A guided tour unlocks exclusive access to sections of the Catacombs closed to the general public, including a chapel filled with bones.
A guided tour unlocks exclusive access to sections of the Catacombs closed to the general public, including a chapel filled with bones.
Your tour is led by an expert English-speaking guide who brings the Catacomb’s history to life, sharing intriguing facts, legends, and insights.
With a group size limited to 19 people, the experience is more intimate. Small groups allow for better interaction with your guide and a quieter atmosphere underground.
Step into the eerie depths (20 meters) of the Paris Catacombs with our expert-led guided tours, offering exclusive access to areas restricted to the general public. Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a labyrinth of tunnels holding centuries of history and the remains of over six million people (some as old as 1200 years).
The small-group tours (maximum 19 people) ensure an intimate and immersive experience, with expert guides sharing captivating stories, historical insights, and hidden details about this fascinating underground world. Uncover the secrets of the Catacombs, from the intricate bone arrangements to the compelling tales of its creation.
Whether you're a history buff or a curious traveler, the tours promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of Paris’ mysterious underworld.
Guided tours unlock secret sections of the Catacombs which are not accessible on general visits. These include the Sacellum Crypt, featuring rare bone arrangements and inscriptions, and the Port-Mahon corridor, where François Décure’s sculptures can be admired up close, hidden altars and ossuary chambers.
This corridor displays sculptures by François Décure, a quarryman who carved a replica of the Port-Mahon fortress entirely from memory. He spent five years, in secrecy, carving out these sculptures using simple quarrymen tools and working under torchlight. He was crushed in a cave-in at the same spot while carving a stairway to access his sculptures, from the streets above.
Reminiscent of a wishing well, quarrymen used this walkway to access water for cement mixing and to wash up after work. The pathway leads to one of the most interesting sections of the Catacombs, filled with skull displays, inscriptions, graves, and chapels commemorating the dead.
This section comes right after the exhibition area and is one of the interesting sections of the Catacombs. It contains the bones of over 6 million Parisians, arranged in various patterns, the most popular being–the Barrel of Passion. A welcome sign at the entrance prepares you for the ossuary–Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort which translates to “Stop! This is the Empire of the Dead”.
A guided tour provides access to restricted areas, interactive Q&A opportunities, and shares stories and historical details not included in audio guides, making it a richer experience. Although, audio guides do allow you the flexibility to explore at your desired pace.
Yes, guided tours include access to restricted sections of the Catacombs that are unavailable to general visitors, such as the Sacellum Crypt, the Grotte des Sépultures, and hidden galleries.
Yes, guided tours are limited to 19 people, offering a more personalized and intimate experience.
Currently, guided tours are available only in English.
Yes, children can join since there are no age restrictions. However, parental discretion is highly recommended; the eerie atmosphere of the Catacombs can be harsh on a child.
Yes, photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are typically prohibited.
The Catacombs are not wheelchair-accessible due to steep stairs and narrow tunnels, making them challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
Guided tours are more expensive (almost double) than audio guide tickets because they include expert insights and exclusive access to restricted areas.
Explore your other ticket options to the Paris Catacombs.
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