How to Visit the Paris Catacombs: Tickets, Tips & What to Expect

Hidden beneath the elegant boulevards of Paris lies something astonishing: a haunting, historical labyrinth known as the Catacombs of Paris. Housing the bones of over six million Parisians, this underground ossuary is one of the most fascinating and spine-tingling attractions in the city.

Whether you’re a history buff, an urban explorer, or just curious, here’s exactly how to visit the Catacombs — from booking skip-the-line tickets to what to bring and expect inside.

🕰️ Opening Hours & Location

• Address: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris
• Nearest Metro: Denfert-Rochereau (Lines 4 & 6, RER B)
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
• Closed: Mondays and public holidays

Only 200 visitors are allowed inside at any given time, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.

🎟️ Ticket Options & Guided Tours

❗ Children under 5 are not allowed.

✅ Recommended Booking Options:

• 🛒 Skip-the-Line Ticket + Audioguide (GetYourGuide)
• 🎧 Small-Group Guided Tour with Special Access (Viator)

🚶‍♀️ What to Expect Inside

• 131 steps down / 112 steps back up
• Around 1.5 km of tunnels (~1 mile)
• Temperature: a steady 14°C (57°F)
• Expect low ceilings, dim lighting, and narrow walkways

You’ll walk past eerie formations of skulls and bones, poetic plaques, and the famous “Barrel of Bones” — all in respectful silence. The experience typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.

⚠️ Safety Tips & What to Bring

• Not recommended for:
  • Children under 14
  • Those with claustrophobia or mobility issues
• No strollers or large bags allowed (no cloakroom)
• What to bring:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A warm layer
  • A small bag only
  • Water bottle (no eating or drinking inside)

📸 Can You Take Photos?

Yes — but no flash or tripods. The lighting is low, so be prepared for moody, atmospheric shots!

🗺️ Entrance & Exit Details

• Entrance: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
• Exit: 21 bis Avenue René-Coty (about 5–7 min walk from the entrance)

There are restrooms and a gift shop near the exit.

🧭 Should You Take a Guided Tour?

While the standard audio guide is informative, a small-group guided tour offers access to restricted areas and richer stories about the Catacombs’ hidden history.

• Tours often include:
  • Secret chapels
  • Hidden inscriptions
  • Stories from the French Revolution and WWII

→ 📚 View Recommended Guided Tours

✅ Quick Tips Recap

• Book in advance – slots fill up quickly
• Dress warmly – it’s cold and damp
• Arrive 10–15 minutes early
• Use the bathroom beforehand
• Don’t touch the bones – it’s both disrespectful and prohibited

💀 Final Thoughts

The Paris Catacombs are one of the city’s most unforgettable experiences — a deep dive into the underworld of history, mortality, and architecture.

If you’re ready to descend into the shadows of Paris…

🎟️ Get Skip-the-Line Tickets Now →
📸 Or book a special-access guided tour for a deeper experience.

Looking for more dark or unusual Paris attractions?
Check out:

• 👉 [How to Visit Père Lachaise Cemetery]
• 👉 [Top 10 Hidden Gems in Paris]
• 👉 [Macabre Paris: Offbeat Tours & Crypts]