Designed to drain underground water, it also served as a supply point for the workers in the quarries. Its name refers to the biblical encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, symbolising living water. This fountain illustrates the crucial role played by water management in quarrying, guaranteeing safety and sustenance for the workers.
To prepare for your visit and explore other emblematic places in the capital, don’t forget to consult the guide to visiting Paris, which will accompany you on your Parisian discoveries.
4. The fascinating history of the Paris catacombs
From ancient quarries to underground galleries
The history of the Paris catacombs began long before they were turned into ossuaries. From Gallo-Roman times, the Parisian subsoil was mined to extract the limestone needed to build the city. These quarries gradually extended beneath the capital, forming a network of almost 300 kilometres of galleries. Over the centuries, intensive quarrying gave way to abandoned tunnels, which were gradually forgotten until they were rediscovered in the 18th century.
Transformation into a municipal ossuary
Faced with the dramatic overcrowding of Parisian cemeteries, particularly that of the Innocents, the authorities decided in 1785 to transfer the bones to the old quarries. The Innocents cemetery, which had been in use for almost ten centuries, posed serious health problems with its overflowing mass graves. From 1786, the bones began to be transported by night to the quarries on the plain of Montrouge. This titanic operation lasted several decades and involved around six million Parisians.
The quarry workers methodically organised the bones, creating the impressive alignments that characterise the catacombs today. In 1809, the site was partially opened to the public, rapidly becoming a major attraction for visitors curious to discover this unique place. In 1874, the catacombs were officially granted museum status, consolidating their cultural and historical importance.
Little-known historical anecdotes
The history of the catacombs is full of fascinating anecdotes. In 1787, the Count of Artois, the future Charles X, paid a visit that left a lasting impression and reinforced the reputation of this still little-known site. In the 19th century, groups of intrepid Parisians organised clandestine parties in the depths, taking advantage of the mysterious atmosphere and dark corridors for secret celebrations.
More recently, in 2004, the police discovered an astonishing installation: a clandestine cinema fully equipped with screen, projector and seats. This discovery illustrates the enduring attraction of these underground galleries for daring explorers. These stories bear witness to the continuing fascination with this underground world, regularly taken over by cataphiles in search of adventure.
5. Practical tips for preparing your visit
Book in advance
Online booking is highly recommended, especially during the high tourist season. For reasons of safety and comfort, the number of visitors in the galleries is limited to 200 at any one time. Booking your time slot on the official website will avoid long queues and guarantee you access on the day and at the time you want.
Dress accordingly
Bring warm clothing, as the temperature in the catacombs remains constant at around 14°C all year round. Even in midsummer, the coolness of the underground environment means you’ll need a little wool or a cardigan. You’ll also need comfortable, closed-toe shoes, as the ground can be wet and slippery in places. Flat shoes with a good grip are ideal for navigating the 1.5 km of galleries in complete safety.
Anticipating stairs
A visit to the catacombs involves descending and then ascending a total of 243 steps. There is no lift or alternative access to the underground galleries. Unfortunately, this makes the site inaccessible to people with reduced mobility. Visitors suffering from heart or respiratory problems are strongly advised not to enter the catacombs, as are claustrophobics due to the confined spaces.
Coming light
Security checks are carried out at the entrance to the catacombs. Large bags, suitcases and bulky luggage are not allowed in the galleries due to the narrowness of the passages. There is no on-site cloakroom for your belongings. Limit yourself to a small rucksack containing the essentials: camera, bottle of water and warm clothing.
While you’re in the capital, take the opportunity to visit Paris with Navaway’s audioguided tours, which will help you discover the secrets and history of Paris’s most beautiful districts.
6. Rules to be observed during the visit
Respect for the site and its solemnity is paramount when visiting the catacombs of Paris. It is strictly forbidden to touch the bones, which constitute a fragile historical heritage that must be preserved. Personal photography without flash is permitted, but the use of tripods or professional equipment requires prior authorisation.
The consumption of food and alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the underground galleries. As the site is a place of remembrance, respectful behaviour and an appropriate attitude are expected from all visitors. Children must remain under the constant supervision of their carers. Follow staff instructions carefully and respect the direction of the visit to ensure the safety and comfort of all.
7. What should you do after visiting the catacombs?
Once you’ve immersed yourself in the depths of Paris, there are several options for continuing your discovery of the district. The 14th arrondissement is full of interesting places to explore. You can head to Montparnasse, about 15 minutes’ walk away, where the famous tower offers spectacular panoramic views over Paris.
The Luxembourg Gardens, just a 20-minute walk away, offer an ideal green break after the confined atmosphere of the catacombs. This magnificent French garden invites you to stroll and relax. For art lovers, the Montparnasse district is home to numerous artists’ studios and contemporary art galleries.
If you’d like to continue your exploration of Paris on your own in an enriching way, the Navaway app will guide you through the capital’s most beautiful districts. The audio-guided tours allow you to discover the history and anecdotes of Parisian monuments while leaving you free to set your own pace.
In conclusion, a visit to the catacombs of Paris is an unforgettable experience that plunges you into the bowels of Parisian history. This fascinating and moving underground journey offers a unique perspective on the capital’s past and our relationship with death. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of unusual places or simply curious to discover a little-known facet of Paris, the catacombs promise to be an unforgettable visit. Don’t forget to book in advance and make sure you’re properly equipped to take full advantage of this exceptional underground adventure. To complete your stay in Paris, let yourself be guided by the Navaway itineraries in Paris, which will reveal all the secrets of the City of Light.
FAQ
Is it possible to visit the catacombs without booking?
Visitors eligible for free admission (under 5s, disabled people) can go straight to the entrance without booking. For all other visitors, online booking with a time slot is strongly recommended due to the high volume of visitors, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
How long does a visit to the Paris catacombs last?
A full tour of the catacombs takes around an hour to cover the 1.5 km of underground galleries. This time may vary according to your pace and your interest in the historical and architectural details. The audioguide included greatly enhances the experience.
Are the catacombs suitable for children?
The underground environment and the presence of human bones may make the visit unsettling for some children. It is advisable to assess your children’s sensitivity before the visit. Admission is free for children under 5, and €12 for those aged 5 to 17.
Can I take photos in the catacombs?
Photographs without flash are authorised for personal use only. The use of tripods, professional equipment or flash requires prior authorisation. Respect for the site and other visitors must guide your photographic behaviour.
Are the catacombs accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Unfortunately, the course is not suitable for wheelchairs or people with major mobility problems. Access involves going up and down 243 steps, with no lift alternative. There is currently no PRM access for this underground site.
What’s the temperature like in the catacombs?
The temperature in the catacombs remains constant at around 14°C throughout the year. So it’s essential to bring warm clothing, even in summer, to enjoy your visit in comfort.
Is an audio guide available?
The audioguide is included in the full price (€31) and reduced price (€25). It is available in several languages and will greatly enhance your understanding of the history and special features of the site. For children aged 5 to 17 (€12), the audioguide is not included but can be hired separately for €5.
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