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With overflowing cemeteries and a risk of disease, bodies were moved from the cemeteries of Paris to underground quarries in the late 1700s. Today you can visit these Catacombs under Paris to see piles of neatly stacked bones and messages to make you contemplate your mortality.
About the Paris Catacombs
History
Saints-Innocents cemetery was in consecutive use for a thousand years when it was closed in 1780. The cemetery was overcrowded and parts were at risk of collapse. The first evacuations were 1785, transferring bones to former underground quarries. The transport took place at night to avoid hostile crowds. The bones were dumped into quarry wells, then neatly piled into rows by the quarry workers.
Consecrated as the “Paris Municipal Ossuary” in 1786, the site was generally called “Catacombs” in reference to the Roman catacombs. In 1809 the Paris catacombs were opened to the public by appointment, as people have always had a fascination with the dead!
Today
Today the Paris Catacombs contain the bones of over 6 million people. They have been a curiosity drawing visitors for centuries now and over half a million people visit them every year.
Planning your visit to the catacombs in Paris, France
Planning a visit to the Paris Catacombs? Know that they are very popular and have long been known for really long lines. Today tickets are only available online, up to 7 days in advance, so PLAN AHEAD! You can’t just show up and get in like you once could.
Want more Paris? See all Paris posts.
The first time I tried to visit the catacombs was in 2012. My family got one look at the line and “noped” out, so I missed it on that trip. Well, I finally made it in 2016, in the off season, first thing in the morning. There was still a wait, but it was manageable. The timed entry is less convenient (you can’t just decide to go at the last minute) but it is SO much better than the lines that used to wind around the block.
What to expect in the Catacombs
There are a few things to know when visiting the catacombs:
- It’s cool inside.
It works like a cave – the temperature is the average of the annual outside temperature. That means it will always be cool inside (about 14º C/57º F). So dress accordingly! - There are stairs.
This is not handicap accessible and you can not bring strollers. You will want comfortable walking shoes! There are 243 steps: 131 down and 112 up (at least up has fewer stairs!) - It takes about an hour.
Also, there are no restrooms below ground, so be prepared for that, too!
So those are the things you need to know, but here a few extra things to expect:
- Bones are sorted by where they came from, with signs listing the cemetery.
- The bones are arranged in orderly piles, but not as individual bodies. There will be rows of skulls, piles of femurs, etc.
- There are many signs with eerie quotes about death – they are really incredible!
How to tour the catacombs in Paris
Buy your tickets online 7 days in advance, or go with a tour guide. With many of the small group tours, you can skip the line to the Paris Catacombs. Some tours include additional access to restricted areas. The Paris Catcacombs are MUCH larger than what you are allowed to visit. Check out the links to tours below.
Are the Paris Catacombs worth seeing?
Some people think getting tickets to the catacombs is a hassle and wonder if they are worth seeing. I say absolutely yes – the catacombs are worth visiting! The Catacombs in Paris have been visited by tourists for centuries and offer a fascinating look under Paris, complete with street signs. They manage to be both creepy and peaceful – a truly unforgettable experience!
Catacombs FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about the Catacombs in Paris, France:
How many bodies are in the Paris Catacombs?
The catacombs contain the bones of over 6 million people.
How many people visit the Paris Catacombs?
Over 500,000 people visit the catacombs every year.
Are the catacombs worth visiting?
I answer this one farther up, but I say yes! They are the right blend of creepy and interesting and are really unforgettable.