Overview
Venture below the avenues and Metro tunnels of Paris and into the Catacombs, whose population of skeletons far outnumbers the living city above. This small-group tour includes Skip-the-Line Entry and lets you access parts of the Catacombs that are off-limits to individual visitors, so you get more out of your experience.
Exclusive sights include the Sacellum Crypt, where bones were blessed before beginning their rest in the tunnels.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 2 days before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Local English-speaking expert guide
Special access to restricted areas closed to general public
Skip-the-line access and visit to the Parisian catacombs
Small groups to ensure an intimate experience
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Meet at the entrance to the Catacombes de Paris. He/She will be holding a sign. To arrive at the Catacombs by Metro please take Line 4 or Line 6 to the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop and exit using “Sortie 1”; the entrance to the Catacombs can be found directly across the street from this exit.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
• Please be ready at least 15 minutes prior to departure time.
• Please note that Special Access areas may be closed on some days.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• This tour operates with an English-speaking guide
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate pushchairs or strollers on our tours.
• Our City Wonders guides will be holding a sign at the meeting point for easy recognition.
• To change the date or time of your tour, please contact your travel agent at Viator customer care: 1-866-648-5873 (Toll Free) / +1 (702) 648-5873 (International).
Disclaimer:
• Please note that Paris will host the 2024 Olympics from July 26th to August 11th, followed by the Paralympics from August 28th to September 8th. This may have an impact on our travel plans. While we are committed to minimizing any sort of inconvenience, please be aware that unforeseen issues may arise. We will make every effort to navigate challenges and ensure a smooth experience for you.
What to expect
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The Paris Catacombs
2 hours
Why wait in a long line to see less of the Catacombs? Your guide, an English-speaking local expert, will lead your group straight past the lines and down into the 200-mile labyrinth of bone-lined galleries and former quarry tunnels. An inscription at the entrance reads “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort”, or “Stop! Here lies the empire of death”. In this eerie empire, you’ll encounter the remains of such dignitaries as Rabelais and Robespierre, among more than 6 million other former Parisians.
While individual ticket holders must remain on the public routes, your guide will lead you off the well-traveled path. As well as other significant remains, like the hidden Gilbert’s Tomb, here you’ll find monuments to those who made their living in the empire of death. In the Port Mahon Gallery, you’ll see sculptures that an 18th-century quarry worker spent five years chiseling secretly from the tunnel walls, before being crushed in a cave-in. You’ll see the Quarryman’s Footbath and the Sepulchral Lamp, whose constant flame reassured the living that there was enough air in the tunnels.
As you wind your way around the Catacombs, you’ll hear all about the history of this parallel city – and the many legends surrounding it. Once you’ve seen what lies just 65 feet below the city, your view of Paris will be forever changed.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 2 full days before the start time: 100% refund.
Cancel within 2 days of the start time: 0% refund.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Paris).
Additional Information
- Not recommended for travelers with claustrophobia
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Skip-the-Line: Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours.
Where does it start?
Meet at the entrance to the Catacombes de Paris. He/She will be holding a sign.
What's included?
- Local English-speaking expert guide
- Special access to restricted areas closed to general public
- Skip-the-line access and visit to the Parisian catacombs
- Small groups to ensure an intimate experience
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by City Wonders Ltd
