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Guided Tours

Catacombs Guided Tour with Special Access

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Head into the awe-inspiring dark side of the City of Lights. The Paris Catacombs have captured the imaginations of countless visitors for over a century. This is your chance to delve deep into this grotesque architectural wonder of skulls and bones.

Highlights

  • Skip the long lines and head straight into the fascinating tunnel complex beneath Paris

  • Learn about the history of the Catacombs from an expert English-speaking tour guide

  • Get access to some of the restricted areas in the Catacombs

  • Choose between a semi-private tour of less than 7 per group or with a guided tour of 19 or fewer people per group

  • you will have enough breathing space to explore the Catacombs with your guide.

Inclusions

  • Access to special areas that are otherwise closed to the public

  • Guided tour of the Catacombs of Paris

  • Skip-the-line access

  • Expert English-speaking guide

  • Groups of 19 members or less

  • Semi-private tour (Optional)

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
1.8K Ratings
5/5
1.3K
4/5
284
3/5
52
2/5
17
1/5
88
Christine Migge

Christine

5/5

Mar, 2024

The tour and Marianne's explanations were very interesting and exciting.
View original review in German
Jouglard Pierre

Jouglard

4/5

Feb, 2024

The tour and the guide were perfect, but unless I was mistaken, there was no indication that the tour was in English.
View original review in French
Sebastian Fernando

Sebastian

5/5

Dec, 2023

Maria was an excellent guide who made the tour enjoyable
Kurt Hansen

Kurt

5/5

Apr, 2023

Natalia Getmanenko

Natalia

5/5

Feb, 2023

Tour guide Justin made everything extremely interesting and enjoyable, she has answers to all our questions. Extremely recommend

While Paris is generally popular for its monuments and exquisite museums that hold priceless masterpieces, the eerie and surreal world beneath its shining streets and magnificent buildings is often forgotten. The Catacombs of Paris are home to about 6 million skeletons. The Port Mahon Gallery inside these tunnels features intricate sculptures carved into the rock. A quarry worker is said to have worked here for 5 years from 1777 until a cave-in crushed him.

The Catacombs were originally built to serve as an alternative to the overflowing cemeteries of the city above. Bones of the dead were stacked here to form fascinating columns and walls during the late 18th Century and the era of Napoleon.

The Sepulchral Lamp and the Sacellum Crypt are other iconic locations inside the Catacombs. The former was perpetually lit to demonstrate that there was enough air to breathe deep underground. You will get an opportunity to witness all this and more on this one-of-a-kind tour.

Walk past the long line outside with your skip-the-line access ticket and enter the chilling Paris Catacombs with your expert local guide. The guide will tell you captivating stories and legends of this extraordinary tunnel complex beneath one of the world’s most glamorous cities.

Visit some of the restricted sections of the Catacombs like the Port Mahon Gallery and marvel at the intricate carvings in the rock. During the French Revolution, the dead were directly transported to the Catacombs. The remains of famous French figures like Lavoisier and Robespierre can be found here.

The Sacellum Crypt, Gilbert’s Tomb, and Sepulchral Lamp are the other compelling attractions you will visit in the Catacombs on this tour. Experience the thrill of exploring this uncanny world below Paris.

Timings

The tour is available at different time slots depending on the date of booking and availability of the slot. The entire tour lasts for approximately 2 hours.

When to Visit

The Paris Catacombs are open Tuesday - Sunday. Closed on Mondays and major holidays (May 1st, August 15th, and January 1st).

Getting There

The Paris Catacombs entrance is across the street from Denfert-Rochereau station.

Reach via metro line 2, RER B, or by bus (38 & 68). There is a paid parking lot at Boulevard Saint-Jacques. When you exit the Catacombs, the closest metro station will be Mouton Duvernet.

What to Wear

The Catacombs maintain a constant temperature of 14°C (57°F). Be sure to dress warm or bring a jacket. Wear comfortable shoes and casual clothes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Please note, only very small backpacks and handbags may be taken inside Paris Catacombs. More specifically, any bag must be smaller than 55 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm. There is no luggage storage at or near the Paris Catacombs and we cannot be held responsible for entry denied due to large luggage.

Restroom Facilities

There is only one toilet, located at the exit.

Rules and Restrictions

  • This tour is not recommended for people suffering from cardiac or respiratory insufficiency.

  • Pets are not allowed inside the Catacombs.

  • This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

  • Children below the age of 8 cannot be accommodated on this tour.

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

  • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Meeting Point

  • Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.
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