Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Alan
Shannon
Desiree
Schmid
+1 more
Shaunyl
Christina
Brittany
Jaime
Hidden beneath Paris’s lively streets lies a haunting labyrinth where the remains of six million Parisians rest—the Catacombs. If exploring this eerie, historic underground world where skulls form artistic patterns intrigues you, then booking your Paris Catacombs tickets is the first step toward a truly macabre adventure!
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ticket options, opening hours, what to expect while visiting, and more for a seamless experience at the Catacombs.
Note: Public tours cover a 1.5-kilometer section of the Catacombs. For your safety and to preserve the site, venturing into unauthorized areas is strictly prohibited.
Your visit begins with the iconic entry sign etched with the haunting inscription "Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort," ("Stop! This is the Empire of the Dead"). The chilling words mark the transition from the lively streets of Paris to the solemn depths of the Catacombs, setting the tone for the eerie exploration that awaits.
As you enter the Port-Mahon Corridor, the haunting artistry of Francois Décure, a French quarryman, comes to life. After enduring imprisonment by the British in Spain, Décure returned to France and transformed the underground tunnels into his canvas. From memory, he sculpted the fortress where he was held captive, turning stone into a powerful tribute to resilience and strength.
Step onto the path less traveled and follow the route once tread by the laborers who carved out these underground tunnels! Before the Catacombs took shape the footpath allowed the quarrymen access to water for construction and to clean themselves after a day's work. Along the way, you will find several skull and bone arrangements, tombs, altars, and plaques.
The Ossuary, the final resting place for millions of Parisians, is one of the most eerie and spookiest sections. Ceiling-high stacks of bones and skulls arranged in symmetrical patterns all along the stretch created an overwhelming sense of solemnity. Among these is the Barrel of Passion– a towering column of skeletal remains, standing as a testament to the fragile boundary between life and death.
Amidst the rows of bones, the underground well offers a striking contrast with its crystal-clear turquoise water, acting as a strangely beautiful reminder of life persisting even in the most unexpected places. The well, believed to be over 45 feet deep with a spiraling staircase leading down, is thought to be the site of the first geological drilling ever done in Paris.
Your journey through the Catacombs ends as you ascend the exit staircase, climbing 112 steps from the solemn underground back to the bustling streets of Paris. This final ascent marks your transition from the world of the dead to the vibrant life above, as you emerge into the light once more.
Tickets to Paris Catacombs can sell out quickly, especially during the Summer. Booking them in advance (at least 7 days in advance) ensures that you have a timeslot prebooked for your visit, rather than waiting your turn to go in.
Online booking is a sure-shot way to reserve an entry slot to the Catacombs. Owing to the number of people (200) that are allowed entry at any given point in time, last-minute tickets are not sold on-site.
No, they are not. The only ticket type is a timed entry, although you might still need to wait.
At any given time only 200 people are allowed to be inside the Paris Catacombs. The current number of people inside is tracked with a digital counter mounted on the wall above the entrance.
Both options are available with differential pricing and experience. While a self-guided visit gives you the flexibility to tour at your own pace, a guided tour allows access to special areas within the Catacombs that are otherwise inaccessible to the public.
To keep the experience private, a guided tour is limited to a maximum of up to 19 people per group. This allows for better interaction between the guide and the group.
The only restriction in place is that children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult; visiting is at the parents' discretion. There is a chance that younger kids might find the space to be "creepy" since it's filled with real skulls and bones. But this visit is a great learning opportunity for them too.
Starting with the eerie sign that greets you at the entrance that reads, “Arrête, c’est ici l’empire de la mort." which translates to “Stop, this is death’s empire, there are others. Look out for Parisian street signs, The Well, rendering of Citadel de Mahon, The Barrel, and the Samaritan fountain.
The Catacombs are not fully explored and mapped, which is why only a limited portion is accessible and with a guide.
Very interesting to see a part of Paris not as well publicised. Respectfully carried out and a huge space. Remember to pick up the audio guide before descending the steps.
The ease of entry for both experiences was excellent. The guided tour in the catacombs was very educational. The views on the River tour were perfect and it was good length.
The staff who checked us in were friendly and professional. The audio guide was informative. The catacombs were respectfully maintained and fascinating. Please note the stairs back to the living world are numerous and may be difficult for some.
Everything perfect and on time, highly recommended
Getting inside was very easy. Scanned my ticket, picked up my audio guide, and I was ready to go!
