A network of artificial caves and tunnels laid at a depth of 15-20 meters. Their total length is more than one hundred kilometers. Dungeons have existed since the 13th century. Previously, there were mines for the extraction of limestone, then wine cellars, and from the XVIII century - underground cemeteries. Tourists can follow the 2.5 - kilometer guided tour in the catacombs, the rest of the underground complex is closed.
Address:
1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, Paris
Comment
11.12.23
Nate
Book ahead - we luckily booked ahead and when we got there it had a sign that there were no more tours available without reservations. First off I’m a tall person 6’3” and claustrophobic so I was apprehensive to do this. To my rel.. Read more »ief there were only a few spots where I had to duck my head then it opened up to larger ceilings. It’s definitely neat to walk around and the audio guided tour helped fill you in along the way. We went with two kids and they enjoyed it as well. If you have a backpack you have to carry it so you don’t accidentally disturb the bones. This is definitely a must do if you’re visiting Paris. Understand that you will exit in a different location from where you started.
07.12.23
Chris
One of my favorite tourist visits in Paris. Interesting visit but you must have good mobility and not be scared of tight spaces at times. Make sure to reserve tickets in advance otherwise you'll have a hard time getting in depending on the seaso.. Read more »n.
06.12.23
Solo
The Catacombs were a great experience. I was there on Halloween, and it was perfect. Be sure to buy your tickets online because that's what works best. Only 200 people can be in the Catacombs at a time. You'll come out far from where you e.. Read more »ntered, so be aware of that. It's about 60 feet underground, dark, quiet, with low ceilings and tight corridors, although I don't think it's very claustrophobic, but I'm not claustrophobic so I'm not sure how people suffering from it would feel. Definitely check it out.
27.11.23
Jessica
Super cool experience. Tickets HAVE to be purchased in advance (at least 7 days). There’s a train station right across the street so it’s easy to travel to. Wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare to walk several flights of stairs down.. Read more » to and back up from the Catacombs. Tons of history down there and seriously, nothing scary about it. I’ve had scarier vibes from other historical sites. You’re allowed to take photos (without flash). Large groups were kind of annoying as they take up entire spaces and don’t allow for individuals to walk past. But the visit was worth the cost of the ticket and I’d go again when back in the city to catch a guided tour.
20.10.23
Margo
Must explore! This place is awesome. Ordered tickets online one week in advance for a specific time . Recommend ordering ahead of time as there are limited tickets daily.
Walk down a staircase several flights. Then start your one mile journey! .. Read more » You definitely cannot get lost as different corridors are blocked off. Lots of historic inscriptions. Femurs and skulls are clean and preserved. Really enjoyed the visit. A sacred place. Walking up at end of tunnel is not bad but it does spiral around just keep going!
Highly recommend.
21.08.23
Amelia
Usually fully booked so reserve your tickets!! Before I went I thought it was overpriced and it is expensive but it is a unique visit and although it was fully booked, it wasn’t busy in the catacombs. Not accessible due to its history, you have.. Read more » to go up and down a lot of steps and the floor is uneven inside. Not for the faint hearted or the claustrophobic, you walk through tight corridors and then into the place where the bones are. The bones are stacked in high, deep walls. Free audio guide and shop on exit. Take a sweater, it’s very cold down there any time of the year!
14.08.23
Sonnen
Mixed thoughts about this.
Definitely book upfront, tickets will be released seven days in advance.
I feel it’s very overpriced for what you get, there is no tour unless you book it. There is no audio device unless you book it. Be prepared that.. Read more » you have to climb down the stairs and up again, didn’t matter for us, however, I don’t know if the catacombs are accessible for wheelchair users. Bear in mind that you probably see 5% of the catacombs. It’s pretty much one way until you reach the exit.
What you will see, is quite unique and obviously very depressing and dark, surely you know what you signed up for. It’s scary but also impressive to see.
I still feel that it’s way to overpriced, they should have at least included the audio guide in the price. It was definitely a must see on our list, choose for yourself.
The souvenir shop in quite nice.
