Paris Catacombs: VIP Skip-the-Line Restricted Access Tour

The Paris Catacombs offer a captivating glimpse into the city’s macabre past. This VIP skip-the-line tour grants exclusive access to the restricted areas of this underground ossuary, a vast network of tunnels and chambers housing the remains of over 6 million former Parisians. Though a physically demanding exploration requiring navigating narrow passages and over 200 steps in a constant 57°F (14°C) temperature, the immersive experience is nothing short of unforgettable. Visitors who embark on this unique journey will uncover the haunting history and eerie ambiance that lies beneath the bustling streets above.

Key Points

• This VIP tour provides fast-track entry, bypassing long queues to explore the extensive underground ossuary beneath the Paris streets.
• The tour includes official entrance tickets, a guided visit by a live guide, and special access to restricted areas of the Catacombs.
• Visitors must be able to navigate 130 steps to enter and 112 steps to exit, and be prepared for confined underground spaces and constant 57°F (14°C) temperature.
• The tour offers an immersive exploration of the macabre network of tunnels and chambers, providing a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the Catacombs.
• The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, with full refunds available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, and a maximum capacity of 200 people at a time.

General Overview of Paris Catacombs

Extending over 200 miles beneath the streets of Paris, the Paris Catacombs are an extensive underground ossuary containing the remains of over 6 million former Parisians.

Originally quarried for limestone, the Catacombs were established in the 18th century to transfer remains from overcrowded and unsanitary cemeteries in the city center.

This macabre network of tunnels and chambers now serves as a unique and poignant reminder of the city’s past. Visitors can explore the Catacombs and witness the meticulous arrangement of the bones, which stand as a somber testament to the transitory nature of human existence.

Tour Details and Inclusions

This VIP skip-the-line tour grants participants official fast-track entry, allowing them to bypass the notoriously long queues and access parts of the Catacombs closed to the general public.

Catering to a maximum of 7 guests, the tour offers a truly exclusive experience.

The inclusions are:

• Fast-track entry
• Entrance tickets
• Guided visit by a live guide
• Special access to restricted areas
• Immersive exploration of the underground ossuary

With these premium amenities, visitors can delve deeper into the macabre history and mysteries of the Paris Catacombs, discovering its hidden wonders without the hassle of crowds.

Accessibility and Physical Requirements

Visitors must navigate a significant number of steps to enter and exit the Paris Catacombs, making this tour unsuitable for those with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or cardiac/respiratory problems. Guests are advised to wear sturdy shoes and bring warm clothing, as the Catacombs maintain a constant temperature of about 57°F (14°C). Plus, only 200 visitors are allowed in the Catacombs at a time, ensuring a more intimate and exclusive experience. To help prospective guests determine if this tour is right for them, the following table outlines the key physical requirements:

Requirement	Details
Steps	130 to enter, 112 to exit
Mobility	Must be able to navigate many steps
Claustrophobia	Confined underground spaces
Health Conditions	No cardiac or respiratory problems

Restricted Access Areas

Beyond the public areas, the VIP tour of the Paris Catacombs offers exclusive access to sections typically off-limits to general visitors. This restricted access allows guests to explore further into the extensive underground ossuary, uncovering hidden chambers and gaining a more intimate perspective of this unique historic site.

The VIP tour’s special access includes:

• Exploring passageways adorned with carefully arranged skeletal remains
• Discovering ancient limestone quarries that have been transformed into sacred ossuaries
• Visiting private sections closed to the public due to preservation concerns
• Observing the intricate organization and layout of the Catacombs’ underground network
• Gaining a deeper understanding of the historical significance and macabre beauty of this subterranean world.

Cancellation Policy and Refunds

Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, though no refunds are possible for missed tours. This flexible policy ensures customers can get their money back if their plans change, but also discourages no-shows.

The tour operator understands life doesn’t always go as planned, so they offer this generous cancellation window. However, once the tour starts, there are no refunds available. This is to protect the guide’s time and ensure the small group experience for those who do attend.

Guests are encouraged to double-check their schedules before booking to avoid any last-minute issues that could lead to a non-refundable absence.

Preparing for the Tour

To prepare for the tour, guests are advised to wear sturdy shoes and bring warm clothing. The Catacombs maintain a constant temperature of around 57°F (14°C), so dressing in layers is recommended. Comfortable, non-slip footwear is essential, as the tour involves navigating uneven, dimly lit passages and numerous steps.

Guests should also be prepared for the following:

• Navigating narrow, winding tunnels
• Traversing over 200 steps to enter and exit the Catacombs
• Walking on rough, uneven surfaces
• Encountering low ceilings and tight spaces
• Experiencing the eerie, somber atmosphere of the ossuary.

Visitor Capacity and Entry

The Catacombs enforce a strict visitor limit, allowing only 200 people at a time to enter the underground ossuary. Guests on this VIP tour bypass the often lengthy general admission queues, accessing the Catacombs through a dedicated fast-track entry.

Visitor Capacity	Entry Process
200 people max	Fast-track access
Strictly enforced	Avoids long queues
Ensures visitor safety	Official entrance tickets included
Maintains ambiance	Live guide accompanies tour
Preserves the site	Access to closed-off areas

This exclusive tour provides an intimate exploration of the Catacombs, granting privileged access to areas closed to the general public and delivering a truly unique experience.

Tour Duration and Departure

Though the tour spans approximately 1.5 hours, guests can expect to spend 2-3 hours total at the Catacombs site, allowing time for securing entry, exploring the underground ossuary, and exiting the premises.

This VIP tour departs at a scheduled time, ensuring guests’ arrival before the general public. Visitors will:

• Queue through the dedicated fast-track entrance to avoid long waits
• Descend the 130 steps into the cavernous galleries of the Catacombs
• Wander the vast network of subterranean tunnels lined with centuries-old skeletal remains
• Ascend the 112 steps back to the surface
• Exit the site at a dedicated exit, bypassing crowds

The VIP access and timed entry guarantee a more intimate and enriching Catacombs experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Unfortunately, guests cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The Catacombs have strict rules prohibiting outside provisions to maintain the site’s cleanliness and safety. Snacks and beverages are not allowed during the visit.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Catacombs?

Photography is generally permitted inside the Catacombs, but flash photography is prohibited as it can damage the ancient ossuary. Guests are advised to check with their tour guide for any additional restrictions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s not recommended for young children. The tour involves navigating narrow, dimly-lit passages and 130 steps, which could be challenging for little ones.

Can I Use the Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

Guests can use the restroom facilities before and after the tour, but there are no restrooms available within the Catacombs. Visitors are advised to use the restrooms prior to the start of the guided tour.

Are There Any Security Checks Before Entering the Catacombs?

Yes, there are security checks before entering the Catacombs. Visitors must pass through airport-style security screenings to ensure the safety of the site and its visitors. This is a standard procedure for accessing the restricted underground ossuary.

Recap

The Paris Catacombs offer a rare chance to explore the city’s macabre past.

This VIP tour provides exclusive access to the restricted ossuary, allowing visitors to experience the haunting atmosphere and marvel at the sheer scale of this underground necropolis.

With its strict physical requirements and limited capacity, this tour is a unique and unforgettable journey into the hidden depths of Parisian history.