All off it. Wish live guide audio isn't the same
It's magnificent, it's an incredible thing, I liked it a lot.
The history was interesting. Lines moved quickky. It wasnt really crowded inside, which was nice.
Punctual admission with the time slot ticket. Very good with audio guide.
The tour was great. It was nice being able to go at your own pace. The admission process was fast and easy. We leaned a lot during the tour. It is definitely worth doing.
I waited decades to see the Catacombs! The audio guide was a perfect version of information complimenting the visual guides.
The catacombs were everything I hoped they would be after having missed the opportunity to go the last 20 years. The headout ticket process was easy with no issues.
We've done the catacombs before, and that was exactly the way we expected, although this particular tour didn't have the heart shaped skulls that we saw last time at a different entry point. As far as the encounters with employees, it went OK except the girl who handed us our audio guides was very rude. We asked her to repeat something and she was very annoyed and short with us.
I feel compled to leave a review based on my experience. Out of desperation we booked with Headout for a tour that was sold out everywhere else (Paris Catacombs). We read the reviews on Headout and felt that we may be risking booking with them based on all the poor reviews but decided to go for it because there really wasn't another option and by chance maybe it would work out and at least we kind of knew what the outcome could be going into it. We booked 2 months before our trip and within minutes recieved the digital tickets. This made us a bit more confortable but still we just were not sure if Headout was legit. 2 months later (last week) we headed to the Catacombs as the digital tickets instructed and they scanned perfectly. No issues, no questions, perfection! We are so thankful that the tickets were actual tickets and we weren't scammed. We never had to deal with customer service so I can't say anything in that regards but for our experience we had absolutey no issues. Based on this event we would absolutely give Headout another try!
It's an impressive experience ! It's solemn, extensive and well presented. The crowds are well managed so that it's not crowded. One of my favourite experiences this trip 😊
Headout's organization was perfect, with a small downside concerning the welcome given by the Catacombs staff.
The experience met our expectations and hopes. No delays, no hassles, and it wasn't even crowded even though they were sold out on a Saturday. The staff permits only so many people into the Catacombes every 15 minutes and it makes for a comfortable experience, a peaceful walk and is very informative.
As a first thing, I must say that Paris is splendid. The catacombs are spectacular, impressive in a positive way. Experience that I highly recommend
Timed entry was great. Not very many people at once allowed our tour at our pace and didn't feel rushed. The audio tour was excellent. Would highly rexommend.
The ticketing process was great and the tour was very interesting and informative. This tour is not for everyone but it gave great insight into the history of Paris and pragmatic solution to several problems.
The tour of the catacombs was very interesting and educational. However, when we arrived, our tickets were not QR coded, so that required calling 2 different numbers quickly so we wouldn't miss our paid tour entry time. Not very well organized on your part. They told us that this happens all the time. The second number I called worked and they sent the correct tickets. Also, having to wait to get the tickets within 24 hours is not comfortable for the client who has already paid in advance. You need find a new way of providing the correct tickets much earlier to your clients. I had to call again when we arrived at the Seine River Cruise to get the correct QR codes sent to me. Very inconvenient and panic producing.... you need to do better.
In addition to the audio tour being interesting and informative, the staff were helpful and friendly, and the line moved quickly because they are well organized and run things well.
As we were English speaking people, it was wonderful to have the audio in our language and the history of the Catacombs is amazing. So worth the visit when in Paris
It went really well with ordering the tickets and also at the entrance. No waiting time and the catacombs are unique. But only those who are not afraid to look at skeletons.
What I liked best was that you could walk through the catacombs at your own pace and still get to know everything about the story thanks to the audio guide. So you could take enough time to look at everything in peace. I also like the fact that the audio guide is available in several languages. Furthermore, the information from the audio guide was understandable, informative and yet not too much.
Explore the world’s largest underground cemetery at your own pace.
Inclusions
Timed entry to the Catacombs
Audio guide in French, English, Spanish, and German
1-hour Seine River cruise (as per the option selected)
Paris Catacombs
Seine River Cruise
Paul
Celine
Amelia
The ease of entry for both experiences was excellent. The guided tour in the catacombs was very educational. The views on the River tour were perfect and it was good length.
Everything perfect and on time, highly recommended
It's magnificent, it's an incredible thing, I liked it a lot.
The tour was great. It was nice being able to go at your own pace. The admission process was fast and easy. We leaned a lot during the tour. It is definitely worth doing.
I waited decades to see the Catacombs! The audio guide was a perfect version of information complimenting the visual guides.