06.08.23
Lindsey
Advice - book in advance so you don't have to wait in long lines to get in. Amazing piece of history where the bones of many Parisians are stored. It is dark and gloomy, I didn't find it claustrophobic but I'm sure people can. Really w.. Read more »orth a visit if you are visiting Paris and you want an interesting place to visit
02.08.23
Laurence
Amazing experience. One of my highlights in Paris as it’s something different to museums and architecture. Fun for the whole family. It is quite a long walk with some stairs but don’t let this deter you. It is essential to book tickets an.. Read more »d ticket booking opens a week before the time. Definitely worth it.
21.07.23
Destiny
A very cool experience. We reserved about a week ahead of time (I would recommend this as they sell out daily-especially during high season), a lot of the negative reviews are because of this so do your research. Busy season (late April-late August),.. Read more » etc. leave your big backpacks & bags, drinks, etc, at home, you will be asked to check them for a fee. Again if you research this you will avoid the issues & have a good time. We opted out of the guided audio tour, but it is €5 for one of the devices. You can take your phone & take pictures, but many areas say no flash (and no selfie sticks). It’s a perfect thing to do if it’s hot outside as it remains quite cooled down there. I would say if you struggle with stairs, avoid this as the spiral staircase at the beginning & end of the tour are extensive & a good little workout.
As always, exit through the gift shop. Cute tourist gifts there.
It is an interesting part of history we loved to learn about. I would recommend watching As Above So Below before going😉
17.07.23
Jed4ManCity
Book in advance as tickets on the day were sold out. Must see in Paris. Guided tour option and signs throughout to read give you great information. Steps up and down with slightly wet uneven surface, so wear appropriate shoes.
16.07.23
Bob
We purchased tickets in advance and there was very little wait to get in. It's surprising how far down you climb stairs going underground, and consequently it was cooler there. It was really moving and quite a sight seeing the arrangement of so .. Read more »many remains. You exit at a different place than you enter, around a 5 minute walk away.
12.07.23
Matthew
Once in a lifetime experience. You will not be able to believe the number of bones. Book a guided tour way ahead from one of those tour websites, you get access to extra areas and skip the line. If you are taller than 6 foot, you'll need to duck.. Read more » in a number of places. There are spots where the roof drips water on you and the path can be wet. Will be scary for children and anyone claustrophobic.
14.06.23
mxxw
Have you ever been concerned that your underground visit will have insufficient bones?
Don't worry any more! This place has all the bones you can imagine. And then more than that. So this will suit all your bone-viewing needs.
Plus the gift sh.. Read more »op! With even more bones. Great for the special person in your life who really likes skulls.
08.06.23
Branden
Very cool and unique place to visit in Paris! The online booking process can be a little daunting and stressful, as they only allow you to book one week prior to visiting the site, but this must be to control high amounts of traffic through the delic.. Read more »ate catacombs. Highly recommend going! Keep an eye on the website for your desired date and time and keep refreshing haha. 120 steps down a spiral staircase to enter, and another 120 up a spiral staircase to exit. The catacombs area itself is all flat basically. Nice and cool on a hot summer's day.
29.05.23
pearl
I love going to a historic place like this, makes me imagine how to lived in the past. The experience was awesome. There’s was no line when we went it was 14:00. We booked our tickets 3 weeks before through headouts as they are not available ye.. Read more »t on catacombs website. I highly recommend the audio guide or the tour guide so you can understand the history well. Beware that the stairs going down makes you feel dizzy because it is spiral.
29.04.23
Cibele
One of those unique experiences you have to go when In Paris.
Very creepy but worth it.
The audio guide is very good also, we get to know a bit more on the history of Paris
22.12.22
Alireza
Highly recommend seeing this place. Paris is full of sightseeings, great museums, fantastic shopping, vine drinking with great food. But this site is different. To see the walls made by human bones is chilling. Walking through this labyrinth is c.. Read more »reepy and fascinating at the same time. Be ready to take 134 steps down and back up.
24.10.22
M
Remember to buy tickets in advance, be there earlier to queue to enter. Really eerie though & it doesn’t smell too pleasant (but not smelly). Be prepared to climb the spiral stairs for about 1-2 mins (Going down & coming up). Would reco.. Read more »mmend this place.
