Definitely take the audio guide and listen to the chapters as you go round to truly appreciate the history. It's a fascinating visit that explains how the vault was constructed after heavy limestone mining led to the collapse of streets above. You will finish at the cemetery of bones. Make sure to wear comfortable flat shoes, as there are many stairs on the way out. Cold bottles of water are available in the shop when you exit. PRE BOOK ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE.
Located at 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France. This was definitely a major highlight of my visit to Paris, packed with fascinating history! You must book online and only 7 days in advance. It’s a timed ticket, so reserve the time you want. It's a 1.5km circuit, so plan for at least 1 hour, longer if you want to take photos. I was there for over 1.5 hours and had plenty of time to explore thoroughly. There are 131 steps down to the catacombs and 112 steps to climb back up, making it not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility difficulties. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the humidity. Suitcases and large bags are prohibited; there’s no cloak room since the exit is 700 meters from the entrance. Also, if you have claustrophobia, consider if you can handle the spaces, which can be very dark and small in some areas. The catacombs hold the remains of over 6 million people, originating in the 18th century. Prices are Adult 31€ (audio guide included), Concession 25€ (audio guide included), Children (5-17 years) 12€ (audio guide NOT included), and Children under 5 years get FREE admission. The audio guide was excellent, delivering all the information and history of the catacombs. I loved my time there and highly recommend it to those who can endure the spaces. A Big Thumbs Up!!!
Amazing history! It's quite sad to see so many skulls, especially those of children. They provided an audio guide that gives information as you walk through the area. I was surprised at how you can walk through the catacombs like this; it must be monitored closely by cameras to prevent theft, but perhaps people respect the dead. There's some graffiti, but thankfully no one has tagged the bones. If you arrive early, they will ask you to wait elsewhere as you can only enter 5 minutes early. It's definitely a cool experience if you're visiting!
I was very eager to visit this place, and it provided me with a good experience. Firstly, there's no need to be very precise about ticket times. Our ticket was for 10:45, and we got there at 10:30 and were still able to enter. The Catacombs have a capacity of 200 people, and when it's reached, you will need to wait. Additionally, it's free for journalists with a valid Press card. Avoid bringing any backpacks, as there are no storage rooms and the entrance is 1 kilometer away from the exit. The space is narrow, so carrying a backpack in front is necessary, which makes taking photos difficult. There is an interesting audio guide and a cool souvenir shop with many books and items available. I recommend visiting. Note that tickets are named, but no one checks this, so if you accidentally buy for another day, you can resell without issues.
A city beneath a city, the underground network is filled with tunnels and chambers. The tunnels narrow in sections, so it’s best to carry your backpack at the front. The arranged bones create a chilling memorial. The catacombs were originally created to resolve overcrowding in cemeteries. Previously, these tunnels were limestone quarries. The dim lighting and stillness create a unique experience. Legends of secret gatherings add to the atmosphere. The catacombs prompt visitors to reflect on mortality and the passage of time, with poetic inscriptions on the walls. Scientists like Antoine Lavoisier, the father of modern Chemistry, may also rest here. Visiting was like stepping into a time capsule.
