Best Catacombs Tours in Paris
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The 4 Best Catacombs Tours in Paris

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The Paris Catacombs are a unique and eerie destination, offering a fascinating journey beneath the city, where the bones of over six million Parisians lie in carefully arranged ossuaries. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, intrigued by the secrets of Paris, or looking for an extraordinary experience, visiting the Catacombs is a must.

To help you choose the best way to explore this remarkable site, I’ve personally tested the 4 best Catacombs tours in Paris. From guided tours with special access to restricted areas to audio-guided experiences that allow you to explore at your own pace, there’s an option for every kind of traveler.

Here are the top tours to discover the underground history of Paris:

  1. Paris: Catacombs Special Access Tour
  2. Paris Catacombs Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and Special Access
  3. Paris: Small-Group Catacombs Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry
  4. Catacombs of Paris: Entry Ticket + Audio Guide

Best Guided Tours of Catacombs in Paris

PROS:

✔️ Skip-the-Line Entry: You avoid long waits, making the tour more efficient and enjoyable.

✔️ Exclusive Access: Get access to restricted areas of the Catacombs, including hidden chambers that regular visitors don’t see.

✔️ Small Group Size: With groups of 6 people for certain time slots, the experience is more personal and intimate.

✔️ Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide engaging historical insights, enhancing your understanding of the Catacombs.

✔️ Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, allowing flexibility in your travel plans.

CONS:

❌ Limited Availability: Tours with smaller group sizes (6 people) sell out quickly, so booking in advance is essential.

❌ Not Wheelchair Accessible: The Catacombs are not accessible to those with mobility impairments due to narrow tunnels and many stairs.

❌ Restricted to Certain Ages: The tour is not suitable for children under 2, and some might find the environment too eerie for young kids.

For those intrigued by the mysteries beneath Paris, the Paris Catacombs Special Access Tour is a perfect way to explore one of the city’s most unique and eerie attractions. I personally tested this tour, and it provided a deep dive—literally and figuratively—into the fascinating history of Paris’ underground ossuary. Here’s everything you need to know about this experience.

Tour Overview

  • Rating: 4.7/5 (652 reviews)
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Group Size: Small groups (6 people for select times)
  • Languages: English
  • Price: From €119.00 per person
  • Meeting Point: Café du Rendez-Vous, 2 avenue du General Leclerc, near the Denfert-Rochereau Metro station (line 4, 6 and RER B)
  • Flexibility: Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

This tour allows you to skip the long lines to the Paris Catacombs and gain exclusive access to restricted areas that are not open to the general public. It’s led by a knowledgeable local guide who will take you through this underground maze of bones with a small, intimate group for a truly immersive experience.

Key Highlights

  • Skip-the-Line Access: With the Catacombs being a top Paris attraction, the lines can be overwhelming. This tour allows you to bypass the long wait.

  • Special Access to Restricted Areas: Explore hidden chambers, including a secret chapel adorned with skulls and bones—places normally closed off to the public.

  • Small Group Size: For select time slots, groups are capped at just six people, ensuring a more personalized experience with your guide.

  • Expert Local Guides: The guides are not only experts on the Catacombs but are also passionate storytellers, bringing to life the history and mysteries beneath Paris.

Detailed Itinerary

  • Meeting Point: The tour begins at the charming Café du Rendez-Vous at 2 avenue du General Leclerc. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour begins to meet your guide.

  • Paris Catacombs Entry: Skip the queues and head straight into the Catacombs. After descending the 130 steps into the underground tunnels, you’ll be greeted by miles of passageways lined with the bones and skulls of six million Parisians.

  • Guided Tour: The guide will explain the incredible history of how the Catacombs came to be. Originally limestone quarries, these tunnels were transformed into ossuaries in the late 18th century as a solution to the city’s overflowing cemeteries.

  • Exclusive Access: During the tour, you’ll gain entry to areas normally off-limits to the public. This includes a hidden chapel, where the walls are decorated with ornate bone arrangements, adding to the eerie beauty of the space.

  • Ending Point: The tour ends back at the exit of the Catacombs, allowing you to explore more of the Montparnasse area afterward, which has several charming cafes and restaurants nearby.