20.10.22
Padmini
Interesting place. The story behind it is also interesting although not the same as that of the catacombs in Rome. Booking in advance is a must as tickets get sold out soon. The tour lasts about an hour and there is an audio guide that helps you unde.. Read more »rstand the place better. The Souvenir shop has a good collection, toilets are clean and well maintained.
02.10.22
Tiffany
Creepy and cool. Book your tickets in advance because it will sell out. Interesting history of the stranger topics of life in a large metropolis. Audio guide is helpful. Wear some stable shoes (you’ll walk through a long corridor with gravel) a.. Read more »nd be prepared for the stairs. Easy to find because of signs! Merci.
10.09.22
Robert
Amazing experience. Who'd of thought this was just beneath your feet when walking on thr streets above. Best to nook tickets in advance as we did as we seen people attending without tickets who were being turned away disappointed as no tickets w.. Read more »ere available on the day we went. Quite a few spiral stairs to be walked down to the catacombs and back up, but when down there it is pretty much flat. They also have audio guides you can obtain to listen to as well as you around which are informative and interesting.
26.08.22
Cassandra
This is an absolute must see. I cannot stress enough that you should purchase your tickets in advance, as they sell out fast and once you’ve been on the tour you’ll understand why capacity is limited.
The audio tour is absolutely helpful.. Read more » and very well done, you’ll want to take your time and follow the tour for the best experience. Although we visited in August we brought light sweatshirts with us as it’s a bit chilly down there.
No strollers allowed as you’ll be tracking down and up some pretty healthy staircases and don’t forget to purchase some of the amazing items from gift shop. The gift shop does exit out of a different location so be aware you’ll have to guide yourself back to where you’ll need to go.
20.08.22
Anna
Made a mistake and didn’t take an audio guide with us ? Since there’s no description or explanation once you are inside the catacombs, it makes it a little dull not knowing what you are looking at. *Note: in the beginning and middle thoug.. Read more »h there is a written description about the history of catacombs; but we were missing information about the different kinds of burials themselves
Nevertheless, unique experience that makes you think about life and death *if you are sensitive to being a philosopher at times*
In the end, there’s a nice souvenir shop with A LOT OF BOOKS dedicated to philosophy of death, anatomy, skull history, catacombs and dark art ? Couldn’t resist buying a book from there!
**Ticket: We bought tickets online from the official site. The physical tickets are sold out once you get there, so online ticket makes it a safe experience
18.07.22
Muhammad
Great experience.
Never could imagine such a place existed beneath Paris.
Book in advance.
Detailed audio commentary which was of good quality. Staff was very courteous.
Although staff inside the catacombs sounded very strict but probably it is their.. Read more » job to keep everything in order. Would make experience more awesome if they were in a slightly better mood.
Overall was a wonderful experience.
08.07.22
Felix
This is a fascinating insight into the underbelly of Paris and is definitely worth a trip. The audioguide I'd say is a must but the information plaques around the tour are very extensive. You MUST book in advance. The tickets on the day sell out.. Read more » really quick so get online a week or so before to avoid disappointment. Whilst fascinating it is quite samey. Once you've been down there 10-15 minutes the views don't really change but then you can't really expect them to. Immerse yourself in the audioguide and the information provided to really get the proper experience and appreciate this rather macabre attraction. Especially good on a hot day as it's lovely and cool. Wouldn't be suited for anyone with any shred of claustrophobia and for someone who is a bit taller like myself some places were a bit tight. But again, you have to expect it from old quarry tunnels. Definitely worth a visit.
24.06.22
Rod
There is a very interesting story about how the decision was made to move so many bones into the old catacombs of Paris. You can see the YouTube videos and be impressed, but coming in person really is over the top. It can be overwhelming to see in pe.. Read more »rson.
There are a lot of stairs for this old body, but there are a bit fewer coming out than going in. It was worth the effort. If you are in Paris and this interests you, make the effort.
25.05.22
Keren
The catacombs was such an interesting experience. Getting to know some of the city’s most important pieces of history, and in such a different way. This is not another trip to the museum. Would definitely recommend to visit. Don’t miss th.. Read more »is one ☝?
07.05.22
Maryam
It was overall a great experience. Just the tunnels themselves were amazing and the bone display is a bonus!
