Catacombs of Paris
If you like dark and creepy places like me then the Catacombs of Paris is a must!
Here you will find a labyrinth of tunnels lined with human remains. Each side stacked up to head height and positioned like a piece of art!
“A veritable labyrinth in the heart of underground Paris, the Catacombs were installed in the tunnels of former quarries.”
What are the Catacombs of Paris?
The Catacombs of Paris were originally limestone quarries, mined for the construction of the most famous buildings and bridges in Paris.
From the late 1700s the quarries were used to house bodies moved here from the overcrowded cemeteries of Paris.
The bones of exhumed bodies were stacked neatly in various rooms creating kilometres of walls composed entirely of human remains.
What to expect
The tour of the Catacombs is deep underground. The walking route is about 2km, about 1.25 miles and the average independent visit takes around 45 minutes. For those visiting independently you can hire an audio guide available in French, English and Spanish only. The audio guide will give you information about the history and why it was created etc.
You will first descend 130 steps down to the Catacombs and then at the end it’s an 83-step climb to street level. There are no lifts and the tour is not suitable for those without full mobility.
When you reach the bottom you wander the winding tunnels lined with the incredible collections of stacked bones and skulls. It really is a sight to see. The main attraction is the ossuary. Visitors are warned they are entering the catacombs proper with a sign that reads Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort, “Stop! This is the empire of the dead”
On exiting the Catacombs you will be searched to make sure you have brought no bones with you. There are no toilets or facilities during the tour and note you may have been queueing for some time before entry.
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday from 9.45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; ticket window closes at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
Online Tickets (booked in advance is always recommended)
- Full rate : 29€ or £24 / $31 (audioguide included) / 24€ or £21 / $26 (no audioguide)
- Reduced rate : 27€ or £23 / $29 (audioguide included) / 22€ or £19 / $23 (no audioguide)
- Child ticket (4 to 17 yo) : 5€ or £4 / $6
Last Minute Ticket (bought at the desk, or online and used the same day)
- Full Rate : 14€ or £12 / $15
- Reduced Rate : 12€ or £10 / $13
- Child Ticket (-18 yo) : FREE
- Audioguide (french, english, spanish, german) : 5€ or £4 / $6
How to get there
The visitors’ entrance is located at:
1, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy (place Denfert-Rochereau)
75014 Paris
It is very easy getting to the Paris Catacombs. The Catacombs are right next to Denfert-Rochereau Metro (lines 4 & 6) and RER (Line B) train station. This is also where Orly airport buses terminate.
Images
We loved the Catacombs of Paris experience! Mind boggling! Make sure its on your list!
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