Twenty metres underground on the southern side of central Paris, is a world completely hidden to those walking above. The word ‘catacomb’ means an underground cemetery containing tunnels and dug out spaces to place bones from the deceased. What was once the site of an old limestone quarry, is now the resting place of over 2 million Parisians. Although it is a little strange and eerie, it completely exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend including it in your itinerary, if you are visiting Paris.
History
During the late eighteenth century, due to overcrowding in the city’s cemeteries, Parisians experienced major public health problems and the spread of diseases. Authorities chose to transfer the excess remains to what they thought was an adequate and accessible site: former quarry tunnels. The first evacuations were made from 1785 to 1787 and were made from one of the largest cemetery in Paris, the Saints-Innocents cemetery.
On April 7, 1786, the site was named the “Paris Municipal Ossuary” and from then onwards, acquired the mythical name of “Catacombs”. This was in reference to the Roman catacombs, which had fascinated the public since their discovery. In 1809, the Catacombs of Paris were opened to the public and are now visited by more than 300,000 people each year.
Opening hours
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. except Mondays and certain holidays. Ticket window closes at 7:30 p.m.
Getting there
The Paris Catacombs can be accessed easily by the underground metro. Take a train on Line 4 (coloured purple on the map) OR Line 6 (coloured light green on the map) and get off at Denfert-Rochereau. Depending on where you are coming from, the RER (regional express trains) on Line B stop here also.
A single trip on the RER or Metro within Paris costs $1.90 Euro ($3 AUD / $2.15 USD).
When you come out from the underground station follow the tourist signs towards the Catacombs. The street address and entrance point are marked below.
1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
Cost + Tickets
You have two options here. You can book beforehand to skip the line or you can queue and purchase tickets on the day. Buying on the day is cheaper but you will need to be prepared for a significant wait time. I highly recommend that you get there WELL BEFORE opening if you choose this option.
On the day – 14 Euros per person, plus 5 Euros for the Audio Guide*.
Online – 29 Euros per person with the Audio Guide included. For this option children do not get free entry. It is 5 Euros per child with no audio guide included.
The above prices are for one adult. If you are purchasing on the day and are aged between 18 and 26 you can get a reduced rate. This saves you two Euros. On the day, children under 18 are free although if they want the audio guide this is 5 Euros.
*Audio Guides come in French, English and Spanish.
What to expect
Queuing
There was a really long line and we got there not too long after opening. This line also moved pretty slowly, as they ration the amount of visitors that can go in at any one given time. While this staggering makes for a better experience once you get down into the tunnels, it is not fun to stand outside for a couple of hours. Yep, we stood in line for at least 2 hours and we started to lose stamina and run out of fun word games to play. All because I didn’t pull myself out of bed half an hour earlier. So lesson learnt = If it opens at 10, get there no later than 9.30am to join the queue and get through in the first few groups.
Allow enough time for your visit
This is not something that can be sped through in half an hour. We spent about 2 hours down there and made sure we got to absorb and take everything in. I definitely think this was adequate and any less would have been rushing. I liked that I could stop and listen to my audio guide along the way and was able to take enough pictures without too many people in my face.
Darkness/lighting
It can get a little dark in a couple of spots, but overall I thought it was really well lit for you to find your way around. This also means you can take small children with you. I saw many families with young ones and even a school group with small children, none of which looked remotely concerned.
Some parts are a little narrow, so I wouldn’t take a big bag with you
Once you reach the section where the bones are displayed, you must wear you backpack on your front anyway (there are staff at this point to monitor that) so you don’t bump into people or damage the fragile bones that are exposed.
Cardio
Although the walking route underground is around 1.5 kilometres it is all very flat and manageable. As the tunnels are located roughly 20 metres underground, you do need to descend 131 stairs from the entrance to reach the tunnels (and of course come back up, this time only 112 stairs…so 243 in total). Not to worry, plenty of kids were doing this without much trouble 🙂
Other useful tips
Definitely get the audio guide!
It is informative and simple to follow, without being a burden on the experience. It is great to know what you are looking at and the history behind it. It does cost a few extra Euro but it is totally worth it! Without it you can not get the full experience.
The bones are exposed!
They are not covered by anything protective and are very fragile. They are also arranged in some interesting, somewhat creative patterns and shapes in some sections.
Don’t be that idiot that takes a cheesy, smiley selfie
This is not a place to exploit the opportunity for a ‘cool’ photo to boost your ego. So disrespectful! These are departed souls that now reside here for eternity. Just NO! And YES, I saw someone try and take one! Sometimes I think I #losealittlefaithinhumanity 🙁
Wear a jacket
This applies all year round. It is said that the underground passages average 14 degrees celsius each day. So if you are visiting in summer, I wouldn’t go down there in nothing but a sundress or a singlet. Definitely take a jacket with you. I know it is a little annoying to carry one around on a warm day, but you’ll thank me later for it. That being said ,I actually didn’t feel too cold down there (but that was probably because it was a welcome change compared to the chilly temperatures and drizzling rain on the streets above). Well that, and I was wearing a BIG coat #aussiesarenotbuiltforeuropeancold!
You come out a different spot to where you started!
It ends up being about 400-500 meters from the start point (just make a note of that so you don’t walk out feeling a little disorientated like I did LOL! I have attached a rough estimate of the exit point below. It is on the same side of the street that you enter just a few blocks down the road.
So, if you love learning, can appreciate history and want to experience something a little different, then be sure to add The Catacombs to you list of things to do in Paris.
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