You go underground via spiral stairs. You cannot look up and down the stairs, meaning you don’t know how far you came and how far is le.. Read more »ft to go! Won’t recommend this to my claustrophobic friends.
At the end, you get to the human bones. It is amazing thinking all these people had hopes and fears just like you. Great way to remember that “everything is dust.”
The place is walking distance from a street with lots of designer shops…. which are also just dust if you think about it.
22.04.22
David
This is a fascinating yet macabre tourist ‘attraction’; not to be missed, so book in advance online.
The personal headsets tell the history of the original limestone miners, extracting the materials from which much of Paris is built.
Hu.. Read more »ndreds of years later in 1786, due to the cemeteries within the city overflowing and becoming insanitary, the decision was made to empty them and inter the remains of six million people in these former mine tunnels 20m beneath the city.
The route in and out of these tunnels is via modern-day spiral stairwells that require a reasonable level of fitness to climb. An experience you won’t forget!
19.04.22
Michelle
Worth a visit. Cool history of the Parisian quarries and graves which were moved underground. Dark, chilly, and slightly wet inside so dress accordingly. Get the audio guide - it’s worth it for the context.
17.04.22
Dan
Brilliant experience! Definitely book tickets in advance (online) as access is closely controlled. For those less able, there are a lot of stairs, though the guided walkway is fairly level and even.
The experience is amazing and quite awesome - it .. Read more »certainly reminds one of life's transience and fragility, and absolutely brought out the emo in me. Highly recommended!
14.03.22
Jason
We took two of our teens to Paris and the Catacombs of Paris was part of our amazing four days in the city. The 45-minute self-guided tour was a unique experience - and a little creepy. The artistic placement of the skulls and bones provided interest.. Read more »ing photo opps. The history and learning opportunities were interesting and brought new appreciation to the catacombs. We bought our tickets online, day-of and were able to save some $$$. Also, kids under 18 are free, so that's always a plus in Paris.
11.03.22
Craig
Well worth a visit. Bit surreal. Great audio your, very informative. All very tasteful considering the subject matter! About an hour start to finish so not too long, not too short!
26.02.22
1girl
I came here with my friend and we went on a weekday which meant there was no lineup and there were maybe 4 other people walking the catacombs with us.
I have been to the catacombs in Rome and I remember enjoying that tour a lot more though the most .. Read more »interesting thing is these are still the REAL bones of over 6million French residents.
This is something you have to see before they don't allow the public anymore due to decay from our breath.
26.02.22
Gogetyours
Went for a 2 day break in August, the second day i came to the catacombs was the day I was going to ask my girlfriend to marry me, I almost lost her after standing in line for 5 hours to get in. Little did I know that you could purchase a skip the li.. Read more »ne option. When we got in after standing in the baking sun and paying loads for water of bottle boy standing around, we was not that overwhelmed. Especially as my girlfriend informed me that the skeletons don't actually realate to anything historical only that they got removed from graves, someplace else. Other then that if I wasn't in so much trouble that day, I'm sure I would of took it in abit better but I'd defo pay for skip the line options you will be in and out within an hour not 5.
31.01.22
Neil
Scary and fascinating at the same time... Got goosebumps at times. Be sure to use the audio guide. This enhances the experience significantly.
Warning - do not wear the best clothes as it is damp and drops fall from the ceiling.
An extraordinary expe.. Read more »rience that I will remember for a long time.
18.01.22
J
Lots of steps, DEF not for those less-mobile as this is too old to be handicap-accessible. The history lesson is amazing, and even more amazing that the bones are loose rather than set in resin or cement. Wow! Highly recommend for a 60-90min excursio.. Read more »n.
08.01.22
Arik
Fantastic place! A really remarkable location full of history.
Perfect for a rainy day.
Online it says you need to reserve your tickets, but that is not the case. You can just go there and buy your tickets at the counter, it will save you money.
I.. Read more »t is actually not as creepy as one might expect, it is a rather quiet and peaceful place.
