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Plan Your Visit to the Paris Catacombs

About 20m below the glitzy landscape of Paris lies a dark, gruesome secret — the remains of about 6 million Parisians entombed in the Paris Catacombs. As a solution to the city’s once overflowing cemeteries and deaths by disease between the 1700s and 1800s, several kilometers worth of tunnels were dug underground; here, the remains of the departed lie until today. The Paris Catacombs are an unlikely yet popular tourist attraction in the city. If you’re visiting, here’s all the essential visitor information you need.

Paris Catacombs | Visitor information at a glance

paris catacombs tickets
  • What are the Paris Catacombs opening hours?
    The Paris Catacombs are open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9:45am to 8:30pm. Final admission is at 7:30pm.
  • Where are the Paris Catacombs located?
    The Paris Catacombs are located at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France. Get directions.
  • How many entrances does the Paris Catacombs have?
    The Paris Catacombs only have one entrance. However, the exit is at 21 bis, Avenue René-Coty.
  • How many number visitors does the Paris Catacombs see per year?
    The Paris Catacombs welcomes approximately 550,000 visitors annually.

Plan your visit to the Paris Catacombs

Opening hours
Getting there
Tips & guidelines
Facilities
paris catacombs hours
What are the Paris Catacombs’ hours?

The Paris Catacombs are open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9:45am to 8:30pm. Final admission is at 7:30pm.

When are the Paris Catacombs closed?

The Paris Catacombs are closed on Mondays, along with 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.

What is the best time to visit the Paris Catacombs?

The best time to visit the Paris Catacombs during the day is to book an early morning or late evening slot, while weekends are generally busier than weekdays. The best time of year to visit the Paris Catacombs is during the off-season, between October to May. However, December can get a little crowded due to the holiday season. 

How long is a Paris Catacombs tour?

On average, you can cover the entire length of the Paris Catacombs between 45 minutes to an hour.

paris catacombs location
Where are the Paris Catacombs located?

The Paris Catacombs are at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France.
Google Map Directions.

How can I get to the Paris Catacombs?

You can drive to the Paris Catacombs or use public transport options like the bus or the metro/RER.

Can I take the bus to the Paris Catacombs?

Yes. If you take buses 38 or 68  to the Paris Catacombs, alight at the Denfert-Rochereau station. From here, you need to walk for 2-3 minutes to get to the Paris Catacombs.

Can I take the metro/RER to the Paris Catacombs?

Yes. Both have a stop at the Denfert-Rochereau station, where you can walk 2-3 minutes to get to the Paris Catacombs.

paris catacombs entrances
Where is the Paris Catacombs entrance?

The Paris Catacombs entrance is at the site’s location, at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy.

What should I wear to the Paris Catacombs?

There’s no specific dress code. Wear comfortable walking shoes and a light sweater since the temperature underground is generally lower than what you’re used to.

How many steps to go down to the Paris Catacombs?

There are 131 steps to the Paris Catacombs and 112 steps to climb up at the exit.

Is photography permitted at the Paris Catacombs?

Yes, photography is permitted. However, flash photography and tripods are not recommended.

paris catacombs tickets
Are the Paris Catacombs wheelchair accessible?

No. Considering that there are 131 steps to go down and 112 to climb back up, and the slippery, narrow tunnels, it is recommended that those with physical disabilities avoid visiting the Catacombs.

Are audio guides available at the Paris Catacombs?

Yes. You can purchase an audio guide as an add-on to your Paris Catacombs tickets or get it on-site for €5.

Is a storage facility available at the Paris Catacombs?

No, a storage facility is not available. Guests with baggage and suitcases will not be permitted inside the Paris Catacombs.




How to get Paris Catacombs tickets?

