Explore Underground Paris: The Catacombs Experience

Beneath the vibrant streets and iconic architecture of Paris lies a labyrinth of tunnels, shrouded in mystery and holding the remains of some six million people. The Paris Catacombs present a remarkable, if eerie, journey into a seldom-seen side of the city. These tunnels—carved out of limestone quarries and stacked with bones—were created as a solution to the overflowing cemeteries of 18th-century Paris. Today, they offer an extraordinary perspective on the city’s history and the stories of those who lived, and died, here.

Skip the Lines, Unlock Secret Chambers

With your skip-the-line ticket, bypass the crowds and join a group led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. Ascend, or rather descend, into the heart of the Catacombs where you’ll unravel centuries-old legends and historical facts. Your guide will relate tales of the revolutionaries, stone carvers, and workers whose lives are entwined with these tunnels.

Unlike standard tours, this experience grants you special entry to sections generally closed to the public. Marvel at the Port Mahon Gallery—famous for its intricate rock sculptures and the legend of the quarryman who spent years carving masterpieces into the stone. Witness the somber beauty of the Sepulchral Lamp, a symbol of perpetual light deep underground, and peer into the Sacellum Crypt, a resting place for victims of revolution and epidemic.

Intimate Group Sizes, Personalised Exploration

Choose a semi-private tour with a maximum of six guests for more exclusive interaction with your guide, or join a larger group of up to 19 for a dynamic and social exploration. Both options provide a comprehensive visit and breathing room to fully immerse yourself in this astonishing underground world.

Historic Sites and Chilling Tales

As you traverse narrow passages lined with artfully arranged bones and skulls, each stop comes alive with stories. Learn about the architectural evolution of the Catacombs, their practical function as Paris overflowed, and hear about the notable figures—scientists, politicians, revolutionaries—laid to rest here.

• See the Port Mahon Gallery’s carvings, crafted by a quarryman whose legacy endures below Paris

• Walk past the iconic Sepulchral Lamp, once kept burning to demonstrate air quality deep underground

• Visit the Sacellum Crypt and Gilbert’s Tomb, sites of historic importance in the Catacombs

• Uncover the urban legends, scientific history, and social upheaval that shaped France’s cryptic underworld

Comfort and Safety

While the Catacombs maintain a steady, cool temperature and often-unpredictable footing, your guide ensures a safe and engaging visit through this unusual Parisian landmark.

A Paris Experience Unlike Any Other

From lines of bones forming walls to epic tales of history hidden beneath Parisian pavements, the Catacombs offer a side of the city like no other. This guided tour is your key to unlocking passages and knowledge reserved for the few, illuminating centuries of Parisian life, death, and legend.

Book your Catacombs Guided Tour with Special Access tickets now!