Catacombes de Paris

About the museum

The Catacombs of Paris emerged at the end of the 18th century, when the cemeteries in the city centre posed serious hygiene problems. The authorities decided to transfer their contents to former underground quarries, those of the Tombe-Issoire, then situated outside the city. The fitting-out was entrusted to Charles-Axel Guillaumot, of the Inspection générale des carrières. The first transfers took place from 1785 to 1787, beginning with the Cemetery of the Saints-Innocents, and the site was consecrated as the “Ossuaire municipal de Paris” in 1786.

The bones were first tipped in bulk, then arranged under the direction of the inspector Héricart de Thury, who gave the site a monumental and educational character. The bones were stacked into walls on the model of the quarrymen’s heaps (hagues de carriers), alternating thigh bones and skulls. Monuments, text panels and cabinets of curiosities complete the route. The transfers continued into the 19th century, in connection with major urban works.

From 1809 the Catacombs were open to the public by appointment, and they quickly attracted French and foreign visitors. In 1861 and 1862 the photographer Nadar made the first images taken by artificial light there. Today the route of about 1.5 km runs one way, 20 metres underground, and the site is managed by Paris Musées.

Highlights

• The ossuary with its walls of bones, among the largest in the world
• A 1.5 km underground route through former quarries
• The Lacrymatoire sarcophagus and the monuments arranged by Héricart de Thury
• The inscriptions and text panels along the galleries
• A dramatised audio companion, included in the ticket

Founded

1787

Operated by

Ville de Paris (Paris Musées)

Admission & discounts

Rates include the audio guide, except for free tickets. Bookings open 7 days in advance. Free tickets cannot be booked online; they are collected on site on presentation of proof, with guaranteed entry even if the website shows sold out. Free admission on presentation of proof applies to, among others, job seekers, recipients of minimum social benefits, journalists, visual artists and ICOM members. Guided tours for individual visitors are currently not available.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The site is not accessible to wheelchair users or people using a walker: access is only by stairs (131 steps down, 112 up). The visit is not recommended for people with reduced mobility, claustrophobia or heart or respiratory conditions. Blind and visually impaired visitors should be accompanied; guide dogs are allowed, while white canes are not recommended. An adapted route offers the audio companion with audio description and three tactile features (a reproduction of a hague, a tactile plan and an explanation of how the hagues were built). The ticket desk has an induction loop, and an introduction in French Sign Language is shown on a screen at the start of the route.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

The museum presents the site as suitable for a family visit. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Strollers are not admitted; a baby carrier should be brought. The passages can be narrow, damp, slippery and dark.

Getting there & parking

The visitor entrance is at 1 avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy (Place Denfert-Rochereau); the exit is at 21 bis avenue René-Coty, nearly 700 metres from the entrance.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check: not available
• Lockers: not available

There is no cloakroom, as the exit is nearly 700 metres from the entrance. Only bags of up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm are allowed. Toilets are available to visitors at the entrance and the exit.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 40 guests.

Exclusive visits can be arranged outside opening hours, from Tuesday to Sunday at 20:30, for 1 to 40 people; requests must be made at least two weeks in advance.

Plan your visit