Catacombs of Paris
Inspite of being somewhat morbid, the Catacombs are a burial plot with a rich and fascinating history and draw crowds of visitors year round
The Catacombs of France is a tourist attraction for those who like to add a little spookiness to their vacation activities. The catacombs are literally a burial plot of astronomic proportions. However, they are a burial plot with a rich and fascinating history.
Before Christianity came along, it was common practice to bury the dead outside the city walls. Christianity dictated that the dead should be buried in consecrated ground around churches and this time it was difficult to do so since the areas around the churches were already well built up and there was no space to put in large cemeteries. Those that were available soon became overcrowded and a mass burial plot was opened near the St. Opportune church. This burial plot caused a lot of sanitation problems but was still used even when the ground was saturated with human remains.
Eventually the inner city cemeteries were closed and new ones were opened outside the city limits. Even the long abandoned stone quarries outside the city were pressed into use as burial places. The transfer of the dead to these quarries started in 1786 and finished in 1788. The catacombs hold the remains of around six million people. Land was bought from a local property named "La maison de la Tombe Issoire" and many sets of bones were deposited in the underground caverns in this area along with crosses and urns and other memorabilia.
When you visit the catacombs you will travel down a staircase and then through a long tunnel to find yourself faced with a stone portal inscribed with the words Arrete! C'est ici l'empire de la Mort ('Halt! This is the Empire of the Dead'). It is beyond this stone portal that the tour truly begins. There are halls and walls of carefully arranged bones. Some of the bone arrangements are actually really artistic although they are macabre.
If you plan to visit the Catacombs then you will need to know that the site limits visitors to 200 at one time. There are also no toilets or cloakrooms and it is also good to keep in mind that it will be cooler in the underground passages. It is vital that children who are younger than 14 years of age are accompanied by at least one adult and the parents of young children are advised against bringing their children into the catacombs. If you are not very mobile then you may also want to consider other activities as there are many steps to go up and down. You do not need much time for the actual tour as it is only 2km long (around 45 min) but the queues can get rather long and entries can be stopped to ensure the 200 visitor limit is adhered to.
Nearby attractions: Rue Mouffetard Market
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesCatacombs of Paris Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
- Friday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
Official Website: Catacombs of Paris
Catacombs of Paris Reviews
Rated out of 5
I was very eager to get to visit the place. And it did did provide me with a very good experience. First thing first - there is no need to pe absolutely precise for the ticket hour. Our was for 10:45, we went there at 10:30 and we were able to get in. The Catacombs have a 200 people capacity and when reached you will need to wait. Second it is free for journalist. You need to provide a valid Press card and you will be admitted. Third - do not bring backpack of any kind. There are no storage rooms, the entrance is one kilometer away from the exit. The space is narrow and at some point you will have to wear your backpack in front, so taking photos with camera will be hard. Also there is an audio guide that is very interesting. Also the souvenir shop is very cool. A lot of books and other cool souvenirs to buy. I do recommend.
PS the tickets are named, but none is looking for this. If you by mistake buy a ticket for another day, as it will show you the next available time in the site, and not the day you want, you can sell it without any issues. I've bought a ticket for a friend and was with my name on it, so no worries.
Denislav Kandev - 2 weeks ago
I had no idea how good this experience was. Amazing and in a way bizarre. And it’s been to visitors since 1809, incredible.
You must buy tickets in advance. At the moment it is low season and it was still two days in advance and visits are in timed slots then everybody gets an audio guide that takes you through. Easy to book online and good information provided, including the QR code ticket to your email.
I’m glad i finally made it. Fascinating to see the extensive network of tunnels under Paris, over 300km!!
Michael Stone - 2 weeks ago
This audio guided tour takes you through a fascinating part of French history. Seeing the meticulous care taken to turn a mass grave into a respectful resting place is mind blowing to comprehend how this all came together. The space is definitely not for people who are claustrophobic, but if you can withstand small dark places it is an amazing site. Note there are a lot of stairs and a long walk through narrow tunnels to get to the actual rooms.
Timothy Carmon - 2 weeks ago
One of the most unique experiences I've ever had.
Tickets were sold out by the time we got there, so definitely suggest getting tickets in advance. Was a good thing to do on a weekend since only a limited number of people are allowed in the catacombs at a time.
The audio tour is great and I suggest listening to each of the stations.
Ultimately got through the entire catacombs a little faster than I expected, about an hour.
Dan Story - a week ago
Would recommend getting tickets in advance, they go on sale a week before.
There are over 100 steps up and down and in parts an uneven floor. You are deep under Paris here!
Interesting to learn about the history of Paris, quarreling, subsidence and issues with cemeteries to add to the landmarks, architecture, culture and cafes.
You travel away from the entrance and come up away from where you went in, so be prepared for a short walk back.
The first part is a bit service tunnelly, but then you get to the mausoleum part and the weight of the presence of history and solemnity vastly increases, be prepared to be in the close presence of the remains of millions of humans. There are signs about respecting the remains but you are literally close enough to touch them, not that you would want to or should. Something different to do, see and experience, but be prepared for what it is.
Chris Wilson - 2 weeks ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M4, M6, RER-B | Denfert-Rochereau | 1 minute |
How to get to Catacombs of Paris by Metro / RER
By Metro or RER: exit at Denfert-Rochereau Station and look for the small green building (and probably a queue) directly across the street from the station.
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Photo Gallery
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There are over 7 million of these buried in the Catacombs of Paris cc licensed photo by CHRISTOPHER MACSURAK -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: HarshLight - cc license via Flickr
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