The catacombs were everything I hoped they would be after having missed the opportunity to go the last 20 years. The headout ticket process was easy with no issues.
We've done the catacombs before, and that was exactly the way we expected, although this particular tour didn't have the heart shaped skulls that we saw last time at a different entry point. As far as the encounters with employees, it went OK except the girl who handed us our audio guides was very rude. We asked her to repeat something and she was very annoyed and short with us.
The tour of the catacombs was very interesting and educational. However, when we arrived, our tickets were not QR coded, so that required calling 2 different numbers quickly so we wouldn't miss our paid tour entry time. Not very well organized on your part. They told us that this happens all the time. The second number I called worked and they sent the correct tickets. Also, having to wait to get the tickets within 24 hours is not comfortable for the client who has already paid in advance. You need find a new way of providing the correct tickets much earlier to your clients. I had to call again when we arrived at the Seine River Cruise to get the correct QR codes sent to me. Very inconvenient and panic producing.... you need to do better.
I bought these tickets for my daughters. They were both very moved by the historical aspects. However, I do not know why I was forced to pay for the boat excursion when purchasing the ticket for my 2nd daughter.
Everything was great, but a little overpriced.
Well organized and friendly staff. Everyone spoke good English, which made communication much easier.
Nicely done, professional and humorous
Kindness of the people who work there, respect for the premises and presentations
Ticketing was easy, wait was minimal and the experience was fantastic.
Timed entry to Paris Catacombs + Seine River cruise.
Inclusions Paris Catacombs
Seine River Cruise
Paris Catacombs
Seine River Cruise
Amelia
Wera
Desiree
Small group, great guide, visit to less visited special areas
Great guide: good instructions and information too!
Well, since the experience did not happen, I did not love anything about it. I was not informed via call, text, or email in advance and wasted time and money to get to the catacombs. I understand there is a strike and that's out of your control, but the lack of communication is well within your control. Also, I'm getting this email to give feedback and I haven't received a response from my email today when the tour didn't happen.
I had a great experience with my guide Saeed! He was extremely knowledgeable not just regarding the Catacombs but Paris as a whole. Would recommend!
Hi, we had a great time and our guide , Anthony, was extremely knowledgeable and made the tour very enjoyable. Thankyou.
The guide was a little unsure of historical details and relied on the wow factor of the skeletal remains and some stone sculpture in the catecombs. I expected a detailed serious history journey for €158. I did not receive that but received instead a learnt off script. Answers of questions outside of that script were unsatisfactory.
Excellent tour guide with vast knowledge of the history of the area. Was well-paced and informative tour!
Saeed was excellent and clearly loved the history and the topic!
We had a great tour guide, who had funny and interesting stories to tell about the catecombs!
I have sent a complaint to your site copy below I have booked tickets for a guided tour of the Paris catacombs, the price includes a trip on the Seine reservation n° 22997682 Visit of February 20, 2025 Impossible to download the tickets correctly: even on site, at the reception desk, they were unable to do so. QR code inactive Impossible to modify tickets even though the option is available on the website. No tour of the Seine at the catacombs reception desk. Exorbitant price given the remaining service without the tour. Miraculously, when the guide arrived, she had me on her list, so I was able to take the tour. If I hadn't arrived well in advance to try and resolve the problem, I wouldn't have been able to do it. I would have liked to change my ticket for 2 reasons: firstly, I would have liked to change the date, and secondly, I would have liked to change it for 1 adult and 1 schoolchild. As it was impossible to make the change, despite the suggestion made by your site, I went to the scheduled date. I found that the price was 35€ for an adult and 17€ for a schoolchild, whereas I had paid 248€. I found a phone number on a message I received via Whattshapp; I can't see any valid reason for you to have used Whastshaap to communicate with me when you had e-mail and a cell phone. I called 3 times asking for a call in French and was disconnected. I ended up calling in English, and a correspondent found my reservation and gave me this e-mail address. I therefore consider your proposal to be a scam. I therefore request that you pay me 148 - 2 x 35 = 178 €. Otherwise, I will file a complaint for online scamming. I look forward to your reply, which I hope will be positive.
We toured the Paris Catacombs with tour guide Jonny on Christmas Eve. He was so much fun to talk to and gave us information in a way that made it so very interesting and easy to follow despite our fatigue from flying into France that morning.
Great tour guide! Well timed and organized!
Really amazing experience!! Thank you Igor!!
