Visiting the Paris Catacombs: Tickets, Tips & Our Experience

What Do You Need to Know About the Paris Catacombs?

Before we get into tickets and visiting tips, here are the key facts about the Paris Catacombs:

• The Paris Catacombs are a former quarry.
• They consist of a tunnel network stretching over 300 kilometers. Only a tiny portion is open to the public — similar to the Catacombs of Rome or the Catacombs of Naples.
• When Paris was struggling with disease and famine and there was no more room in the cemeteries, bones were transferred to the Catacombs for the first time in 1786.
• An estimated 6 to 7 million remains lie in the Paris ossuary.
• And of course, plenty of myths surround the Catacombs. The Philosopher’s Stone is said to be hidden here. And the Gateway to Hell is supposedly located here too. Not without reason is it one of the creepiest places in the world.

What Can You See in the Paris Catacombs?

The Catacombs are among the most visited attractions in Paris. History, eeriness, and the downright bizarre all come together in one place.

Here’s what you can see in the accessible part of the Catacombs:

• Former quarry with informational panels
• Ossuary with the remains of several million people
• Various inscriptions – for example, “Arrête! Ici c’est l’empire de la mort!” (Stop! Here begins the empire of the dead!)
• Bone formations and decorations

By the way: The Catacombs are a great option on a rainy day in Paris. You’ll learn and see a lot without getting wet. Win-win.

What Was Renovated During the Renovation?

From November 2025 to April 2026, the Paris Catacombs were closed for renovation work.

The goal was to modernize the site, preserve the bones, and create an even better experience for visitors.

For example, new ventilation systems and sensors for temperature and humidity were installed to protect the remains from moisture and microorganisms.

There’s also a new audio guide. Instead of a bulky device, visitors now receive a modern headset — and the coolest part: the audio commentary plays automatically at key points. No searching, no wrong buttons.

The lighting has been improved too, and at certain points, projections about the history of the Catacombs are now shown. There’s also a new reception area, better accessibility, and updated fire safety and security systems.

The bones were of course not moved. They’re still just as authentically in place as they were over 200 years ago.

Map of the Paris Catacombs

To help you get your bearings and understand the layout, we’ve marked the accessible area of the Catacombs — plus the entrance and exit — on a map of Paris.

Paris Catacombs Tickets & Prices

You can get tickets for the Paris Catacombs online through the official Catacombs website or for a few euros more through GetYourGuide. There are no tickets available on-site.

Every ticket includes an audio guide, which you receive at the entrance.

At the entrance, there’s a sign showing what official tickets look like. Tickets that look different will not be accepted. Here’s a photo of our ticket from the official website:

How and Where Do You Buy the Official Tickets for the Paris Catacombs?

As mentioned, you buy your ticket through the official Paris Catacombs website or through GetYourGuide.

The booking process on the official site isn’t entirely straightforward. Here’s what to know:

1. When are tickets available?: Tickets are released 7 days in advance, every day at 10:00 a.m. (Paris time). Available time slots are limited and in high demand — tickets often sell out within minutes. You’ll need to decide in advance when you want to visit.
2. Payment options: You can only pay by credit card. No PayPal, no Apple Pay, or anything similar.
3. Storing your ticket: After purchase, you can save your ticket directly to your wallet app or take a screenshot on your phone. Printing it out is also an option.

The booking process through GetYourGuide is much easier, both on the website and through the app.

How Much Do Tickets for the Paris Catacombs Cost?

Admission prices for the Paris Catacombs including the audio guide are as follows in April 2026:

• Adults €31
• Children (ages 5–17) €12
• Children under 5 free

Tickets through the third-party provider GetYourGuide are slightly more expensive and are currently €38.

Paris Catacombs Admission & Visiting

The most important facts upfront:

Paris Catacombs Opening Hours

The Paris Catacombs are open daily from 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM — except on Mondays and certain public holidays. Last admission is at 7:30 PM.

Plan enough time and choose a centrally located hotel. Our hotel recommendations for Paris will help you find the perfect place to stay.

How Do You Get to the Catacombs in Paris?

