Towards the end of the 18th century, due to the health emergency linked to the saturation of the Cemetery of the Innocents, the authorities decided to move the historical remains into these abandoned tunnels. The route winds along approximately 1.5 kilometers of dark, cool tunnels, where the bones are aligned with astonishing decorative precision, interspersed with tombstones, monuments, and altars carved into the rock, offering an unparalleled historical and emotional testimony.
Most popular Catacombs tickets
Since the underground structure allows only 200 simultaneous users, tickets on the online market sell out in record time; securing a timed pass well in advance is the only way to guarantee your descent into the underground.
Which Catacombs ticket should I choose?
To find the best deal for your travel style, compare the technical specifications of digital packages: you'll find the perfect option whether you want to optimize costs by adding a boat tour or are looking for an elite tour for very few participants.
Catacombs Ticket Comparison
To provide you with a clear and immediate overview of the features included in the various digital passes, we've created a handy comparison table.
| Characteristics | Ticket + Audioguide | Ticket + Seine Cruise | Priority Entrance Tour | Special Access Tour | Small Group Tours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed hourly access to the underground | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multilingual audio device included | ✓ | × | × | × | × |
| Open ticket for a boat on the Seine | × | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Official live guide and radios | × | × | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Opening of gates and protected tunnels | × | × | × | ✓ | ✓ |
| Number of participants reduced to a minimum | × | × | × | × | ✓ |
| Ideal for | Those looking for savings and maximum autonomy | For those who want to combine their visit with a great classic | Who wants the narrated story of an expert | Those who want to explore beyond the boundaries of the basic path | Those who demand the most intimate, rich and exclusive experience |
| Price | 38 € | 115 € | 122 € | 139 € | 209 € |
Catacombs Ticket Prices
Below you will find a table of approximate costs to help you accurately budget for your trip to the Parisian underground.
| Ticket type | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Standard admission ticket with official digital audio guide | 38 € |
| Catacombs Ticket Combo + Seine River Cruise Open Ticket | 115 € |
| Official guided tour with priority entrance and radios | 122 € |
| Exclusive guided tour with special access to restricted areas | 139 € |
| VIP small-group tour with in-depth historical focus | 209 € |
The prices shown are indicative and refer to some of the experiences available online, such as priority entrance, guided tours, and combination packages. Prices may vary based on the date of your visit and the services included.
The best options for visiting the Catacombs
Here are the best telematics solutions to ensure you get the most convenient time slots for your underground shipment.
Catacombs opening hours
Visiting hours
09:45 - 20:30
Last access
1 hour before
Ordinary closures
Every Monday, January 1st, May 1st, December 25th
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
What justifies the price difference between the basic ticket of €38 and the tours costing over €120?
The €38 ticket includes standard admission and an audio guide along the common route. The €122 and €139 guided tours include a live expert and, most importantly, exclusive access with a key to gates and historic rooms closed to the general public (such as the Sepulchre Chapel or the Décure sculptures).
Are there any architectural barriers or particular physical difficulties to consider before purchasing?
Yes, the descent involves 131 spiral steps and the ascent involves 112. There are no elevators, and the route is completely impassable for wheelchairs or strollers. Furthermore, the environment is humid (a constant temperature of 14°C), the ceilings are low in some places, and the visit is strongly discouraged for those suffering from claustrophobia or heart failure.
How does the €115 Seine River Cruise Combo Pass work?
When ordering, you select the date and time slot for entry to the Catacombs. The riverboat ticket, on the other hand, is an open, electronic pass that you can use at any time during your stay in Paris, boarding directly near the Eiffel Tower.
What exactly does the €209 small-group tour include?
This premium package limits the group to a maximum of 6-10 participants, ensuring an intimate walk and direct dialogue with the guide. It includes priority access, radios so you don't miss a word, access to restricted areas, and a high-level historical insight into the management of Parisian cemeteries.
Can European children or teenagers get discounts on digital tickets?
Children under 4 enter free, but due to the strict limited number of places, they must still be included in the online reservation by selecting the free ticket option. Children receive discounts available on the portal, but advance online purchase of a time slot is still mandatory for everyone; there are no physical ticket offices on site.
Can luggage, large backpacks or strollers be left in a storage area at the entrance?
No, there is no cloakroom or luggage storage service in the Catacombs. Bags, backpacks, and suitcases exceeding 40x30x20 cm are prohibited inside, and they are not permitted to be carried by hand or on your back to avoid damaging the bone walls. If you bring large items, you will be denied entry without a refund.
Is the underground tour suitable for small children or are there age restrictions?
Entry is prohibited to children under 14 unless accompanied by an adult. Although there are no restrictions for younger visitors, the visual impact of the millions of human bones and skulls arranged along the walls, combined with the darkness and gloomy atmosphere, may be disturbing or unsuitable for children.
What happens when you exit the Catacombs? Do you return to the starting point?
No, the route is one-way. You get off at Place Denfert-Rochereau but resurface at a different address, specifically Rue Rémy Dumoncel (about 700 meters further south). At the exit, you'll find an official souvenir shop and it's just a few minutes' walk to the metroto resume your itinerary.
