A Visitor’s Guide to The Catacombs of Paris

Introduction

The Paris Catacombs are one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, and they’re also shrouded in mystery. If you stay away from the crowds at this underground attraction and plan ahead, you’ll be able to make the most of your visit! Here are some tips on how to get the most out of a visit to Paris’ Catacombs:

The Catacombs are surprisingly easy to reach.

The Catacombs are surprisingly easy to reach. The easiest way is by metro, which takes about 20 minutes from the city center and costs about $2.50 per person. If you’re coming from another part of Paris, there are buses that will take you directly there for about $5 per person (also paid on arrival).

There are no maps available at the entrance or within the catacombs themselves; however, we were able to find a map online before our visit and print it out ahead of time so we could reference it throughout our tour if needed.

The Catacombs make for an interesting visit, but they’re not for everyone.

  • The Catacombs are a unique attraction, but they’re not for everyone.
  • The Catacombs are not suitable for children or people with claustrophobia.
  • The Catacombs are not suitable for people who have mobility problems.

The entrance to the Catacombs is on Denfert-Rochereau Square.

  • The entrance to the Catacombs is on Denfert-Rochereau Square.
  • It’s opposite the Lion of Belfort statue, which you can see from far away because it’s a big lion statue and it has an inscription on it that says “Arise! Arise! Workers” in French (L’armee des ouvriers).

Due to its proximity to the city center, the Catacombs are quite a popular attraction, which means you will notice some crowds.

Due to its proximity to the city center, the Catacombs are quite a popular attraction, which means you will notice some crowds.

  • To avoid these crowds, consider visiting on a weekday or during off-season. If you’re unable to get tickets online (or if they are sold out), try going on one of these days instead.
  • If all else fails: visit Musée Carnavalet instead! This museum has some fascinating exhibits devoted to Parisian history and culture–and it’s located just three metro stops away from Denfert-Rochereau station (where you’ll be able to catch your train back home).

Opposite the Lion of Belfort statue is the access point for the underground caves.

Opposite the Lion of Belfort statue is the access point for the underground caves. The entrance is guarded, but don’t worry–you can get in without a ticket if you ask nicely!

Once inside, take a moment to look around: this place is truly unique in all of Paris and will be unlike anything else you’ve seen before (or at least since grade school).

If possible, try to avoid visiting on the weekend or public holidays.

If possible, try to avoid visiting on the weekend or public holidays. Weekday visits are less crowded and you’ll be able to enjoy your time in peace.

If you do visit during these busy times of day (which is understandable if it’s an important event), try to go early in the morning or later in the evening when most people will have gone home. This can also help reduce your wait time at certain attractions like La Catacombes de Paris and Le Pont des Arts de Paris

Plan your visit well in advance and pre-book your tickets online.

  • Plan your visit well in advance and pre-book your tickets online.
  • The Catacombs of Paris are a popular attraction, so it’s best to plan ahead if you want to avoid the crowds or make sure that you get the date you want. You can book up to three months in advance, but don’t wait too long: Last-minute cancellations may be available if someone doesn’t show up for their scheduled tour time, but they’ll go fast!
  • Tickets cost €15 per person online versus €17 at the entrance gate; this price includes an audio guide (and it’s worth getting one).

You’re not allowed to take large bags into the Catacombs (not even oversized purses or knapsacks).

You’re not allowed to take large bags into the Catacombs (not even oversized purses or knapsacks). Small bags are fine, but they must be no larger than 15x15x8 cm. You can also bring a camera as long as it’s in its own bag.

This is also where you’ll find a coat check if you want to leave your jackets and umbrellas before going in.

If you’re planning on visiting the catacombs, this is also where you’ll find a coat check if you want to leave your jackets and umbrellas before going in. It’s free but it costs around 6 Euros per item (depending on what type of bag/coat/umbrella). You can leave them for up to three hours at a time, so no need to worry about forgetting anything!

You can also leave other items there as well; however, they do ask that you don’t bring anything that has sentimental value or could be considered dangerous (i.e., knives).

Be sure to wear flat and comfortable shoes since you’ll be doing a lot of walking (and descending) while underground.

When visiting the Catacombs, you will be doing a lot of walking. The tunnels are fairly narrow and there are several flights of stairs to descend before reaching your destination. You must also be prepared to walk back up those same stairs (and possibly more). If you aren’t wearing comfortable shoes, then this may not be the best trip for you!

If you’re planning on visiting in winter months, it’s best to wear layers so that if it gets too warm down there (which can happen), then removing an article of clothing won’t make things uncomfortably cold.

You won’t be able to walk through with a pushchair, buggy or stroller.

The Catacombs of Paris are not suitable for pushchairs, buggies and strollers. You will need to leave your pushchair at the entrance.

If you would like a photo of yourself with your buggy against the backdrop of this stunning entrance then you can leave it at our coat check service which is free of charge (please see below).

Plan ahead, dress appropriately and arrive early to avoid the crowds at this unique attraction in Paris!

  • Plan ahead, dress appropriately and arrive early to avoid the crowds at this unique attraction in Paris!
  • Check opening times and plan your visit in advance. The Catacombs are open from 9am-5pm (closed on Mondays).
  • Dress for the weather – it can be cold underground so bring a jacket or sweater with you. Comfortable shoes are also recommended as there is a lot of walking involved!
  • Arrive early if possible – this will help reduce waiting time before being allowed into the catacombs themselves, plus allow more time to explore once inside without feeling rushed. If you’re visiting during peak season (July-August), it may be worth considering coming back another day instead if waiting times are too long or don’t want to chance missing out on something else while waiting around here all day long!

Conclusion

We hope that this guide has helped you plan your visit to the Catacombs of Paris. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to assist in any way we can!