Tips for the Tour

  • Wear comfortable shoes: The Catacombs involve a lot of walking, and the ground can be uneven in places.
  • Dress warmly: Even in summer, the temperature underground is cool (around 14°C/57°F), so bring a light jacket.
  • Travel light: Large bags and strollers are not allowed. Only bags smaller than 55 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm are permitted inside.
  • Arrive early: Be sure to arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the tour starts, as late arrivals may miss the entry.
  • Not suitable for everyone: This tour is not recommended for those with claustrophobia, mobility impairments, or respiratory issues due to the narrow passages and steps.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Paris that goes beyond the traditional tourist spots, the Paris Catacombs Special Access Tour is an incredible way to uncover the city’s darker history. The small group size, expert guidance, and exclusive access to hidden areas make this tour stand out from the usual Catacombs visit.

Personally, I was fascinated by the historical insights and the eerie beauty of the ossuary. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of the macabre, or simply looking for something different to do in Paris, this tour offers a memorable and unique adventure beneath the streets of the city.

PROS:

✔️ Skip-the-Line Access: No waiting in long queues, ensuring a smoother and faster entry into the Catacombs.

✔️ Optional Seine River Cruise: Adds value with an additional Parisian experience, valid for up to a year from your tour date.

✔️ Exclusive Access: Gain entry to restricted areas of the Catacombs that are typically closed to the general public.

✔️ Larger Group Setting: Perfect for social travelers or those visiting with family and friends, offering a more interactive experience.

✔️ Expert Local Guide: Enjoy fascinating stories, historical facts, and legends from a knowledgeable guide.

✔️ Shorter Duration: At just 1.5 hours, it’s a time-efficient option for visitors with tight schedules.

CONS:

Larger Group Size: Some visitors may prefer smaller, more intimate tours for a quieter experience.

❌ Not Wheelchair Accessible: The Catacombs are not accessible to those with mobility impairments due to narrow tunnels and many stairs.

❌ Limited Cancellation Policy: The tour is non-refundable, which limits flexibility in case of last-minute changes to travel plans.

The Paris Catacombs Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and Special Access offers a unique opportunity to explore the depths of Paris’ eerie underground ossuary in a larger group setting. While most tours tend to focus on small groups, this tour is ideal for those who enjoy more social experiences or are traveling with friends or family. Here’s everything you need to know about this 1.5-hour experience.

Tour Overview

  • Rating: 4.8/5 (329 reviews)
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Languages: English
  • Group Size: Larger group guided tour
  • Meeting Point: House Veterans of the 2nd Armored Division, near Denfert-Rochereau Metro station  (line 4, 6 and RER B)
  • Special Access: Includes VIP entry to areas usually closed to the public
  • Price: Starting at €129 per person
  • Optional Extra: Upgrade available for a Seine river cruise, valid for one year

This tour allows you to explore the Paris Catacombs without the long wait in line. Despite being shorter in duration (1.5 hours), it still covers all the major highlights, including access to restricted areas not open to the general public.

Key Highlights

  • Skip-the-Line Entry: Avoid long lines, saving you time and ensuring a smoother entry.
  • Special Access: Explore restricted areas of the Catacombs, including hidden chambers closed to most visitors.
  • Larger Group Setting: Unlike smaller tours, this tour accommodates larger groups, making it ideal for those traveling with family or enjoying a more social experience.
  • Expert Guide: Your guide will share fascinating historical facts and creepy legends about the Catacombs, keeping the tour engaging.
  • Optional Seine River Cruise: Enhance your experience with a relaxing Seine river cruise, valid for up to a year after your Catacombs visit.

Detailed Itinerary

  • Meeting Point: You’ll start by meeting your guide at the House Veterans of the 2nd Armored Division, near Denfert-Rochereau Metro station. Look for the orange “ExperienceFirst” sign to identify your guide.

  • Entering the Catacombs: After skipping the line, you’ll descend 130 steps into the Catacombs, where the temperature remains at a cool 14°C (57°F) year-round. Prepare to step into a haunting underground world filled with the bones of over 6 million Parisians.

  • Guided Tour: The tour will take you through 1.5 hours of exploration, where your guide will tell you about the history of the Catacombs, originally used as limestone quarries and later transformed into an ossuary when Paris cemeteries became overcrowded. You’ll see neatly arranged bones and skulls, artistically stacked over the centuries.

