Discover the Paris Catacombs with Expert-led Guided Tours

4.3(27,171)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Paris Catacombs tour
























































From happy customers

Loved by 45 million+
Spring Landfried

Spring

Oct 2025
5/5

review-image

review-image

review-image
Transaction was safe and easy. We were in Paris for an unplanned layover. There are a lot of scams for the catacomb tickets. This is a real site and we had no issues. I wish there was an opening for 2 for the tour when we went. Highly recommend.
Jason McIntyre
AU

Jason

Australia
Sep 2025
5/5

review-image
A brilliant and sobering experience than you cannot get anywhere else! Stunning and macabre! A once in a lifetime place to visit, even though you will soon want to go again. Nothing like it!
Judith Kühnemann
DE

Judith

Germany
Oct 2025
5/5

review-image
It was a unique experience to experience the catacombs. We really enjoyed the audio guide, which led us through the underground labyrinth with interesting information. We were very impressed by the dark atmosphere. A must-do, be sure to book early as it sells out quickly.
Colleen A Bessel
CA

Colleen

Canada
Oct 2025
5/5

review-image

review-image

review-image

+1 more

The Catacombes was a very interesting tour. Well run and organized. The audio tour was excellent. The history was fascinating and presented in a way which was engaging and a perfect pace. Not over crowded. Easy to follow and use the app.
Tracy Marie Seabaugh
US

Tracy

United States
Oct 2025
5/5
Very interesting and informative. Was in a small group guided tour and our guide was great. Even though I had seen pictures, seeing the catacombs in person was fasinating.
Paul Wry
US

Paul

United States
Oct 2025
5/5
The tour for the catacombs was absolutely excellent. It was nice being able to see special sections. Most importantly the tour guide was fantastic. He had a great command of history and went into detail that made the whole experience worthwhile. I would recommend John and this tour to anyone


Paris Catacombs guided tours...

✔️ Grant access to restricted areas

A guided tour unlocks exclusive access to sections of the Catacombs closed to the general public, including a chapel filled with bones.

✔️ Are led by expert guides

Your tour is led by an expert English-speaking guide who brings the Catacomb’s history to life, sharing intriguing facts, legends, and insights.

✔️ Are small group tours

With a group size limited to 19 people, the experience is more intimate. Small groups allow for better interaction with your guide and a quieter atmosphere underground.

Discover the Catacombs with expert-led guided tours

Step into the eerie depths (20 meters) of the Paris Catacombs with our expert-led guided tours, offering exclusive access to areas restricted to the general public. Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a labyrinth of tunnels holding centuries of history and the remains of over six million people (some as old as 1200 years).

The small-group tours (maximum 19 people) ensure an intimate and immersive experience, with expert guides sharing captivating stories, historical insights, and hidden details about this fascinating underground world. Uncover the secrets of the Catacombs, from the intricate bone arrangements to the compelling tales of its creation.

Whether you're a history buff or a curious traveler, the tours promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of Paris’ mysterious underworld.

Read more about the Catacombs here

Highlights of a Paris Catacomb guided tour

Access to restricted areas

Guided tours unlock secret sections of the Catacombs which are not accessible on general visits. These include the Sacellum Crypt, featuring rare bone arrangements and inscriptions, and the Port-Mahon corridor, where François Décure’s sculptures can be admired up close, hidden altars and ossuary chambers.

Port-Mahon corridor

This corridor displays sculptures by François Décure, a quarryman who carved a replica of the Port-Mahon fortress entirely from memory. He spent five years, in secrecy, carving out these sculptures using simple quarrymen tools and working under torchlight. He was crushed in a cave-in at the same spot while carving a stairway to access his sculptures, from the streets above.

The quarryman’s footpath

Reminiscent of a wishing well, quarrymen used this walkway to access water for cement mixing and to wash up after work. The pathway leads to one of the most interesting sections of the Catacombs, filled with skull displays, inscriptions, graves, and chapels commemorating the dead.

The Ossuary

This section comes right after the exhibition area and is one of the interesting sections of the Catacombs. It contains the bones of over 6 million Parisians, arranged in various patterns, the most popular being–the Barrel of Passion. A welcome sign at the entrance prepares you for the ossuary–Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort which translates to “Stop! This is the Empire of the Dead”.

Frequently asked questions about Paris Catacombs guided tours

Why should I choose a guided tour over an audio tour of the Paris Catacombs?

A guided tour provides access to restricted areas, interactive Q&A opportunities, and shares stories and historical details not included in audio guides, making it a richer experience. Although, audio guides do allow you the flexibility to explore at your desired pace.

Are there exclusive areas of the Catacombs that are only accessible with a guided tour?

Yes, guided tours include access to restricted sections of the Catacombs that are unavailable to general visitors, such as the Sacellum Crypt, the Grotte des Sépultures, and hidden galleries.

Do guided tours of the Catacombs have smaller group sizes compared to general entry?

Yes, guided tours are limited to 19 people, offering a more personalized and intimate experience.

Are guided tours of the Catacombs available in multiple languages?

Currently, guided tours are available only in English.

Can children join a guided tour of the Catacombs?

Yes, children can join since there are no age restrictions. However, parental discretion is highly recommended; the eerie atmosphere of the Catacombs can be harsh on a child.

Is photography allowed during a guided tour?

Yes, photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are typically prohibited.

Are guided tours suitable for people with mobility challenges?

The Catacombs are not wheelchair-accessible due to steep stairs and narrow tunnels, making them challenging for visitors with mobility issues.

What’s the difference in cost between a guided tour and a standard entry ticket?

Guided tours are more expensive (almost double) than audio guide tickets because they include expert insights and exclusive access to restricted areas.
Explore your other ticket options to the Paris Catacombs.