Catacombs of Paris

The Catacombs of Paris are a network of underground tunnels located beneath the city of Paris.

The Catacombs of Paris were created in the 18th century to house the remains of millions of Parisians who were buried in the city’s overcrowded cemeteries.

Touristic visit to the catacombs

The catacombs cover approximately 300 km of tunnels, but only a few parts are open to the public. The current tourist site is located beneath the Denfert-Rochereau and Raspail streets, in the 14th arrondissement of Paris.

The tourist route is arranged over about 2 km and includes approximately 1.7 km of galleries to visit. Visitors descend a staircase of 130 steps to access the underground necropolis.

The visitable part of the Catacombs is actually the ossuary section. Bones from several million people are piled up to form walls of skulls and leg bones, pillars, arches and columns. The bones are artistically and meticulously arranged, creating a unique atmosphere.

The visitor route is punctuated by several rooms, which were once limestone quarries where the bones were deposited. Among these rooms is the famous “Rotonde,” a massive chamber where a column of skulls and leg bones rises up to the ceiling.

In addition to the visit, it is also possible to learn about the history of the Catacombs in the museum area, where explanatory panels, maps, and historical objects are displayed.

However, it is important to note that the visit of the Catacombs can be challenging for some people due to the presence of stairs, narrow passages, and darkness. Additionally, the catacombs are often cool and damp, so it is recommended to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.

Finally, it should be noted that the visit of the Catacombs is regulated and supervised. Visitors must follow a defined route, respect safety and conservation instructions, and not touch or take any bones or objects from the site.

Typical visit to the catacombs of Paris