Paris Metro lines 4 and 6 will take you right to the entrance of the Catacombs at Place Denfert-Rochereau.

Which Entrance to the Catacombs Is the Right One?

There is only one legal entrance to the Catacombs, located at Place Denfert-Rochereau in the south of Paris.

The exact address is: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris

All other access points are not intended for visitors and should not be used. Entering the Catacombs through unauthorized entrances is actually a criminal offense.

Are Bags Allowed Inside the Catacombs?

Bags measuring 40x30x20 centimeters are permitted. Anything larger is not allowed inside the ossuary. There are no lockers or storage facilities on-site for large luggage.

Are There Security Checks at the Paris Catacombs?

Yes. Before entering the Catacombs, you must go through a metal detector just like at the airport, and your bags will be X-rayed. Water bottles and snacks are fine. Phones, power banks, and cameras are also allowed.

When you exit the Catacombs, your bags will be checked again — this ensures that nobody walks off with any bones.

Visiting the Paris Catacombs: Our Experience

Visiting the Paris Catacombs starts with a small test of patience: before you’re even allowed into the underworld, you’ll face a whole lot of security checks. Bag inspection, X-ray, pat-down — and you’ll need to show your ticket four separate times.

But then you’re off. 130 spiral staircase steps take you 30 meters down into the depths. With every step, it gets cooler, damper, and quieter. Down here, you’re not just beneath the streets of Paris — you’re even below the Metro.

The Old Quarries Beneath Paris

The first part of the tour takes you through the old quarries, where limestone used to build many of Paris’s buildings was once extracted.

You’ll learn how entire neighborhoods in the 18th century were on the verge of collapse because too much material had been removed underground — and how a massive support system was subsequently built.

Along the way, informational panels feature historical drawings and explanations in French, English, and Spanish. But you don’t have to read them, because the audio guide explains everything in your language.

The quarry section feels more like a fascinating history lesson — less spooky, but really informative.

The Empire of the Dead

The second part of the Catacombs begins with a striking inscription: “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort” – “Stop! Here begins the empire of the dead.”

From this point on, the atmosphere changes completely. You stand in a kind of antechamber before entering the ossuary. A sign explicitly reminds you not to touch anything and not to take anything with you. The audio guide falls silent in the ossuary out of respect for the dead.

Then the narrow passage opens up and suddenly you’re right in the middle of it.

On both sides, the remains of around six million people are stacked — neatly arranged, skull next to skull, bone upon bone. The sight is awe-inspiring and deeply unsettling. Death feels so tangible here that you almost forget to breathe.

We’d wondered beforehand: what does it smell like down there?
Strangely enough, like nothing at all. No mustiness, no cellar smell, no decay. There is simply silence. Only occasionally do you hear a drop fall from the ceiling to the floor, or the distant footsteps of other visitors.

Throughout the ossuary you’ll find inscriptions revealing which cemeteries the bones came from and when they were brought here. The lighting is subdued — just bright enough to see everything without losing the atmosphere.

Our tip: Take your time and let it all sink in.

Only about 30 to 35 people are admitted per time slot. That’s a pleasantly small number, and the group spreads out completely over the roughly two-kilometer loop.

If you walk slowly and deliberately, you can actually experience moments where you’re completely alone — surrounded by centuries-old remains.

That silence is hard to describe. There’s a strange feeling that the sealed-off passages are calling out to you. No wonder so many myths surround the Catacombs and people have disappeared down there. The atmosphere is peculiarly unsettling, yet utterly fascinating.

Our Verdict on the Paris Catacombs

After about an hour, you emerge back into daylight via 80 steps — this time at Avenue René Coty, on the other side of the site.

Right at the exit, you’ll find a small souvenir shop selling décor, shirts, and little keepsakes. Honestly, we didn’t find it particularly exciting — but to each their own.

Would we go back? Probably not. The Catacombs are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They don’t change, but they leave a lasting impression.

If you love places with history, atmosphere, and a touch of goosebumps, you should absolutely see them at least once in your life.

