Visit the Catacombs of Paris

History of the quarries and creation of the ossuary

The history begins with the stone quarries that supplied the construction of Paris for centuries. At the end of the 18th century, the saturation of cemeteries posed a major public health problem. The decision was made to move the bones to these underground voids located outside the barrière d'Enfer, under the plaine de Montsouris.

The transfer extended until 1861, marking the end of this colossal operation. The galleries, initially intended for extraction, became a place of collective memory. The name “catacombs” is used by analogy with Rome, although it is not an official burial site in the antique sense. It is today a museum managed by the Ville de Paris.

This transformation illustrates the urban management of Parisian space in the face of population growth. The quarries, which extend over nearly 300 km under the capital, remain largely inaccessible. Only a small fraction has been developed to welcome visitors, thus preserving the structural integrity of the complex underground network.

Logistical preparation and visiting conditions

Access is via a dizzying descent of 131 steps, followed by an ascent of 112 steps. This configuration requires good cardio-respiratory fitness. The floor is often wet, making closed and non-slip shoes essential to ensure visitor safety throughout the underground route located twenty meters below street level.

The temperature remains stable at 14 °C year-round, regardless of the outside weather. It is therefore recommended to bring a warm garment. The site has no cloakroom or luggage storage; suitcases, strollers, and bags exceeding 40x30 cm are strictly prohibited at the entrance to facilitate circulation in the narrow galleries and preserve everyone's comfort.

The safety capacity is limited to 200 people simultaneously. This constraint guarantees a less crowded experience but imposes absolute punctuality. In case of delay, the ticket is lost without refund. Online booking with a precise time slot is therefore the only reliable method to access the site from place Denfert-Rochereau.

Underground itinerary and points of interest

The visitable route covers approximately 1.5 km and allows you to discover specific sections such as the Galerie de Port-Mahon. You will also find historical elements such as the Bain de pieds des carriers, a testament to underground artisanal work. The Arcueil aqueduct also crosses certain areas, reminding us of the region's old hydraulic infrastructure.

The alignments of bones, organized into piles of femurs and skulls, form impressive walls. It is strictly forbidden to touch or remove the bones. A systematic search of bags is conducted upon exit to prevent theft, in accordance with the French Penal Code which punishes the profanation of graves with up to one year of imprisonment.

For curious visitors wishing to deepen their visit, guided options provide access to normally closed galleries, such as the Workshop or the crypt of the Sacellum. These spaces offer a more intimate look at the life of the quarrymen and the organization of the ossuary. The total duration of the standard visit is about one hour, allowing complete immersion in this fascinating underground world.