Catacombs of Paris
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At the spooky Catacombs of Paris, you can find some darkness in the “City of Light.”
Visiting the Catacombs of Paris: (Jump To)
Catacombs of Paris History
The Catacombs of Paris is a macabre tourist attraction through an abandoned mining quarry filled with artfully stacked human remains. "Artfully stacked"...like Dolly Parton...or animation cells...or umm...human frickin' bones.
You would never know while walking around the 14th arrondissement of Paris that below your feet lies a mass grave. Sometime in the late 18th century, city planners in Paris decided that the city’s numerous overflowing graveyards were “a bit much.” Local church people weren’t too keen on disturbing the final resting places of their parishioners, so they were like, “Deal with it.” An unusually rainy spring caused the already overstuffed graves to spew decaying bodies into the streets. Turns out people really don’t like smelly decaying bodies in the street; so the church agreed to make a change.
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Limestone mined for buildings throughout Paris had left vast empty underground tunnels. They decided to repurpose the abandoned underground quarries to house the remains from the cemeteries. For nearly twelve years, always after dark, local priests would gather to sing hymns as carts full of bones were wheeled passed...because that's not disturbing at all.
Oh, there’s more. For reasons I don’t fully understand, the bones were stacked into patterns and displays. Piles of leg bones are artfully traversed with a row of skulls. Columns, crosses, and other designs are built from mismatched femurs.
An approximately one-mile portion of this disturbing mass grave is open to the public. The entire labyrinth beneath the city is huge, but it is illegal to enter other areas. Lord only knows what or who is down there.
How to Experience the Catacombs of Paris
You’ll enter at street level and immediately drop 130 steps underground. The cool, damp air of death will be around you. (Bring a hoodie). The first portion is surprisingly death-free. You’ll encounter an impressive stone carving done by a bored miner who was killed before finishing. Let that be a lesson to those of you bored at work.
As you proceed you’ll see a sign in French that reads "Arrête, c'est ici l'empire de la mort!" Which, I believe, translates to: “Aren’t you glad you did this and skipped the second macaroon shop?” (or, according to Google Translate, “Stop! This is the empire of death!”)
There’s no easing you into it. You’re walking passed the remains of over six million Parisians. Bones are grouped together by their origin cemetery with signs notating the name and former location. As you continue to weave through the winding underground passages you will encounter a fountain made of bones, an ancient tomb, one single gravestone, and a fire bowl used to keep air circulating.
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The final portion of the tour takes you passed The Crypt of the Passion, or “The Barrel.” A bulging barrel-shaped sculpture of remains hiding a support beam. From there you’ll begin your slow ascension to street level. If you decided to slip a skull into your bag during your visit, you’ll be disappointed by the bag check at the tunnel’s exit.
Take a step out of the rather nondescript door onto Rue Rémy Dumoncel. Across the street is a gift shop; because why not?
Tips for Visiting the Catacombs of Paris
Because of the sensitive nature of the catacombs, only 200 people are allowed inside at a time. A substantial line normally forms at the surface. The best way to avoid the wait is to wake up early and be in line before opening. They won’t let you in with large bags or luggage and there are no bathrooms at the entrance or inside.
It’s easy to be disoriented when exiting the catacombs. The exit is about a ten-minute walk via surface streets from the entrance. To avoid confusion search for “Catacombs Exit” on your maps app. (Google Maps)
Paris Catacombs Hours
The Catacombs are open Tuesday through Sunday hours are 9.45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Note that the last entry time is 7:30 p.m. The Catacombs are closed on Mondays
Check the Catacombs official website for special hours on holidays.
Catacombs of Paris Ticket Price
Adults: 29€
Young Adults (age 18 to 26) and Students with ID: 23€
Children (age 5 to 17): 10€
Under 5: free admission (…but maybe this isn’t a great family fun time activity!)
French language guided tours are available twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. The timed tickets allow you to enter only during your allotted time slot. Tickets go on sale one week prior to the visit date. Visit their official site for more information and to book a ticket.
A visit to the catacombs is not for everyone, but it's incredibly unique and well worth the admission.
