This is a section of Paris's disused limestone quarries converted in the late 18th century to hold bones transferred from overflowing city cemeteries. The visit route runs through roughly a kilometre of narrow tunnels lined with skulls and femurs arranged in patterns, ending well below street level from where it began.
The Catacombes de Paris are a section of the city's disused limestone quarries beneath the 14th arrondissement, entered at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy near Place Denfert-Rochereau. In the late 18th century, with Paris's central cemeteries overflowing and a public health concern, the remains of millions of Parisians were moved into the old quarry tunnels, and the bones were later arranged into the patterned walls that visitors see today. The visit begins with a descent of around 130 steps into the tunnels, followed by a walk of roughly a kilometre through narrow galleries, past carved quarry inspectors' sculptures and engraved inscriptions, before reaching the ossuary itself, where skulls and femurs are stacked in walls, crosses and heart-shaped patterns. The route ends with a climb of about 80 steps to a street exit some distance from the entrance. The temperature underground remains cool, around 14 degrees Celsius, all year, and the floors can be damp and uneven. A visit takes about 90 minutes to two hours, including the queue for the timed slot. Crowds are heaviest from late morning through the afternoon and during school holidays, and the first slots after opening are the calmest. Photography without flash is allowed, though low light makes it challenging. The ossuary is a solemn site, and visitors are asked to keep a respectful tone. The tunnels are narrow, so the route can feel crowded in peak periods, and the entrance on Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy is across the street from the Denfert-Rochereau Métro and RER station, with a long queue for those without a reserved ticket. The quarries were exploited from the Roman era to supply the stone used to build much of Paris, and the tunnels form a small part of a network that stretches under large areas of the Left Bank. Only a short section is open to the public, and the rest is closed for safety. Information panels along the route, in French and English, explain the transfer of bones that took place at night in processions between 1786 and the 1860s.
| Admission | €29 with timed entry / €15 walk-in (if available); free under 4 (~$31.60 / ~$16.35) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue–Sun 10:00–20:30 (last entry 19:30); closed Mon |
| Typical visit | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time | Book timed-entry online at least 1 week ahead; first morning slots (10:00) are least crowded |
| Getting there | Métro 4/6 to Denfert-Rochereau; RER B to Denfert-Rochereau; Bus 38, 68 |
| Address | 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France |
Location
1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
48.8335, 2.3326 View on map
Highlights
- Walls of skulls and femurs arranged in patterns in the ossuary
- A one-kilometre walk through the former limestone quarry tunnels
- Carved sculptures by quarry workers in the entrance galleries
- Cool, atmospheric underground route about 20 metres below the street
- Engraved inscriptions and memorial verses along the route
Tips for visiting
- Book a timed-entry ticket online at least a week ahead; walk-in places are not guaranteed.
- Arrive for the first slot at 10:00 for the thinnest crowds.
- Wear sturdy shoes and a light jacket; the tunnels are cool and damp.
- Expect about 130 steps down and 80 up, with no lift.
- Large bags and backpacks are not permitted, and there is no cloakroom.
- Photography is allowed without flash.
When to visit
The first slot at 10:00 on a weekday outside school holidays is the quietest; the cool temperature underground makes it a good option in hot weather.
Accessibility
The Catacombes are not accessible to wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility, as the route includes a spiral staircase of around 130 steps down and 80 steps up, with uneven floors. There is no lift and no alternative route.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Catacombs take?
The walk takes about 45 to 60 minutes underground, and visitors should allow 90 minutes to two hours in total including the queue.
Is it suitable for kids?
It can be unsettling for young children, and the steep stairs and long walk make it unsuitable for toddlers. Older children interested in history often find it fascinating.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography without flash is allowed. Tripods are not practical in the narrow tunnels.
Is it claustrophobic?
The tunnels are narrow and low in places, and there is no exit mid-route. Visitors who are claustrophobic or have heart or respiratory problems should consider this before booking.