Paris: Catacombs Guided Tour

Venture beneath the bustling streets of Paris and descend into the captivating Paris Catacombs. This guided tour offers an immersive two-hour exploration of the city’s fascinating underground ossuary, housing the remains of over six million individuals. With skip-the-line access, visitors can efficiently enter while being led by an expert guide who shares intriguing history and legends. From the macabre origins to the haunting displays within the nearly 300 kilometers of tunnels, this captivating experience provides a memorable glimpse into Parisian history that few have the opportunity to witness.

Key Points

• The guided tour of the Paris Catacombs lasts 2 hours and includes skip-the-line access, allowing efficient entry for up to 200 guests at a time.
• Visitors can explore nearly 300 kilometers of tunnels and encounter the remains of over 6 million individuals, while learning about the history and legends from expert guides.
• The tour starts at the Catacombs’ entrance near the Denfert-Rochereau metro station, and guests can access the site via the metro.
• The tour experience is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or claustrophobia due to the narrow spaces and stairs within the Catacombs.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 360 reviews, with high marks for guide expertise, value for money, service, and organization.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Paris Catacombs Guided Tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the city’s underground ossuary, offering a 2-hour immersive experience that’s priced from $141.02 per person.

The tour includes skip-the-line access, allowing guests to bypass lengthy queues and access the limited space of just 200 people at a time.

With nearly 300 kilometers of tunnels beneath Paris, the Catacombs serve as the final resting place for over 6 million people, where bones and skulls line the walls.

Guests can cancel their tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and small group options are available for a more personalized experience.

Experience Highlights

Captivating guided exploration of the Paris Catacombs allows visitors to uncover the history and legends behind this underground necropolis, led by expert guides. Guests can skip the lengthy queues and access the limited space of just 200 people at a time, seeing the haunting atmosphere of the 300-kilometer network of tunnels that serve as the final resting place for over 6 million people.

Experience Highlights
Skip-the-line Access	Avoid Long Waits	Limited Capacity
Explore Haunting Tunnels	Learn from Expert Guides	Discover Fascinating History
Encounter Millions of Bones	Immerse in Unique Atmosphere	Uncover Legendary Tales

Itinerary Details

The guided tour of the Paris Catacombs begins at the Catacombs’ entrance, located just outside the Denfert-Rochereau metro station. Guests meet their expert guide, identifiable by their blue polo or jacket and a sign, at the designated meeting point outside the Catacombs’ entrance.

To access the Catacombs, visitors can take the metro, getting off at the Denfert-Rochereau station and exiting at Sortie 1. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and provides guests with skip-the-line access, allowing them to avoid long queues that can stretch up to 2 hours.

Limited to 200 people at a time, the Catacombs feature nearly 300 kilometers of intricate underground tunnels and serve as the final resting place for over 6 million people.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The guided tour of the Paris Catacombs includes an English-speaking expert guide, entrance ticket, and reservation fee. However, it excludes hotel pick-up and drop-off, food and drinks, as well as gratuities, which are optional.

On top of that, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, or wheelchair users.

The inclusion of an expert guide ensures visitors receive an informative and engaging experience, learning about the history and legends of the Catacombs.

The skip-the-line access allows for a more efficient tour, avoiding long waits. However, the tour’s exclusions mean visitors will need to plan their own transportation and refreshments.

Plus, the Catacombs’ narrow and confined spaces may pose challenges for those with specific physical or medical conditions.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews and high ratings attest to the guided tour’s strong performance across key metrics, with an overall score of 4.6 out of 5 based on 360 reviews. Reviewers were particularly impressed with the guide’s expertise, awarding them an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. The tour’s value for money was also praised, scoring 4.4 out of 5. Plus, the service and organization received high marks of 4.7 and 4.6 respectively. While some noted initial confusion at the meeting point, the tour’s overall execution and delivery was consistently well-received.

Metric	Rating
Overall	4.6/5
Guide	4.8/5
Value for Money	4.4/5
Service	4.7/5
Organization	4.6/5

Meeting Point and Access

To access the Paris Catacombs guided tour, guests are to meet up with the identifiable guide in a blue polo or jacket, holding a sign, just outside the Catacombs by the Denfert Rochereau metro station.

The meeting point is conveniently situated along Lines 4 or 6 of the metro system, allowing for easy transportation to the tour’s starting location.

Once at the meeting point, guests will then be escorted into the Catacombs, where they’ll skip the lines and dive into the underground network of tunnels and crypts that hold the remains of over 6 million Parisians.

This streamlined process ensures a smooth and efficient start to the captivating journey through the city’s subterranean necropolis.

History and Legends

Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a captivating history, as the Catacombs have long served as a repository for the remains of over 6 million people, each with their own remarkable story.

These underground ossuary tunnels date back to the late 18th century, when the city’s overflowing cemeteries were relocated underground to alleviate public health concerns.

The Catacombs have since become shrouded in mystery and intrigue, with tales of occult rituals, secret societies, and even the occasional lost explorer.

Visitors can walk among the haunting displays of skulls and bones, all while learning about the Catacombs’ macabre past and the individuals who now rest eternal in these subterranean chambers.

Tour Suitability

The Catacombs guided tour caters to a broad range of visitors, though certain physical and medical conditions may hinder one’s ability to fully partake in the experience.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, as the narrow passageways and uneven surfaces can be challenging to navigate. Similarly, individuals with claustrophobia may find the confined spaces overwhelming.

Wheelchair users are also unable to access the Catacombs, as the tour involves navigating stairs and narrow tunnels.

However, for those without these limitations, the Catacombs offer a unique and captivating glimpse into the city’s history and macabre underground world.

Visitors can expect to emerge from the tour with a newfound appreciation for this extraordinary Parisian landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Catacombs?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside the Catacombs, though some restrictions may apply. It’s best to check with the tour guide or staff upon arrival to understand any rules or limitations on photography during the tour.

How Difficult Is the Tour for People With Health Conditions?

The tour may be difficult for those with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or wheelchair users. Participants must navigate narrow, winding tunnels and stairs. Visitors with health concerns should consult the tour provider to determine if the experience is suitable for their needs.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The Paris Catacombs Guided Tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, or wheelchair users. The tour may be challenging for young children or seniors with health conditions.

Can I Bring Food and Drinks Into the Catacombs?

According to the tour details, food and drinks are not included and are excluded from the tour. Visitors are not permitted to bring their own food or drinks into the Catacombs during the guided tour.

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point From My Hotel?

To get to the meeting point from your hotel, you can take the metro. The nearest metro station is Denfert-Rochereau, which is on lines 4 and 6. Exit at Sortie 1 and look for the guide holding a sign.

Recap

The Paris Catacombs Guided Tour offers an immersive and captivating experience, delving into the city’s macabre history.

Led by expert guides, visitors can efficiently explore the underground ossuary and gain insight into the haunting displays within the extensive tunnel network.

At $141.02 per person, this 2-hour tour provides a memorable glimpse into Parisian history, making it a must-do activity for those seeking a deeper understanding of the city’s darker past.

You can check if your dates are available here: