While Paris is known for its art, fashion, culture and romance, there is a dark secret buried under its streets. The Catacombs of Paris are one of the largest in the world and houses over 6 million bones. Descend 20 metres below the city with your guide and unravel the history of how the 200 miles of tunnel were the answer to Paris’ rising problem of overcrowded cemeteries.
This Catacombs tour gives you VIP access to the tunnels and lets you dodge past the queues and enter the underground world of the dead. As you step into the macabre place, the tone is set when you will pass under the sign which reads, “Arrete, C'est Ici L'Empire De La Mort" (Stop. Here is the Empire of Death). Surrounded by bones and skulls arranged in a set pattern and design, your guide will let you to places that are closed for the general public. Follow in the footsteps of 18th and 19th century French royals and learn about the circumstances that led to the creation of the Catacombs between 1780 and 1814. During the French revolution, few of its famous (and infamous) faces were directly buried in the catacomb’s ossuaries like Jean-Paul Marat and Maximilien de Robespierre.
Also, ask the guide to tell you a thing or two about how these tunnels were used during the World War II by the members of the French Resistance as well as the Nazis. And, to grow mushrooms!
About the Supplier: The tours offered by Paris Tour 1 are carefully designed so that the city remains with you even after you leave. Their guides are passionate about the city and take pride in showing the best and hidden treasures of Paris. Paris Tour 1 are highly rated on TripAdvisor and were rewarded the Certificate of Excellence in the year 2018.
The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator’s contact details. They’re a nice bunch, and will happily answer any logistical questions you may have. Please give them a call at least 24 hours before your organized activity to reconfirm.
So there’s no last-minute rush please arrive at the start point 20 mins early.
Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for those with mobility problems.
Those with claustrophobia or anxiety in closed spaces should avoid this tour.
You can take pictures inside the Catacombs but some areas prohibit use of flash photography.
We ensure that the tour runs on time, however at times the itinerary might be revised due to weather, traffic conditions, etc.
Voucher information: No need to print! You can show your voucher on your smartphone or other devices. (But if you’d rather print a copy – that’s fine too!)
Take our Paris shuttle for convenient transportation