Know Before You Go: Visiting the Paris Catacombs
Beneath the streets of Paris’s 14th arrondissement lies a subterranean network of tunnels filled with millions of skulls and bones. A sign at its entrance reads “Arrête ! C'est ici l'empire de la mort” (which translates to “Stop! This is the empire of death”). If you continue on—whether on a guided Paris Catacombs tour or on your own—you’ll be confronted with walls lined with the bones of generations of Parisians. These remains were exhumed from cemeteries in the late 18th century and moved here, to a huge web of underground passageways that weaves its way through much of Paris (a tiny segment of which is open to visitors). Whatever you decide, these tips will help get you ready to visit the Paris Catacombs.
When are the Paris Catacombs open?
The catacombs are open all year but are closed on Mondays and some holidays.
The Paris Catacombs are open Tuesday through Sunday and are closed on Mondays. They are also closed on New Year’s Day, May Day (May 1), and Christmas Day. They are open on all other French public holidays, including Bastille Day (July 14), Assumption Day (August 15), All Saints' Day (November 1), and Armistice Day (November 11).
When is the best time to visit the Paris Catacombs?
The best time to visit the Paris Catacombs is on a spring or autumn morning.
The catacombs draw plenty of crowds, so it’s wise to arrive first thing in the morning if you haven’t booked a ticket in advance. The spring and fall are the best time to visit if you want mild weather and wish to avoid crowds. Summer is peak tourist season, which can lead to long lines, and heat waves are also common at this time, making those outdoor waits particularly uncomfortable.
Insider tip: French schoolchildren generally have Wednesdays off, so you might encounter larger crowds if you visit on that day.
How long does it take to tour the Paris Catacombs?
Give yourself at least an hour.
The Paris Catacombs generally take 45 minutes to an hour to navigate if you’re taking your time and/ or listening to an audio guide as you go. Guided tours can take a little longer, particularly if you have a lot of questions for your guide or if you opt for a tour that includes access to special areas that aren’t open to independent visitors.
Do I need tickets to visit the Paris Catacombs?
Yes, you’ll need to buy tickets if you want to visit the catacombs.
Although some people (known as “cataphiles”) get a kick out of illegally sneaking into sections of the catacombs that span the Left Bank (which are not open to the public), you do need to get tickets to visit the ossuary legally. It’s a good idea to book online in advance as tickets do sell out, particularly during peak holiday times. Audio guides in French, English, Spanish, and German are available at the entrance for a small fee.
Should I tour the Paris Catacombs with a guide?
Yes, visiting with a guide is a good idea, and some tours include special access.
While you don’t need a guide to visit the Paris Catacombs, joining a tour offers unique benefits: Tours often include skip-the-line access (a blessing for avoiding long waits) and many also offer access to parts of the ossuary that you aren’t allowed to visit on your own. Guides usually also share historical information and stories about the catacombs that go beyond what you’ll get from an audio guide.
Can I touch the bones inside the Paris Catacombs?
No, you can’t touch the bones or skulls, but you can photograph them.
The bones in the catacombs are old and delicate and touching them is strictly prohibited. You’re welcome to take photographs, and flash is fine as long as you’re mindful not to disturb other guests. Note that tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed.
What should I wear to the Paris Catacombs?
Comfortable shoes and layers are a must.
The Paris Catacombs are underground and can be chilly and damp even when it’s hot and dry outside. The average temperature in the tunnels is around 57°F (14°C), so make sure to bring a sweater no matter what time of year you visit. Make sure you have appropriate clothing for the weather outdoors (as you may have to wait in line for a long time) as well as comfortable, sturdy shoes for navigating the interiors and climbing up and down the stairs.
Are the Paris Catacombs kid friendly?
It depends on the kid, but little ones might not be comfortable.
The Paris Catacombs can be frightening for children as they are filled with real bones and skulls (those under age 14 must always be accompanied by an adult). Some little kids might not have a problem with this kind of sight, but others may find it terrifying. If your kid falls into the second category, please note that you won’t be able to turn around and leave through the entrance—to get out, you’ll still need to zip through the circuit as quickly as possible and leave through the regular exit.
Insider tip: Strollers are not allowed in the catacombs and there’s no place to store personal items, so skip the bulky accessories and opt for a baby carrier if you have an infant with you.
Are the Paris Catacombs wheelchair-friendly?
The catacombs are not hard to navigate on foot for most, but they're not wheelchair accessible.
Because of the many stairs and sometimes narrow passageways, the Paris Catacombs are not wheelchair accessible. In fact, you should expect to do a lot of walking on a visit to the Paris Catacombs, which may also prove problematic for visitors with other mobility issues. To reach the catacombs, you’ll need to descend 131 steps, and returning to street level requires climbing 112 steps. You'll also need to be able to walk the 0.9-mile (1.5-kilometer) circuit through the attraction.
Insider tip: Getting lost shouldn't be a problem, though. The portion of the Paris Catacombs that is open to the public is easy to find your way through—whether you go independently or with a guide.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about visiting the Paris Catacombs.
How big are the Paris Catacombs? The tunnels that make up the Paris Catacombs are around 14,000 square yards (11,200 square meters) long and 20 meters (66 feet) deep—roughly equivalent to a 5-story building.
When were the Paris Catacombs built? The catacombs were created in the 1780s in former quarries that had been excavated centuries before.
Why were the Paris Catacombs built? The Paris Catacombs were built to alleviate overcrowding in centrally located cemeteries that were causing public health issues. The decision was made after a dividing wall in Holy Innocents' Cemetery collapsed, flooding a neighboring cellar with human remains.
Who built the Catacombs of Paris? Architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux designed the Paris Catacombs.
Have the Paris Catacombs been fully explored? Yes, the Paris Catacombs have been fully explored, but only part of the ossuary is open to the public. There’s a much more extensive subterranean network of tunnels under other parts of Paris that are off-limits to visitors.
How many bodies are in the Paris Catacombs? The remains of over 6 million people are interred in the ossuary of the Paris Catacombs.
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