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Paris Catacombs, world’s largest underground grave

Discover the fascinating chronicles beneath the Catacombs of Paris, an eerie yet captivating underground labyrinth, as you make your way along the maze of walls lined with bones and skulls. With a rich...

Also Known As

Paris Municipal Ossuary

Founded On

1809

Founded By

Charles-Axel Guillaumot

About

Quick Information

ADDRESS

1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

09:45–20:30

VISITORS PER YEAR

600000

TICKETS

From € 35

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

2+ hours (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

It took 12 years, from 1786 to 1798, to relocate the remains of six million Parisians into the catacombs, transforming the former quarries into an ossuary.

Farmers utilized the catacombs for mushroom cultivation. The controlled environment provided ideal conditions, contributing to an unexpected agricultural use of the subterranean space.

Throughout history, secret meetings and parties have taken place in the catacombs, attracting various clandestine groups seeking an atmospheric and hidden location for their gatherings.

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Book tickets to the Catacombs

Paris Catacombs Direct Entry Tickets with Audioguide

Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

Audio guide

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from

€35

Combo: Catacombs Tickets + Seine River Cruise

Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

Audio guide

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from

€59

Paris Catacombs Guided Tour

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

2 hr.

Guided tour

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from

€104

Paris: Retro Side-Car City Tour + Entry to Catacombs

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

2 hr. 30 min.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

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from

€189

History of Paris Catacombs

The Paris Catacombs, an underground ossuary beneath the city, emerged in the late 18th century as a solution to Paris’s cemetery crisis. Starting in 1785, overcrowded burial grounds, including the centuries-old Saints-Innocents cemetery, were cleared. Bones were discreetly transferred to the abandoned Tombe-Issoire quarries under Montrouge, managed by Charles Axel Guillaumot, who was tasked with stabilizing the city’s collapsing underground network.

In 1786, the site was consecrated as the Paris Municipal Ossuary and later nicknamed the Catacombs after Rome’s famous burial sites. By 1809, public visits began, attracting curious locals and travelers alike. Over the years, notable figures, including Napoleon III and Austrian Emperor Francis I, toured the eerie passages. Urban renovations in the 19th century brought further transfers, shaping the Catacombs into a unique resting place for millions.

Today, this haunting yet fascinating landmark welcomes 550,000 annually, offering a glimpse into its layered history.

Your complete walkthrough of the Paris Catacombs

Stairwell descent

Begin your journey by descending a 130-step spiral staircase into the Catacombs. The staircase has triangular steps and walls that grow increasingly damp as you go deeper. At the bottom, there’s a gallery explaining the place's history, from a limestone quarry to the world’s largest ossuary.

Entering the first part of the Catacombs

From the informational gallery, walk through long corridors of varying ceiling heights, carved from limestone. On the walls are markings left behind by quarry workers so they wouldn’t get lost; there’s a thick black line along the ceiling so a visitor doesn’t get lost in the tunnels. The air down here is chilly and the damp smell of earth is strong.

Port-Mahon Corridor

The path leads you to the Port-Mahon Palace (also known as St. Phillip’s Castle), which displays magnificent sculptures erected by French quarryman François Décure. According to the story, François spent his lunch breaks creating these sculptures on the limestone walls using primitive tools. The sculptures were recreated from his memories of his five-year imprisonment at Menorca’s Port Mahon prison.

The quarryman’s footpath

This next section of the Catacombs is reminiscent of a wishing well; it was originally used by the quarrymen to collect water for mixing cement and to wash off at the end of their workday before returning to the ground surface above.

Walk into the Ossuary

An inscription at the entrance to the Ossuary reads Arrête! C'est ici l'empire de la Mort ("Stop! The empire of Death lies here"). Beyond this is the Ossuary where all the skulls and bones are, piled tall and wide.

Exiting the catacombs

End your 1.5km circuit walk by climbing the 112 steps to the surface. Exit at Comptoir des Catacombes, a privately managed souvenir shop.

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Things to spot in the Ossuary

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Crypt of Passions

This barrel-shaped structure, made of skulls and ankle bones, was meant to resemble Obelix from the cartoon Asterix and Obelisk.

Frequently asked questions about Paris Catacombs

What purpose did the Paris Catacombs originally serve?

Originally stone quarries, Paris Catacombs were created in the late 18th century to relocate remains from overcrowded cemeteries and resolve sanitation issues in Paris.

How deep are the Paris Catacombs?

The Catacombs are about 20 meters (65 feet) underground, roughly equivalent to a five-story building.

Are there secret passageways or entrances?

Beyond the public sections, there’s an extensive network of forbidden tunnels known as the "Cataphiles' Zone," where adventurers and urban explorers occasionally venture. Although this is illegal.

What happens if someone tries to access the forbidden sections of the Catacombs?

Unauthorized exploration, known as "cataphilia," is illegal and can lead to fines or arrests by Parisian authorities.

What is the story behind the entryway phrase “Stop! The empire of Death lies here”?

It serves as a solemn warning, reminding visitors of the sacred and morbid nature of the ossuary.

Are any famous people buried at the Paris Catacombs?

While no individual graves are marked, they house the remains of many notable Parisians from the 17th and 18th centuries, including Jean-Paul Marat and Maximilien de Robespierre, two influential voices during the French Revolution.

Are there any spooky or mysterious legends associated with the Paris Catacombs?

Legends include ghost sightings, stories of lost explorers, and claims of eerie, unexplained sounds deep within the tunnels.

What kind of historical events are associated with the Catacombs?

In addition to World War II activity, the Catacombs have hosted secret concerts, art installations, and even clandestine movie screenings. Learn more about its history here.

How do the Paris Catacombs compare to other famous ossuaries worldwide?

They are among the largest and most artistically arranged ossuaries, setting them apart for both scale and creativity. See it to believe it; plan your visit today.