I paid 497€ and didn't recieve any tickets , scam !
Totally worth the extra money for the private tour. The guide was very informative and patient. I was very impressed with her English! Highly recommend!!
Our guide Leo was so excited and knowledgable about the catacombs! We were very engaged in the many stories and history of the catacombs and surrounding area. The use of photos on the guide's phone really helped to tie everything together. My only complaint is that Leo arrived about 15 minutes late to the meeting point. After that, everything moved along well.
If you go, I recommend arriving very early. The catacombs opened at 10, we arrived at 10:30, and we had to wait almost two hours to get in. It was well worth the wait, however. You can pay for an audio guide, but we opted to read the many signs that are posted throughout the walk.
The Catacombs used to be underground stone quarries - this was where the white stone that was used for many Paris landmarks, such as Sacre Coeur, came from. The space quarried was then used to house the bones from the Paris churches when they became completely full.
What a fun adventure that is not a museum, or art. We learned a lot about the Paris history and had fun just being creeped out.
Guided tour of Paris Catacombs with access to special areas.
Inclusions Timed entry to Paris Catacombs
1.5 hour guided tour by an expert English-speaking guide
Exclusive access to restricted areas within
A group of up to 19 people
Paris Catacombs
Giles
Brett
Tickets purchased in advance, which saves time (reliable site). No set times, which means you can adapt to your children's needs (very practical). Very good, to be recommended!
Very interesting to see a part of Paris not as well publicised. Respectfully carried out and a huge space. Remember to pick up the audio guide before descending the steps.
This was number one on my list and it was even more magnificent than I could have even anticipated. There was so much beauty and energy at the arch that when you walked up the stairs it felt as though you weren't walking alone. Each step was an honour to dedicate to the lives of the names listed on the structure. If your in Paris I'd say this is above all else to see especially if you are short on time.
Tickets were easy to purchase, walked right up and got in line to go through security . Views were great, lots of steps!
The staff who checked us in were friendly and professional. The audio guide was informative. The catacombs were respectfully maintained and fascinating. Please note the stairs back to the living world are numerous and may be difficult for some.
The view was fantastic! Unfortunately, despite having a ticket, you still had to wait a long time to get in and the signage on how to get to the Arc de Triumphe (underground, not over the road) and how to get to the metro afterwards is very poor. This should be worked on urgently. There was a lot of chaos.
Getting inside was very easy. Scanned my ticket, picked up my audio guide, and I was ready to go!
Easy to book, and a spectacular view. Pity it needed to close early so only got a brief time there.
All off it. Wish live guide audio isn't the same
All beautiful staff very knowledgeable experience to share
The wonder seen over all of Paris 😍
Everything was TOP! I am extremely satisfied.
It was more interesting, amazing and beautiful than I expected.
The fastest line, which saves an incredible amount of time!!!
The history was interesting. Lines moved quickky. It wasnt really crowded inside, which was nice.
The highlight of my visit was the view from Arc de triomphe!
The view it s magnifique. Headout it s the best choice!
Fast shipping of tickets thank you
Punctual admission with the time slot ticket. Very good with audio guide.
La persona que nos atendio inicialmente fue muy grosera y no se trataba de explicar. Nos hacia caras de enojo e impaciencia para todo
The queue at the ticket office was enormous. Instead, I bought my ticket online and waited in line to pass through security to access the monument. Fast, practical and efficient. I highly recommend it. The view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe is for me one of the best in the city.
Did not know what to expect but we absolutely loved it. So much history behind this monument which was fascinating to learn about. Glad we climbed the 284 spiral stairs to the top! So pleased we visited and would recommend to anyone.
You don't jump the queue, it's as good a ticket as any but at the Arc de Triomphe there's never much confusion, considering it's open from 10-20 usually
I bought 2 tickets for my granddaughter and friend. As i am handicapped with a walker i thouht they would let me take the elevator but they wouldn't. At least the girls enjoyed.
There were hardly any queues and the views from the top of the Arc de Triomphe are fantastic. It is well worth the visit. Totally recommended. Mind you, you have to take into account that you have to climb a lot of stairs. But you will be rewarded with wonderful views.
Inclusions Arc de Triomphe
Entry to Arc de Triomphe
Rooftop access
Informative pamphlets in 10 languages
Paris Catacombs
Skip-the-line entry to Catacombs
Audio Guide in English, French, German, and Spanish
Arc de Triomphe
Paris Catacombs
Tessa
Paul
Ana
