Catacombs of Paris: reviews, price and Exclusive Promo Code

+27
recos
4.5/5 6 reviews
1, avenue du Colonel-Henri-Rol-Tanguy , 75014 Paris, France
1, avenue du Colonel-Henri-Rol-Tanguy , 75014 Paris, France
From $44 (Ticket + audio guide)*
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Catacombes de Paris
Mur osseux

Visiting the Catacombs of Paris, an unusual journey into the bowels of the capital

In the heart of the Denfert-Rochereau neighborhood, the Catacombs of Paris offer a one-of-a-kind tour through the most mysterious underground passages in the French capital. These former stone quarries, repurposed as an ossuary, are as fascinating as they are haunting, providing a glimpse into the dark and captivating history of the city.

A dive into the history of Paris

Established at the end of the 18th century to address sanitary issues caused by overflowing Parisian cemeteries, the catacombs today hold the remains of nearly six million people.

The experience begins with a descent of nearly 20 meters underground, revealing an endless network of subterranean galleries. You will see how these ancient limestone quarries were gradually converted into an ossuary, serving as a stark reminder of how Paris has managed death throughout its history.

An unusual and moving path

Spanning 1.5 kilometers, the official route of the catacombs leads you through narrow corridors with walls lined by artfully arranged bones. Among these macabre stacks, philosophical and poetic inscriptions add a profound emotional layer to the visit.

Booking in advance is highly recommended due to high demand. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket, as the temperature remains constant at about 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round.

The mysterious and legendary side of the catacombs

The catacombs have always sparked fascination and speculation among both locals and visitors. A place steeped in urban legends and historical anecdotes, these underground galleries are rumored to still hide numerous hidden rooms and off-limits passages, further fueling their mysterious reputation.

Several literary and cinematic works, such as Les Miserables by Victor Hugo or various modern horror films, have drawn inspiration from this iconic site.

From $44 (Ticket + audio guide)*Booking recommended
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Opening hours

Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM (last entry at 7:30 PM). Closed January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Catacombs of Paris

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Summary of 6 reviews
4.5/5
Average rating
+27
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
3.2
As a couple
4.7
With friends
4.8

Avygeo ranking

#71
in the world
#67
in Europe
#40
in France
#22
in Paris

Unique visit

Even though it is crowded, I found the visit to the catacombs super interesting. The atmosphere is pretty creepy during the descent. You learn a lot of things and the last part is very impressive with all the skulls. I do not recommend going with kids, though.

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A unique place beneath the capital

The Catacombs of Paris are actually much bigger than what we are shown on the official tour. In either case, the experience is very immersive, although I highly recommend that you always go with someone who knows their way around. On the other hand, if you go with a group of tourists, the immersion won't be quite the same.

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A bit limited

Having visited the Catacombs informally with a friend who is a real enthusiast, I was inevitably disappointed by the relatively limited "official" Catacombs. Nevertheless, you do learn some interesting things, specifically that the bourgeoisie used to organize clandestine concerts down there. Too bad that is not still the case! In reality, you walk through narrow tunnels until you reach the highlight of the visit: the skulls. If you are claustrophobic, stay away.

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A staggering maze of death

The descent into the dark underground is pretty scary and could be straight out of a good horror movie. Down there, dim yellow lighting reveals endless piles of skulls and bones that are hard to even count. The guided tour takes you through a series of totally labyrinthine galleries, where you definitely do not want to get lost, and provides some info on the geology and history of the place. Unfortunately, the herd effect of the tour group ruins the immersion a little bit.

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Offbeat Paris

The Paris Catacombs don't match the image that spontaneously comes to mind when you think of the capital. With a cool, dark, and damp atmosphere, you expect to run into vampires, werewolves, and other terrifying monsters. Wandering through these corridors surrounded by the bones of thousands of people has something special about it.

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Not even scared! Well, actually, maybe a little bit

We were able to visit the Catacombs when there was no line, and we weren't disappointed by the opportunity!
The site is really impressive and moving, and still a bit creepy...
I recommend it!

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