Twenty metres below the streets of Paris lie the remains of around six million Parisians, moved from overflowing city cemeteries in the late 18th century into old limestone quarries. The Catacombs are one of the most unusual — and most booked — sights in Paris.
This guide explains Catacombs ticket prices in 2026, how and when to book, opening hours, what the visit is like, the rules (bags, kids, steps), and whether a special-access tour is worth it. Information comes from the official Catacombs website and Art Visit Guide (July 2026).
Paris Catacombs ticket prices 2026
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (with audio guide) | €31 |
| Reduced: ages 18–26 and students (with audio guide) | €25 |
| Child 8–17 (with audio guide) | €15 |
| Child 0–7 | Free |
Source: catacombes.paris.fr. The audio guide is available in French, English, Spanish and German (source).
How to book Catacombs tickets
- Book on the official ticketing website linked from catacombes.paris.fr. There are no walk-up paid ticket sales (source).
- Book as soon as tickets open: slots are released about 7 days in advance, and weekend mornings from April to October can sell out within hours (source).
- Free tickets (under-8s) are collected at the front desk on the day.
- Arrive on time for your slot at the entrance in Denfert-Rochereau.
Sold out? Authorised resellers and guided tours often still have places — some include access to areas not on the standard route (from about €139; source). Compare Catacombs tickets and tours.
Catacombs opening hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:45 am – 8:30 pm
- Last entry: 7:30 pm
- Closed: Mondays, 1 January, 1 May and 25 December
Source: official website. A major renovation programme has been under way, so check for any temporary changes before your visit.
What is the visit like?
- Route: about 1.5 km, one way only — you can’t turn back (source).
- Steps: 131 steps down at the start and 112 steps up at the end; there’s no lift.
- Duration: about 45–75 minutes.
- Temperature: a constant 14°C — bring a light layer, even in summer.
- Ceilings: visitors taller than about 1.68 m will need to duck in places.
- Exit: 21 bis avenue René-Coty, a few streets from the entrance — tell anyone meeting you.
A short history of the Catacombs
For centuries, Paris extracted limestone from underground quarries to build the city — leaving a vast network of tunnels beneath the Left Bank. At the end of the 18th century, the city’s cemeteries, especially the Cemetery of the Innocents near Les Halles, were overflowing and causing health problems. From 1785, the bones were moved at night into the old quarries, a process that continued for decades. The ossuary opened to visitors in the early 19th century.
At the entrance to the ossuary, an inscription warns: “Arrête ! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort” — “Stop! This is the empire of Death.” Inside, bones are arranged in decorative patterns of skulls and long bones, with plaques indicating which cemetery they came from.
Best time to visit the Catacombs
- Weekday mornings are the calmest; weekend mornings sell out first.
- Late afternoon and evening slots (until the 7:30 pm last entry) are often easier to get.
- November to March has more availability than spring and summer.
- Rainy days are popular — book ahead if the forecast is wet.
Rules and restrictions
- Bags: maximum 40 × 30 × 20 cm; no suitcases or large backpacks, and there’s no cloakroom (source).
- Not allowed: food, drinks, smoking, tripods — and touching the bones.
- No toilets inside and no re-entry.
- Accessibility: because of the stairs, the Catacombs aren’t suitable for wheelchair users or people with heart or breathing problems.
Are the Catacombs suitable for kids?
Children under 8 enter free, and many older kids find the visit fascinating. But the bones, the darkness and the narrow tunnels can be frightening for young or sensitive children, and there’s no way to leave early. Prepare them beforehand, and consider skipping it with toddlers.
Is it worth visiting the Paris Catacombs?
Yes, if you’re curious about history and don’t mind confined spaces: walking past walls of carefully stacked skulls and bones is unforgettable, and the audio guide explains the story well. If you’re claustrophobic or short on time, the Musée d’Orsay or Sainte-Chapelle may be a better use of a morning.
How to get to the Catacombs
- Entrance: 1 avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris.
- Metro / RER: Denfert-Rochereau (metro lines 4 and 6, RER B) — the RER B also links directly to CDG airport (see CDG to Paris).
- Combine with: the Luxembourg Gardens and Montparnasse, or the Latin Quarter.
More Paris guides
- Paris in 3 days
- Paris Museum Pass (note: not valid at the Catacombs)
- Eiffel Tower tickets
- Where to stay in Paris
- Paris travel guide
Still to book: hotels in Paris.
FAQ: Paris Catacombs
How much are Paris Catacombs tickets?
€31 for adults, €25 reduced (18–26 and students), €15 for children 8–17, and free for under-8s, all including an audio guide.
How far in advance can I book the Catacombs?
Tickets are released about 7 days ahead and popular slots sell out quickly, so book as soon as they open.
Can I buy Catacombs tickets at the door?
Paid tickets are sold online only. Free tickets for under-8s are collected on site.
What day are the Catacombs closed?
Mondays, plus 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
How long does the Catacombs visit take?
About 45–75 minutes for the 1.5 km route.
Is the Paris Museum Pass valid at the Catacombs?
No. You need a separate Catacombs ticket.
Are the Catacombs scary?
They’re atmospheric rather than frightening for most adults, but the bones and narrow tunnels can upset young children or claustrophobic visitors.
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