If you are traveling to Paris and looking for something spooky to add to your itinerary, then the Paris Catacombs are a must-see. 

Serpentining through an underground labyrinth lined with millions of real human bones and skulls is not an activity for the faint of heart. That said, it is certainly a memorable adventure. And the history surrounding these underground tunnels is simply fascinating. 

Below is my guide to visiting the Paris Catacombs, and a little bit of history on how these memorial site came to be.

Note: The catacombs are a burial site. If you are visiting, please be respectful!

Background on the Paris Catacombs

What was the purpose of the Paris Catacombs?

The Paris Catacombs were established in the 1700s as an attempt to mitigate the rampant public health crisis sweeping the city. Unsurprisingly, Paris’ rise in population, and its subsequent rise in disease, led to an overcrowding of the city’s established cemeteries. Eventually, the city had no space with which to properly dispose of bodies. By the late 1700s, the odor of rotting flesh and exposed bodies clouded the entire city. This, in turn, contributed to more disease and severe sanitation issues. 

In 1786, city officials began to migrate bodies from the city’s cemeteries into an ancient limestone quarry network beneath Paris – known today as the catacombs. Priests and religious leaders were present to ease the ritual. The construction of and relocation of bodies to the catacombs took years to complete.

How many people are buried in the Paris catacombs?

An estimated 6-7 million people are entombed in the Paris Catacombs. 

The migration of bodies from cemeteries around the city account for a large portion of the bones in the catacombs. Other major events, such as the French Revolution, added to the total. Paris stopped actively using the catacombs in 1860. Today, the catacombs are a historical site.

Visiting the Paris Catacombs

Yes! You can absolutely visit the Paris Catacombs. Today, the city has designated over 2 miles of underground tunnels for visitors to explore and learn about the history of the catacombs.

Over half a million visitors enter the catacombs every year. The catacombs are open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:45am – 8:30pm. You must enter at least one hour before closing. Check out the official website for more information about hours of operation.

Only 200 visitors are allowed in the tunnels at any given time. I recommend purchasing a ticket in advance so you can skip the always-long line. Also – it gets cold down there, so be sure to bring a jacket!

How do I buy tickets to the Paris catacombs?

You can purchase tickets to the catacombs directly at the entrance. Otherwise, tickets can be purchased online in advance. Given the long lines that can form during the day, I highly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance at the catacombs official website.

Tickets cost under 30 Euros for anyone over the age of 18, and 5 Euros for anyone under the age of 18.  

Where are the Paris catacombs located?

The Paris Catacombs are located in the 14th arrondissement of the city. The entrance to the catacombs is directly next to the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop, as well as several popular bus lines. It is a relatively easy commute to reach the Paris Catacombs from anywhere in the city.

• Travel by Metro – Take the 4 or 6 line to Denfert-Rochereau
• Travel by Train – Take the N or TER trains to Denfert-Rochereau
• Travel by RER – Take the B line to Denfert-Rochereau
• Travel by Bus – Take the 38, 68, 88, or 92 buses to the Denfert-Rochereau stop. 
• Travel by Uber/Lyft – Input your destination as ‘Paris Catacombs’ or 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
• Travel by foot – If you are in the area already, you can walk or bike to the address above.

Can you freely explore the catacombs?

It is strictly forbidden to freely roam the catacombs because large portions of the underground tunnel network are unstable, unlit, and prone to collapse or flooding. In fact, much of the catacombs network remains unexplored or unreachable today.

For reference: only two miles of the catacombs are open to visitors, but nearly 200 miles of tunnels exist underneath Paris.

Urban explorers and various groups have committed sections of the tunnel network to memory, with some knowing the multitude of access points peppered across the city. For years, people have broken the rules to venture into the unknown passageways beneath the city of light. In 2004, the Paresian police actually discovered a fully operated movie theater in one of the tunnels – equipped with a full bar, projector, and seats.

That said, exploring the tunnels alone is dangerous. It is easy to get lost if you are not paying attention.

Have people gone missing in the catacombs?

Yes – explorers venturing through the catacombs alone have certainly gone missing in the network of tunnels. 

In 1793, a man’s remains were discovered just feet from the exit. Even more recently in 2017, two parisian teens were lost in the catacombs for over three days before they were found by rescue dogs. 

Although the catacombs have an eerie allure to them, it is important to remember that they are not to be taken lightly. It is surely much better and safer to stick to the set tour, and avoid wandering off alone.

That’s all, folks!

Hopefully this guide gives you a good understanding of how to plan a visit to the catacombs in Paris. The catacombs are one of the most unusual and interesting places I have ever explored. If you are interested in Parisian history and spooky atmospheres, visiting the catacombs is absolutely an activity to add to your bucket list.

Have you been to the catacombs in Paris? Drop a comment below!

Check out my top 20 things to do in Paris to bu