Catacombs Paris: VIP Skip-the-Line Restricted Access Tour
Skip the long lines and unlock gates to hidden rooms in the Catacombs on this small group VIP tour. Explore the world’s largest ossuary and discover the buried secrets of underground Paris.
About This Activity
- FREE cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
- Duration 2 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
- Skip the ticket line
- Live tour guide: English
- Small group: Limited to 7 participants
- Provided by: GetYourGuide
Highlights
- Enjoy official fast track access to the Catacombs and avoid the long entry lines
- Benefit from special access to parts of the Catacombs closed to the general public
- Learn about the fascinating history and stories behind this unique site
FULL DESCRIPTION
Beneath the streets of Paris, there is another, darker side to the city that few get to see. Twenty meters (and more) below street level, the galleries of the Paris Catacombs extend for over 200 miles – a subterranean maze that many are unaware of as they stroll along the streets above. Initially quarried to provide limestone for the construction of the famous Parisian buildings and bridges, the Paris Catacombs are now home to the bones of more than 6 million former Parisians. Their remains were carefully moved here in the 18th century, in a discreet operation to transfer them from ... Read more
Beneath the streets of Paris, there is another, darker side to the city that few get to see. Twenty meters (and more) below street level, the galleries of the Paris Catacombs extend for over 200 miles – a subterranean maze that many are unaware of as they stroll along the streets above. Initially quarried to provide limestone for the construction of the famous Parisian buildings and bridges, the Paris Catacombs are now home to the bones of more than 6 million former Parisians. Their remains were carefully moved here in the 18th century, in a discreet operation to transfer them from the unclean and overflowing cemeteries of the city center. Overcrowding in these cemeteries led to improper burials, open graves, and unearthed corpses, spreading disease (and a few horror stories) into the surrounding areas.
Nowadays, wall after wall of stacked bones, and some more slightly macabre compositions, await you as you follow an expert local guide into “The Empire of Death”. Fans of the film “As Above So Below” will recognize these never-ending gloomy tunnels. Along with millions of ordinary Parisians, it is said that the Man in the Iron mask lies here, as do both executioners and their victims, guillotined during the French Revolution.
Your guide will lead you through the underground passages and into some very special rooms. Only 200 people are allowed in this remarkable site at any one time, ensuring that you get the most out of this extraordinary place and spend more time enjoying the rooms and interacting with your guide.
This special tour also allows you access to parts of the Catacombs that are closed to the general public. Have underground gates unlocked especially for you and your group, and learn the intriguing stories of those who worked, visited, and have been laid to rest here over the centuries, including the secret societies who still visit today.
Past and present Paris and its inhabitants come to life as you explore the city’s gloomy entrails concealed below the surface.
Included
- Official fast track entry
- Entrance tickets
- Guided visit of the Catacombs
- Special access to closed areas
- Live guide
- VIP small groups of 6 people or fewer
Know Before You Go
- There are 130 steps to enter the Paris Catacombs and 112 steps to exit. This tour is not accessible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
- The Catacombs are 20 meters/65 feet (and more) underground and the tunnels are narrow in places. This tour is not suitable for those with cardiac or respiratory problems, or suffering from claustrophobia.
- The tunnels can be slippery and remain at a temperature of around 14°C/57°F, even in summer. Guests are advised to wear sturdy shoes and bring warm clothing.
- Only 200 visitors are allowed in the tunnels at any one time. If numbers reach a maximum the Catacombs staff reserve the right to hold the entry lines until there is sufficient space. Any delay should not be higher than 5 minutes for our small group.
Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
FEATURED REVIEW(S)
4.9/5 stars – based on 311 reviews
This was one of our favorite activities in Paris and it was 100% because of our guide Roman. We did the VIP tour on March 1. Really appreciated the access to restricted areas and the small tour but again it was Roman that made it magical. He was so knowledgeable and engaging. The two hours flew by. The rest of our trip, we kept saying how we would love to have taken other tours with him and if and when we are back in Paris, we certainly will. Don’t hesitate to book, it is totally worth it, and I hope if you do, you get lucky to have Roman as your guide!
Die Tour selbst war fantastisch. Wir haben gemerkt, dass Maria wirklich für das Thema und die Geschichten brennt und sie gibt viele Zuastz/-Hintergrundinformationen und erzählt Geschichten abseits der üblichen Informationen. Die Katakomben sind absolut sehenswert und geben noch einmal einen anderen Blick auf diese faszinierende Stadt. Einziger Wehrmutstropfen war, dass der Katakomben-Mitarbeiter uns erst abgewiesen hat und darauf beharrte, dass wir andere Tickets benötigen würden und nicht auf den Gedanken kam nach unserer geführten Tour zu fragen.
Roman was a very knowledgeable tour guide and explained the history of the catacombs very well. He also taught us about some aspects of French history that I had never known and was eager to share his knowledge. 12/10 experience, worth the money, and absolutely incredible sight to see
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