Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas

4.6 (1,109 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation Skip the line

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1,109 reviews

4.6

Skip-the-Line: Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: City Wonders Ltd

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local English-speaking expert guide
Included: Special access to restricted areas closed to general public
Included: Small groups to ensure an intimate experience
Included: Guided visit of the Paris Catacombs

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Not included: Food/Beverages

Itinerary

The Paris Catacombs

2 hours Admission included

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet at the entrance to the Catacombes de Paris. He/She will be holding a sign. To arrive at the Catacombs by Metro please take Line 4 or Line 6 to the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop and exit using “Sortie 1”; the entrance to the Catacombs can be found directly across the street from this exit.

End point

Meet at the entrance to the Catacombes de Paris. He/She will be holding a sign. To arrive at the Catacombs by Metro please take Line 4 or Line 6 to the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop and exit using “Sortie 1”; the entrance to the Catacombs can be found directly across the street from this exit.

Using your ticket

We kindly ask our guests to be at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to departure time.
Our City Wonders guides will be holding a sign at the meeting point for easy recognition.
Please note that Special Access areas may be closed on some days.
Not wheelchair accessible
This tour operates with an English-speaking guide
We regret that we are unable to accommodate pushchairs or strollers on our tours.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

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

Options

Small Group Tour - English

Guided tour with a small group of 15 people or fewer
Semi Private Tour - English

Semi-private tour with 7 people or fewer for a more intimate experience