If you’re anything like me, you probably picture Paris as the city of light, love, and endless beauty — elegant cafés, charming streets, and the sparkle of the Eiffel Tower at night. So when my son first told me about the Catacombs of Paris, a massive underground maze filled with millions of human bones, I honestly wasn’t sure what to think. Are the Paris Catacombs Worth Visiting?
After finally going, I can say this: the Catacombs in Paris are one of the most fascinating, eerie, and unexpected places I’ve ever visited — and yes, absolutely worth visiting if you’re looking to experience a completely different side of the city.
In this post, I’ll share whether the Paris Catacombs are really worth visiting during your trip, how to get inside, what the Catacombs actually are, and what to expect once you’re underground. You’ll also learn how long the visit takes, how much tickets cost, the best Catacomb tickets and at the end, you’ll find a short video of my experience.
Just a heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Your support helps me continue doing what I love. Thank you!
Why Are the Paris Catacombs Worth Visiting?
🕰️ Rich in history
đź’€ Unique underground experience
🤫 Quiet, mysterious atmosphere
📸 Great photo spots
🚶‍♀️ Adventure beneath Paris
🕳️ Hidden world below
🧠Off-the-beaten-path
🕯️ Eerie yet captivating
🧠Learn Paris’ dark past
🏛️ Architectural marvel underground
🔦 Explore secret tunnel
What Are The Paris Catacombs?
Beneath the romantic streets of Paris lies something most people never imagine. Over 200 miles of tunnels run under the city, but only a small section is open to the public — the Paris Catacombs, home to the remains of more than six million Parisians.
As soon as you step inside, you’ll descend 131 steps into the Catacombs, about 20 meters deep below ground. The air grows cooler and slightly damp, the noise of the city fades, and a calm, almost haunting stillness takes over. The walls are lined with carefully arranged bones and skulls.
âś… Check Prices & Availability!
Planning a trip to Paris? Check out The Perfect 4 Day Paris Itinerary
Why And When Were The Paris Catacombs Built?
In the 18th century, Paris faced a major problem — its cemeteries were overflowing, and the situation had become a serious health concern for the city. To solve it, authorities made a bold and unusual decision: to move millions of remains into the underground quarries beneath the city, creating what we now know as the Catacombs of Paris.
Between 1785 and 1860, the bones were carefully transferred, often at night in quiet, candlelit processions, to what was called the “municipal ossuary.” Over time, workers began arranging the bones in decorative patterns, turning the tunnels into a place that was both haunting and deeply respectful— a unique underground monument to Paris’s past.
Visiting The Paris Catacombs: What To Expect
Visiting the Catacombs isn’t overly difficult, but it does require some physical effort. You’ll go 131 steps down and 112 steps up, and the tunnels are uneven, cool, and a bit damp — so comfortable shoes are a must.
There’s no elevator access, meaning it’s unfortunately not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. The walk through the Paris Catacombs takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace, and the temperature stays around 14°C (57°F) year-round. Bring a light jacket, even in summer — it gets chilly underground.
Watch my instagram reel below.
What to Bring
Because the Catacombs of Paris are such a unique environment, a little preparation goes a long way
Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll walk around 1.5 km underground on uneven ground.
Bring a light jacket – It’s always around 14°C (57°F) down there, even in summer.
Carry a small bottle of water – The tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Avoid large bags or backpacks – They’re not allowed, and there’s no locker area.
Bring your phone or camera – Photography is allowed, but no flash.
Tip: There’s no restroom inside — only near the exit — so plan accordingly.
Planning a trip to Paris? check out
🏨 9 Safest Places To Stay In Paris For First Time Visitors
How To Buy Tickets?
There are two main ways to visit the Catacombs — you can join a guided tour or explore on your own with a self-guided ticket.
Self-guided tickets must be booked online in advance, as there are no on-site sales. Tickets are released just 7 days before your visit to prevent reselling, and they often sell out quickly — so it’s best to book as soon as they become available.
Guided Tour, If you want a more in-depth experience, you can reserve a spot on a guided tour well in advance, which guarantees your entry and includes exclusive access to restricted areas.
Tip: The Catacombs are closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Self-Guided vs. Guided Tour: Which Is Better?