  • Exclusive Access Areas: One of the highlights of the tour is getting access to restricted areas not available on standard visits. These hidden chambers offer an even more chilling perspective of the Catacombs.

  • End of the Tour: The tour ends at 21 Avenue René Coty, near the exit of the Catacombs. For those who opted for the Seine river cruise upgrade, your guide will provide instructions on how to redeem your voucher.

Tips for the Tour

  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Catacombs involve a 1-mile walk on uneven terrain, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
  • Dress Warmly: The Catacombs are always cool, so bring a light jacket.
  • Prepare for Stairs: There are 130 steps down into the Catacombs and 85 steps back up to street level.
  • Arrive Early: Arrive 15 minutes before your tour starts to meet the group in time.
  • Bring Small Bags: Large bags are not allowed inside the Catacombs, so travel light.

Final Thoughts

The Paris Catacombs Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and Special Access is an excellent option for those who want to experience the dark, mysterious side of Paris in a larger group setting. With VIP access to restricted areas and skip-the-line privileges, this tour offers both efficiency and depth, all within a 1.5-hour timeframe. It’s perfect for visitors who are pressed for time but still want a comprehensive tour of the Catacombs.

The optional Seine river cruise adds even more value, allowing you to relax and enjoy a scenic view of Paris after your underground adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, or just looking for something off the beaten path, this Catacombs tour offers a memorable and eerie experience beneath the streets of Paris.

PROS:

✔️ Skip-the-Line Access: You save time and avoid the long queues, allowing you to make the most of your visit.

✔️ Small Group Size: With a maximum of 6 participants, the tour feels personal and intimate, offering more interaction with the guide.

✔️ Exclusive Access: Gain entry to restricted areas of the Catacombs, providing a unique experience that regular visitors don’t get.

✔️ Expert Guide: The guide offers in-depth historical knowledge and engaging stories, enhancing the overall experience.

✔️ Time-Efficient: At 1.5 hours, the tour is shorter than most others, ideal for travelers with tight schedules.

✔️ Shorter Duration: At just 1.5 hours, it’s a time-efficient option for visitors with tight schedules.

✔️ Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, allowing flexibility in your travel plans.

CONS:

Limited Availability: The small group size (6 people) means the tour sells out quickly, so booking in advance is essential.

Not Wheelchair Accessible: The Catacombs involve many stairs and narrow passages, making them inaccessible to people with mobility issues.

❌ Shorter Duration: At 1.5 hours, the tour is more time-efficient but might feel rushed compared to longer, more detailed 2-hour tours.

The Paris Small-Group Catacombs Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry is a must-do for anyone looking to explore the darker side of the City of Light. Unlike other Catacombs tours, this experience stands out for its small group size of only 6 people, providing an intimate and exclusive exploration in just 1.5 hours. Having personally experienced this tour, I found it both efficient and highly informative, without compromising on depth or access to hidden areas. Here’s everything you need to know.

Tour Overview

  • Rating: 4.9/5 (82 reviews)
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Group Size: Small group, limited to 6 participants
  • Languages: English
  • Special Access: Includes entry to restricted areas not accessible to the general public
  • Meeting Point: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, Paris, near Denfert-Rochereau Metro station  (line 4, 6 and RER B)
  • Price: Varies by season and availability
  • Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

This small-group tour is perfect for visitors who prefer a more personal experience while exploring the Catacombs’ eerie tunnels. Despite the shorter time frame compared to most 2-hour tours, it still covers all the highlights, with the added bonus of skip-the-line entry and access to restricted areas.

Key Highlights

  • Small Group Size: With a maximum of 6 participants, the tour ensures a personal, intimate atmosphere for exploring the Catacombs.

  • Skip-the-Line Access: Save time by bypassing long queues, getting you inside the Catacombs faster.

  • Exclusive Access: Enjoy access to parts of the Catacombs not open to the general public, such as the famous Crypt of the Passion.

  • Expert Local Guide: Led by a knowledgeable guide who will share detailed history, interesting facts, and eerie legends about the Catacombs and Paris.

