🏛️ The origins of the Paris catacombs
It all begins in the XVIIIᵉ century. Paris was growing fast. However, a major problem was emerging: the cemeteries were overflowing. The smell became unbearable. Diseases spread. The most famous, the Cimetière des Innocents, worried the population. In 1780, after a number of vaults collapsed, the authorities decided to take action. Several cemeteries were closed.
Fortunately, huge limestone quarries already existed beneath Paris. They were empty, but also fragile. The idea was born to move the bones underground. As early as 1786, the first ossuaries were transferred to the old Montparnasse quarries. The work was colossal. Thousands of skeletons were moved, night after night, to avoid panic. From 1809, the site took on a more orderly, almost museum-like form, thanks to inspector Héricart de Thury. He fitted out the galleries and installed philosophical plaques. Today, the catacombs house the remains of over six million Parisians.
🌍 A labyrinth hidden beneath the capital
Beneath the bustling streets of Paris, another world exists. It’s the Paris catacombs, a mysterious network of underground galleries.
As soon as you enter, the journey into this parallel universe begins. In fact, very few cities in the world have such a place.
These galleries stretch over 300 kilometers beneath the capital. However, only 1.7 kilometers are accessible to the public. Despite this limitation, the experience is unforgettable.
🧱 A historic solution to a health crisis
At the end of the XVIIIᵉ century, Paris was facing a serious problem: its cemeteries were overflowing. As a result, public health was under threat.
To solve this crisis, the authorities decided to transfer the bones to the old limestone quarries.
Operations began in 1785. Every night, discreetly, carts transported the human remains to the underground tunnels. Thus, the catacombs were born, becoming an immense municipal ossuary.
💀 A unique and striking visit
A visit to the catacombs begins by descending a spiral staircase. From then on, you leave the noise of the surface to plunge into deep silence.
Then, after a few minutes’ walk through a narrow tunnel, you come across this famous inscription:
“Stop! This is the empire of death.
Passing through this symbolic doorway, visitors discover walls of bones. Carefully stacked skulls and femurs create disturbing yet fascinating patterns.
Each step is a reminder of the fragility of life and the weight of the past.
🧭 F orbidden zones and clandestine explorations
Although the official section is marked out and secured, the majority of the galleries remain off-limits to the public. These much wilder sections nevertheless attract certain enthusiasts, known as cataphiles.
Armed with maps, lamps and ropes, they explore these labyrinths at their own risk. It’s important to remember, however, that these forays are illegal and dangerous.
Getting lost in the catacombs is easier than you think.
✍️ My personal experience
Personally, during my visit, I was impressed by the atmosphere. First of all, the contrast between the hustle and bustle of Paris and the absolute calm of the basement is striking.
Then, as I moved through the galleries, a strange sensation came over me: respect, awe and fascination.
Several times, I stopped to observe the details. Some skulls bore markings, others seemed to be staring back at us. What’s more, the engraved quotations reinforced this impression of meditation on the passage of time.
Finally, as I made my way up the steps towards the light, I felt as if I’d experienced a journey out of time.
📍 Practical information for visiting the catacombs
🕐 Opening hours
-
Open Tuesday to Sunday
-
Closed on Monday
-
Opening hours: 9:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (last admission at 7:30 p.m.)
🎟️ Admission fees
-
Adults: €29
-
Young people (18-26): €27
-
Children (under 18): Free (not recommended for children under 10)
-
Reduced price: €23
⚠️ Please note: Online booking required, no ticket sales on site.
🎫 ➤ Book on the official Paris Catacombs website (new tab)
ℹ️ Further information
-
Location: 1, avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, Paris 14ᵉ
-
Access: Denfert-Rochereau metro station (lines 4 and 6)
-
Number of steps: 243 (131 down, 112 up)
-
Constanttemperature: 14°C
-
No elevator, no toilets or checkrooms
In addition, the tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or those sensitive to confined spaces.
🔎 Explore even more mysterious places
If this dive into the catacombs has fascinated you, you should know that Paris abounds in other secret treasures.
👉 Discover them by browsing our selection of unusual places in Paris on City Paris!