23.12.21
Alexis
We came to visit the catacombs because it stated on their website that you could purchases tickets for the catacombs and the crypt (offsite of the catacombs) for 17 euro. It also stated on the website these tickets could only be purchased on site. We.. Read more » arrived ahead of time to wait on line prior to opening. The staff arrived right at opening while there was a line of people outside. The head staff member was very rude to us as he did not want to hear what we had to say. He stated tickets could only be purchased prior to arriving online. He then pointed to a sign to buy tickets online and a moment later came back with a sign stating all tickets were sold out. I understand that things do not always work out the way you want them to. However, I would suggest that they update their site to reflect the accurate information so that people such as myself do not make a trip unnecessarily and waste their time. Additionally, a little courtesy will go along when. The main staff member simple blew us off as much as we tried to communicate with him. It was very evident he does not enjoy his job or interacting with tourists. I wonder if he appreciates getting treated in the manner that he did when he is traveling.
12.11.21
Katherine
What an interesting experience! Definitely book your tickets beforehand, we saw people getting turned away. You descend a spiral staircase that seems like it lasts forever. Then you go through a series of tunnels before you finally reach The Realm of.. Read more » the Dead. You have an audio guide that will take the whole time to listen through. Then to get up - you have to go up the spiral staircase - so just a fair warning. Cool stuff in the gift shop.
01.11.21
Richard
A tremendous place to visit. Though it is the most expensive attraction in Paris it´s worth it, for it is the most special and exciting place in Paris.
First it was a mine, but when the churchyards of Paris got overburdened, they removed 6 mil.. Read more »lion skeletons to this mine. The skeletons have been piled in intricate patterns and the skulls form various figures. It´s actually rather beautiful in a morbid way.
27.09.21
Dominika
It was good, but not worth of this money. I wish I didn't go. Just hallways and bones. Probably price is so high because it is unique place, but 30 euro is way too much.
Staff was nice, audio guide fine, but rest was nothing. Just go down, play .. Read more »audio and leave.
16.09.21
Erik
This was a good thing to do if you have time, but is pretty much a bunch of hallways and then skeletons, more skeletons, and more hallways. Sometimes they’re arranged in neat designs (heart, cross, etc) but most of the info you could get from a.. Read more » quick Wikipedia guide and then walk on through. Pretty interesting, but nothing to write home about outside of the experience of actually doing it.
05.09.21
Nathalie
Make sure to get the audio guide if you go, and bring headphones, to get more out of the tour. Overall it was fine. Lots of tourists, some that don’t understand to be quiet, but if you can go in the off season it’s better. There are tons .. Read more »of other passageways but this is the only section we’re allowed to go. I took a few pictures but for some creepy reason a bunch of them turned out spooky.
06.08.21
Chris
We did the private access tour with Michelle and it was amazing. Not only was she a knowledgeable guide but we were able to access areas that the public couldn’t visit. It wasn’t a morbid experience at all, but an intriguing walk throug.. Read more »h the history of Paris. I highly recommend this tour as you will get more history from guides like Michelle.
31.07.21
Mika
Absolutely loved it, the people there were a bit stiff, but that makes sense when you've been laid to rest with about 6 million others. There's no personal space for those laying around. For the living, it's a thrilling experience to s.. Read more »ee such numbers! Would visit again if I go to Paris again
13.07.21
Danny
Fantastic experience that I cannot recommend highly enough!
We went in July right before Bastille Day. It was very busy with a line around the block so I definitely recommend getting a tour guide; they can tell you so much information and we managed.. Read more » to skip the huge line. It is beautiful and macabre so if you enjoy dark and twisted or eerily beautiful this is for you!
04.07.21
Layton
Want to realize the value of your life and all that it contains? Visit here. You can just marvel at the limited time here on Earth, and ponder what the future holds in eternity. You are literally face to face with it by the millions of bones. I highl.. Read more »y recommend doing this. I didn’t get to it until my 2nd trip to Paris, and happy I finally did. It was a very confronting experience to gaze my eyes and heart into what eternity may hold. Miles may vary for others, but this was my takeaway as someone of faith.
28.06.21
J
A must see in paris. Claustrophobic sensitive people should avoid it : this is a 45 min visit underground with low celling and narrow corridors. Fantastic and amazing place that makes you travel in the Paris underground. Historical and cryptic ambian.. Read more »ce is strong.