  • Efficient Tour: At 1.5 hours, the tour is time-efficient, making it perfect for travelers with a packed schedule.

Detailed Itinerary

  • Meeting Point: You’ll meet your guide in front of the Catacombs’ entrance at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy. Look for a LivTours sign to find your guide easily. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour starts.

  • Descent into the Catacombs: The tour begins with a 133-step descent into the underground world of the Catacombs. As soon as you arrive, the chilling atmosphere will take over as you walk through the maze of tunnels, filled with the bones of over 6 million Parisians.

  • Guided Exploration: Your guide will lead you through the intricate labyrinth of bones, explaining how the Catacombs were first used as limestone quarries in the 13th century before becoming an ossuary in the late 18th century. You’ll learn about the history of overcrowded cemeteries, which led to the creation of this vast underground burial site.

  • Restricted Areas: One of the key highlights of the tour is exclusive access to restricted sections of the Catacombs, including the haunting Crypt of the Passion. Here, you’ll see the famous “Barrel”, a structure made entirely of bones and skulls—an unforgettable sight!

  • Intriguing Stories: As you navigate the tunnels, your guide will share eerie stories and historical anecdotes, including the use of the Catacombs during World War II as bunkers and its connection to the French Revolution. You’ll also learn about the underground community of cataphiles, who still explore the hidden parts of the Catacombs today.

  • End of the Tour: After about 1 mile of walking, the tour ends back at the surface, giving you time to reflect on the chilling beauty of the underground ossuary and perhaps explore the nearby Montparnasse neighborhood.

Tips for the Tour

  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Catacombs involve about a mile of walking, often on uneven surfaces, so comfortable footwear is a must.
  • Dress Warmly: The temperature inside the Catacombs is consistently cool (around 14°C), so it’s advisable to bring a light jacket.
  • Prepare for Stairs: The tour includes 133 steps down into the Catacombs and 85 steps back up, so be ready for some physical activity.
  • Arrive Early: Arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time will ensure you don’t miss the start of the tour.
  • Travel Light: Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the Catacombs, so pack light for the tour.

Final Thoughts

The Paris Small-Group Catacombs Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry is ideal for those looking to experience the Catacombs in a personal, intimate setting, without sacrificing time. The 1.5-hour duration allows for a detailed exploration, and the small group size ensures you get the most out of your guide’s knowledge and insights.

The added benefit of exclusive access to restricted areas makes this tour stand out from standard visits. If you’re fascinated by Paris’ history or simply curious about its more macabre side, this tour will leave you with unforgettable memories of the City of the Dead.

Best Audio-Guided Tours of the Paris Catacombs

PROS:

✔️ Flexible Exploration: You can explore the Catacombs at your own pace, without being bound to a group schedule.

✔️ Multilingual Audio Guide: The audio guide is available in multiple languages (English, French, German, Spanish), making it accessible for a wide range of visitors.

✔️ Affordable Option: At €35.00, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive guided tours.

✔️ Great for Independent Travelers: Perfect for those who enjoy exploring without the structure of a guided tour.

✔️ Flexible Cancellation: You can cancel for a full refund until 23:59 the day before your visit, adding flexibility to your plans.

CONS:

❌ No Live Guide: Without a live guide, you miss out on interactive experiences and the opportunity to ask questions in real time.

❌ No Headphones Provided: You need to bring your own headphones, which could be inconvenient if forgotten.

❌ Not Wheelchair Accessible: The Catacombs involve stairs and uneven terrain, making them inaccessible to those with mobility issues.

Exploring the Paris Catacombs offers a fascinating glimpse into the dark history of Paris, and the Catacombs Entry Ticket + Audio Guide is a great way to experience it on your own terms. Unlike other tours that include live guides, this option allows you to wander through the eerie underground ossuary independently, using an audio guide to learn about the history and significance of this macabre site. Here’s what sets this self-guided tour apart from other options.

Tour Overview

  • Price: Starting at €35.00
  • Duration: Flexible, typically 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Audio Guide: Available in English, French, German, and Spanish
  • Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation if canceled by 23:59 the day before
  • Opening Hours: 09:45 – 20:30 (closed Mondays)

This ticket offers skip-the-line access to the Paris Catacombs and includes a multilingual audio guide, allowing you to explore at your leisure. The flexibility of this self-paced tour makes it a great option for travelers who prefer not to be bound by a group schedule or those looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to guided tours.

