Welcome to the Dark Heart of Paris
Beneath all the charming shops and cafes of Paris, there is something much scarier — a massive underground maze with the remains of more than six million individuals. The Catacombs of Paris aren’t only a sight for tourists, they’re one of the world’s spookiest, most captivating, and unforgettable sites.
Regardless of whether you are intrigued by curiosity, history, or the excitement of the unknown, the guide will lead you deep into the darkness — literally as well as figuratively.
The Paris Catacombs: What are They?
The Catacombs of Paris are an extensive network of tunnels and ossuaries, former limestone quarries, that became the resting place for millions of people. The tunnels dated back to the late 18th century, turned into bone-lined galleries, as cemeteries had started becoming overcrowded, seriously affecting public health.
These days, only part of it is accessible for the public — and that’s precisely why it’s even more fascinating
A Brief History of the Catacombs
In the late 1700s, Paris was experiencing a massive emergency: cemeteries became full, and rotting corpses started polluting the city. In came the solution: relocating the deceased underground.
Since 1786, bones have been carried nightly from cemeteries into such ancient quarries. Decades passed, during which the bones were mannered into walls, altars, and macabre displays that exist intact today.
How to Visit the Catacombs
- Location: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris
- Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
- Closed: Mondays and public holidays
Tickets & Tours: What You Need to Know
- Standard Ticket: Access to the public section (1.5 km)
- Skip-the-Line Tour: Guided access + priority entry- Book your ticket now →
- VIP Access Tours: Private or night entries -See available options →
Pro tip: Booking in advance saves you time and guarantees entry on busy days.
What You’ll See Inside
- Tunnels lined with bones and skulls
- Latin inscriptions and poetic reflections
- The infamous “Barrel of Bones”
- Complete silence — only footsteps echo
- Temperature: 14°C (57°F) all year
Tips Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes — it’s uneven and damp
- Bring a jacket — always cool inside
- Not recommended for: kids under 10, claustrophobic visitors
- Photos allowed (no flash)
- Visit duration: 45–60 minutes
Haunted Stories & Urban Legends
The Catacombs are a hotspot for ghost stories and eerie legends:
- “Man in the Lost Tapes”: Found footage of a lost explorer, never seen again.
- Phantom whispers: Visitors report voices or invisible footsteps.
- Midnight explorers: Cataphiles tell of strange lights and vanishing paths.
👉 Read more real testimonies in our Real Stories section.
Who Are the Cataphiles?
Cataphiles are underground urban explorers who illegally access the restricted tunnels of the Paris Catacombs. They:
- Enter through secret grates and sewers
- Host underground parties and art events
- Leave cryptic graffiti and murals
Want to know more? Check our deep dive: Inside the World of the Cataphiles →
How to Get There
- Metro: Line 4 or 6 to Denfert-Rochereau
- RER B: From CDG Airport or central Paris
- From Eiffel Tower: Line 6 → Line 4 (30 min)
- From Notre-Dame: RER B (10 min)
Look for the small black building across the square — that’s the entrance.
FAQs & Final Tips
- Is it safe? Yes, the official route is secure and supervised.
- How long is the tour? Around 45–60 mins.
- Is it scary? Only if you let your imagination go wild.
- Can I bring kids? Not recommended under age 5.
Ready to Go Deeper?
The Catacombs are unlike anything else in Paris. You’ll leave with goosebumps, unforgettable memories — and probably more questions than answers.
Book your tour now and skip the wait →
Topics:
🎟️ Catacombs of Paris Tickets
Skip the long lines and explore the underground ossuary with priority access. Learn about where to get tickets, guided options, and important booking tips.
📜 History of the Paris Catacombs
Uncover the origins of the Catacombs, their creation in the 18th century, and their transformation from stone quarries into a subterranean cemetery. Dive into the fascinating history here.
🕯️ Best Catacombs Tours
Want a deeper experience? Explore top-rated Catacombs tours with expert guides who reveal hidden corners and haunting stories behind the bones.
🚇 How to Get to the Catacombs
Plan your visit stress-free. Find the best metro stops, nearby landmarks, and practical tips in our how to get there guide.
❓ FAQ: What You Need to Know
Have questions? Our FAQ section covers everything from opening hours to what to wear, accessibility, and photo rules.
🕵️♂️ Cataphiles: The Secret Explorers
Meet the Cataphiles — urban explorers who illegally venture deep into the forbidden tunnels of the Paris underworld. Read chilling true stories here.
📸 Real Stories and Legends
Explore creepy tales, urban myths, and real encounters inside the Catacombs in our Real Stories section. Not for the faint-hearted!