Paris Catacombs (Catacombes de Paris)

The basics

Paris Catacombs tours take you 135 feet (20 meters) below ground to explore this subterranean world of skeletal remains. You’ll cover just under one mile (1.5 km), which takes about 45 minutes. The catacombs aren’t usually part of standard city tours, so they’re often experienced on a standalone tour. Book a skip-the-line ticket to bypass the queue, or make your sightseeing even easier by selecting combo admission to both the catacombs and the Eiffel Tower.

Things to know before you go

• Buy Paris Catacombs tickets in advance to avoid waiting in a long line; visitors are limited to 200 at a time.

• You may want to bring a layer, as the temperature is 57° F (14° C) in the catacombs.

• There is no cloakroom, so bring only what you want to carry with you.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll go down 130 steps and up 83 steps to return to street level.

• The catacombs tour is not for everyone—you will be underground and see human bones, so it's not recommended for those with sensitive disposition or young children.

• Tite is not accessible for those with limited mobility, and is not recommended for those with heart or respiratory problems.

How to get there

The catacombs are located in Paris' 14th arrondissement. The Denfert-Rochereau metro and RER station puts you right by the entrance on Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy.

When to get there

The catacombs are open every day except Mondays and some bank holidays. The experience is the same by day and in the evening, as you’re underground and the lighting is artificial. For fewer crowds, book a morning visit.

Things to do in the 14th arrondissement

This section of Paris is not the city’s most visited, as it’s away from the Seine near the southern edge of the city limits. If you’re making the trip to visit the catacombs, take advantage of being in the 14th to check out other attractions such as the 56th-floor observation deck of Montparnasse Tower or Montparnasse Cemetery, where writers and intellectuals such as Charles Baudelaire, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir are buried.

Can you tour the Paris Catacombs?

Yes. It is possible to tour the notable Paris Catacombs, a captivating series of tunnels filled with millions of bones from former Parisians. Estimated to house over 6 million skeletal remains, this ancient cemetery sprawls far beyond regular sight lines, and knowledgeable tour guides are ready to escort both small and large groups.

Is it worth visiting the Paris Catacombs?

Yes. The Paris Catacombs truly must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Within expansive limestone quarries—which were used to tunnel out much of the foundation behind some of Paris’ earliest structures—lies a captivating underground world of skulls, bones, and artifacts from centuries past.

How long does it take to walk through the Paris Catacombs?

This vast underground network, filled with ancient bones and historical relics, can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to experience, depending on your route and how much you choose to explore. Moving through it slowly gives you a chance to discover new surprises, from secret spaces to alcoves off the well-trodden paths.

Is there a toilet in the Paris Catacombs?

No. There is no toilet in the Catacombs of Paris, so plan accordingly. It is estimated that 6 to 7 million bodies were laid to rest beneath the city. The collection of ossuaries is more than 200 feet (61 meters) beneath city streets, making it impossible to use a restroom while touring the tunnels.

Can you take pictures in the Paris Catacombs?

While you cannot use professional photography equipment, visitors can take pictures with their phone cameras. The catacombs are riddled with fascinating art, sculptures, and tombs allowing plenty of opportunities for personal photography—but not professional. Video recording is also strictly prohibited throughout the tour.

Can you touch the bones in the Paris Catacombs?

No. It is important to remember that touching or physically interacting with the bones is not allowed. This location contains the resting places of millions of individuals, and visitors should treat them with respect and dignity. Before visiting, research the history of the catacombs so you can make sure to follow appropriate etiquette during your visit.

Ways to explore

Catacombs tours take you 135 feet (20 meters) below ground to explore this subterranean world of skeletal remains. You’ll cover just under 1 mile (1.5 kilometers), which takes about 45 minutes. The Catacombs of Paris aren’t usually part of standard city tours, so they’re often experienced on a standalone tour. Book a skip-the-line ticket to bypass the queue, or make your sightseeing even easier by selecting combo admission to both the Catacombs and the Eiffel Tower. Just be sure to buy your ticket in advance to avoid waiting in a long line; visitors are limited to 200 at a time.

Accessibility

The Paris Catacombs are not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

Not recommended for young children due to the macabre nature of the attraction and the number of stairs

What to pack

Small bag, water bottle, personal headphones (optional)

What to wear

Sturdy, non-slippery shoes; warm layers

Not allowed

Suitcases, large bags, tripods, strollers

Amenities

Paid audio guides, ticket office

Address

The Paris Catacombs are located in Paris’ 14th arrondissement, in the city’s Left Bank near Montparnasse. The landmark is accessible by car, but it may be easier to travel via public transportation or use local taxi and rideshare services.

Driving

The Paris Catacombs are located at a busy intersection, so driving isn’t ideal—it’s much more convenient to take public transport or a taxi. There’s also no on-site parking, though you may be able to find limited street parking and garages in the area.

Public transportation

To get to the Paris Catacombs using public transportation, take Métro line 4, line 6, or the RER B commuter train to Denfert-Rochereau, located moments from the landmark’s entrance.

Best times to visit

Because of restrictions on the number of visitors, the Paris Catacombs are best visited either at the beginning of the day (10am) or after 5pm.

Best days to visit

The Paris Catacombs are likely to be at their busiest on weekends. Consider visiting earlier in the week for your best chance of a quiet and calm visit.

Best months to visit

Like the rest of Paris, the catacombs will be at their quietest during the winter months. To avoid crowds, try not to visit during school holiday periods.

Special events

Time your visit for the third week of September, when Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) are held across major historic landmarks in Paris. At the catacombs, visitors have the chance to take part in special-edition tours.