Skip-the-Line Paris Catacombs Special Access Tour
Explore the winding underground tunnels adorned with bone sculptures & learn about Paris fascinating and macabre history.
Skip-the-Lines
Free to cancel
About This Tour
- FREE Cancellation: Up to 24 hours before the experience starts
- Reserve Now & Pay Later – Secure your spot while staying flexible
- Duration 2 hours
- Live tour guide: English
- Provided by: Viator
Highlights
- Discover Paris' vast underground cemetery with your guide
- Skip the long lines and walk directly into the Catacombs
- Gain insights into the significance of the catacombs in Parisian culture and history.
- See parts of the landmark that many other tour itineraries overlook
- Small group sizes are offered with select tour times
FULL DESCRIPTION
The Paris Catacombs hold over six million skeletons, intricately arranged underground. Visitors explore winding tunnels adorned with bone sculptures and learn about the city’s fascinating macabre history. Venture beneath the City of Light to explore the dark underworld of the Paris Catacombs. Skip the long lines and head inside this macabre tunnel system filled with the skeletal remains of more than 6 million Parisians. Hear about the remarkable construction of the catacombs from an expert guide as you walk past ornate chambers piled with decorative arrangements of bo... Read more
The Paris Catacombs hold over six million skeletons, intricately arranged underground. Visitors explore winding tunnels adorned with bone sculptures and learn about the city’s fascinating macabre history. Venture beneath the City of Light to explore the dark underworld of the Paris Catacombs. Skip the long lines and head inside this macabre tunnel system filled with the skeletal remains of more than 6 million Parisians. Hear about the remarkable construction of the catacombs from an expert guide as you walk past ornate chambers piled with decorative arrangements of bones, and gain special access to a range of chapels and chambers.
Gain immediate access to the Paris Catacombs with your skip-the-line admission. Once inside, your knowledgeable guide ushers you through the extensive subterranean network, created when Parisian leaders undertook the greatest civil engineering project of their time to address the overcrowding in their city’s cemeteries. Tour the Catacombs’ main tunnels to discover a city of dead beneath the City of Lights and then explore two special access tunnels.
Included
- Skip the line access to Paris Catacombs
- Access to special areas of Paris Catacombs
- Expert English-speaking guide
- At 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM, and 5:30 PM, this tour has a group size of 6 for a more intimate experience
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Know Before you go
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- The catacombs are not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with mobility limitations.
- There are 130 steps into the catacombs with no elevator access.
- The catacombs are subject to closures due to strikes. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, cancellations may be communicated at the meeting point.
- Due to the tight nature of the catacombs, the catacombs are not advised for those with claustrophobia.
- Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- We strongly advise all visitors to carry a printed copy of their booking vouchers and a valid ID. Random checks may occur around the city, and having these documents will facilitate smooth passage through security checks.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers
REVIEWS
4.5/5 stars – based on 688 reviews
This was quite an experience! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and answered many questions with ease. The access to special areas was magnificent and well worth it. I highly recommend this experience.
Catacombs are a very interesting part of Parisian history. Our guide was very informative. The tour including private access to some very interesting areas!
We (Boston based) went to the Catacombs during our recent Paris vacation in July 2024 and it was super cool. I think between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre and this, my kids enjoyed this the most (all three were great though to be clear!). The audio guide worked really well. There were numbered station signs when you arrived at the next section to alert you to queue up the next audio track on the handheld device. It was easy for kids (13 yr olds) to follow along with. Great experience overall. Definitely recommended if in Paris!!!!
Tom – United States
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What are the Catacombs in Paris? The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries located in the south of the city. They hold the remains of more than six million people and are one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Why were the Catacombs created? The Catacombs were created in the late 18th century to solve the problem of overflowing cemeteries in Paris. Bones were exhumed from various cemeteries and moved to the underground tunnels to create more space in the city.
How big are the Catacombs? The Catacombs extend for about 200 miles (approximately 320 kilometers) underneath the streets of Paris. However, only a small portion of these tunnels is open to the public.
Are the Catacombs safe to visit? The section of the Catacombs open to the public is safe for visitors, but there are strict rules to follow. Venturing into unauthorized sections of the Catacombs is illegal and extremely dangerous due to the risk of getting lost, encountering collapses, or falling into unseen holes.
What can visitors expect to see in the Catacombs? Visitors to the Catacombs will see walls lined with neatly stacked bones and skulls, arranged in decorative patterns. There are also plaques and inscriptions throughout the tunnels, adding to the eerie atmosphere and providing historical context.
How long does it take to visit the Catacombs? The average visit to the Catacombs takes about 45 minutes to an hour, including waiting time in line. However, this can vary depending on crowds and individual pacing.
Are there any age restrictions for visiting the Catacombs? There are no specific age restrictions for visiting the Catacombs, but due to the dark, narrow tunnels and eerie atmosphere, it may not be suitable for very young children or those who are sensitive to enclosed spaces or the macabre.
Can visitors take photographs inside the Catacombs? Photography is allowed inside the Catacombs for personal use, but the use of flash photography is prohibited. Additionally, tripods and other professional equipment are not permitted.
Are guided tours available? Yes, guided tours of the Catacombs are available for those who want a more in-depth experience and historical context. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the history and significance of the site.
Is there anything else to do near the Catacombs? Yes, the Catacombs are located in the Montparnasse neighborhood, which has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. Nearby landmarks include the Montparnasse Tower and the Luxembourg Gardens.
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