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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Catacombs of Paris Summary
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| Public website: | www.catacombes.paris.fr |
France – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type E
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is optional but appreciated in restaurants (5-10%) and for exceptional service. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in designated areas, but restrictions apply in some cities. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces but common in outdoor cafes. |
| Bastille Day (July) |
Parades and fireworks occur nationwide. |
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| Easter (March/April) |
Cultural celebrations and closures. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets and festive events. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 112 (EU emergency), 15 (Ambulance), 17 (Police), 18 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | Uber, Bolt, Heetch |
| Other: | France offers diverse experiences, from art and culture to nature and cuisine. Be cautious in crowded areas. |
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for Catacombs of Paris, France
Timed tickets required and often sell out weeks ahead, book online in advance
Closed Mondays; open Tuesday to Sunday, with the last entry about an hour before closing
Constant temperature around 14°C and 130 steps down and 112 up, not suitable for people with limited mobility or claustrophobia
Don't miss
- ⚰️ Descend the winding staircase to bones and skulls
- 💀 Observe the intricate decorative skull arrangements
- 🦴 Explore the eerie ossuary lined with millions of remains
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! The Catacombs of Paris are an extraordinary network of underground tunnels originally quarried for limestone, later converted into an ossuary in the late 18th century to solve sanitation problems caused by overcrowded cemeteries. The ossuary contains the remains of over six million people, arranged artistically in walls of bones, creating a solemn and evocative space.
The Catacombs cover over 300 kilometers of tunnels beneath Paris, though only a small section is open to the public. The tour includes walking down 131 steps into the underground, navigating narrow passages and steep staircases, so it is not suitable for those with limited mobility. The temperature remains steady at about 14°C and the environment can be damp.
Visitors are advised to book tickets online in advance to avoid long waits and to dress warmly despite the above-ground weather. Photography is allowed without flash, but touching the bones is strictly prohibited to preserve this delicate heritage. The site offers a profound and somber reflection on mortality and the layers of Parisian history beneath the surface.
While it’s a must-visit for those interested in history and the macabre, it’s not recommended for young children or those with claustrophobia or respiratory issues due to the confined, subterranean conditions.
Knowledge before you go
- Currently closed until Spring 2026 for renovations.
- Book tickets months ahead; only 200 visitors allowed underground simultaneously.
- Expect 131 steps down, 112 up and 1.5km claustrophobic tunnel walking.
- Wear sturdy shoes; no large bags permitted as entrances and exits differ.
How to travel to Catacombs of Paris
Visitors can access the Catacombs via the entrance at Place Denfert-Rochereau in Paris. It is reachable by metro lines 4 and 6 or RER B. Most travelers arrive via Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports, then use public transit or taxis to reach central Paris and the Catacombs entrance.
Access summary
- From Charles de Gaulle (CDG): RER B to Denfert-Rochereau, about 45–60 minutes.
- From central Paris hotels: Metro lines 4 or 6 to Denfert-Rochereau, 10–25 minutes.
- From London/Brussels: Eurostar to Gare du Nord, then RER/Metro to Denfert-Rochereau, 30–45 minutes.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Catacombs of Paris
Accommodations in the 14th arrondissement and nearby Latin Quarter offer convenient access to the Catacombs, with a range from mid‑tier hotels to boutique guesthouses suitable for cultural travelers.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Catacombs of Paris
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🎒
Small rucksack
🧥
Warm winter coat
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
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Daily expenses in the region are around 10% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
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Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
The Catacombs of Paris are generally safe for visitors, with well‑maintained pathways and clear signage. Tourists should follow official tour schedules, avoid unauthorized entry, keep valuables secure and heed staff instructions to ensure a smooth, incident‑free experience.
Accessibility
The Catacombs of Paris offer limited accessibility: a few elevators and ramps serve the main entrance, but many tunnels remain steep, narrow and uneven. Visitors with mobility issues should plan ahead, use guided tours and bring sturdy footwear for safety.
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