Venture below the avenues and Metro tunnels of Paris and into the Catacombs, whose population of skeletons far outnumbers the living city above. This small-group tour includes Skip-the-Line Entry and lets you access parts of the Catacombs that are off-limits to individual visitors, so you get more out of your experience. Exclusive sights include the Sacellum Crypt, where bones were blessed before beginning their rest in the tunnels.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Local English-speaking expert guide
✔ Special access to restricted areas closed to general public
✔ Skip-the-line access and visit to the Parisian catacombs
✔ Small groups to ensure an intimate experience
✖ Gratuities
✖ Food and drinks, unless specified
✖ Hotel pickup and drop-off
Departure & Return
Departure:
1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
Meet at the entrance to the Catacombes de Paris. He/She will be holding a sign. To arrive at the Catacombs by Metro please take Line 4 or Line 6 to the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop and exit using “Sortie 1”; the entrance to the Catacombs can be found directly across the street from this exit.
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
The Paris Catacombs
Why wait in a long line to see less of the Catacombs? Your guide, an English-speaking local expert, will lead your group straight past the lines and down into the 200-mile labyrinth of bone-lined galleries and former quarry tunnels. An inscription at the entrance reads “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort”, or “Stop! Here lies the empire of death”. In this eerie empire, you’ll encounter the remains of such dignitaries as Rabelais and Robespierre, among more than 6 million other former Parisians.
While individual ticket holders must remain on the public routes, your guide will lead you off the well-traveled path. As well as other significant remains, like the hidden Gilbert’s Tomb, here you’ll find monuments to those who made their living in the empire of death. In the Port Mahon Gallery, you’ll see sculptures that an 18th-century quarry worker spent five years chiseling secretly from the tunnel walls, before being crushed in a cave-in. You’ll see the Quarryman’s Footbath and the Sepulchral Lamp, whose constant flame reassured the living that there was enough air in the tunnels.
As you wind your way around the Catacombs, you’ll hear all about the history of this parallel city – and the many legends surrounding it. Once you’ve seen what lies just 65 feet below the city, your view of Paris will be forever changed.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Not wheelchair accessible.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate pushchairs or strollers on our tours.
• Please note that Special Access areas may be closed on some days.
• Not recommended for travelers with claustrophobia
