Head into the depths of Paris for a unique experience in the Catacombs, an expansive underground ossuary containing the bones of millions of Parisians. Marvel at the eerie beauty of the intricately arranged remains, a haunting monument to the city's past.
Descend 20 meters (65 feet) beneath the bustling streets of Paris and explore the enigmatic Paris Catacombs, often referred to as the "Empire of the Dead." With this timed-entry ticket and official audioguide, you will bypass the notorious ticket-purchasing queues and dive straight into one of the city's most unique and haunting historical sites.
Your journey begins by descending 131 steps into a subterranean network of former limestone quarries. In the late 18th century, as Parisian cemeteries became dangerously overcrowded and posed severe public health risks, the city began transferring millions of remains to these underground tunnels. Today, the carefully arranged bones and skulls of roughly six million Parisians line the 1.5-kilometer (1-mile) self-guided circuit.
As you navigate the damp, dimly lit passages, your multi-language audioguide will share the fascinating history of the site's creation under King Louis XVI. Look out for notable underground landmarks, including the intricate Port-Mahon sculpture carved by a quarry worker, the symbolic grave of poet Nicolas Gilbert, and the famous "Barrel of Bones" crypt. You will also pass under the chilling stone inscription reading, "Arrête! C'est ici l'empire de la Mort" (Stop! This is the Empire of Death).
Important! This is not a guided tour, therefore there's no meeting point. You will need to head to the attraction at the provided address and enter with your tickets.