Paris Catacombs Direct Entry Tickets with Audioguide
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
More details
from
€34.90
Combo: Catacombs Tickets + Seine River Cruise
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
More details
Paris Catacombs Guided Tour
Mobile ticket
2 hr.
Guided tour
More details

Know before you go to the Paris Catacombs

Skip the line
Audio Guide
Accessibility
Dress code
Shop
Eat
Stay
Nearby
paris catacombs tickets
paris catacombs tickets

If you don't want to go on a guided tour but still want an enriching experience, book an audio guide. You can explore the Paris Catacombs at your own pace and learn about the history, with the help of the audio guide.

The audio guide is available in 4 languages: English, French, German, and Spanish. The 45-minute audio guide can be rented for €5. You can also bring your own earphones with a jack connector.

paris catacombs tickets
  • It is advised that visitors with mobility disabilities skip this attraction as the Paris Catacombs are not wheelchair accessible.
  • Guide dogs for visually disabled visitors are allowed on the site.
  • White canes are not allowed because of the absence of sufficient distance from the bone backfill.
  • Visitors with visual disabilities need to be mandatorily accompanied.
  • The Paris Catacombs also discourages individuals with cardiac or respiratory insufficiency, pregnant women, sensitive individuals from visiting.
  • Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult as the direct confrontation with bones may be overwhelming.
paris catacombs tickets

While there is no strict dress code, the average temperature in the Paris Catacombs is 14°C even during summers, and it can be very humid. Wear comfortable shoes and carry a sweater, especially in winter, since waiting in front of the entrance can be long. 

paris catacombs tickets

You can shop for souvenirs, gifts, and books at the Paris Catacombs Shop near the exit at 21 Bis Av. René Coty, 75014 Paris, France.

paris catacombs tickets

There are no restaurants with the Paris Catacombs. However, you can grab a bite at one of the nearby restaurants:

Pantheon Paris
  • PanthéonLocated 2.4 km away, this neoclassical mausoleum contains the remains of distinguished French citizens, including Marie Curie, Rousseau, and Voltaire.
  • Conciergerie: Just 3.3 km away is the Conciergerie, a former royal palace turned prison that housed notable prisoners before their execution during the French Revolution including Marie Antoinette.
  • Sainte-Chapelle3.3 km from the Paris Catacombs is this stunning Gothic chapel renowned for its exquisite stained glass windows showcasing Biblical scenes.
  • Musée RodinLocated 3.6 km away is the Rodin Museum which showcases works of art by renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin, including The Sculpture and The Kiss.
  • Eiffel Tower: 4.9 km away is the iconic Eiffel Tower, a symbol of architectural ingenuity and a global landmark that attracts millions of visitors worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions about planning your visit to the Paris Catacombs

What are the Paris Catacombs' hours?

The Paris Catacombs are open between 9:45am and 8:30pm from Tuesday to Sunday, with final admission at 7:30pm; they are closed on Mondays.

How do I get to the Paris Catacombs?

You can drive or take the metro, RER, or bus to the Paris Catacombs. Alight at the Denfert-Rochereau station if you’re using public transport. From here, the Catacombs are at a mere 3-minute walking distance.

Where is the Paris Catacombs entrance?

The Paris Catacombs entrance is at the exact site location, at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France. 

Are audio guides available as part of Paris Catacombs tickets?

No. You have to purchase an audio guide with your Paris Catacombs tickets. Alternatively, you can also choose to buy it on-site for €5.

What is the best time to visit the Paris Catacombs?

The best time to visit the Paris Catacombs is early mornings and late evenings during the week, as weekends are generally full. The best time of year is between October and May when there are smaller crowds.

How many steps to go down to the Paris Catacombs?

There are 131 steps to the Paris Catacombs and 112 to climb up near the exit.

Are the Paris Catacombs wheelchair accessible?

No. Since the Catacombs are underground with no lift access and several steps, with dimly-lit and narrow tunnels, it is not advised that those with physical disabilities visit.

Are Paris Catacombs skip-the-line tickets available?

Yes, they are available. You would need to specifically book Paris Catacombs tickets that provide skip-the-line access to bypass the long waiting lines.