More Questions About the Paris Catacombs

Dangers & Prohibited Activities in the Paris Catacombs

For the safety of residents, tourists, and the city itself, there are a few important rules and restrictions in the Paris Catacombs:

No Going It Alone!

Never, under any circumstances, go into or through the Paris Catacombs on your own.

Beyond the accessible path lies a confusing, dark labyrinth. So confusing, in fact, that part of the Catacombs hasn’t even been explored, let alone mapped.

And it genuinely happens more often than you’d think — people underestimate the tunnel network and don’t make it back to the surface for days. Often only thanks to a rescue operation.

Keep in mind: there’s no cell service down there either.

Stay Away from Illegal Entrances!

Illegal entrances go hand in hand with going solo through the Catacombs. Both are things you should put out of your mind entirely.

It’s not only incredibly dangerous, but it’s also a criminal offense.

The Paris police regularly patrol the well-known and lesser-known access points — and even inside the Catacombs themselves — with their “Catacops.” If you’re caught, you’ll face a fine of at least €60.

Follow the Rules and Regulations!

Especially since the 1970s, underground parties of all kinds have been hugely popular in the Paris Catacombs. In the restricted areas of the underground, so-called “cataphiles” have thrown raves, held concerts, and even conducted black masses.

But the wildest thing the Paris police ever discovered was a fully furnished cinema — roughly 500 square meters, complete with a restaurant and bar. And everything was connected to the aboveground power grid and ready to go.

While some of this sounds genuinely funny and fascinating, it’s extremely dangerous and violates all sorts of regulations. That’s why police crack down hard on these events.

One more thing: smoking is also strictly prohibited in the Paris Catacombs.

Bones Stay in the Ossuary!

As mentioned above: because bones were frequently stolen from the Catacombs, there is now a bag check at the exit.

Yes, really. Visitors have actually taken bones as souvenirs. It’s so bizarre it’s hard to believe.

Theft — or even attempted theft — is immediately prosecuted as a criminal offense. The same applies to the destruction, damage, or intentional defacement of objects in the Paris Catacombs.

And it’s worth repeating: this is, after all, the final resting place of millions of people.

The History of the Paris Catacombs

The Paris Catacombs date back to the 13th century, toward the end of the High Middle Ages. At that time, though, they were still a relatively small, open-air quarry.

To provide enough building material for Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the city walls of Paris, the quarry was extended underground.

Over the following nearly 500 years, the vast tunnel network of 300 kilometers that is known today as the Catacombs took shape.

No Room Left in the Cemeteries

Like much of Europe, Paris in the 18th century was struggling with widespread disease and famine. Plague, smallpox, cholera, and failed harvests killed so many people that space in the city’s cemeteries — such as Père Lachaise — was running out.

As a stopgap solution, it was decided to relocate old bones from Parisian cemeteries to the Catacombs. This is how, starting in 1786, the Paris ossuary came to hold the approximately 6 to 7 million remains that are still there today.

The Gateway to Hell and the Philosopher’s Stone

Many myths and legends surround the Paris Catacombs. But the belief in the Gateway to Hell and in Nicholas Flamel’s Philosopher’s Stone has proven particularly persistent.

But one thing at a time.

It’s easy to see why a place like the Paris ossuary — with all its bones and skulls — would be linked to hell. It gets truly creepy when we tell you that one inscription in the Catacombs reads: “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.”

Who chiseled these words into the stone centuries ago is unclear. What is clear, however, is that they come from Dante’s Divine Comedy — a work that deals, among other things, with the Inferno and Purgatory. Unsettling!

More charming is the mystical story of the Philosopher’s Stone and Nicholas Flamel. Because he wasn’t invented by J.K. Rowling for her Harry Potter books — he actually lived.

In Paris, no less. His house still stands today. You can actually go there for a great meal — one of our Paris insider tips.

Flamel was, among other things, a famous alchemist who researched the Philosopher’s Stone — a stone that could not only turn metal into gold and silver, but also contained the elixir of life and could make you immortal. Well — Flamel certainly died in the end.

But the stone with the elixir of life is said to be hidden somewhere in the Paris Catacombs. Absolutely fascinating!