Paris Catacombs: Tips, History & Tickets

The Paris Catacombs are one of those slightly off-the-path—but surprisingly popular—spots that many travellers skip.

For some, they’re a fascinating deep dive into the city’s past: 18th-century tunnels, public health crises, architectural ingenuity—and six million skeletons. For others, they’re a hard pass: too cold. Too creepy. Too far out in the 14th arrondissement.

Still, despite being a bit outside the usual circuit, the Catacombs are sold out weeks in advance. Interest hasn’t faded—if anything, it’s grown.

I’ve visited several times, and each visit, getting tickets feels harder than the last. What used to be a quiet queue before opening now requires booking weeks ahead.

But if you’re looking for something truly out of the ordinary, the Catacombs are absolutely worth it.

A City Built on Bones: The Story Behind the Catacombs

➤ Advance booking at the Catacombs is necessary: see dates & rates here

The Paris Catacombs weren’t meant to be anything special to begin with. Originally, they were just quarries—hundreds of kilometres of tunnels, dug deep under the city to mine limestone.

That stone built half of Paris. But by the 18th century, the tunnels were causing serious trouble. Whole streets started to collapse. People were scared, and the city had to act.

Around the same time, Paris had another crisis: the cemeteries were overflowing. With plagues, poor hygiene, and a growing population, graves were dug up and reused far too quickly. The stench was unbearable.

In the late 18th century, the city began transferring bones from overfilled cemeteries into the old quarry tunnels. It took years, but in the end, more than six million people were reburied in what became the Catacombs.

Interestingly, a small stretch of the tunnel system became a museum almost right away—1.5 kilometres to be exact. And it’s still open to visitors today. But most of the Catacombs remain off-limits. That’s where the mystery begins.

Are the Catacombs of Paris illegal?

Over the years, the Paris underground developed a kind of legend status. People started mapping secret entrances, exploring off-limits sections, even hosting illegal parties and pop-up restaurants deep below the surface.

Some speak of underground concerts, makeshift cinemas, and graffiti-covered walls far beyond the tourist route.

There are stories of lost visitors too—curious explorers who went too far and didn’t make it back. Whether it’s myth or not, it adds to the eerie fascination of the place.

The official section is safe, signed, and supervised. But it’s just a glimpse of a much bigger world, hidden right under Paris.

Fun Fact: A section of the Catacombs is actually used by the Banque de France—it’s where part of the national gold reserves are stored

How to Visit the Catacombs – what to expect

➤ Advance booking is necessary: see dates & rates here

I’ve visited the Catacombs several times, and if you’re into cool places that are a bit off the beaten path, they should definitely be on your radar. It will be a highlight of your Paris trip.

To be fair, the Catacombs are just that—long tunnels, deep underground, stacked with the bones of six million Parisians. It’s quiet. It’s cold. And yes, it’s a bit eerie.

But if you’ve never been to a necropolis before—especially one woven beneath a city—it’s something spectacular. A strange mix of history, reverence, and raw human scale. You walk, you look, and it sinks in: Paris is built on top of this.

Visitor Tips

➤ Advance booking is necessary: see dates & rates here

The most important tip? Book your ticket in advance. You cannot just show up. There are no walk-ins, no last-minute sales. Tickets go on sale exactly seven days before each date, and they sell out fast.

If you want to plan longer ahead, you can buy your tickets through a 3rd Party Website like Get Your Guide – I use them often and recommend it. Have a look on available tours and tickets here.

There’s no real “best” time to visit. Each entry slot allows up to 200 visitors, so it’s never packed—but it’s never empty either.

Accessibility is limited!! There’s no elevator, and the only way in and out is via a narrow spiral staircase—131 steps down, 112 back up. The paths underground are uneven and damp, so it’s sadly not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

And bring a jacket. No matter the season, the Catacombs sit at a steady 14°C (57°F). It’s chilly, damp, and a world away from the Paris sunshine above.

Around the Catacombs: What Else to See

If you’re heading to the Catacombs, you’re already a bit off the typical tourist path. But since you’re in the 14th arrondissement, it’s worth making the most of your time there.

Here are some nearby spots to check out:

• Musée de la Libération de Paris ➤ Read my museums guide here (free museum)
• Tour Montparnasse ➤ Get your Tickets here
• Montparnasse Cemetery
• Flea market at Porte de Vanves ➤ Read more here
• Read my complete guide: The 13th Arrondissement: A Different Side of Paris
• Explore the 13th Arrondissement ➤ Read my complete guide
• Rue Daguerre: lively street full or restaurants and food shops

Combining your Catacombs visit with these nearby attractions can make for a full and enriching day in a less-explored part of Paris.