If you’ve been researching the best places to visit in Paris, you might have encountered the usual suspects like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. While these places are great places, another lesser-known location is an absolute must-visit. That place is the Iconic Catacombs of Paris.
This place isn’t for the sensitive soul or someone who finds death, disease, and human remains triggering. But if we’ve piqued your curiosity enough and you haven’t exited this page yet, keep reading. This guide shares all the information you need to know about visiting the Paris Catacombs.
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What are the Iconic Catacombs of Paris?
Underneath the streets of Paris lies the evidence of the city’s dark history. The Paris Catacombs is a maze of underground tunnels 65 feet below the surface. It spans an extensive breadth of the city. The Catacombs house the bones and skulls of millions of deceased Parisians who died at the hands of the Black Death, i.e., the Bubonic plague.
History of the Catacombs of Paris
The Bubonic plague ravaged the country of France between 1347 and 1352. Over a hundred thousand people died in Paris after being infected by the Black Death. As the bodies piled up and the city’s cemeteries became overpopulated, city officials in Paris decided to build an ossuary. In this underground burial chamber, the remains of the dead could be placed and viewed by those who wished to do so. The mass graves of the Catacombs were constructed to accommodate. Over the following centuries, Parisian government officials ordered many overcrowded cemeteries to re-bury their dead in this large Ossuary. Over time, the Catacombs of Pairs housed the remains of nearly 6 million people. Unfortunately, visitors can see only a tiny 1.25-mile section of the massive Catacombs and only a select area of remains.
Where is it located?
The Paris Catacombs are located on 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France.
The best time to visit
The Catacombs can be visited all year round. However, the peak tourist season is between March and August, when you’ll find a crowd queuing at the Catacombs.
Cost of entry fees
The cost of tickets for the Catacombs of Pairs is –
Onsite purchase at the gate –
For adults 27 years and older, it is €14; €12 for youth aged between 18 to 26 years old—free entry for everyone 17 and under.
Online purchase –
For adults 18 years and older, it is €29. €5 for children under 18 years old.
Ultimately, the tickets are less expensive at the gate. However, we still recommend you purchase them online because the wait time at the gate for onsite ticket purchase can take 2-5 hours.
Are there audio guides?
Yes, there are. You will receive audio guides in different languages at the gate at an extra charge.
Inside the Catacombs: Room-by-room description
Once you’re in the Catacombs, the Ossuary doesn’t start until you climb a spiral staircase. It can feel dizzying and claustrophobic going down the 130 steps or so. After about 5 minutes of climbing down, you reach the start of the Ossuary. Immediately, you’ll see all the walls lined with skulls and skeletons. They’re placed neatly and don’t give off a frightening appearance.
The Rooms
First Room – Exhibition of the history of the Catacombs – In this first set of tunnels, you’ll find wall panels with miniature construction and images of the Paris Catacombs. Some plates with information in different languages give the site a brief history.
Second Room – Replica of the Fortress of Port Mahon of Minorca – Next, you walk across the Port-Mahon Corridor to visit the sculpture-filled room, whose highlight is the replica of the Fortress of Port Mahon of Minorca.
Third Room – Quarryman’s Footpath – After that, you’ll find the famous well inside the Catacombs, where the quarrymen who were in charge of burying the bodies would visit to get water for drinking, cleaning, and mixing the cement needed to put the bones in place.
Fourth Room – The Ossuary – This is the central part of the tourist section of the Catacombs. Here, you’ll see unique landmarks such as the Crypt of Passions, the Sepulchral lamp, the Fountain of the Samaritan, Gilbert’s tomb, and a spring. Also, you’ll see the highest concentration of skulls and bones, laid out in unlike formations.
The exit stairway – Lastly, after you exit the Ossuary, you must climb around 100-odd steps to reach the surface. This is a different staircase from the one at the entrance. It will lead you to a gift shop and the outside world, where you can exit the Catacombs and head to your next spot.
The Catacombs are sanitized and designed aesthetically to retain the location’s somber aura without causing acute uneasiness to visitors. However, it can be quite a sight, and many people feel upset or queasy during their visit. If this is the case, here’s what you can do about it –
Tips for visiting the Iconic Catacombs of Paris
- There are tons of security guards and Catacomb workers on patrol all the time. Speak to the nearest person and ask for help. They’ll be able to lead you outside quickly.
- Don’t touch any of the exhibits. They’re all human remains, and some are precariously placed.
- Carry your wallet in your pocket and keep minimum items in your bag, as it will be searched at the entrance.
- Keep a bottle of water with you in case you feel uneasy inside.
- Stick to the routes marked and lit for public use. The Catacombs are immense, and getting lost in the maze can be easy. There’s no cellphone reception inside, either. So, it can become a safety hazard to explore on your own.
- Hire a guide at the entrance to explore the Catacombs’ out-of-limits sections.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly. It can get chilly inside the Catacombs, and the ground is unpaved.
- If you need a wheelchair or walking assistance, consult the personnel at the ticket booth for an easier way in and out.
- Go with a friend or family member. Seeing the human remains can feel stressful walking through the narrow tunnels. It’s best to have a friendly face you can lean on should you need support.
With this list of iconic catacombs in Paris in mind, you’re ready to explore itineraries and book a trip to Paris. If you want more insights, join our community to learn more from travelers like yourself.