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Paris Catacombs
The Paris Catacombs has its roots all the way back to the 1700s. It was late in the 18th century that the city was facing a public health catastrophe because of overcrowded graveyards leading to water contamination and the spread of disease. To combat the problem, between 1786 and 1814, human remains from the city's cemeteries were exhumed and brought to these underground limestone quarries.
Here you can make your way down nearly two kilometres of passageways, where you'll walk amid skeletal remains that are arranged around memorial plaques according to the type of bone. Some of the bones here date back to before the French Revolution.
To make your way inside, you must head down 130 steps and then voyage through a series of dimly lit tunnels. Note the intricately designed carvings on the walls, known as the Sculptures of Decure, which date back to 1777. These carvings were made by an army veteran as well as a quarry inspector, who lost his level when a sinkhole opened on one of the tunnels' upper levels.
To explore the catacombs, you can pick up an audio tour which will take you through the passageways and give you a real insight into the best bits of the ossuary. This will take you past the Fountain of Samaritan, a small spring surrounded by a wall made of bones. You'll also see the old Sepulchral Lamp which the quarrymen used to light the tunnels when they were working here.
You could spend at least an hour wandering through the tunnels. The catacombs are open daily except on Mondays. Bear in mind that under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.
When you arrive at the Paris Catacombs, you will have to make your way in through an entrance concealed by trees on the Place Denfert-Rochereau. Parking is available nearby for a fee, and public transport stops in the area too. Be warned though, it can be cool underground even in the warmer months so it's wise to take a sweater with you. Conditions can also be slippery, so take care on the stairs, and stay on track -- there are nearly 300 kilometres of tunnels beyond those that are open to visitors, so don't lose yourself!
It's not hard to spend a whole afternoon at Paris Catacombs. Here are a selection of the things you can enjoy here:
- Semi-private Skip the Line Catacombs of Paris Exclusive access tour
- Skip-the-Line Tour of the Paris Catacombs with Special Access
- Paris Catacombs Guided Tour with Exclusive Areas Access
- Catacombs VIP Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
- Skip-the-Line Paris Catacombs Tickets with Audio Guide
- Eiffel Tower Second Floor Access + Catacombs Skip The Line
If you're seeking more activities, peruse our Paris things to do page.
Guide to Exploring Paris Catacombs
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K+K Hotel Cayre Paris
4 Boulevard Raspail, Paris, ParisLocated in Paris City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Orsay Museum and Le Bon Marche. Rodin Museum and Tuileries Garden are also within 15 minutes. Rue du Bac Station is only a 2-minute walk and Solferino Station is 4 minutes.
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Hôtel Vacances Bleues Villa Modigliani
13 rue Delambre, Paris, ParisLocated in Paris City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art and Tour Montparnasse. Paris Catacombs and Luxembourg Palace are also within 15 minutes. Vavin Metro Station is only a 2-minute walk and Edgar Quinet Metro Station is 3 minutes.
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Hôtel Excelsior Latin
20 rue Cujas, Paris, Ile de FranceLocated in Paris City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Sorbonne University and Pantheon. Luxembourg Palace and Luxembourg Gardens are also within 10 minutes. Paris Luxembourg Station and Cluny - La Sorbonne Station are within a 5-minute walk.
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Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche
3, Rue de Vaugirard, 6th Arrondissement, ParisLocated in Paris City Centre, this hotel is steps away from Sorbonne University and Odeon Theatre. Luxembourg Palace and Luxembourg Gardens are also within 10 minutes. Cluny - La Sorbonne Station is only a 4-minute walk and Paris Luxembourg Station is 5 minutes.
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Citadines Apart'hotel Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris
53 Ter Quai des Grands Augustins, Paris, ParisThis family-friendly Paris residence is located in the historical district, within a 10-minute walk of Pont Neuf, Sainte Chapelle and Les Halles. Notre-Dame and Rue de Rivoli are also within 10 minutes. Paris Saint-Michel - Notre Dame Station and Pont Neuf Station are within a 5-minute walk.
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Hôtel du Midi Paris Montparnasse
4 Avenue René Coty, Paris, ParisLocated in 14th Arrondissement, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Paris Catacombs and Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art. Luxembourg Gardens and Tour Montparnasse are also within 1 mile (2 km). Denfert-Rochereau Station and Paris Denfert-Rochereau Station are within a 2-minute walk.
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Novotel Paris Les Halles
8 Place Marguerite De Navarre, Paris, ParisThis family-friendly Paris hotel is located in the historical district, steps away from Forum des Halles, Les Halles and Rue de Rivoli. Centre Pompidou and Museum Georges Pompidou are also within 10 minutes. Paris Chatlet-Les Halles Station and Les Halles Station are within a 5-minute walk.
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Hôtel du Lion
1 Avenue du General Leclerc, Paris, ParisLocated in 14th Arrondissement, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Paris Catacombs and Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art. Luxembourg Gardens and Tour Montparnasse are also within 1 mile (2 km). Denfert-Rochereau Station and Paris Denfert-Rochereau Station are within a 2-minute walk.
