The Paris Catacombs Restricted Access Tour offers visitors an exclusive glimpse into the city’s dark underground history. Led by expert guides, guests can explore areas typically off-limits, uncovering the stories behind these eerie ossuary tunnels. With fast-track entry and personalized attention, the tour promises an immersive experience. But what secrets lie buried deep beneath the streets of Paris? For those brave enough to venture into the catacombs, the answers may be more chilling than expected.

Contents show

Key Points

This Paris Catacombs tour offers skip-the-line access and exclusive entry to restricted areas of the catacombs, providing a unique and intimate experience.
The 2-hour guided tour includes detailed historical insights from an English-speaking guide and limits group size to 6-7 participants for personalized attention.
Participants must be able to navigate 130 steps to enter and 112 steps to exit the catacombs, and should dress warmly as the underground temperature averages 14°C (57°F).
The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or cardiac/respiratory problems due to the extensive walking and confined underground environment.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5 from over 400 travelers, the tour receives high praise for its exclusive access, educational value, and knowledgeable guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Paris Catacombs Restricted Access Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the world’s largest ossuary, home to over 6 million Parisians.

The 2-hour tour provides skip-the-line access and special access to exclusive areas closed to the general public. Priced from $173.98 per person, the tour is likely to sell out, but travelers can take advantage of a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The small-group tour, limited to 6-7 participants, is led by a live English-speaking guide who shares the history of the Catacombs and its macabre collection of bones.

Looking for more options in Paris? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can skip long entry lines with official fast track access, granting them special access to parts of the Catacombs closed to the general public.

Visitors can skip long entry lines with official fast track access, granting them special access to parts of the Catacombs closed to the general public.

This guided exploration of the world’s largest ossuary, home to over 6 million Parisians, offers a truly unique experience. Guests will learn about the history of the Catacombs, including:

The transfer of bones from overcrowded cemeteries in the 18th century.
Exclusive access to rooms and areas within the Catacombs.
Engaging storytelling from a live English-speaking tour guide.
A small group size limited to 6-7 participants.

Tour Details

This Paris Catacombs Restricted Access Tour features a small group size limited to 6-7 participants.

You’ll have a live English-speaking guide to lead the exploration. The tour provides access to exclusive rooms and areas within the Catacombs that are closed to the general public.

The meeting point is outside the main entrance gate at Place Denfert Rochereau.

This tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or cardiac/respiratory problems, as there are 130 steps to enter and 112 to exit the tunnels.

The average temperature underground is a cool 57°F, so warm clothing is recommended.

Visitor Information

Although not suitable for those with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, or cardiac/respiratory issues, visitors can expect to descend 130 steps to enter and 112 steps to exit the Catacombs.

The average temperature in the tunnels is a cool 14°C (57°F), so warm clothing is recommended. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as the tour involves extensive walking through the world’s largest ossuary.

The Catacombs experience isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those willing to brave the underground, it offers a unique glimpse into Paris’s macabre past. The tour isn’t accessible to all, but for those who can manage it, the rewards are extraordinary.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews

Over 400 travelers have shared their experiences on the Paris Catacombs Tour, consistently awarding it an impressive 4.9/5 overall rating.

Customers praise the knowledgeable guides, who bring the Catacombs’ history to life through engaging storytelling. Many highlight the educational value of the exclusive access to restricted areas, offering a unique and insightful experience.

Reviewers express high satisfaction with the tour’s quality, citing the guide’s expertise as a key factor. The small group size is also noted as a benefit, allowing for personalized attention and an intimate exploration of this fascinating underground world.

There's plenty more to explore in Paris

Exploring the Catacombs

Descending 130 steps below the bustling streets of Paris, visitors embark on a captivating journey into the city’s mysterious Catacombs.

The guided exploration unveils a labyrinth of underground tunnels, where over 6 million Parisians’ remains are housed. Visitors learn about the history of this ossuary, including:

The transfer of bones from overcrowded cemeteries in the 18th century.
Access to exclusive rooms and areas closed to the general public.
Insights into the eerie atmosphere and average temperature of 14°C (57°F).
The requirement of sturdy shoes and warm clothing for the 112-step exit.

The History of the Catacombs

The Catacombs of Paris trace their origins back to the late 18th century, when the city’s overflowing cemeteries became a pressing public health issue.

In response, authorities initiated a project to transfer the remains of millions of Parisians from these crowded graveyards to a network of abandoned underground quarries. This gave birth to the world’s largest ossuary, a eerie subterranean ossuary housing the skeletal remains of an estimated 6 million people.

Today, the Catacombs stand as a somber reminder of the past, offering visitors a unique and often unsettling glimpse into the macabre history of Paris.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cameras and Photography Allowed Inside the Catacombs?

Photography is generally allowed in the Catacombs, but tripods and flash photography are prohibited. Visitors should check with the tour guide for any specific rules or restrictions on camera use during the tour.

Can Visitors Bring Their Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Visitors can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The Catacombs don’t allow outside food or beverages, so you will need to plan accordingly. Tour operators may provide water, but substantive meals or snacks aren’t permitted during the experience.

What if I Have a Medical Condition Not Listed in the Tour Details?

If a visitor has a medical condition not listed, they should notify the tour operator in advance. The operator can assess if the tour is suitable or if any accommodations can be made. Guests’ safety is the top priority.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, the company may consider providing accommodations for guests with medical conditions not listed, so it’s best to inquire about any special needs prior to booking.

Can I Extend My Visit in the Catacombs Beyond the 2-Hour Tour Duration?

The tour duration is fixed at 2 hours, and can’t be extended beyond this time. Guests who wish to spend more time exploring the Catacombs will need to book a separate, additional tour.

The Sum Up

The Paris Catacombs Restricted Access Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s macabre past. Guided by experts, visitors can explore the hidden depths of this eerie underground world, seeing the captivating history and atmosphere. With exclusive access and a small group size, this tour provides a personalized and unforgettable experience for those seeking a truly immersive adventure.