Key Highlights

  • Self-Guided Tour: Wander through the Catacombs on your own, exploring the site at your own pace without the need to follow a group.

  • Multilingual Audio Guide: Available in English, French, German, and Spanish, the audio guide offers informative commentary on the history, legends, and facts surrounding the Catacombs.

  • Skip-the-Line Access: Avoid waiting in long queues and head straight into the Catacombs to begin your underground adventure.

  • Learn at Your Own Pace: You can pause the audio guide whenever you want, giving you complete control over how long you spend at each section.

  • Affordable Option: At just €35.00, this tour provides an economical way to experience the Catacombs, compared to guided tours that are often more expensive.

Detailed Itinerary

  • Arrival and Entry: Upon arrival at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, simply show your Tiqets smartphone ticket for easy access. You’ll descend 131 steps into the depths of the Catacombs.

  • Start of the Audio Tour: Once inside, the audio guide will lead you through the historical significance of the Catacombs. It begins by explaining how the tunnels were originally limestone quarries, before being transformed into ossuaries in the late 18th century.

  • Key Stops Along the Way:

    • Learn about the Saints-Innocents Cemetery and how public health issues forced the relocation of six million Parisians’ remains to the Catacombs.
    • Admire artistic bone arrangements and religious symbols made from skulls and femurs, such as the striking Crypt of the Passion and the famous “Barrel” of bones.
    • Discover the historical events associated with the Catacombs, including its use during World War II by the French Resistance, and learn about Philibert Aspairt, a man who tragically lost his way in the underground tunnels.
  • Independent Exploration: With no guide to follow, you can move at your own pace, spending as much time as you like in areas that captivate you. Pause your audio guide at any point to linger in sections of particular interest.

  • Exit: After exploring approximately 1 mile of tunnels, you’ll exit by ascending 112 steps back to street level, concluding your self-guided tour near the lively Montparnasse district.

Tips for the Tour

  • Bring Your Own Headphones: For the best audio experience, make sure to bring your own headphones. This will allow you to enjoy the audio guide clearly and without distractions.
  • Dress for the Weather: The temperature inside the Catacombs is a cool 14°C (57°F), so wear layers to stay comfortable during your visit.
  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: The tour involves a considerable amount of walking on uneven surfaces, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must.
  • Travel Light: Only small bags (up to 40×30 cm) are allowed, and there are no cloakroom facilities, so avoid bringing large luggage or backpacks.
  • Arrive on Time: Make sure to arrive early or on time for your chosen timeslot, as the Catacombs follow a strict schedule and rescheduling is not available.

Final Thoughts

The Catacombs of Paris Entry Ticket + Audio Guide is a great option for those who prefer a flexible and independent exploration of this historic site. With the skip-the-line entry and informative multilingual audio guide, you can immerse yourself in the rich, eerie history of the Catacombs at your own pace, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want to avoid the constraints of group tours.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, fascinated by the macabre, or just curious to see what lies beneath Paris, this self-guided audio tour offers a budget-friendly and customizable way to experience the City of the Dead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Paris Catacombs, and why are they famous?

The Paris Catacombs are a vast network of underground tunnels and chambers beneath the city, originally used as quarries. Today, they are famous for containing the remains of over 6 million people, transferred here from overcrowded cemeteries in the 18th century.

Most guided tours of the Paris Catacombs last between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on the type of tour and whether you have special access to restricted areas.

  • Yes, skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season. The Catacombs are very popular, and wait times can often exceed two hours.

Yes, the Catacombs are safe for visitors. However, due to the underground nature of the site, it may not be suitable for people with claustrophobia or mobility issues.

Yes, you can tour the Catacombs of Paris either through self-guided visits with audio guides, guided tours, or special access tours, many of which offer skip-the-line options to avoid long waits.

Yes, photography without flash is allowed in the Catacombs. However, be respectful of the surroundings as it is considered a burial site.

While children are allowed to visit, it is not recommended for very young children or those easily frightened, as the Catacombs can be dark and eerie. The recommended age is generally 10 and older.

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