Explore the eerie underworld of Paris with this exclusive small-group tour of the Catacombs. Limited to just six participants, the experience offers unparalleled access to the labyrinthine tunnels housing the remains of over 6 million Parisians. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you’ll uncover the rich history, wartime secrets, and unique artistry that have made these underground ossuaries a must-see destination. But beyond the fascinating historical insights, the Catacombs tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Paris’s hidden past that will leave you captivated long after the final step back into the light.
Key Points
- Small-group Catacombs tour in Paris, limited to 6 participants, with skip-the-line access to restricted areas not available to the general public.
- 1.5-hour tour led by knowledgeable local guides providing historical insights into the catacombs’ origins, wartime uses, and the stories of ‘cataphiles’.
- Tour includes a 133-step descent into the 200-mile maze of Parisian remains, with highlights such as the Crypt of the Passion and detailed bone decorations.
- Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option.
- Tour rated 4.9/5 by previous customers for the expertise of the guides and the overall immersive experience compared to self-guided visits.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Guided Tours In Musee D Orsay
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Tour Experience and Highlights
- Historical Significance
- Tour Logistics
- Customer Reviews and Ratings
- Exclusive Access and Restricted Areas
- Guided Tour by Local Experts
- Wartime Connections and Cataphiles
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?
- Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
- Are Children Allowed on the Tour?
- What Should I Bring for the Tour?
- How Challenging Is the Physical Aspect of the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Paris
- More Skip the Line in Paris
- More Tours in Paris
- More Tour Reviews in Paris
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Paris we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Pricing
The small-group Catacombs Tour in Paris provides visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s underground ossuary, with prices starting from $173.81 per person for the 1.5-hour guided experience.
The tour is limited to just 6 participants, ensuring an exclusive and personalized experience. Visitors can skip the long lines and gain access to restricted areas of the catacombs that are usually off-limits to the general public.
The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a convenient reserve now, pay later option.
With its combination of historical significance, restricted access, and intimate group size, the Paris Catacombs Tour offers an unforgettable underground adventure.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Paris
Tour Experience and Highlights
Beyond the 133-step descent into the tunnels, the guided tour of the Paris Catacombs immerses visitors in a 200-mile maze of remains from approximately 6 million Parisians. Throughout the 1.5-hour experience, the knowledgeable guide shares the catacombs’ captivating history, including their use for quarrying limestone for iconic buildings like Notre Dame.
Guests will:
-
Discover the impact of bad weather in the 1780s that led to burials in the catacombs.
-
Admire detailed bone decorations and the Crypt of the Passion, featuring ‘The Barrel’ made from skeletal remains.
-
Learn about the catacombs’ role as wartime bunkers for the German Wehrmacht and French Resistance during World War II.
Historical Significance
The Paris Catacombs hold immense historical significance, having served as wartime bunkers for both the German Wehrmacht and the French Resistance during World War II. Beneath the streets of Paris, this 200-mile maze of underground tunnels concealed those seeking refuge from the battles raging above ground.
The catacombs also have connections to the French Revolution, with stories of Philibert Aspairt, who died in the tunnels in the 18th century.
Plus, the underground city has been home to ‘cataphiles‘ – people who explore and inhabit the catacombs, uncovering the hidden history and mysteries that lie within these labyrinthine passages once used for quarrying limestone to construct buildings like the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.
Tour Logistics
Visitors can find the starting location of the Paris Catacombs tour at the House Veterans of the 2nd Armored Division, located near the main entrance at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy.
Participants will meet their professional, local expert guide in front of the Catacombs’ main entrance, where the tour commences. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included as part of the tour logistics.
The tour logistics include:
-
A 133-step descent into the underground tunnels.
-
Exploring the 200-mile maze of remains from approximately 6 million Parisians.
-
Gaining exclusive access to restricted areas within the catacombs.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Travelers have awarded the Paris Catacombs tour an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5, based on 79 reviews. Reviewers are particularly enthusiastic about the knowledgeable guides, who provide exclusive access and engaging stories that significantly enhance the experience compared to audio tours.
