The Catacombs of Paris are one of the most mysterious and intriguing places in the French capital, drawing tourists from all over the world. This underground labyrinth, stretching for nearly 300 kilometers, holds countless secrets — from ancient legends to real historical events.
The Paris Catacombs originated in the 18th century, when city authorities decided to move the remains of the dead from overcrowded cemeteries into underground tunnels that were originally created as quarries. For those in search of an unusual experience, the catacombs offer more than just a tourist attraction — they provide a true journey into the depths of history and human memory.
We’ve put together a travel guide for visiting the Catacombs in Paris. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know — from ticket prices and where to buy them, to how to get there and important tips for your visit.
General Information
- Book a Tour of the Paris Catacombs
- Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday — 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM (last entry at 7:30 PM).
- The Catacombs are closed on Mondays and on the following public holidays: January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
- Official Website: link
Tickets to the Paris Catacombs
Tickets to the Paris Catacombs must be purchased online in advance. You can book your tickets up to 7 days before your planned visit. Due to the site’s popularity, tickets are not sold on-site, so planning ahead is essential.
Tickets are booked for a specific time slot. If you miss your scheduled time, entry is not guaranteed.
Ticket prices: €31 for adults, €12 for children.
The number of visitors allowed inside the Catacombs at any one time is limited to 200. If the site reaches capacity, entry may be temporarily restricted.
Partner websites like GetYourGuide don’t sell tickets to Catacombs only, but you’ll find combination options such as Catacombs + Seine River cruise or tickets with an audio guide. You can check prices and book through this link.
If you need only entrance tickets, you can purchase them through the official website.
Why It’s Worth Joining a Day Tour to the Paris Catacombs
Visiting the Paris Catacombs on a day tour is a great way to fully experience this fascinating and eerie underground world. With a guided tour, you’ll get access to expert insights, historical context, and hidden stories you wouldn’t hear otherwise – transforming your visit from a walk through tunnels into a deep dive into Paris’s mysterious past.
Many tours also include skip-the-line entry, which is a huge plus, as the Catacombs are one of the city’s most popular (and limited-capacity) attractions. Some tours even offer access to restricted areas that aren’t open to the general public. It’s an unforgettable and educational experience, perfect for history lovers and curious travelers alike. Click here to check the available day tour options.
How to Get to Paris Catacombs
The entrance to the Catacombs is located at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, near the Denfert-Rochereau metro station. The easiest way to get there is by metro — lines 4 and 6 both stop at Denfert-Rochereau.
If you’re coming from Charles de Gaulle Airport or from the southern suburbs of Paris, you can take the RER B train line and get off at Denfert-Rochereau station.
Several bus routes also stop nearby, including lines 38, 68, 88, and 216.
Please note that the exit from the Catacombs is at 21 bis, Avenue René-Coty.
History of the Paris Catacombs
The Paris Catacombs were built on the site of ancient limestone quarries, which had been used since the time of the Roman Empire to supply building materials for the city. By the 18th century, Paris’s overcrowded cemeteries had become a serious public health concern.
The problem was especially severe at the Cemetery of the Innocents (Cimetière des Innocents), located in the heart of the city. Decomposing bodies created unsanitary conditions, and in 1786, city officials made the decision to relocate the remains into the abandoned underground tunnels.
Over the course of several years, workers transported the bones into the quarries under cover of night, gradually creating a vast underground ossuary — the place we now know as the Catacombs.
Visitor Rules
Restrooms are available both at the entrance and exit of the Catacombs. To enter, visitors must descend 131 steps, so if you suffer from claustrophobia, this attraction is not recommended.
Even in summer, the Catacombs remain quite cool – the temperature doesn’t rise above 14°C (57°F), and the humidity is relatively high. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as wait times can be long.
For safety reasons and to protect the remains, large bags are not allowed inside. The maximum allowed bag size is 40x30x20 cm, and it must be carried in front of you. Please note that there are no cloakrooms or storage lockers available.
Food and drinks are not permitted, and alcohol is strictly prohibited. Most importantly, do not touch the bones under any circumstances.
