Paris Catacombs Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

Timings

Catacombs of Paris

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	09:45–20:30	19:30
Wednesday (Today)	09:45–20:30	19:30
Thursday	09:45–20:30	19:30
Friday	09:45–20:30	19:30
Saturday	09:45–20:30	19:30
Sunday	09:45–20:30	19:30

The Catacombs are open on July 14 (Bastille Day), August 15 (Assumption of Mary), November 1 (All Saints' Day), and November 11 (Armistice Day), although these dates are public holidays in France.
Closed on: Mondays, January 1 (New Year's Day), May 1 (Labor Day), and December 25 (Christmas).

Best time to visit the Catacombs of Paris

Weekday vs Weekend

During the week, Wednesdays to Fridays are a great time to visit the Catacombs. The crowds are smaller, which means a shorter wait time at the entrance.
Since Mondays are a weekly off, Tuesdays can get crowded; try to avoid it.
Weekends see a lot of crowds, both locals and tourists—even with your timed entry ticket.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your timed entry slot.
Have an early start by standing in line at 8:30am.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Summer (June to August) is the busiest time, with wait times of up to three hours. However, the Catacombs' cool underground environment makes it a perfect escape from the summer heat.
October to May (excluding December holidays) is the best time to visit for smaller crowds and shorter wait times, often under 30 minutes. Rainy days during this period see even fewer visitors.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

Frequently asked questions about the Catacombs opening hours

What happens if I arrive late for my scheduled time slot?

If you arrive late, entry is not guaranteed. But if there is less crowd and the maximum capacity of 200 at a time is not met, you might be allowed inside. That said, it is best to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.

Should I visit on a public holiday?

Public holidays can be busier than usual, with wait periods anywhere from 1–3 hours. It’s best to visit the Catacombs in the middle of the week, at an early morning or late afternoon time slot.

How early should I arrive to ensure a smooth entry process?

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time to ensure a hassle-free entry.

Is there a limit to how long I can stay inside the Catacombs once I enter?

Yes, the average visit lasts about 45–60 minutes, and lingering too long may not be allowed.

Are the Catacombs open at night for special tours or events?

No, there are no nighttime tours. The Catacombs close at 8:30pm, with the last entry at 7:30pm.

How much time should I allocate if I want to combine the Catacombs tour with other nearby attractions?

Allocate at least 2 hours for the Catacombs and 1-2 hours for nearby spots like Montparnasse Cemetery or Luxembourg Gardens.

Can I reschedule my ticket if my plans change?

Unfortunately, no. Your tickets can neither be canceled nor rescheduled.