Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas
Description
Venture below the avenues and Metro tunnels of Paris and into the Catacombs, whose population of skeletons far outnumbers the living city above. This small-group tour includes access to areas of the Catacombs that are normally closed to the general public, giving you a deeper and more immersive experience. Exclusive sights include the Sacellum Crypt, where bones were blessed before beginning their rest in the tunnels.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your guide, an English-speaking local expert, will lead your group into the 200-mile labyrinth of bone-lined galleries and former quarry tunnels. At the entrance, an inscription reads, “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort” – “Stop! Here lies the empire of death.” Here, you’ll see remains of dignitaries like Rabelais and Robespierre, among over 6 million former Parisians. While standard visits stick to public routes, your guide takes you beyond the usual path. Discover hidden sites like Gilbert’s Tomb and the Port Mahon Gallery, where an 18th-century quarry worker secretly carved sculptures over five years before a tragic cave-in. You’ll also see the Quarryman’s Footbath and the Sepulchral Lamp, whose flame reassured workers that the air was safe. As you explore, your guide brings to life the history, legends, and mysteries of this underground world. After this journey 65 feet beneath Paris, you’ll never see the city the same way again.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- We regret that we are unable to accommodate pushchairs or strollers on our tours.
- Please note that Special Access areas may be closed on some days.
- Not recommended for travelers with claustrophobia
Reviews(1,100)
Matilda was great. She was very nice
The underground mine and ossuary were phenomenal — stunning, respectful, and unforgettable. A must see for anyone visiting in Paris. Saeed, our guide, was incredibly knowledgeable, and the tour itself was absolutely worth the high price and the difficulty of getting tickets. They sell out instantly, often a week in advance, and you cannot buy them at the entrance. The entrance staff above ground were the only bad part of the experience. They were openly rude, refused to help with tickets, answered everything with “I don’t know, you should have sorted it before you got here,” and told people it was impossible to get tickets on the day. When I explained my data wasn’t working, I was told “that’s not my problem,” and a guard even pushed me back when I asked for help with my phone. Everything below ground was extraordinary; everything above ground was the problem.
We paid A LOT of money for this tour to avoid having to book while we were traveling. I was hesitant because of the price and because there are apparently so many fraudulent tickets out there. I am very glad we booked this tour. It was very interesting and gave my teens something different to do in Paris. Everyone enjoyed it. I'm pretty claustrophobic and I was fine (other than the nightmare I had after the long flight home that I was trapped down there and no one could find me). Book it!
We really enjoyed our tour with Saeed! He was informative, engaging, and told some good stories. We went to a couple of areas that aren’t accessible to the general public as well.
We had an absolutely incredible experience on the Paris Catacombs Underground Small Group Tour with Michelle. She was truly exceptional—without question one of the best tour guides we’ve ever had. Michelle’s knowledge of the Catacombs was remarkable, but what made the tour so memorable was how she brought everything to life. She seamlessly blended history, fascinating stories, little-known facts, and the broader history of Paris in a way that kept us engaged from beginning to end. You could tell she has a genuine passion for both the Catacombs and the city itself. The small group setting made the experience even more personal, allowing us to ask questions and really immerse ourselves in this extraordinary place. We walked away not only amazed by the Catacombs but with a much deeper appreciation for Paris and its rich history. If you’re considering a Catacombs tour, don’t hesitate and if you’re lucky enough to get Michelle as your guide, you’re in for something truly special. Thank you, Michelle, for making this one of the highlights of our trip to Paris! 🇫🇷
Great experience! Saeed D was one of the best tour guides we’ve had! He was Phenomenal. He told us the stories and details in an interesting way and one we will actually remember. Patient, kind, and answered all questions. He seemed excited and interested in everyone having a good time. The catacombs themselves are a unique experience that you will not regret.
Saeed was my tour guide. He was really good at explaining things and telling us about the catacombs. His English is great.
The Paris Catacombs tour with Saeed is a very unique experience for those who like the macabre. The experience starts with learning how the rock was quarried to build the great monuments of Paris, moves to the burial and cemetery crisis around the time of the 1789 revolution, and the unique solutions that were put in place. Be prepared to go down and up spiral staircases. There are no lifts.
Saeed was a wonderful guide. We loved exploring the Catacombs and learning about Paris history. Highly recommend this tour!
Saeed was a wonderful tour guide. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. Enjoyed the tour very much.
