Catacombs

Guided Catacombs Tour (VIP Restricted Access)

1 to 6

2 hours

from 119.90€

Flexible cancellation policy

We understand that plans can change, which is why we are happy to offer a full refund with no questions asked, up to 24 hours before your tour departure time.

Within 24 hours we’ve already started preparing for your tour and can’t easily fill your slot, so we won’t be able to provide a refund after that point.



Hidden deep beneath the streets of Paris lies the Catacombs, a labyrinth of tunnels that serves as the final resting place to millions of Parisians and centuries of history
And now with our Paris Catacombs tours, guests can experience the galleries of underground bones with tunnels and chambers that extend for over 200 miles.

Skip the long lines and unlock gates to hidden rooms on this semi-private VIP Catacombs tour of the world’s largest ossuary, deciphering on our journey many of the secrets of the history of Paris above.

Semi Private

Immerse yourselves in an interactive exploration with a passionate, licensed guide
Extra-small group size allows for a flexible and fluid visit
Treat yourself to premium visiting conditions
119.90€
Price for 1 adult

Semi Private

Immerse yourselves in an interactive exploration with a passionate, licensed guide
Extra-small group size allows for a flexible and fluid visit
Treat yourself to premium visiting conditions
119.90€
Price for 1 adult

Highlights of the Guided Catacombs Tour

  • Enjoy official fast track access to the Catacombs and avoid the long entry lines.
  • Benefit from special VIP access to parts of the Catacombs closed to the general public.
  • Semi-private groups of 6 people or fewer allow for a relaxed visit with personal attention from your expert guide.
  • Learn the fascinating history and stories behind this unique site.

Paris Catacombs Tour Description

Beneath the streets of Paris there is another, darker side to the city that few get to see. Twenty meters (and more) below street level, the galleries of the Paris Catacombs extend for over 200 miles – a subterranean maze under the city that many are unaware of as they stroll along the streets above.

Initially quarried to provide limestone for the construction of the famous Parisian buildings and bridges, the Paris Catacombs are now home to the bones of more than 6 million former Parisians. Their remains were carefully moved here in the 18th century in a discreet operation to transfer them from the insalubrious and overflowing cemeteries of the city center. Overcrowding in these cemeteries led to improper burials, open graves and unearthed corpses, spreading disease (and a few horror stories!) into the surrounding areas.

Nowadays, wall after wall of stacked bones, and some more slightly macabre compositions, await you as you follow an expert local guide into ‘The Empire of Death’.  Fans of the film As Above so Below will recognize these never-ending gloomy tunnels.  Along with millions of ordinary Parisians, it is said that the Man in the Iron Mask lies here, as do both executioners and their victims guillotined during the French Revolution.

While it’s possible to get your own Catacombs tickets and go it alone, our guided Catacombs tour offers special access and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Your guide will lead you through the underground passages and have gates unlocked for you and your group. You’ll step into rooms with fragile artifacts and learn the intriguing stories of those who worked, visited and have been laid to rest here over the centuries, including the secret societies who still visit today.  Past and present Paris and its inhabitants come to life as you explore the city’s gloomy entrails concealed below the surface.

What’s included in Our Guided Catacombs Tours

  • Guided visit of the Catacombs
  • Official fast track entry and entrance tickets
  • Special access to parts of the Catacombs closed to the public
  • Expert, fully accredited English-speaking tour guide

FAQ

Are there lots of steps to get in and out of the Catacombs?

There are 130 steps to enter the catacombs and 112 steps to exit. If you have mobility or respiratory difficulties we do not recommend you take this tour.

I am claustrophobic. Are the tunnels very small?
The tunnels can be narrow in places. If you are claustrophobic we do not recommend that you take this tour.
Is it cold in the Catacombs?
The catacombs remain at a constant temperature of X°C. We recommend that you wear a sweater or a light jacket.
Will I skip the entry lines?
We have a pre-reserved entry time and you will not need to wait in line. The entrance is managed by the staff of the catacombs.
Can I take photos?
You can take photos inside the Catacombs.
What kind of footwear do I need?
We recommend sturdy footwear, the floor is often damp and can be slippery.
How many people will be in my group?
Our groups are a maximum of 6 people plus your guide.
Is this tour possible for people with limited mobility?
This tour is not possible for people with limited mobility, due to the steep stairs and slippery floors.