Paris Catacombs Tours and Activities

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This chilling underground graveyard opened as a tourist attraction in 1874, and houses the remains of more than 6 million Parisians.

With its eerily ornate bone formations, the Paris Catacombs seems like some macabre artwork but it actually spawned from practicality. Overcrowded graveyards in the late 1700s were causing health problems in the city, including the spread of disease through contaminated water. From 1786 to 1814, the exhumed bones from the city’s cemeteries were transferred to the abandoned underground limestone quarries, and the result is the haunting catacombs. The passageways are more than a mile long (1.6 kilometers), with wall-to-wall skeletal remains neatly arranged around memorial plaques. The bones are arranged according to bone type – skulls, femurs, tibias. Some bones are more than a century old, with some that date back to the French Revolution.

Visitors enter in the 14th arrondissement, descend underground via 130 steps and then wind through the low-ceilinged, dimly lit tunnels. The walls feature intricate carvings, known as the Sculptures of Decure. Dating back to 1777, the works were created by Decure, an army veteran and quarry inspector, who perished when a sinkhole opened on an upper level of the tunnel.

Rent a personalized audio tour, which walks you through the winding passages and provide background on some of the ossuary’s highlights. These include the Fountain of Samaritan, a small spring encircled by a wall of bones. The oldest artifact in the catacombs is the Sepulchral Lamp, which was lit by quarrymen working in the corridors.

Allow an hour to wander through the tunnels, which are open every day except Mondays. Adults must accompany children under the age of 14.

The entrance to the Paris Catacombs is nondescript, tucked away in a patch of trees on the Place Denfert-Rochereau. Be prepared to wait an hour or more in line to enter the catacombs. Take a sweater as it gets cold underground even in summer. It can also be slippery so take care, especially on the many stairs in and out of the tunnels. Stay on track, as you don’t want to find yourself lost in the further 180 miles (290 kilometers) of quarry tunnels. There is paid parking nearby, and public transportation stops nearby as well.

Compare 10,473 hotels close to Paris Catacombs with room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Hôtel Vacances Bleues Villa Modigliani
Hôtel Vacances Bleues Villa Modigliani
3 out of 5
13 rue Delambre, Paris, Paris, 75014
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $150 per night from May 1 to May 2
$150
per night
May 1 - May 2
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the quiet rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (992 reviews)
"All are friendly and nice especially Charles. He is very knowledgeable and give good tips to where to go."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2023

Hôtel Vacances Bleues Villa Modigliani
Victoria Palace Hotel Paris
Victoria Palace Hotel Paris
4 out of 5
6 Rue Blaise-Desgoffe, Paris, Paris, 75006
The price is $295 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
$295
per night
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious rooms in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (414 reviews)
Good location, hotel meh
"Decent hotel but nothing special. Room was a little haggard, especially the bathroom. I didn’t really enjoy the breakfast as hot options consist of unseasoned scrambled eggs, beans and bacon only. Good location, right near Saint Salplice and Montparsse stations"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2023

Victoria Palace Hotel Paris
Hôtel Michelet Odeon
Hôtel Michelet Odeon
2 out of 5
6 place de l'Odeon, Paris, 75006
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $171 per night from May 1 to May 2
$171
per night
May 1 - May 2
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (751 reviews)
Positive feedback
"Excellent location with a very comfortable and immaculate room. Reception staff very friendly and accommodating. Would recommend."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2023

Hôtel Michelet Odeon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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