The Catacombs of Paris are a vast underground ossuary located in the former limestone quarries beneath the city of Paris, France. Over six million Parisians’ remains were transferred here starting in the late 18th century when the city's cemeteries became over‑crowded and unstable.
Visitors descend about 20 metres underground, walk through approximately 1.5 kilometres of galleries (a one‑way circuit) through quarry tunnels and ossuary walls – including the famous inscription “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort” (“Stop! Here begins the empire of the dead”).
The environment is cool (≈14 °C) and somewhat eerie, with narrow passages, stairs (131 down, 112 up) and bones stacked in patterns along the walls.
It’s a unique blend of geology (old quarries), history (city burial practices), and memorial space.
Opening Hours & Closure
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Open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:45 to 20:30 (last admission approx 19:30).
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Closed on Mondays, and on certain public holidays (January 1, May 1, December 25) unless noted otherwise.
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Typical visit duration is about 45 minutes following the marked one‑way route of ~1.5 km
Entry & Access Conditions
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Entrance at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol‑Tanguy, exit at 21 bis Avenue René‑Coty.
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The site is not wheelchair accessible; many stairs and narrow passages. Not recommended for people with severe heart/respiratory/claustrophobia issues.
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Bags larger than 40 × 30 cm are prohibited; no cloakroom/luggage storage available.
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Temperature underground is around 14 °C; dress accordingly.
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