Discover the Catacombs of Paris - a macabre and fascinating underworld below the City of Lights.

By the late eighteenth century, Parisian cemeteries were simply too full and becoming a public health problem. The solution was to transfer the contents to the former Tombe-Issoire quarry under Montrouge - South Paris.

The spectacular and curious ossuary features impressive architecture to match. Go on a tour 20 meters below ground to explore this subterranean world of skeletal remains and experience a grotesquely beautiful monument to Paris's dead.

How much do Paris Catacombs tickets cost?

You may book your Catacombs of Paris tickets either at the door or online. You may find below tickets price accordingly.

At the door - Catacombs of Paris tickets cost 14 € for adults and 12 € for youth aged between 18 to 26 years old.

Online - Catacombs of Paris tickets cost 29 € for adults and 5 € for youth aged under 18. Audio-guides are included.

Entrance is free for youth aged 17 and under.

Who are eligible for discounts?

Reduced ticket prices are available for teachers, individuals 26 and under, large families, job seekers, and handicapped individuals. Proof of identity will be required.

How do you book Paris Catacombs tickets in advance? How do you skip the line?

The Paris Catacombs are known for their long waiting lines. Only 200 people maximum are allowed to get in the Catacombs at the same time.

If you do not want to queue up, we strongly suggest you to book online your tickets. You can either book on the official website or with a third party vendor such as Viator, Getyourguide or Headout to name a few.

Are there any Paris Catacombs guided tours? Are they worth it?

Guided tours are available through both the official site and through travel agencies. With a guided tour, you’ll definitely hit all of the high points of the catacombs and you won’t miss anything important.

Booking through an agency means you can skip the line and save time during your visit. You’ll have the opportunity to get answers to questions you’ve always wanted to ask. The official guided tours are in French, so you’ll want to look for a travel agency for guided tours in English.

There are different types of guided tours available from online travel agencies you can find through TourScanner:

• Skip the line – Don’t wait in line for your tour to start. Book with an agency and skip the line.
• Small group – Small groups tours are simply smaller and more intimate than the standard guided tour.
• Private – A private tour is reserved for only you and your group.
• Special access – Some guided tours offer access to special areas not accessible with standard guided tours.
• Extended tours – Extended tours offer longer, more detailed tours, usually with access to more areas.

Is it possible to visit the Paris Catacombs for free?

Admission is free for youth under the age of 18, with the exception of quick-access passes.

What will I see?

You will see what is called an ossuary, or rooms that contain bones. Overcrowded Parisian cemeteries and related public health concerns led to relocation to a former quarry in the 1700s. The bones were decoratively arranged before the catacombs were opened to the public in 1809, and the site has been a marvel ever since.

There is also a rotating exhibition that is included in the ticket price.

You will also see architecture from the era of King Louis XVI and walk through passages of the old quarry. Your tour may also include information on the geology of the area and the history of the quarry.

What is the best time to visit the Paris Catacombs? How to avoid the crowd?

We recommend you to avoid school holidays and weekends if possible.The site can only accommodate 200 people at a time, so getting there earlier means a shorter wait time.

Finally if wish to not waste your precious holiday time, the best way to avoid the crowd is to book online skip the line tickets.

What are the Paris Catacombs opening hours?

The Paris catacombs are open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 8:30 pm; the ticket window closes at 7:30 pm.

The catacombs are closed Mondays and January 1, May 1, and December 25.

Travel tips

• The catacombs have 131 to go down and 112 to climb up, many of which are uneven and slippery. It is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for the motor disabled.
• Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Audi-guide tours are self-guided but will take a minimum of 45 minutes. Most guided tours are 90 minutes.
• Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
• The temperature in the catacombs remains a constant 14° C (57° F). Wearing layers is recommended.
• Due to the nature of the catacombs, the tour is not recommended for pregnant women, claustrophobic individuals, those who might be sensitive to the content (including young children), and those with cardiac or respiratory issues.
• If you qualify for a reduced ticket price, you must bring proof of ID with you to the site.
• Large bags and luggage are prohibited and may not be checked.
• The bones may not be touched, including by the sight-impaired. Guide dogs are allowed, but white canes are not.