The guides earn a stellar 4.9/5 rating, with visitors praising their deep expertise and ability to bring the catacombs’ history to life. Plus, reviewers feel the tour offers excellent value for money, with a 4.6/5 rating in this category.
Customers consistently highlight how the tour’s personalized, small-group format and restricted-access areas make for a memorable, immersive experience that far surpasses a standard self-guided visit.
Exclusive Access and Restricted Areas
One of the key highlights of the Paris Catacombs tour is the exclusive access it provides to restricted areas, allowing participants to explore parts of the underground ossuary that are off-limits to the general public.
The tour takes visitors down a 133-step descent into the maze-like tunnels, granting them access to:
-
The Crypt of the Passion, where they can admire the intricate ‘The Barrel’ sculpture made entirely from skeletal remains.
-
Sections with detailed bone decorations, offering a unique glimpse into the macabre artistry that adorns the catacombs.
-
Areas that were used as wartime bunkers during World War II, adding a historical layer to the already captivating subterranean experience.
Guided Tour by Local Experts
The Paris Catacombs tour is led by professional, local experts who provide valuable insights and context throughout the 1.5-hour experience.
These knowledgeable guides offer a captivating narrative, sharing the catacombs’ rich history, from their origins as quarries to their use as wartime bunkers during World War II.
As you descend the 133 steps into the underground ossuary, your guide will regale you with stories of the infamous ‘Cataphiles’ – urban explorers who illicitly access the vast network of tunnels.
From the Crypt of the Passion to the bone-adorned walls, your guide’s expertise will bring the catacombs to life, making for an unforgettable and educational tour.
Wartime Connections and Cataphiles
Beyond their use as quarries, the Paris Catacombs served as critical wartime bunkers during the tumultuous 20th century, sheltering both the German Wehrmacht and the French Resistance forces during World War II.
Likewise, the catacombs continue to attract a devout following of urban explorers known as ‘Cataphiles’, who illicitly access the vast network of tunnels beneath the city.
The catacombs’ historical significance extends beyond their macabre ossuary. They’ve:
-
Provided refuge for German troops during the Nazi occupation of Paris.
-
Hosted Resistance fighters planning sabotage and guerilla operations against the Germans.
-
Drawn a devoted community of modern-day urban explorers who risk fines and imprisonment to map and document the underground labyrinth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?
Visitors are generally permitted to take photos and videos during the Catacombs tour, though flash photography is prohibited to protect the delicate environment. Tour guides may provide specific instructions on when and where photography is allowed.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, as it involves descending 133 steps to access the catacombs. The narrow tunnels and uneven surfaces would make it challenging for wheelchair users to fully participate in the experience.
Are Children Allowed on the Tour?
The tour is open to children, but parents should note it involves a lengthy descent and challenging terrain that may not be suitable for young kids. Specific age restrictions or requirements are not provided.
What Should I Bring for the Tour?
Travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket or sweater, and a small flashlight or headlamp. It’s also recommended to bring water and snacks, as the tour involves a lengthy underground walk through the Catacombs.
How Challenging Is the Physical Aspect of the Tour?
The tour involves a 133-step descent into the catacombs, which can be physically challenging for some. However, the tour pace is relaxed, and there are opportunities to rest along the way. Participants should have a moderate level of mobility and fitness.
Paris: Small-Group Catacombs Tour With Skip-The-Line Entry
“Our guide, Maria, was AWESOME! The tour was better than I even expected and I loved seeing “exclusive “ areas. Her illustrations and stories we…”
Recap
The Small-Group Catacombs Tour offers a unique and eerie exploration of Paris’s hidden past.
With exclusive skip-the-line access and a guided journey through the labyrinth of underground ossuaries, visitors can uncover the rich history, wartime secrets, and artistic displays that make this tour a truly memorable experience.
Led by knowledgeable local experts, this small-group tour provides an intimate and immersive look into the city’s fascinating subterranean world.
You can check availability for your dates here:
