Paris Catacombs

The tunnels where you will find the Catacumbas de París were originally excavated to obtain limestone for the construction of many of the city's buildings. Years later, the overcrowding of Parisian cemeteries changed their purpose.

Today, within this underground labyrinth stretching over 300 kilometers, lie the huesos de unas 6 millones de personas.

History of the Paris Catacombs

In 1786, Paris was struggling with epidemics and overcrowded cemeteries. In an effort to free up space, the decision was made to transfer the remains from several cemeteries and mass graves into these tunnels. What you can visit today is a portion of this complex labyrinthine structure.

At first, the bones were simply deposited without any particular order, but from 1810 onward they began to be arranged in the form you can see today: the longer bones, such as the femur and tibia, were stacked together to form the walls on either side of the tunnels, decorated with skulls, while the smaller bones were stacked behind the walls for support.

Some Curious Facts About the Paris Catacombs

Victor Hugo drew on his knowledge of the catacombs in his 1862 novel Les Misérables (his house can also be visited)

The German army built a bunker here, and the tunnels were also used by the French Resistance during World War II.

Of the 300 kilometers that make up the catacombs, only one and a half kilometers are open to the public, for safety reasons and to prevent activities such as black masses, which were reportedly held here in the past.

It is illegal to enter the catacombs without an official guide, and no more than 200 people are allowed inside at any one time.

Visiting the Paris Catacombs

The Paris Catacombs have been open to visitors since 1874.

Tickets cost around €30 with an audio guide included — essential for appreciating the history surrounding the site and for truly understanding the significance of where you are standing.

You can book here tickets to visit the Paris Catacombs without waiting in ticket lines — highly recommended, as on busy days you could wait up to two hours. Audio guide also included.

Useful Information About the Paris Catacombs

Here you will find all the essential information, including up-to-date opening hours and prices, to make the most of your visit without any hassle.

Prices

• €35 includes audio guide / buy your ticket here

Hours

• Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am–4:00 pm (closed Mondays, Christmas, and New Year's)

Address

• Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 1

Getting There

• Metro lines 4 and 6, Denfert-Rochereau station
• RER: line B, Denfert-Rochereau station
• Buses: 38 and 68