Paris Catacombs: Tickets, Opening Hours and Visiting Tips

Updated on October 8, 2026

The Catacombs of Paris are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:45am to 8:30pm (last entry 7:30pm), and a visit takes about an hour; booking online is strongly recommended. They are, in fact, the city's municipal ossuary: a somewhat macabre place, admittedly, but one worth visiting at least once. Located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, the Catacombs were originally old underground quarries. It wasn't until the end of the 18th century that the remains of six million people were transferred there.

Highlights

The labyrinthine galleries

"Stop! This is the empire of the dead," reads the inscription at the entrance to this extraordinary world. What follows is an impressive 1.5-kilometer walk through a labyrinth of former Parisian quarry galleries. Among the remains are those of notable historical figures such as Charles Perrault and François Rabelais, as well as guillotine victims like Camille and Lucile Desmoulins, Danton, and Robespierre. The corridors are narrow and low, and the atmosphere is eerie, but you'll be thrilled to have explored this other world.

The tomb of Philibert Aspairt

Legend has it that Philibert Aspairt, a doorkeeper at Val-de-Grâce during the French Revolution, got lost and died in the underground quarries of Paris on November 3, 1793. He wasn't found until eleven years later, and was buried on the spot. There's no proof this story, or even the man himself, is true, but his tomb does indeed exist within the Catacombs of Paris.

Practical info

Tips

The Catacombs sit at a constant temperature of around 14°C, so bring fairly warm clothing. On the RER B, Port-Royal is just one stop from Denfert-Rochereau, close to the Val-de-Grâce. Also note that there are 131 steps to go down and 112 to climb back up. Don't forget to bring a flashlight, either. In addition, visiting the Catacombs of Paris is not recommended for people with respiratory problems or claustrophobia, nor for young children. Likewise, the Catacombs are not accessible to people with reduced mobility. Close to the entrance, the Institut Giacometti stages temporary exhibitions devoted to Alberto Giacometti's work; check the programme before you go. 2026 prices (official tickets: catacombes.paris.fr): full rate €31 (audio guide included), reduced rate €25, child rate (8-17) €15, free under 8; booking a timed slot online is strongly recommended.

How to get there

By public transport, bus lines 38 and 68 will drop you off close to the Catacombs. Once back above ground, Parc Montsouris is close by for some fresh air. The "Denfert-Rochereau" station (metro lines 4, 6, and RER B) is also nearby.