This is one of the most common questions visitors ask — and to be honest, I only did the self-guided tour, but I can still share how both options compare.
Self-Guided Tour
If you enjoy exploring at your own pace, the self-guided tour of the Catacombs of Paris is a great option and this is what I personally did. The experience begins as you descend the 131-step spiral staircase — and from here, the adventure truly begins!
The self-guided audio tour (included with your ticket) provides detailed commentary that brings the underground stories to life. You’ll learn how the Paris Catacombs were built, hear fascinating tales about the ossuary and have time to take photos.
The route is about 1.5 kilometers long and takes around 45–60 minutes to complete. Walls lined with bones stretch endlessly, and you’ll walk by bones stacked about 3-4 feet high along the entire route. Clearly marked pathways make it easy to follow, and you’ll see incredible arrangements of bones — some even shaped into decorative patterns and symbols.
Guided Tour
For a more immersive and educational experience, consider joining one of the guided tours of the Paris Catacombs. These tours are slightly more expensive, but they give you access to areas that are off-limits to the general public — including hidden chambers and private ossuary sections.
Your guide will share fascinating stories, local legends, and in-depth historical context that you won’t find on the audio version. It’s a chance to see the catacombs from a completely different perspective, with an expert bringing every detail to life.
The Guided Tours are best for history lovers, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants to uncover the mysteries beneath the City of Light.
How to Get to the Paris Catacombs
Now that you have decided to visit the catacombs and have secured your tickets online , it’s time to figure out how you are going to get there.
To help with your decision, below are four different transportation options from Paris to catacombs !
Getting to the Catacombs of Paris is quick and simple since they’re located right in the 14th arrondissement. The nearest metro station is Denfert-Rochereau, directly across from the entrance — just take Line 4 or Line 6, and you’ll spot the sign for Catacombes de Paris. You can also reach them by bus 38, 68, or 88, or take a taxi or Uber if you prefer a faster, door-to-door option. For those staying in Montparnasse or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it’s even possible to walk to the Catacombs in about 20–30 minutes.
Best Time to Visit the Paris Catacombs
I recommend visiting early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday, tend to be quieter. Because entry is timed, aim to arrive 15–20 minutes early.
The Paris Catacombs are worth visiting year-round, especially on rainy or hot days when you want an indoor activity that still feels adventurous.
Are the Paris Catacombs Haunted?
I’ll be honest: at first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The idea of walking among millions of bones sounds a little creepy, but once inside, it felt more peaceful than frightening. The arrangement of bones is oddly artistic, and the atmosphere is quiet and respectful.
Many people ask, “Are the Paris Catacombs haunted?” There are stories and urban legends about ghostly figures and mysterious sounds — but during my visit, I didn’t find it scary, just deeply reflective. It’s not horror-movie terrifying.
Why the Catacombs Are Worth Visiting
Visiting the Paris Catacombs — is connecting with a hidden chapter of the city’s history. It shows a completely different side of Paris that contrasts beautifully with its romantic surface.
Above ground, Paris is elegance and light; below, it’s history, mystery, and memory intertwined.
The Catacombs of Paris remind you that the City of Light has lived many lives — and every layer tells a story.
If you love history, offbeat attractions, or simply want to do something unique in Paris, the Catacombs are absolutely worth it.
Final Thoughts
Are the Paris Catacombs Worth Visiting? Absolutely. The Catacombs of Paris are one of the most unique and thought-provoking places in the city. They’re not glamorous like the Seine or the Eiffel Tower, but they show another dimension of Paris — one that’s mysterious, humbling, and unforgettable.
Read More
🏠The Perfect 4 Day Paris Itinerary
🏨 9 Safest Places To Stay In Paris For First Time Visitors
🏞️ Ultimate Paris Travel Guide: 15 Memorable & Best Things to do in Paris
🛥️ 5 Best Evening Seine River Cruises In Paris, duration, prices and what to expect
🏨 15 Best Romantic Hotels in Paris With Eiffel Tower view
🏨 15 Most Romantic Things To Do In Paris for Couples
100+ Best France Quotes and France Instagram Captions
PIN THIS POST