06.06.21
Juan
Very creepy place, as you can expect. It's interesting how the skulls have been arranged following different patterns and designs. Only one section of the catacombs is accessible to the public. At the end of the visit there's a gift shop wi.. Read more »th different skull-related items.
27.05.21
Emily
Surprisingly not as eerie as I thought travelling through an underground World of the Dead would be. You adjust fairly quickly to your surroundings and it instantly becomes increasingly interesting. To see how nearly the entire city of Paris has this.. Read more » network of bones underneath it is equal parts shocking and impressive.
You should note too, that it’s a long way down into the depths of the Catacombs, and what feels to your body like an even longer climb back up to the surface (if you’re not in the best of shape). Totally worth it, though! I’d definitely go back.
27.05.21
Alvaro
Interesting visit, not worth it without audio guide and quite expensive, the tour is just a walk around, the first part was just a tunnel, an interesting one at that but still, the second part was through the bones. Great experience but bearing in mi.. Read more »nd it's just a walkthrough I think 15€ is more than enough. Besides the 40% of the exposition is closed due to c...d 19. I don't know why if they left visible the other 60%...
26.05.21
Darren
Second time we've been and VERY disappointed. Only a very little section was open, having been there before we know how much we weren't able to see. I recommend waiting until this whole covid thing is over and it opens fully. Definitely no.. Read more »t a good representation of such an amazing place
03.05.21
Aiden
Such a fascinating and historical place to visit. Definitely a must do when in Paris. Queue to enter during summer peak season can be very gruelling.
20.03.21
•Skid•
I highly recommend going here! It's interesting. Although it is pretty creepy walking through hallway full of bones and skulls. Anyone who's a true horror fan will enjoy looking at everything and walking through this place
27.12.20
Alexis
Such an amazing experience ! They were super busy but the catacombs are large enough to not feel crowded. The price was not bad and it took about 2.5 hrs to get through. Such a beautiful, unique piece of art and history you can literally be inside of.. Read more ».
Please respect your surroundings while there ! Unfortunately I saw so many people not following the rules which are in place to preserve the catacombs. You can still fully enjoy your experience without breaking any.
24.12.20
J.
Definitely an eye opening experience. I would highly recommend to visit this place. It should be considered one of the wonders of the world because you just don’t see this kind of stuff anywhere.
19.12.20
Michelle
This was a great tour to see important history of Paris and France itself, very interesting overall. I bought my tickets a few days in advance and it was the best thing I could’ve done. I went during peak season and the line to buy tickets was.. Read more » 3 hours. I was able to go In front of the line and go right in, due to me buying them in advance.
06.12.20
Mihaela
It was an interesting experience which opened for me a new chapter of the Paris History thanks to the audio guide. I visited it alone but due to the fact that I took the audioguide, the experience was pleasant and it was not creepy or dark at all. Th.. Read more »e distance was not too long to walk and the souvenir shop was an enjoyable ending of the tour.
03.11.20
Maree
Is it weird that I dragged my husband here on our romantic honeymoon? Regardless, the Catacombs of Paris is a must-see for any budding historian. Just FYI: it's dark and gloomy down there, and they don't let you take photos with a flash on... Read more » Be sure to rug up because it gets really cold down there - even if outside is reaching 35 degrees Celsius.
29.10.20
Nayana
It is one of a kind experience. It is a long tunnel and i think it was 45 mins. My 2 yr old and husband loved it. I was amazed at how well this place is maintained for years and how it connected one part of city all in the underground. There was no b.. Read more »ad odor or anything. It is very well maintained
22.08.20
Gursewak
The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries in Paris, France, which hold the remains of more than six million people in a small part of a tunnel network built to consolidate Paris' ancient stone quarries. .. Read more »Extending south from the Barrière d'Enfer ("Gate of Hell") former city gate, this ossuary was created as part of the effort to eliminate the city's overflowing cemeteries. Preparation work began not long after a 1774 series of gruesome Saint Innocents-cemetery-quarter basement wall collapses added a sense of urgency to the cemetery-eliminating measure, and from 1786, nightly processions of covered wagons transferred remains from most of Paris' cemeteries to a mine shaft opened near the Rue de la Tombe-Issoire.
