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Catacombes (Les)

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Editor Pick

Catacombes (Les)

Catacombes (Les)

One of Paris’ most unique experiences – it is said that the catacombs span more than 300km in length although a small portion of it is open to the unsuspecting public. The Catacombs were established back in the 1800s due to the lack of space in cemeteries. Admission is €2.50 for students, €3.30 for seniors and €7 for adults. You can get to the site by taking the metro (Line 4 - Direction: Porte d'Orleans , Station: Denfert Rochereau).

The Catacombs is definitely not for those who are faint of heart, elderly, young children, claustrophobic, or basically anyone who can’t handle narrow steep winding steps. You need not to worry about heat because it is very cool down in the tunnels, which is a great way to beat the heat on hot days in Paris.

The walls are lined with endless amounts of bones and skulls, all neatly arranged in patterns – which were out of respect for the dead. The lighting down in the Catacombs is very dim. Photography is not really allowed, especially with a flash. There were no signs when I used my camera (at the time, I didn’t know it was basically a no-no) so after snapping a few shots, a guard gave me a polite warning which I heeded afterwards.

I found the Catacombs to be a strange yet interesting experience but at the same time, a morbid one. It is an experience that is not to be missed and would most likely give you a good break from all the museums and their endless lines. I say that because when I showed up in mid-morning, there was no one in line so that meant no waiting time for me. But be forewarned, when you exit the catacombs after climbing what seems to be an endless number of steps, official employees will search you and your belongings. This is to ensure that no bones are taken out of the Catacombs.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this place and would definitely recommend this for it is a true (yet creepy) Parisian historical experience!

From journal Vive La Paris

Editor Pick

Catacombes (Les)

  • February 25, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by GreenMermaid from North Palm Beach, Florida
Catacombes (Les)

The Catacombs in Paris is a huge maze of tunnels dug under the city. In 1786, all the bodies from the main cemeteries (something like 7 million) were exhumed and moved into these tunnels. At first the bones were just thrown in, but later they were arranged neatly and artistically as interest spread about this fascinating yet morbid attraction. It is easy to find--directly across the street from Metro station Denfert-Rochereau. But be aware of the limited opening times--when we went, it was only open from 2 to 4pm. The tunnels are unexpectedly extensive, and we were walking through rows and rows of bones--you walk for approximately 1km! Also, there are a lot of stairs when you first descend into the tunnels, and then when you leave, you have to climb up them again. BRING A SMALL FLASHLIGHT—the lighting is very dim and it is hard to make out details, but the flash on your camera will illuminate your photos.

From journal Paris in February

Denfert-Rochereaux Catacombs

  • September 6, 2005
  • Rated 4 of 5 by elldub2005 from Somerset, Wisconsin
Denfert-Rochereaux Catacombs

The catacombs are SO COOL! Well, hopefully you think the bones of a few thousand French people are cool (yeah, I know, I'm kind of weird). But it is a cool experience. Here is an explanation of my experience.

When you arrive outside the little building, you have no idea how big the place actually is. You get inside, and walk down what seem to be an endless array of spiral stairs (By then, I was quite sick of them, I had just been to Notre Dame and St. Chappelle), you walk into a labyrinth of hallways filled with the bones of thousands upon thousands of bones set up in an almost grisly display of what the plague forced people to do with their dearly departed.

From journal Paris, France

Les Catacombs

  • April 25, 2005
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Clovery from Current: Newington, NSW Australia, Australia
Les Catacombs

From the outside, the building looks like any ordinary one. But for god sakes, who knows? After entered this building, you will plunge 30m without realizing it! It starts with a stairway leading you deeper down. Then comes the tunnel, the space getting narrower, darker, and cooler. The temperature was said to be at a constant of 11°C. Eventually, it will lead you to piles of bones of 5 to 6 million people covering a surface of 11 square meters. Due to the cool tunnels, it used to have water droplets dripping from the ceiling.

Experience the thrills and fears while walking in this narrow passageway. Try this yourself without anyone near you. You would get so scared, even though you know that it is a museum and that the bones, skulls, and skeletons belong to people of a few centuries before!

From journal A Fall Idyll in Paris

Catacombs beneath Paris

  • January 26, 2005
  • Rated 4 of 5 by wanderer 2005 from Phoenix, Arizona
Catacombs beneath Paris

Just across the street from the Denfert-Rochereau Métro stop, there's an unassuming treasure waiting to be discovered. It’s just a few euros to take a walk into the past. There are long, dark tunnels; bones stacked in heart and cross formations; eerie noises. Be sure to take a flashlight and have good walking shoes.

Plan your visit carefully, as the hours are limited. Tours are available Tuesday through Friday 2pm to 4pm and Saturdays and Sundays 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm.

From journal Right or Left Bank?

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