Explore the Paris Catacombs: A Fascinating Underground Graveyard

The Catacombs of Paris are not the oldest catacombs in the world, but they are the largest. Housing the skeletal remains of more than six million people, the catacombs are a massive underground labyrinth of death.

We have always wanted to go to the Paris Catacombs. It took us a few tries, but it was worth the wait! Here is everything you need to know to visit the Catacombs of Paris.

About the Paris Catacombs

When planning your trip to Paris, be sure to visit this popular attraction, the world’s largest gravesite.

“If a barrel of bones disturbs you, the catacombs might be traumatic.”

The Paris Catacombs were developed in the late 18th Century as Paris cemeteries were overrun with human remains causing serious health issues. The water in the city was contaminated and disease was running rampant. Consequently, something had to be done to save people’s lives.

A decision was made to close several cemeteries within the city limits and move the human remains to old quarries. The first transfer of human bones, from Cimetiere des Saint Innocents, occurred from 1785 to 1787 as processions of wagons moved departed souls each evening across the city. After the first transfer was made, the quarries were blessed by priests and consecrated as the “Paris Municipal Ossuary.” (final resting place of human skeletal remains)

The public took on the name “The Catacombs” referencing the Roman catacombs. Back then, catacombs only referred to Roman ossuaries, but by the 18th century, the term expanded to encompass all underground cemeteries.

The Paris catacombs have intrigued visitors ever since, attracting notable figures like Napoleon III and King Charles X. They were opened to the wealthy elite by appointment only in 1809 and later to the public.

Initially, the bones were randomly placed, leading to disarray and graffiti from visitors. Sections of the catacombs were even used by the French resistance during WWII, with German forces setting up barracks within them. Over time, however, the bones were meticulously stacked in a neat and orderly fashion, which is what visitors observe today.

How The Paris Catacombs Tour Starts

We arrived bright and early when the catacombs first opened, and there was only a short line. Dave and I were fortunate to have waited just a few minutes to gain entry. However, during peak season, individuals can line up for hours as the Catacombs of Paris are one of the top attractions in the city. Therefore, we recommend visiting first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.

You can also opt for a guided tour in advance with skip the line ticket through Get Your Guide. You can easily cancel within 24 hours of the tour or book last-minute tickets.

The great thing about the catacombs is that they only allow 200 people into the caves at a time.

When visiting the catacombs, entry is staggered in small groups to prevent crowding. However, be warned, as you will walk down the dark and eerie spiral staircase alone, which can feel unsettling. Will you be able to find your way out?

Catacombs Paris Warnings

The Catacombs in Paris are not for the faint of heart. I tried to ignore the warnings posted outside the entrance.

“People suffering from cardiac or respiratory issues or with a nervous disposition should not visit the catacombs. Young people may be traumatized by the experience.”

Visiting the catacombs sounded like a potentially frightening experience. I have a slight case of claustrophobia, so my heart began to race. However, once we reached the end of the spiral staircase and entered the tunnels, I felt a wave of relief. They were not too small or dark; in fact, the catacombs are relatively spacious. My fears of claustrophobia dissipated, and I found the environment to be quite pleasant.

What to Expect When Visiting the Catacombs of Paris

I must admit, the catacombs are somewhat macabre, but they are not traumatizing. The tunnels are wide, tall, and well-lit. While it feels eerie, it is not overwhelming.

The average temperature inside the Paris Catacombs is 14 degrees Celsius (57 Fahrenheit), so you may want to wear a sweater. Additionally, large bags are not permitted, and there is no storage for luggage, so plan to carry only a small bag.

What you will see in the Catacombs of Paris

Besides witnessing numerous bones, you will navigate a labyrinth of underground tunnels. Bones are arranged by location.

While there are no names associated with the remains, plaques indicate which cemetery the bones are from and the year they arrived. Skulls peek out over stacks of femurs and tibiae, with crosses placed amidst the walls of bones to enhance the somber atmosphere.

We were impressed by the artistic arrangement of the barrel of bones and walls of bones. They felt more like art installations than mere remnants of the dead, almost deserving a place in a museum rather than being hidden underground.

Water drips from overhead, and the air carries a slight chill. As you traverse the dim hallways, you can hear muffled voices of fellow tourists walking behind you. Or could it be the whispers of the past resonating from the tunnel’s depths?

Accessibility in the Paris Catacombs

The Catacombs are not accessible, and there is no elevator. They are located 30 meters (90 feet) underground, necessitating a descent of 131 steps to reach six stories below the surface.

The tunnels extend for 2 kilometers, and the flooring is uneven. Once your visit concludes, you will need to ascend 112 steps at a different location. Note that the entrance and exit of the Paris Catacombs are not the same.

How to Get to the Catacombs by Public Transport

• Metro Stop – Denfert Rochereau. The Catacombs are located just across the street.
• Bus #38 and #68
• Be prepared to walk a couple of kilometers once you are in the Catacombs.
• No toilets are present in the tunnel system.
• Emergency phones are present inside the catacombs for use in case of problems.

Practical Information and Cost – Paris Catacombs

We recommend this Exclusive Access Catacombs Tour for full access to all of the tombs.

• Cost to visit the Catacombs in Paris – 29 Euro
• Special fare for last minute tickets – 14 Euro
• Duration – Expect to spend between 45 minutes to 2 hours in the tunnels; we spent about 90 minutes.
• Open – 10 AM to 8:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday.
• Closed – Mondays
• For more information, visit their Official Website.

Catacombs Paris Facts:

The Catacombs in Paris contain over 6 million bones!

They continued to add bones for nearly a century after the first cemeteries were relocated.

The final addition of bones occurred in 1871.

The catacombs served as hiding places for the French Resistance during World War II.

People have been touring the catacombs since as early as 1867.

The most recent major renovation of the catacombs took place in 2008, creating the accessible walkways you see today.

Should you Visit the Catacombs when in Paris?

If you have mobility issues, respiratory problems, anxiety disorders, or if you are traveling with young children, we do not recommend the catacombs. However, if you’re intrigued by history, paired with a hint of spookiness, then consider adding the Catacombs to your must-visit list.

Are the catacombs haunted? Who knows, but if any place in Paris were to possess a haunting, this would surely be it.