Full description
Discover the Paris Catacombs on a guided tour through their underground tunnels, with bone-filled chambers, hidden chapels and carved sculptures.
Explore the mysterious depths of the Paris Catacombs, an eerie underground network that holds the remains of over six million Parisians. Skip-the-line access allows you to embark directly on an extraordinary journey beneath the City of Light, led by an expert guide who shares the fascinating history and construction of this macabre site, used in the late 18th century as a solution to the overcrowding of Paris' cemeteries.
The Catacombs stretch across a vast subterranean city, featuring bone-filled chambers and intricately arranged skulls and bones. Throughout these chilling passages, the guide shares unique stories about the lives of those buried here and the engineering marvels that made this vast burial ground possible, including a visit to exclusive areas such as hidden chapels and chambers not accessible to the general public.
One of the most intriguing features of the catacombs is the artwork carved by one of the original tunnel workers, who, rather than simply stacking bones, crafted intricate sculptures directly into the stone walls, transforming these tunnels into a unique form of underground art.
As you journey deeper into this dark but captivating space, the guide uncovers the secrets of the catacombs, including tales of secret societies and the people who once lived and worked here, offering a deeper understanding of Paris' hidden history.
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Additional information
● Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour departure time
● This tour is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or strollers
● Due to the narrow nature of the catacombs, this tour is not recommended for individuals with claustrophobia
● This tour is conducted in English
● This is a walking tour. Participants must be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty
● There are 130 steps down into the catacombs with no elevator access
● Strict security measures are enforced at the Catacombs. Only small handbags and backpacks are allowed inside. Any item exceeding 55 x 35 x 20 cm will not be permitted. There is no cloakroom or luggage storage facility
● The areas visited during this tour are subject to closures. The guide may need to modify the itinerary on the day of the tour
● The catacombs are consistently wet and cool (14°C / 57°F) year-round. We recommend bringing an extra layer in summer for the temperature drop
● The catacombs are subject to closures due to strikes. If time permits, we will contact you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, cancellations may be communicated at the meeting point
● Please note: Tours at 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM have a group size of 14, while tours at 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM, and 5:30 PM feature smaller, more intimate groups of 6 guests
Inclusions
✔ Local English-speaking guide
✔ Expertly guided walking tour
✔ Skip-the-line ticket for Paris Catacombs
✔ Access to special areas of the Paris Catacombs
Exclusions
✖ Hotel pickup and drop-off service
✖ Transfer to and from the meeting point
✖ Tickets, meals, and drinks unless specifically stated in the tour inclusions
✖ Other services not specified
Meeting Point
Start Location: 2 Avenue du Général Leclerc, 2 Av. du Général Leclerc, Paris, FR
Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow Walks sign. This tour meets at 2 avenue du Général Leclerc (Café du Rendez-vous)