Paris Catacombs Tour Guide: Explore the City’s Underground Tomb

Explore the Paris Catacombs: A Journey Beneath the City of Light

Paris is famous for its iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, but beneath its charming streets lies something far more mysterious: the Catacombs of Paris. This underground ossuary is one of the most unusual and fascinating attractions in the French capital, drawing visitors from around the world who want to experience a darker side of Parisian history.

If you're planning a trip to Paris and looking for something beyond the usual tourist spots, a visit to the Catacombs offers an unforgettable and eerie adventure.

What Are the Paris Catacombs?

The Paris Catacombs are a vast network of underground tunnels and chambers that hold the remains of over six million people. Created in the late 18th century, the catacombs were originally part of the city’s stone quarries. When Paris faced severe problems with overcrowded cemeteries, the decision was made to transfer human remains underground, turning old quarry tunnels into a massive ossuary.

Today, about 1.5 kilometers of these tunnels are open to the public, offering a rare chance to walk through history, quite literally surrounded by it.

A Brief History of the Catacombs

By the 18th century, Paris’s cemeteries had become dangerously overcrowded. The largest cemetery at the time, Les Innocents, was overflowing and posed serious health risks to the city’s population.

In 1786, the city began transferring remains into the underground tunnels of disused limestone quarries. The bones were stacked with meticulous care, often in decorative patterns, and marked with plaques indicating the cemetery of origin and date of transfer.

The site was officially named l’Ossuaire Municipal, but it quickly became known as the Catacombs of Paris, inspired by the Roman catacombs.

What to Expect During Your Visit

A visit to the Catacombs is unlike anything else in Paris. You’ll descend about 131 steps into the underground before walking through dimly lit tunnels lined with skulls and bones. The silence and cool air add to the mysterious atmosphere, offering a powerful reminder of the city’s long and layered past.

The path winds through the ossuary, passing through displays and plaques that explain the history of the site and the individuals buried there. Some areas feature poetic inscriptions, while others contain neatly arranged walls of bones stacked in elaborate patterns.

Paris Catacombs tour takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, and while it’s not physically demanding, it does involve uneven surfaces and tight corridors, not recommended for those with claustrophobia or limited mobility.

Practical Information for Visitors

• Location of Catacomb: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris

• Catacombs Paris opening hours: Typically open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Mondays and public holidays

• Recommended Ticket Type: Skip-the-line Catacomb Paris tickets or audio-guided entry

• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers

• Temperature: Around 14°C (57°F) year-round, bring a jacket

Due to the popularity of the Catacombs, it’s highly recommended to book tickets in advance. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside at a time, so purchasing skip-the-line Catacomb tickets can save you from long waits.

Tips for a Great Catacombs Visit

• Arrive early: Even with tickets, there can be short lines during busy seasons.

• Wear comfortable shoes: The ground is uneven and may be damp.

• Use the audio guide: It provides deeper context and fascinating stories.

• Be respectful: Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are not.

• Children under 14: Must be accompanied by an adult and might find the experience frightening.

Why Visit the Catacombs?

The Catacombs are more than just an eerie tourist attraction. They represent a fascinating chapter in the history of Paris, one that combines urban planning, public health, art, and memory. For those interested in history, architecture, or the macabre, it’s a must-see site.

It’s also one of the few places in Paris where you can literally walk through the city’s foundations, both physically and historically. It offers a unique contrast to the bright boulevards and grand monuments above.

Final Thoughts

The Catacombs of Paris are a reminder that the City of Light has a shadowed past, one that’s hidden just beneath the surface. Visiting this underground ossuary is a unique, thought-provoking experience that adds depth (quite literally) to your time in Paris.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or someone looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do in Paris, the Catacombs offer a hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable glimpse into the city’s underground secrets.

Looking to visit the Paris Catacombs?
Make sure to book your ticket in advance for the best experience. Options include self-guided visits, skip-the-line access, and audio tours that reveal fascinating details about the bones beneath Paris.