Catacomben van Parijs
Catacomben van Paris

Catacombs of Paris: Is it worth a visit?

March 20, 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

The Catacombs of Paris is a mysterious and impressive place deep beneath the city. After descending 130 steps, you enter a world of narrow, dark corridors where the bones of over 6 million Parisians are piled up. This extraordinary underground cemetery was created in the 18th century when Paris’ cemeteries became overcrowded. Today, the catacombs are a unique and impressive sight in the 14th arrondissement and well worth a visit.

What are the Catacombs of Paris?

The Catacombs of Paris are a hidden world beneath the city where history and mystery converge. Far away from the bustle of the boulevards and monuments, you walk through narrow, dark corridors full of neatly stacked bones and skulls of millions of Parisians. It is an impressive place that will make you pause to reflect on the past of this metropolis.

Paris’ catacombs came into being in the 18th century, when Paris had a major problem: the cemeteries were becoming overcrowded and even causing health risks. As a solution, the remains were transferred to ancient limestone quarries under the city. What began as an emergency solution grew into an impressive corridor system in which the bones of some 6 million people found their final resting place.

Today you can visit this special place yourself. After descending 130 steps, you enter an underground world where history is palpable. The familiar sign at the entrance – “Arrête, c’est ici l’empire de la mort” – warns you that you are entering the realm of death. What follows is a fascinating walk past walls of skulls and bones, neatly arranged and impressive to behold.

Located in the 14th arrondissement, the Catacombs of Paris are well worth a visit if you want to discover the city from a different, lesser-known side. It is a unique experience you won’t soon forget and a special way to experience a piece of hidden history of Paris.

How big are the Catacombs of Paris and which part can you visit?

The tunnel system of the Catacombs of Paris is enormous. In all, more than 300 kilometers of underground passages and tunnels lie beneath the city. Originally, these passages were excavated as quarries, where limestone was mined for centuries to build Paris.

Today, only a small portion of this immense network is open to the public. Only 1.7 kilometers of the system is open as an official attraction. This section is well lit and made safe for visitors, so you can experience the impressive atmosphere and history of the catacombs in an accessible way.

The rest of the corridor system remains closed and is off limits. Nevertheless, illegal adventurers – also known as “cataphiles” – sometimes move into the dark, inaccessible parts of the catacombs. However, this is not without risk and absolutely not allowed.

So during your visit you will stay in the official part, but that is impressive enough. You will get a good idea of the size, history and mysterious atmosphere of this special underground world.

What is there to see in the Catacombs of Paris?

A visit to the Catacombs of Paris begins with a narrow spiral staircase that leads you 21 meters deep into the underground. Immediately you are confronted with a striking message: “Stop, this is the realm of death.” And those words set the tone for what is to come. Once down, you leave the daylight behind and step into an impressive world where history and impermanence converge.

As you walk through the long tunnels, you won’t just see the familiar walls of skulls and bones. Throughout the Catacombs of Paris, texts and poems can be read on the walls. These quotes make the experience extra special and allow you to take a moment to reflect on the story behind this place.

What many people don’t know is that the catacombs were once a quarry. Limestone was mined here, which was used to build famous buildings like the Louvre and the Notre-Dame were built. In some places you can still clearly see traces of this. So you walk past pillars and impressive sculptures that remind you of this time.

One of the most special rooms is the Port-Mahon room, where a former quarry worker, Décure, carved complete works of art out of the rock. You will find here, among other things, a beautiful sculpture of the Port-Mahon fortress and the ancient footbath of the stonecutters.

So the Catacombs of Paris are much more than just a collection of bones. It is an underground journey through the city’s history – impressive, sometimes a bit macabre, but above all fascinating to experience.

Tickets to the Catacombs of Paris

Would you like to visit the Catacombs of Paris? Then we advise you to order your tickets online in advance. This way you are guaranteed access and you avoid having to queue for a long time.

After your booking, you will receive your tickets directly by email. No printing is necessary – just show your ticket on your phone at the entrance. You book for a specific day and time slot, making your visit smooth and without long waits.

So you can fully enjoy this special and mysterious place under the streets of Paris.

How long does a visit to the Catacombs of Paris take?

A visit to the Catacombs of Paris takes on average between 45 minutes and 1 hour and 15 minutes. This depends on your pace and how much time you take to view the impressive walls of bones, texts and special rooms along the way.

It’s not a route you want to rush – take your time to thoroughly absorb the mysterious atmosphere and history of this special place.

Opening hours of the Catacombs of Paris

The Catacombs of Paris are open to visitors almost year-round. The standard

opening hours are:

Tuesday – Sunday: 9:45 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Last Admission: 7:30 p.m.

Note: The catacombs are closed on Mondays and the site may also be closed on some holidays. It is wise to check in advance if they are open on the day of your
visit.

Due to its popularity, it is advisable to reserve a time slot in advance to ensure you can get in.

What is the easiest way to get to the Catacombs of Paris?

The Catacombs of Paris are easy to get to. Listed below are the most convenient options:

1. Metro: Take line 4 or line 6 and get off at Denfert-Rochereau station. From there, walk to the entrance in 2 minutes.

2️ . Bus: Take bus 38 or 68 and get off at Denfert-Rochereau.

3️. On foot or by bicycle: Are you staying near Montparnasse or the Latin Quarter? Then you can easily walk or bike to the catacombs.

Where are the Catacombs of Paris located?

The Catacombs of Paris are located in the 14th arrondissement, in the Montparnasse district. The entrance is at Place Denfert-Rochereau 1, 75014 Paris.

Our experience after visiting the Catacombs of Paris

Our visit to the Catacombs of Paris was impressive and certainly one of the city’s most special sights. As soon as you descend the spiral staircase, you truly step into another world. The long corridors, the meters-high walls of skulls and bones, and the texts on the walls create a mysterious and almost surreal atmosphere.

What especially stuck with us was the combination of history and the respectful tribute to millions of Parisians who found their final resting place here. You really feel the city’s history under your feet.

One small downside we found was the crowds, despite having booked tickets online in advance. On some parts of the route it was very narrow and we had to wait a while for the group in front of us to continue walking. But fair is fair – that didn’t detract from the impressive experience.

All in all, we found it highly recommended if you want to discover a different side of Paris for once!

Our tips for your visit to the Catacombs of Paris

After our visit to the Catacombs of Paris, we have a few handy tips for you that will make your visit a lot easier.

1. Book your tickets in advance online

The catacombs are popular and queues can be long. By booking online in advance, you can go right in at your chosen time slot and avoid long waits.

2. Wear good shoes

You walk through narrow, sometimes damp and uneven corridors. Sturdy shoes are really a must for a comfortable visit

3. Go early in the day

In the morning, things tend to be quieter. This allows you to walk around at your leisure, read the texts and take in the impressive atmosphere better without the crowds of large groups.

Special offers for a city break to Paris

Are you going on a city break to Paris and would like to visit famous sights and attractions? Then take advantage of the offers below and make the most of your visit to this beautiful city!