VISIT THE CATACOMBS

An essential symbol of Paris

20 metres beneath the streets of the capital, the Catacombs of Paris offer a unique and striking visit. This vast municipal ossuary houses the remains of over six million Parisians, carefully arranged in the old underground quarries in the south of the city.

Why visit them?

It's one of the most unusual places in Paris. The experience is at once historical, emotional and aesthetic. The calm, the darkness and the methodical organisation of the bones create a special atmosphere that plunges visitors into the depths of our collective memory.

A brief history and anecdotes

At the end of the 18th century, Parisian cemeteries became overcrowded and the city decided to transfer the bones to old underground galleries. The ossuary was built in 1786 and opened to the public in the early 19th century. The Catacombs have welcomed famous visitors such as Napoleon III and Charles X.

What can you do there?

- Follow the 1.5 km route through the galleries
- Read the philosophical quotes on the walls
- Observe the impressive alignments of human bones
- Discover the history of the old underground quarries

Where are they?

📍 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris


👉 See on Google Maps

Practical advice

- Constant temperature of 14°C: bring warm clothing
- Online tickets strongly recommended (places limited per slot)
- Not accessible to people with reduced mobility, many steps to go down and up

To discover around

- Place Denfert-Rochereau
- Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art
- Parc Montsouris
- Rue Daguerre

Audioguide

🎧 Listen to our immersive description of the Catacombs on History Guide City Paris!


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