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Paris: Catacombs Special Access Tour

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  • FREE Cancellation: up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
  • Reserve now & pay later: Book your spot and pay nothing today
  • Duration 1.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
  • Skip the ticket line
  • Live tour guide: English

Highlights

  • Descend 20 meters below the streets to explore the Paris Catacombs
  • Skip the lines and get special access to forbidden areas
  • Learn why the remains of over 6 million people were transported underground in the 18th century
  • Immerse yourself in the history of legendary struggles and triumphs
paris catacombs
paris catacombs tickets and tours
paris catacombs tickets and tours

Included

  • Skip-the-line entry to the Paris Catacombs
  • Access to special areas of the Paris Catacombs
  • Local guide
  • Small group tour

Availability

Full Description

Get fast-track entry to the underground cemetery of the Paris Catacombs, composed of miles of underground tunnels lined with the skulls and bones of some 6 million Parisians. Join a local guide and explore the catacombs in a small group of no more than 19 people (6 people on select start times). Each room reveals ever more ornate and macabre bone decorations.

Hear the unbelievable story of how the catacombs were built, and the massive project that was undertaken to move bones from around the city to this point. Your special access status means the guards will also open gates just for... Read more

Get fast-track entry to the underground cemetery of the Paris Catacombs, composed of miles of underground tunnels lined with the skulls and bones of some 6 million Parisians. Join a local guide and explore the catacombs in a small group of no more than 19 people (6 people on select start times). Each room reveals ever more ornate and macabre bone decorations.

Hear the unbelievable story of how the catacombs were built, and the massive project that was undertaken to move bones from around the city to this point. Your special access status means the guards will also open gates just for your group, letting you into areas such as a secret chapel decorated with skulls and femurs. The Paris Catacombs contain bones representing some 2,000 years of history, and their construction was a unique civil engineering project that helped give rise to the modern-day city.

  • Please note that the temperature in the catacombs is around 14 degrees Celsius
  • If the selected time is not available you will be offered options to reschedule. If you are unable to accept a reschedule option you will be offered a full refund.
  • Smoking, pets, luggage or large bags are not allowed
  • Not suitable for: People with mobility impairments, wheelchair users and people with respiratory issues

REVIEWS

4.7/5 stars – based on 730 reviews


Leo was an amazing and very knowledgeable guide that made this experience one to remember! Highly recommend exploring the catacombs with a guide vs by yourself, at least for the access to the restricted areas which are tour group only!
Aidan – Australia


We loved our guide, Leo. He was very informative and gave lots of good information. We really appreciated him! The only reason we did not give 5 stars is because The tour operator, Walks, booked us for a tour with no more than 6 people but sent us on a tour with 21 people. Not very happy with that.
Robert – United States


Our guide, Johnny was great. He was happy to answer loads of questions. The tour was awesome, takes you to restricted areas of the catacombs. Loved it
Joanne – Guernsey

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Am I allowed to take my bag inside? To ensure safety and preservation of the ossuary, suitcases and large bags are not allowed in the Catacombs. Only bags measuring less than 40×30 cm are allowed.

Is there a lot of stairs? Not a lot, but there are 131 steps to go down and 112 steps to climb up.

Can everyone enter the Catacombs? The site is not recommended for the motor disabled, pregnant women, individuals suffering from claustrophobia or cardiac or respiratory insufficiency, sensitive individuals who may be disturbed by the site. The atmosphere may be anxiogenic for individuals with mental disabilities.

What are the Catacombs of Paris? The Catacombs are underground ossuaries in Paris, France, which house the remains of over six million people. They were created in the late 18th century as a solution to the city’s overflowing cemeteries.

Why were the Catacombs created? The Catacombs were established to address public health concerns caused by overcrowded cemeteries. Bodies from Parisian cemeteries were transferred to the tunnels of abandoned limestone quarries.

Where are the Catacombs located? The Catacombs are located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, with the entrance at Place Denfert-Rochereau.

How can I visit the Catacombs? Visitors can access the Catacombs through guided tours or independently during public opening hours. It’s recommended to book tickets in advance due to limited capacity and high demand.

Is it safe to visit the Catacombs? Yes, the sections open to the public are safe and maintained. However, visitors should be cautious of low ceilings, uneven ground, and the cool, damp environment.

How long does a visit to the Catacombs take? A typical visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The tour covers approximately 1.5 kilometers of tunnels.

Are there any restrictions or rules for visiting the Catacombs? Yes, visitors should follow rules such as not touching the bones, not bringing large bags, and staying with their group. Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are prohibited.

Are the Catacombs haunted? The Catacombs have a reputation for being eerie and some visitors report feeling uneasy. However, there are no official reports of hauntings.

What are some of the notable features of the Catacombs? The Catacombs include various plaques and signs indicating the origins of the bones and the dates of transfer. Some sections feature intricate bone arrangements and sculptures.

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