Paris Catacombs: The Mysterious World Beneath the City of Light

Beyond Paris’s romantic streets, haute couture, and bustling avenues lies a hidden, shadowy world—the Paris Catacombs. Far below the Seine, we descend into a labyrinth of tunnels where the history and mystery of millions of souls intertwine.

While today, just over two million people call Paris home, nearly 6 million long-forgotten souls rest 20 meters below the city in an underground empire of tunnels filled with bones and skulls. The Catacombs of Paris are not only a haunting reminder of the past, but one of the city's most unusual attractions, drawing in over half a million visitors each year.

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Why Visit the Paris Catacombs?

The Catacombs offer an experience like no other in Paris. With 1.5 kilometers of tunnels open to the public, this underground ossuary showcases meticulously arranged bones, skulls, and remains from historic Paris. But it’s not just the macabre nature of the Catacombs that fascinates; the underground tunnels provide a stark contrast to the vibrant, lively city above, giving visitors a unique perspective on Paris.

The entrance is aptly located at Place d’Enfer, where "d'enfer" translates to “hell,” hinting at the dark journey ahead. The tunnels mirror the city streets above, with street names engraved at each turn. Without these markers, it would be nearly impossible to navigate this maze of tunnels.

A Step Back in Time: Dark Origins of the Catacombs

The 300-kilometer-long Catacombs weren’t always intended as a burial site. The tunnels originated from quarries used to extract limestone for building much of Paris. However, by the late 18th century, two major crises led to their transformation into a vast underground cemetery: overcrowded cemeteries and unstable land caused by quarrying.

The most notorious of these cemeteries was the Holy Innocents' Cemetery, which became so overcrowded and unsanitary that the decision was made in 1785 to transfer millions of bodies to the abandoned quarries. This event marked the beginning of the Catacombs as we know them today— a final resting place for millions of Parisians.

Walls of Skulls and Bones: The Empire of the Dead

Upon entering the Catacombs, visitors are greeted by walls lined with the bones and skulls of nearly 6 million people. The bones are stacked in almost artistic, geometric patterns, creating a solemn, eerie atmosphere that both fascinates and haunts those who enter.

As you walk through the tunnels on this 1- to 2-hour journey, you’ll find inscriptions marking the origins of these remains, with some tunnels containing carved poems or dates. To make the most of your visit, the audio guide provided at the entrance is a must, offering deeper insight into the history behind the bones.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Catacombs

Planning your visit to the Paris Catacombs? Here’s what you need to know:

• Tickets: Buy your tickets in advance from the official website: Paris Catacombs Tickets. Tickets sell out fast, but don’t worry—if you miss them out, some same-day tickets are often available early in the morning at the museum.
• Opening hours: The Catacombs are open from Tuesday to Sunday, but check the website for the most up-to-date schedule before your visit.
• Safety tips: Be sure to bring a jacket; the temperature in the tunnels is a constant 14°C (57°F). And beware—the Catacombs are not for the faint of heart. If you have a fear of dark, enclosed spaces, this might not be the best excursion for you.

The Forbidden World of the Cataphiles

Since 1955, it has been illegal to enter the Catacombs outside of the officially accessible areas. However, some brave (or reckless) adventurers known as “cataphiles” continue to explore the uncharted sections of the tunnels, seeking to uncover hidden chambers and forgotten spaces beneath the city.

Cataphiles access the tunnels through secret entry points, evading the “cataflics”, a special branch of the Paris police tasked with patrolling the Catacombs. Though dangerous and illegal, the underground scene still thrives, adding an extra layer of mystery to the already haunting tunnels.

Learn more about the Catacombs with Walkative!

To truly understand the deep history of Paris’s underground world, we recommend pairing your visit to the Catacombs with one of Walkative’s tours. Our Mysteries and Legends of Paris tour or a private Catacombs tour will give you insights that bring the hidden stories of Paris to life.

The Paris Catacombs offer a one-of-a-kind journey into the city’s past, where life and death, history and mystery, converge beneath the bustling streets above.

FAQs about the Paris Catacombs

1. How do I get tickets to the Paris Catacombs?
   Tickets can be purchased online through the official Catacombs website. They sell out quickly, so plan ahead!
2. How long does a visit to the Catacombs take?
   The visit usually lasts 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring and learning about the exhibits.
3. Are the Catacombs safe to visit?
   Yes, the official portion of the Catacombs is well-lit and maintained, but the tunnels can be damp and cold, so dress accordingly. Always follow the marked path to avoid getting lost.
4. What are the Paris Catacombs made of?
   The tunnels were originally carved out of limestone and later transformed into a burial site by stacking bones along the walls in intricate patterns.
5. Can you explore the uncharted parts of the Catacombs?
   Legally, no. Since 1955, access to the unofficial parts of the Catacombs has been forbidden, and those who venture there risk fines and even arrest.
6. When were the Paris Catacombs created?
   The catacombs as an ossuary were officially established in 1785 to solve the problem of overcrowded cemeteries, although the tunnels themselves date back to ancient Roman quarrying.

Written for you by Eva