The ossuary remained largely forgotten until it became a novelty-place for concerts and other private events in the early 19th century; after further renovations and the construction of accesses around Place Denfert-Rochereau, it was open to public visitation from 1874. Since 2013, the Catacombs number among the 14 City of Paris Museums managed by Paris Musées. Although the ossuary comprises only a small section of the underground "carrières de Paris" ("quarries of Paris"), Parisians currently often refer to the entire tunnel network as the catacombs.
Paris' earliest burial grounds were to the southern outskirts of the Roman-era Left Bank city. In ruins after the Western Roman Empire's 5th-century end and the ensuing Frankish invasions, Parisians eventually abandoned this settlement for the marshy Right Bank: from the 4th century, the first known settlement there was on higher ground around a Saint-Etienne church and burial ground (behind the present Hôtel de Ville), and urban expansion on the Right Bank began in earnest after other ecclesiastical landowners filled in the marshlands from the late 10th century. Thus, instead of burying its dead away from inhabited areas as usual, the Paris Right Bank settlement began with cemeteries near its centre.
The most central of these cemeteries, a burial ground around the 5th-century Notre-Dame-des-Bois church, became the property of the Saint-Opportune parish after the original church was demolished by the 9th-century Norman invasions. When it became its own parish associated with the church of the "Saints Innocents" from 1130, this burial ground, filling the land between the present rue Saint-Denis, rue de la Ferronnerie, rue de la Lingerie and the rue Berger, had become the City's principal cemetery. By the end of the same century "Saints Innocents" was neighbour to the principal Parisian marketplace Les Halles, and already filled to overflowing. To make room for more burials, the long-dead were exhumed and their bones packed into the roofs and walls of "charnier" galleries built inside the cemetery walls. By the end of the 18th century, the central burial ground was a two-metre-high (6.6 ft) mound of earth filled with centuries of Parisian dead, plus the remains from the Hôtel-Dieu hospital and the Morgue; other Parisian parishes had their own burial grounds, but the conditions in Les Innocents cemetery were the worst.
A series of ineffective decrees limiting the use of the cemetery did little to remedy the situation, and it was not until the late 18th century that it was decided to create three new large-scale suburban burial grounds on the outskirts of the city, and to condemn all existing parish cemeteries within city limits.
19.08.20
Mohamed
This place was sealed off, but I managed to press my camera through the bars of the gate and shoot this picture. Photo taken in the crypt of Paris
08.08.20
Ike
It was a great experience. We were able to use audio during the pandemic--maybe this is a recent change? The only thing that could make this tour better would be being down there alone. It loses a lot of it's gravity and charm when people are la.. Read more »ughing and yelling.
05.08.20
Katrina
A unique place definitely worth seeing. Great lesson on Paris history/human culture in general. Staff is very friendly. It gets slippery, so remember to wear proper shoes. Memento mori!
04.08.20
Silvio
Simply amazing. Visiting this catacombs is a mystical experience and you feel disconnected to the real world while walking in the middle of this ancient human remains. I think it's definitely a must if you are in Paris. Book your tickets on the .. Read more »website!
31.07.20
Jacinto
Interesting place but I'd recommend this place only if you've never visited any catacombs. If you already visit one you can skip it.
It is cold underground, so you have to visit it in a hot day or wear coat in winter.
29.07.20
Nicole
Very cool place to visit. Be prepared for the stairs as there are quiet a few. Nice way to escape the summer heat
22.07.20
Dr.
Place is more than interesting. That feeling when you're walking through the tunnels and having an opportunity to see that much things is... positively strange? Only bad thing is waiting queue. Had to wait 2 hours before even being able to buy t.. Read more »he ticket and go down and that is the only reason for not giving 5 stars.
14.07.20
Francesca
Very interesting. It's a shame that there are no audio tours during the Corona pandemic, but there's nothing they could do about that. We were very happy to be able to visit!
24.06.20
Ido
Nice one hour visit to learn more about the history of Paris.
It tells the story of the geological past of Paris through the years and how it evolved to be a tomb for almost 2 million Parisians who died around 200 years ago.
When I visited there were.. Read more » kids visiting as well, but it's definitely not for the sensitive people.
There's some walking involved and it's ba bit cool.
4.3 / 98
