Catacombs of Paris Visitor's Guide

Everything you need to know for your descent: from getting here and what to wear, to the one-way route and what you'll see in the tunnels.

A visit to the Paris Catacombs is an unforgettable experience, but it requires some preparation. The environment is unlike any other museum: dark, cool, humid, and underground. This guide covers the practical details to ensure your visit is smooth and comfortable. For more planning tips, see our pages on opening hours and the best time to visit.

The Journey Underground

The Descent

Your visit begins by descending a narrow, 131-step spiral staircase that takes you 20 meters (about 65 feet) below street level. The initial part of the tour leads you through damp, dimly lit quarry tunnels. These passages are narrow, and the ground can be uneven, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential.

The Ossuary

After a walk through the tunnels, you will reach the entrance to the ossuary, marked by the famous inscription, "Arrête! C'est ici l'empire de la Mort" ("Stop! Here is the empire of Death"). Inside, you will find corridors lined with the femurs and skulls of millions of Parisians, arranged in intricate and often artistic patterns. Plaques indicate the cemeteries from which the bones were transferred.

The Ascent

The 1.5 km tour is strictly one-way. At the end of the circuit, you will climb 112 steps back to the surface. The exit is at 21 bis, Avenue René-Coty, about a 10-minute walk from the entrance. Plan your route accordingly, as you cannot return to the starting point underground.

Getting Here & Practical Tips

The entrance is at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris. The closest public transport stop is Denfert-Rochereau, served by Métro lines 4 and 6, and RER line B. Arrive 15 minutes before your ticketed time slot to allow for security checks.

Remember to dress appropriately: the temperature is a constant 14°C (57°F). Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven, potentially slippery ground. Only small bags (under 40x30 cm) are permitted, and there is no cloakroom. Finally, use the restrooms near the entrance before you descend, as there are none along the underground route.

Visitor Guide FAQ

Practical answers for your underground journey

Where do I enter and exit?
The entrance is at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy. The exit is at 21 bis, Avenue René-Coty, which is about a 10-minute walk away. The route is one-way only.
Are there restrooms inside?
There are restrooms at the entrance and exit pavilions, but not along the underground circuit itself. It is highly recommended to use them before you begin your descent.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven. Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the temperature is always around 14°C (57°F).
Can I bring a bag?
Only small bags measuring less than 40x30 cm are allowed. There is no luggage storage. For full details, see the rules and regulations.
Is the audio guide worth it?
Absolutely. It is included with most tickets and provides essential historical context about the quarries and the ossuary. It is available in English, French, Spanish, and German.
How many steps are there?
There are 131 steps to go down and 112 steps to climb up. There is no elevator. More information is on our accessibility page.
Can I backtrack if I miss something?
No, the 1.5 km visitor route is strictly one-way to manage the flow of people in the narrow tunnels.
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